Sinulog Festival 2025 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown

Chill Pre-Birthday Adventure in Cebu Province, Philippines Jan 18-19, 2025

2 Weeks Budget DIY Solo Trip in Cebu (City, Oslob, Moalboal, Sinulog) Itinerary

The Spirit of the Sinulog Festival: A Celebration of Faith and Culture. The Sinulog Festival is among the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in the Philippines, rich in cultural and historical significance. Held annually on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, the festival pays homage to the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, who was once regarded as the patron of Cebu Province. While Jesus is revered as God in the Catholic faith rather than a saint, the event highlights deep religious devotion intertwined with cultural heritage.

https://sinulogfestival.com/about

Key Highlights of the Festival

1. The Fluvial Parade

2. Festival Queen

3. Sinulog sa Kabataan

4. Sinulog Grand Parade

5. Street Parties and Entertainment

6. Sinulog Fireworks Display

I bought my Grand Parade ticket yellow seat for only PHP 500 (early bird promo) on Sinulog website.

Day 11: January 19 Sunday SINULOG

0730H ETD Hostel; jeep to Sports Complex 13; Breakfast 159; lunch 125; dinner 282; snacks 200

0900H SINULOG GRAND PARADE / RITUAL SHOWDOWN / CCSC

1900H SINULOG Grand Finale / Fireworks / CCSC

TOTAL: ₱779

Sinulog Festival 2025 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown

2023 Chinese New Year Celebration in the World's Oldest Chinatown

January 22, 2023 Sunday Binondo, Manila, Philippines

Chinese New Year is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. In Chinese, the festival is commonly referred to as the Spring Festival as the spring season in the lunisolar calendar traditionally starts with lichun, the first of the twenty-four solar terms which the festival celebrates around the time of the Chinese New Year. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, observances traditionally take place from New Year's Eve, the evening preceding the first day of the year to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year

Every Chinese New Year starts a new animal's zodiac year.. There are 12 Chinese zodiac animals. In order, the 12 animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2023 is a year of the Rabbit. Your zodiac animal is decided by your birth year. 

A Chinatown is an ethnic enclave of Chinese people located outside Greater China, most often in an urban setting. Areas known as "Chinatown" exist throughout the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The development of most Chinatowns typically resulted from mass migration to an area without any or with very few Chinese residents. Binondo in Manila, established in 1594, is recognized as the world's oldest Chinatown. 

2023 Chinese New Year in the World's Oldest Chinatown

2021 San Fernando, Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival

December 21, 2021 Tuesday in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines

2011 San Fernando, Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival

Filipinos place much significance on the symbolism of Parol (derives from the Spanish farol, meaning lantern or light), the star regarded as a fount of light and a sign of hope in the predominantly Christian country in Asia. Such a creation however, did not come without the untiring efforts, ingenuity and innovation of the Fernandinos. The Giant Lantern Festival (Kapampangan: Ligligan Parul) is an annual festival held in mid-December in the City of San Fernando in the Philippines. The festival features a competition of giant lanterns. Because of the popularity of the festival, the city has been nicknamed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”.

How and When to Go to Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival;

The event is always held yearly every around December 16 up to Christmas Day and sometimes Exhibition extended until after New Year. From Cubao, just take any North Luzon-bound bus (NLEX) and ask the conductor to drop-off in Robinsons Starmills (San Fernando, Pampanga). Fare is PHP150 for around 2 hours travel. ENTRANCE IS FREE but booked ticket is required via this link. 

2021 Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival

Morning Trip to Taong Putik (Mud Men) Festival 2016

24-June-2016 Friday in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, Philippines

"Pagsa-San Juan", known also as the Pista ng Taong Putik (Mud Men Festival), is a tradition conducted every 24th of June at Barangay Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. This festival is celebrated in honor of San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist). Devotees apply mud and cover their body with dried banana leaves as tribute on their origin, act of penance and a symbol of humility.

There is another popular tale which tells that Japanese soldiers were about to execute all the suspected guerrillas in the town of Bibiclat because they have killed 13 Japanese soldiers. The relatives of the suspects went to the church to pray. While praying, it rained hard and the Japanese stopped the squad to set the guerrillas free. The villagers danced in joy and played in the mud for being so thankful. Residents attributed this miracle to Saint John the Baptist and vowed to pay a feast day by wearing costumes patterned after his attire but by using native materials.

TAONG PUTIK FESTIVAL 2016 MORNING VISIT DAY-TRIP ITINERARY;
​24-June-2016 Friday
0030H ETD Home; transportation to Cubao 32
0130H ETA Five Star Bus Terminal 185
0345H ETA Cabanatuan; breakfast 82; tricycle to Brgy. Bibiclat, Aliaga 100; St. John The Baptist Church
0530H Mass 
0700H Procession
0800H walk to highway (2.5km); bus to Cabanatuan Terminal 27; breakfast at McDo 99
1030H ETD Cabanatuan 185
1400H ETA Cubao; transportation to Home 25
Budget Total: PhP 735

Morning Trip to Taong Putik Festival 2016 in Brgy. Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija

The Viewing Deck Collections; Philippine Local Festivals

The majority of festivals in the Philippines, locally known as "fiestas", may have their own peryas (trade fairs with temporary amusement parks). The origin of most early fiestas are rooted in Christianity, dating back to the Spanish colonial period when the many communities (such as barrios and towns) of the predominantly Catholic Philippines almost always had a patron saint assigned to each of them. Originally encouraged by the Spanish to coincide with Christian holy days, early patronal festivals became vital instruments in spreading Christianity throughout the country. Festivals in the Philippines can be religious, cultural, or both. Several of these are held to honor the local Roman Catholic patron saint, to commemorate local history and culture, to promote the community's products, or to celebrate a bountiful harvest. They can be marked by Holy Masses, processions, parades, theatrical play and reenactments, religious or cultural rituals, trade fairs, exhibits, concerts, pageants and various games and contests. However, festivals in the country are not limited to Christian origins. Many festivals also focus on Islamic or indigenous concepts. There are more than 42,000 known major and minor festivals in the Philippines, the majority of which are in the barangay (village) level. Some festivals, such as Holy Week and Christmas, are declared as public holidays, and thus, are observed and celebrated nationwide.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_festivals_in_the_Philippines

A festival is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival. Among many religions, a feast is a set of celebrations in honour of God or gods. A feast and a festival are historically interchangeable. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival

Some of the famous and notable Philippine local festivals celebrated annually are the following;

01. Ati-atihan Festival of Kalibo, Aklan every 2nd sunday of January

02. Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, Cebu every 2nd sunday of January

03. Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo city, Iloilo every 3rd week of January

04. Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City every February

05. Moriones Festival of Marinuque every holy week 

06. Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Quezon every 2nd Sunday of May

07. Pintados Festival of Tacloban City, Leyte every last Sunday of July

08. Kadayawan Festival of Davao City every 2nd week of August

09. Masskara Festival of Bacolod City every 3rd Sunday of October

10. Higantes Festival of Angono, Rizal every 3rd Sunday of November

11. Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando, Pampanga every December

sinulog festival, cebu city, cebu (jan. 2009)

2013 Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival in Kuwait

january 18, 2013 friday

held in Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait City, started around 1 pm and roamed within the cathedral compound only for less than an hour.

Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday. The name "Ati-Atihan" means "to be like Aetas" or "make believe Ati's." Aetas were the primary settlers in the islands according to history books. They too are the earliest settlers of Panay Island where the province of Aklan is situated. The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. It has inspired many other Philippine Festivals including the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo, both adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ati-Atihan_Festival

2013 sto. nino ati-atihan festival in kuwait

2013 sto. nino ati-atihan festival in kuwait

Middle East 2012 Santacruzan (Flores de Mayo)

Filipino's finest tradition during summer season

May 25, 2012

Held inside the Holy Family Cathedral compound in Kuwait city and started around 1230H. Showcasing true Philippine beauty and honoring the catholic spirit. Bringing Filipino catholic tradition in the middle of Arab nation.

reyna banderada (queen with a banner)

 reyna esperanza (queen hope) / reyna caridad (queen charity)

2011 Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival (last part)

feel the tradition despite the drizzle

december 17, 2011 saturday

2011 pampanga giant lantern festival (1st part)

2011 pampanga giant lantern festival (2nd part)

continued...

finally, announcement of the winners.

the 3rd place goes to barangay del carmen

3rd place brgy. del carmen, 2011 san fernando lantern festival

2011 Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival (2nd part)

feel the tradition despite the drizzle

december 17, 2011 saturday

pampanga giant lantern festival (1st part)

continued...

ROUND TWO : GROUP

- entire set of participants is divided into 3 groups then they have to showcase their best lighting effects with a random music provided by the organizers.

1st group on round 2, 2011 san fernando lantern festival

2011 Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival (1st part)

feel the tradition despite the drizzle

december 17, 2011 saturday

The Giant Lantern Festival is an annual festival held in December in the San Fernando city. Because of the popularity of the festival, the city has been nicknamed the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines". The competition will showcase revised rules such as the size of giant lanterns was increased from 18 feet to 20 feet in diameter and new materials like fiberglass and handmade paper are also used. Large steel barrels called rotors also substituted the hand-controlled switches to manipulate and  illuminate about 3,500 to 5,000 light bulbs.

brgy telaspatagan, 1st participant 2011 san fernando lantern festival

Singapore Afternoon Adventure last part (G-Max)

quick journey of a budget DIY 1st-timer / solo backpacker
january 19-22, 2011 thursday to saturday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.
additional tasks: to conquer the G-MAX reverse bungee jump and witness thaipusam festival

what a 2-days trip in singapore-malaysia!

singapore morning rush 1st part (merlion & the flyer)

singapore morning rush last part (mbs skypark)

singapore afternoon adventure 1st part (uss)

(2) thaipusam festival

1st international festival to witness, just curious how hindu's celebrate and why it was featured in ripley's after witnessing, its just ok. 10 minutes of watching only and you know why, hehehe !!

night life before the g-max

Some Tourist Spots in Cebu City and Province

long vacation on domestic tourism

january 16-25, 2009

an invitation from a fellow employee, team mate and a good friend due for his 2 great occasions... sinulog festival and his wedding... 10-days journey to the queen city of the south that includes sto. nino cathedral, magellan's cross, lapu-lapu shrine, taoist temple and mountains view park with a side trip in kawasan falls, moalboal beach and olango island.. also, in this area i have my 1st experience in wall climbing..
then, we went outside city and explored the nature beauty of cebu province.

important note (cebu):
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, with Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, as the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the Visayas. Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named Cebu the seventh best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007, eighth best Asian-Pacific island destination in 2005, seventh in 2004 and in 2009.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cebu

Some Tourist Spots in Cebu City and Province