Viva Pit Senyor!

It had been 6 years since my last Sinulog, so It was about time for me to head home to experience the spectacle all over again. For those who don't know, Sinulog is the yearly festival here in Cebu City, a week long event ending with a parade through the city, dancers in colorful outfits and the sound of drums thundering throughout the city, fireworks and endless parties.. all in the name of the Santo Nino. Thousands of tourists, foreign and local come to witness the Cebuanos in their dedication to their catholic faith.. and it is an absolute must see, and best way to enjoy the city I was born in.

I started off at noon by hitting the streets and instantly being swallowed whole by the massive crowds.. I was planning on staying on the road to take photos of every float and group of dancers passing, but shortly after I started, I spotted my friends on the M. Lhuillier float, and decided to join them instead.. turned out, it was the right decision. The streets were packed and we had the best view from the top. Vodka and juice made sure we wouldn't die of thirst in the glaring sun and we had fun swapping headdresses and party hats and dancing all over the float throwing M. Lhuillier merchandise onto the streets for people to catch. I also got to meet Lou Bega of Mambo #5 fame and his beautiful wife.. At some point the rain came down and soaked us all to the bone, but that didn't dampen our spirits and we kept dancing all the way to the end of the route.. I was supposed to go straight home after fighting my way through the crowds but ended up at another joint to see more friends and down more beer before I stumbled back to the restaurant to finally grab dinner and then shower all off all the grime and snuggle up to my warm bed.

Yesterday I suffered the consequences from my long weekend.. I had the craziest stomach cramps.. drinking on an empty stomach is a no-no! But it was all so worth it.

wearing TopShop tee, Billabong shorts

PS: Amongst all the celebration, I would still like to remind everyone to keep praying for the people of Haiti, their loved ones and those who are still trapped in the rubble and suffering. Please keep them in your hearts. Pick a charity, and donate.