TOURISTS and devotees who have smartphones can now get updates about the Sinulog and Fiesta Señor through a mobile application.
Developed by local media start-up Innopub Media and Smart Communications, the Sinulog 2015 mobile app promises to provide comprehensive information and new features regarding the religious and festive aspects of the Sinulog, among others.
Max Limpag, Innopub Media co-founder, told reporters yesterday that the app, which they developed during last year’s Sinulog, has been updated with new features, including an IOS version for IPhone and Ipad users.
The guide contains comprehensive information about the Sinulog and its history, on the “Kaplag” or the discovery of the Santo Niño and the different contingents for the Sinulog Grand Parade.
The app not only provides handy tips for tourists on things to do in Cebu, but also has a director of important phone numbers such as hospitals, police stations and tour guides and operators accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The directory is active and tourists only need to tap on the numbers to place a call, says Limpag.
Tourism spots in Cebu are also featured in the app and have Global Positioning System (GPS) data, which allows phone users to be guided to a particular site.
A news section, containing festival updates, is also featured in the updated app.
Lawyer Maria Jane Paredes, Smart Communications’ senior manager for public affairs for Visayas and Mindanao, said that the app is part of the digital tourism campaign, which has been recognized nationwide for providing tourists with accurate information using mobile technology.
The digital tourism program and Smart and Innopub was awarded with the Anvil Award of Merit two years ago and has been commended by the Cebu City Council.
The Sinulog Foundation is also in coordination with Smart and Innopub in creating the app.
Aside from the Sinulog, Smart and Innopub’s Digital Tourism has reached to other areas such as Iloilo, Albay, General Santos, Dapitan and in Intramuros in Manila.
Aside from IOS, the app is also available in Android and Windows phone format.
The app can also be accessed at www.mycebu.ph/cebu.