Sinulog fashion

CEBU, Philippines - The drumbeats now begin to fill the air. And festive colors are popping up everywhere. Cebu takes on a different gear - it's Sinulog time in the city!

Sinulog has grown from purely a dance of faith into a major secular festival. It has, in time, also come to affect the other aspects of city life. It boosts retail trade and other commercial activities - and there has since emerged a so-called Sinulog fashion.

Sinulog fashion is a very good mix of artistry and practicality. It is very comfortable. And very colorful, reflecting the visual character of the festival that runs for several days before and after the main Sinulog parade.

Shorts and pants, mostly denim, are common to see during the various activities. These are often paired with cotton shirts or loose blouses for tops. The overall outfit is something that allows for free movement and, better, has a comfortable feel.

It is also something that is tough enough to withstand to dense body-to-body crowds - and allows for artistic accessorizing as well. For example, tribal bling-blings are easy to pin or attach to cotton tops and denim bottoms, without stressing out the basic outfit. Plus, overall the outfit is liberal enough to allow matching with a hat that protects from both the tropical sun and an unexpected shower.

Moreover, on the practical side, a bag of the right size helps put personal necessities together - water, phone, umbrella, raincoat, face towel, necessary medicines, spare shirt, skin lotion etc. It can also boost the total fashion sense.   

How one accessorizes an outfit to complement the spirit of the celebration is a matter of personal statement. As one goes out to celebrate, whether actively or passively, he or she necessarily hugs exposure. The impression one makes in a crowd greatly depends on what is seen of her or him, and fashion sense is very much part of it.

Every season the whole year round commands fitting fashion. And as the ten days or so of the Sinulog festivities have become a special season in itself, it will serve everyone right to don an appropriate festival look. But more basically, the outfit has got to be comfortable enough for the wearer to experience the festival events well and have fun.