The WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) serves as the Ayala Group’s vehicle for nation building, business synergy, and employee engagement in the provinces. Here, WAABC’s Cebu Chapter gives us an insiders’ view of what happens at the grand festival.

Sinulog Here We Come!

It Won’t Be Sinulog Without These Five Experiences

Sinulog, one of the highly anticipated festivals yearly in the Philippines, began as a religious ceremony in honor of Sto. Niño, Cebu’s patron saint. Sto. Niño is the statue of Jesus as a child given to Rajah Humabon of Cebu by Ferdinand Magellan back in 1521—a historic event that paved the way for Christianity in the country. Today, it is well-known for its Mardi-gras style street parades, where Cebuanos sway and move through their traditional sulog dance, which mimics the movement of water current.

1. Revel in World-class Traditional Sinulog Performances

It’s no secret that the Sinulog Festival boasts of lively and upbeat street performances, painting the streets with every move and pose of spectators and parade goers alike. While the country is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic along with the rest of the world, the WeAreAyala Business Club – Cebu still expects a redefined, toned down Sinulog celebration in 2022, albeit some Sinulog-themed attractions might already be back since more and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

2. Attend the Novena Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

“Sinulog is both religious and cultural in nature. Almost all parts of the country celebrate the feast of the Santo Niño. However, the center of the celebration is in Cebu, where the original image given by Ferdinand Magellan to our ancestors 500 years ago can be venerated,” they share. Attending the Novena Mass and participating in the 10-km procession around Cebu City can make the feast more solemn and sacred, making it a meaningful spiritual event, especially for devout Catholics.

3. Dance Away in Street Parties

What makes the Sinulog Festival an energetic, one-of-a-kind celebration not to miss? Not only does it shine the spotlight on the biggest names in the entertainment industry, but also on homegrown Cebuano performers. Whether on the stage or on the streets, you can count on the Filipino crowd to liven up the night! 

4. Be Wowed by the Fireworks Display at Ayala Malls

Every year, the Ayala group joins the Sinulog festival through a series of special events in the Ayala Business Park, as well as in other Ayala venues. But what tops the moment for them and fellow Filipinos is the annual fireworks display at Ayala Center Cebu! After watching lively Cebuano performances and enjoying street parties with friends and family all over the city, witnessing the splash of colors in the night sky makes for an enchanting Sinulog Festival ender for your day.

Want to continue partying the night away? Count on friendly neighbors for an evening that’s one for the books!

5. Delight in Some Cebu Barbeque with Hanging Rice (Puso’)

When it comes to food, there’s only one meal in mind for Cebuano cuisine—lechon. Touted by the late Anthony Bourdain as the “best pig ever,” the Cebuano lechon and its barbeque versions are what put Cebu on the international food map.

Its perfectly crispy skin and juiciness create an explosion of flavors that’s complemented by the leafy yet clean taste of hanging rice, also known as puso’. This combination alone brings tourists from all over the world to the festival.