Recalling the Sinulog Fun

CEBU, Philippines - For many, many years I had been absent in the Sinulog revelries. One reason for that, I thought it was only for the tourists. Another reason - the real one - was the string of events during the pre-Mardi Gras; it would dissipate my energies and, thus, jumping into the streets on that awaited Sunday would just take too much effort. Of course this year was no different, as expected.

One late morning, my nephew, Mark Cabatingan, had to literally yank me off the bed to join the family for lunch. I went out the night before and had tired myself so much. But it was all worth it.

Indeed the Lifedance series held up to its name as the biggest outdoor electronic dance party in this side of the country. This time it was more than just double-the-fun, but double-the-size, too! The best DJs in the country with international guest jocks surely lifted the event to euphoric levels with blasts of popular elecrtronica sounds. Stripped of its usual thematic staging, this fourth instalment of the event went back to the basics - simply life and dance. Whew! It was the best I've ever been to! On the eve of the Sinulog, The Barcode and Cable Car rode on the festival bandwagon with their own crazy events to heighten jovial atmosphere!

On Sunday, after a sumptuous meal came the booze and cocktails. As I had previously imagined, as if by time warp I suddenly found myself on Juana Osmeña St., right in the thick of the Sinulog action! In a span of three hours, we snaked the short stretch of road back and forth, coming across familiar faces and new acquaintances, who were always ready to cheer a friendly "Pit Senyor!" while handing out a shot of beer. A noteworthy celebration was the Sinulog Invasion where, by the time we stepped in, DJ Quintino (coming fresh from his Lifedance gig) took the helm and pumped up the music with his own brand of showmanship. Loved it!

The rest of the month went down with several more celebrations of the feasts of the Holy Child, including those in the little towns. (FREEMAN)