Barrio fiesta ‘Kalingawan sa Plaza’ set

CEBU, Philippines — Will the ban on drinking liquor and loud parties within a 300-meter radius from the grand parade route diminish the fun of Sinulog 2018?

The ban brings back attention to the essence of the Sinulog, which is a dance of worship for Cebu’s Patron Señor Santo Niño, on January 21.

But a Philippine fiesta is not complete without the fiesta food and the fun, said Sinulog Executive Committee chairman Councilor Dave Tumulak.

‘Kalingawan sa Plaza,’ the Sinulog fair at Plaza Independencia, is a major fiesta component. There will be a variety of food stalls, inflatables and a tartanilla rides for the kids, and nightly entertainment during the Sinulog week, he said.

Besides, Plaza Independecia is outside the 300-meter radius, Tumulak said.

“Imagine the fun of a 6 Cycle Mind, Franco and Parokya ni Edgar concerts at Kalingawan sa Plaza,” Tumulak said.

More than the festive barrio fiesta atmosphere at Plaza Independencia, he pointed out that the place is a short walk from the Basilica del Santo Niño and the Magellan’s Cross.

Both Cebuanos and their visitors will be treated with the presence of heritage sites especially Fort San Pedro. It connects us better with our history, that of the Sinulog and who we are, he added.

Cebu City had become the first Christian community in South East Asia after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived and baptized some 800 Cebuanos in 1521. The image of Señor Santo Niño was Magellan’s baptismal gift to Cebu’s Queen Juana. It is now the oldest religious relic in the country.

With rise of the ASEAN community, Cebu can claim as the region’s cradle of Christianity.

In addition, the arrival of Magellan gave Cebu a place in world history since Spanish expedition achieved the first circumnavigation of the world. (FREEMANNEWS)