Cebu Sinulog 2014: Philippines' Grandest Festival (Schedule of Activities, Photos, Updates and More)

Cebu's Sinulog Festival will be Philippines' Grandest and Biggest festivity to start the year with hope and bright colors despite of the calamities that struck central part of the country. An annual festival held every third Sunday of January,  Sinulog Festival commemorates Filipino people's acceptance for Roman Catholicism, also to celebrate and honor the miraculous image of Santo Niño. A month-long celebration that features street parade with participants in bright colored costumes, along with the loud beat of the drums, trumpets and native gongs, participated not only by the Cebuanos (people of Cebu) but also from other parts of the country (groups from Luzon, Neighboring island in Visayas & Mindano). Approximately 4 Million people (locals & tourists) joined last year's festivity making the whole event a successful one. So book your flight now to Cebu, celebrate with us and CHEERS for Sinulog Festival 2014!

Schedule of Events for Sinulog Festival 2014 in Cebu City, Philippines (*Tentative)
- Credits to philnews.ph -

The events from December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014

    December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014 Sinulog Street Fair, Osmena Blvd.
    December 30, 2013 Sinulog Fun Run

    January 9, 2014 (Thursday) — Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
    4:00 a.m.          Assembly Time (Area) Venue: Fuente Osmena
    4:30 a.m.          Start of Walk from Fuente Osmena Blvd. to Basilica del Sto. Nino
    5:30 a.m.          Installation of Hermano and Hermana Mayores 2014

    January 10, 2014 (Friday) — Sinulog 2014 Kickoff
    2:00 p.m. Solemn Mass (Venue: Basilica del Sto. Nino)
    3:00 p.m. Launching Parade (Venue: Basilica del Sto. Nino to Cebu City Sports Center)
    7:00 p.m. Opening and Launching Program, Venue: Fuente Osmena
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Street Party Bands

    January 11, 2014 (Saturday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
(Sinulog sa Kabataan - performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the grand parade, Lalawigan means participants from the Province area of Cebu)
    1:00 p.m. Parade of Participants, Venue: Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
    2:00 p.m. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    7:00 p.m. Ms Cebu 2014 Presentation, Venue at Ayala Activity Center
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 12, 2014 (Sunday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Dakbayan
(Sinulog sa Kabataan - performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the grand parade, Dakbayan means participants from Cebu City area)
    4:00 a.m. Cebu City 2014 Marathon — http://www.cebumarathon.com
    1:00 p.m. Parade of Participants, Venue: Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
    2:00 p.m. Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    6:00 p.m. Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena Circle)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 13, 2014 (Monday)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 14, 2014 (Tuesday)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 15, 2014 (Wednesday)
    9:00 a.m. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights, Mactan Cebu International Airport)
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    7:00 p.m. Ms Cebu 2014 Coronation Night, Venue: Waterfront Lahug Hotel
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 16, 2014 (Thursday)
    9:00 a.m. Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights, Mactan Cebu International Airport)
    6:00 p.m. Balik Cebu, Welcome Party at Ayala Center Cebu
    6:30 p.m. Cultural Show (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot
    8:00 p.m. Sinulog Idol Grand Finals (Venue: Fuente Osmena)
    Handumanan at Ayala Terraces
    9:00 p.m. Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

    January 17, 2014 (Friday) — Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
    4:00 a.m. Walk with Mary from Fuente Osmena to Sto. Nino
    9:00 a.m. Solidarity Meeting (All competing contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppeteers) at Cebu City Sports Center gym
    6:00 p.m. Sinulog Dance Crew and Musicfest Grand Finals, Cebu City Sports Center
    7:30 p.m. Sinulog Festival Queen 2014, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    8:00 p.m. Cebu Popular Music Festival, Venue: Cebu Coliseum

    January 18, 2014 (Saturday)
    6:00 a.m. Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino (Venue: Cebu City Bay Area to Mactan Channel, near Mactan Old Bridge)
    9:00 a.m. Reenactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon — Basilica del Sto. Nino
    2:00 p.m. Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino
    7:00 p.m. Street Party at Fuente Osmena and Plaza Independencia
    8:00 p.m. Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras at Ayala Center Cebu
    9:00 p.m. Musicfest Grand Finals

    January 19, 2014 (Sunday) — SINULOG GRAND PARADE (Main Event)
    4:00 a.m. Mananita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Nino
    6:00 a.m. Pontifical Mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
    9:00 a.m. Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kickoff
    7:00 p.m. Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center
    7:30 p.m. Street Party Bands, Venue: Fuente Osmena

    January 20, 2014 (Monday)
    1:00 p.m. Awarding Ceremonies, Venue: Cebu City Sports Center

    January 24, 2014 (Friday) — Hubo
    4:00 a.m. Hubo Mass Ritual at Basilica del Sto. Nino

    January 25, 2014 (Saturday)
    1:00 p.m. Screening of Finalists for Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
    Sinulog 2013 Photo Contest Winners Exhibits
    6:00 p.m. Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contect at SM City Cebu

    February 3 – February 10, 2014 — Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog 2014″at SM City Cebu

PHOTOS: A Glimpse of SINULOG 2013

MORE UPDATES TO COME!

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Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort: A New Face of Cebu, Philippines' Island Getaway Experience

In every traveler’s heart, there’s always that urge to explore something new out of his/her passion of traveling. So, if you’re making Cebu, Philippines as one of your island destinations this year (or in the near future), this post is for you.

THE RESORT AND LOCATION

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort is a newly opened hotel and resort in Metro Cebu.  After their soft opening last March 6^th, 2013, the resort starts to accommodate a number of guests, either day usage or with overnight stay. It is situated in Wahing Street, Barangay Alegria, Cordova, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines. You may refer to below maps as a guide in getting there. If you're departing from Marina Mall Mactan (nearby Mactan Cebu International Airport), it's like 15-25minutes drive (depends on the flow of traffic).

 Map of Mactan Island, Cebu showing Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort 

(Click the map to enlarge) 

 Map of Cordova in Mactan Island, Cebu showing Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort 

(Click the map to enlarge) 

 To get there via public transportation, you may take any multicab/jeep with 'Cordova' sign board and drop by Cordova crossing (as shown on below map) and get a ride via tricycle (inform the driver ahead that you're heading to Sand Bar Resort in Alegria, Cordova which is just few blocks away from the Barangay Alegria Gymnasium or Alegria Elementary School). With this, it will take around 30minutes ride (jeep then tricycle) if you're departing from Marina Mall or nearby Mactan Cebu International Airport (depends on the flow of traffic).

 Map from Cordova Crossing to Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort

(Click the map to enlarge)

THE FACILITIES, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES OFFERED

Part of choosing a best escapade is the facilities and services that suits your needs and convenience. Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort has below facilities:

 

*58 well-designed guest room with Hotel Safe Deposit Box

*Adult/Kiddie Swimming Pool

*Pool House (Good for Day users, also those who opt for an overnight stay)

*Conference Facilities (good for business meetings & events)

*Gaming/Entertainment Center (Board Games & Video Games via Xbox 360)

*Modern Filipino Restaurant with Bar

*Parking Facilities

*Non-smoking Rooms

*2 Elevators

The resort also offers these services: 24-hour Front desk assistance, Late Check-in/Check-out, Airport Transfer, Car/Rental Service, Banquet/Catering Service and Foreign Currency Exchange. For the activities, it can cater for an Island Hopping, Board/Video Games (Xbox 360), Water Inflatables, Volleyball, Snorkeling, Karaoke Rooms and ATV.

THE RATES & INCLUSIONS

 

 1) Getaway Day Use Package - there are two (2) options which you or your group would want to consider in terms of budget or convenience.

Option A) Php 499 nett per person (Adult rate, 13 yrs old and up), 

Php 375.00 nett per person (kids 5-12 yrs. old only)

Inclusions:

*Welcome Drinks

*Set lunch

*Waived entrance fee to the resort

*Use of swimming pool from 8:00am to 5:00pm

*Use of public shower area and changing rooms

Option B) Php 250 nett per person (Adult rate, 13 yrs. old and up)

Inclusions:

*Waived entrance fee to the resort

*Use of swimming pool from 8:00am to 5:00pm

*Use of public shower area and changing rooms

*Children 12 yrs. old and below can avail half of the price. Children 4 yrs. old and below accompanied by at least one paying adult is free of charge (maximum of 2 children).

NOTE: Please be advised that the food and beverage items bought from outside sources MAY NOT be brought and consumed in the resort. The rates are subject to change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers.

If you're asked by the resort staff as to where did you know/hear about the resort, please indicate Traveler's Couch Blog.

2) Hotel Room Accommodation - good for overnight stay. Below are the introductory rates, valid for either single or double occupancy.

Deluxe Room - Php 2,999.00 nett

Suite Room - Php 3,499.00 nett

Extra person/bed - Php 950.00 nett

Inclusions:

*Welcome Drinks

*Use of Swimming Pool

*Breakfast good for two persons

*Complimentary bottled water daily

*Free WiFi access

*No additional charge for children 12 yrs. old and below sharing a room with parents.

Check In Time: 14:00 (2:00PM)

Check Out Time: 12:00 (12:00 noon)

NOTE: Please be advised that the rates are subject to change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers. For overnight stay, reservations must be guaranteed by a credit card or receipt of advance payment and room preference is subject to availability.

If you're asked by the resort staff as to where did you know/hear about the resort, please indicate Traveler's Couch Blog.

PHOTOS/IMAGES

You may refer to below photos and images taken last April 6th-7th, 2013 to have an overview of the Resort. You may also visit my Facebook Photo Album as well for more photos or images of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort. (Note: Please click below photos to enlarge)

Photo of the Set lunch as part of the inclusions of the Php 499 Getaway Day use Package. (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)


The view of the pool at the 2nd floor of the hotel. (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

The Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

Friends enjoying their afternoon swimming at Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort (You may need to click the photo to enlarge) 

Beautiful sunset view in Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Hotel (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

The Deluxe Room of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort - Hotel Lobby (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Entrance (You may need to click the photo to enlarge)

You may visit my Facebook Photo Album as well for more photos or images of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort.

 RESORT CONTACT DETAILS

You may contact Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort through below details:

 Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort

Wahing St., Alegria, Cordova

Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Telephone No.: (63 32) 238 4217
Mobile No.: +639173090236 (Globe),
+639334394797 (Sun),  
+639285591487 (Smart)

Email Address: info@sandbarcebu.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/CebuSandBarResort
Twitter: @Sandbarresort

Official Website: www.sandbar.com

If you're asked by the resort staff as to where did you know/hear about the resort, please indicate Traveler's Couch Blog.

Below is a promotional video which gives you a preview of Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort, brought to you by Traveler's Couch.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Feel free to post your inquiries, suggestions or comments below. :)

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NBA Live Experience: Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks - Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA

When visiting USA, never miss to watch at least one game of this pre-eminent men's basketball association in North America (according to wikipedia), the National Basketball Association a.k.a NBA. Yes, this was actually part of my plans during my US trip. 

The Event: It's 'Chicago Bulls versus New York Knicks' game. It was a game or venue-dependent situation on my case since I had limited days left prior getting back to the Philippines. (Boston game was also an option for me but the schedule was a bit risky at my end that time)

 

The Venue: Fortunately, it's held at the world's most famous arena, the Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York City, USA. Oh well, I was amazed with the interior which was so perfect for taking photos or shots using a wide angle lens (I used a tokina 11-16mm f2.8 lens that time).

 

  

The Rate: Oh well, a bit pricey since I bought it (online, 1-day delivery) 3 days prior the event which budget-wise shouldn't be (I see tickets are cheaper when bought weeks or even month earlier, that's common nowadays).

The Highlights: Half-time breaks were great: the proposal, the kissing and the "OMG-im-on-screen" faces :)

Over-all Experience: Majority of my blog readers would really ask "How's the experience watching NBA Game Live in the arena?", I always give an honest answer: "One of the best in my US trip...". Everything was worth the price: the game, the excitement, the venue, the people (amazing energy of Knicks fans even though they lost the game, fortunate enough to have a fun-to-be-with seatmates) and all. You take the game differently when compared to a televised viewing.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Comments are highly appreciated.

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Boracay, Philippines named as One of World's Top 25 Beaches for 2013 by Trip Advisor (Travelers' Choice 2013)

A well deserved spot was given to the beautiful island paradise of Boracay in Malay, Aklan, Philippines as being one of the Top 25 Beaches for 2013 for this year's Travelers' Choice by Trip Advisor. Ranking 24th over-all worldwide, White Beach of Boracay was the only beach destination included in the list from Asia making it the #1 must-visit on the said region. As quoted by most travelers: "A stunningly beautiful white powder sand beach. Crystal clear, warm water that you can laze in for days on end."

Here's the complete list of  Trip Advisor - Travelers' Choice 2013

Top 25 Beaches of the World - 2013

1) Rabbit Beach - Lampedusa, Italy

2) Grace Bay - Providenciales

3) Whitehaven Beach - Airlie Beach, Australia

4) Baia do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

5) Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco) - Culebra, Puerto Rico

6) Playa de las Catedrales - Ribadeo, Spain

7) Lopes Mendes Beach - Ilha Grande, Brazil

8) Horseshoe Bay Beach - Southampton Parish, Bermuda

9) Eagle Beach - Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba

10) Rhossili Bay - Swansea, United Kingdom

11) Playa Paraiso Beach  - Cayo Largo, Cuba

12) Playa de ses Illetes - Formentera, Spain

13) Chesterman Beach - Tofino, British Columbia

14) Playa del Norte - Isla Mujeres, Mexico

15) Ka'anapali Beach - Lahaina, Hawaii

16) Siesta Key Public Beach - Sarasota, Florida

17) Anse Lazio - Praslin Island, Seychelles

18) Gulf Islands National Seashore - Pensacola, Florida

19) Turquoise Bay Exmouth - Exmouth, Australia

20) Fort De Soto Park - Tierra Verde, Florida

21) Akumal Beach  - Akumal, Mexico

22) The Baths  - Virgin Gorda

23) Seven Mile Beach  - George Town, Grand Cayman

24) White Beach - Boracay, Philippines

25) Woolacombe Beach - Woolacombe, United Kingdom

Below are my shots of Boracay Island during my previous visits last 2012 & 2011. 

(Click photo to enlarge)

 

 Tropical weather in white Beach in Boracay Island, Philippines

  Tourists relaxing in White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

  Clear, Whitesand beach of Boracay Island, Philippines

 Late afternoon at White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

 Helmet Diving in Boracay Island, Philippines

 Relaxing tourist at White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

 Sunset view in White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

Another sunset view in White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

 

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Your comment is highly appreciated.

#KeepTraveling #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines

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More Fun in Best Cebu Blogs 2012: The Awards Night (Traveler's Couch for Top 10 Famous Blogs)

 

 Hey guyz! First, let me say THANK YOU to all who voted me and my blog for this year's 

Best Cebu Blogs - Top 10 Famous Bloggers which ended up with these amazing digits:  

5,625 comments

7,084 likes

10,125 shares

Not so sure on what rank these numbers will take me on the Awards Night this coming Sunday December 9th, but still this is really a great opportunity for me and to every Cebuanos to prove that 'It's More Fun in Cebu Blogging'!

 

Second, greatest salute to Best Cebu Blogs committee for initiating an event that doesn't just showcase blogging at its best but also how great Cebuanos and Cebu itself in this cyber world!

Awards night will take place in Cebu's one-of-a-kind shop & leisure hub "Insular Square", located in 31 J.P. Rizal Street, Tabok, 6014 Mandaue City. Below are the ever supportive sponsors who helped making this year's event at full blast!

Thanks for supporting my Travel Blog.

More Trips to Come! :)

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