Ready for Revelry

CEBU, Philippines - People from different places converge in Cebu, all excited to participate in the festivities, especially to dance in the mardi gras. Some, though, may decide to just watch from the street sides; others even keep a little farther away and prefer the other fun events around. But one common challenge for all is what to wear.

First and foremost, wear comfortably; wear something to allow you to freely move about. Here are ideas on whipping up that perfect #OOTD (outfit of the day):

Sinulog shirt.

There a lot of shirt brands offering various designs. There's one to your liking, for sure; and these are mostly so affordable. Wearing one helps make you belong in the Sinulog festivities. Or you may simply opt to wear any other shirt in your favorite color, then accessorize in the spirit of the festival. A cotton shirt is preferable for a hot day.

Shorts.

This is a good, comfortable option because you are to do a lot of walking and jumping. The main city streets will be closed to vehicular traffic, and the merrymaking are sure to get you into a trance. Wearing long jeans may just be rather restrictive.

Closed Shoes.

You wouldn't want your cute, little toes to be stepped on every now and then in the revelry. Flip-flops may get your feet muddy, or worse, may slip off your feet after the tiring long walks. The good old sneakers are just right.

Shades and a Hat.

You're likely to be under the sun for most of the day, so sunglasses and a hat are necessary accessories. Applying sunblock lotion also keeps you protected from the sun.

Accessories, to a good degree, make the Sinulog look.  Actually, no matter the outfit, with the right accessories anyone can look "in" during the revelry. And there are colorful tribal pieces available at sidewalk stalls, and quite inexpensive. Well, these are found at the boutiques in the malls, too, but at a different price range.

Again, accessories can really spruce up the Sinulog look. Here's a rundown of some of the add-ons to consider:

Necklace.

Probably the quickest and most convenient to have. You just pick the one you like and don it. It can make even the simplest outfit look interesting. Even an old, oft-repeated wardrobe can look freshly different and timely with a festival necklace added. Professional stylists say that an appropriate necklace even has the power to shed off some extra pounds from the overall look of its wearer.

For Sinulog, one can't go wrong with a necklace that has a dream-catcher pendant. It fits anyone, male or female, young and old. A dream-catcher, by the way, is a handmade object with a circular frame and woven net or web at the center, embellished with beads and feathers. It is so called because it is believed to help block bad dreams and catch good ones, the original reason why it is worn.

Wristband and Anklet.

The wristband, in particular, is good to be of a dream-catcher design, as well. This is common to see on men because of its masculine effect. Like the tribal necklace, a wristband can also be worn with just any attire, no matter the color or material.

The same is true with a tribal anklet, which can also blend with any casual outfit, whether for Sinulog or at ordinary times. In fact, these have been a fashion statement among the young "reggae" generation.  Tribal wristbands and anklets usually come in brown or black colors and, most of the time, feature the Aztec patterns. They can be customized with a small tag bearing their owners' names.

Earring.

Along with necklaces, wristbands and anklets in exuding a festival look are earrings - also of dream-catcher designs. Just as common to see during the Sinulog season, they come with colorful feathers, reminiscent of those worn by American Indians.

As you get ready to set out for the revelry, it helps to bear in mind what it is all about. Making the most of your time is the order of the day, to have fun and good memories. So go - and let go!