Sinulog heat

It was indeed a hot Sinulog Festival, literally and figuratively. I was dodging my way through big props and dancers as I treaded the Cebu South Coastal Road yesterday, eager to reach the new grandstand. As it was, it was built specifically for the occasion and finished in photo finish time. It only took me several strides to feel the sweltering heat despite my heavily-covered head and body. By the moment I reached the grand stand, I was sweating like crazy.

Good thing, the Cebu City government prepared a space for media personnel who were covering the event. I was satiated at the air conditioned tent that provided refreshments. However, for others who were only mere spectators, it was really a hot experience. I saw how many scampered to hide under their umbrellas or to wrap their head with whatever covering they could find. If you did not hydrate enough, one would really pass out. In fact, I did see one spectator sitting by the center island collapse. The medics immediately attended to her and rushed her out of the crowd. I heard many others suffered the same fate.

This specific experience caused heat for the Sinulog organizers. Most sentiments shared by the spectators wanted the big festival to go back to its original venue where trees and big buildings provided shade. Others even said that there was miscommunication to the contingents who were parading in the streets. The long midday break stretched the whole program inside the main venue while they sat there on the very hot pavement.

While I see no difference with the weather element on both venues, it is important for the organizers to take note of these complaints. Every year is a learning experience; there is never a perfect Sinulog. It is indeed unfair to lash out at those who toiled day and night to deliver a spectacular event. I'd be lying if I'd say I did not enjoy the festival despite the intense heat. I just danced my way until I reached our base.

The Sinulog will continue to be a hot topic for the next few days until it will be overrun by another turn of events. This only goes to show that Cebuanos still value the festival despite claims that it has become "too commercialized" and that it is “not worth the support". If the authorities said that over three million spectators came to witness the event, then it is still a crowd drawer. Just like Señor Santo Niño, it is also a magnet of love.

This year's experience is indeed better than the last. I also learned from last year’s ordeal. While others may have their own standards and are still reminiscent of the years prior to the pandemic, here we are moving forward with a bigger and better Sinulog. I look forward to hearing what other things they could be improved on and addressed. After all, we are proud for Sinulog to be called the "Mother of all Festivals''. As it is, we are obliged to be the best.