Festival Blings

CEBU, Philippines — Now that the Sinulog Grand Parade is just a few days away, it’s high time to think up and start putting together one’s festival outfit. The outfit doesn’t have to be in the grand scale of a mardi gras participant. It’s enough to be in something comfortable to wear and has the jovial vibe of the celebration.

Certain individuals and shops are enterprising enough to come up with festival blings and sell these. For added festival fun, however, one may have to do it DIY (do-it-yourself). If can be a good creative exercise and a means for self-expression.

The website www.locknfestival.com shares ideas that could be very well adapted for Sinulog:

Outfit

For the upper, t-shirt comes to mind! There’s a variety of t-shirts with Sinulog prints out there. But tie-dying an old white tee can also work; this easy DIY is a classic way to make a boring t-shirt vibrant. Or one may simply style any shirt – or blouse, for that matter.

A pair of old jean shorts can be turned into something totally original, for the lower. All that’s necessary to do for this awesome look is take an old pair of jean shorts and grab some paint. Whether it’s spirals, a lion, or the name of a favorite band, one can show off his or her personal style and creativity.

Accessories

Pouch or Bag. On the parade day, carrying belongings individually can be quite uncomfortable. Making a festival pouch to carry one’s essentials is the answer. To match the bright and fun vibes of the surroundings, a colorful scarf can be turned into a tote bag (as it can also be made into a kimono, skirt, or vest) to have everything in one handy place.

An old backpack may also be given some festival ‘personality’. It only takes remnant fabrics, band patches, pins, beads, etc., and a sense of art to do.

Or one may make his or her own water bottle holder, too. Water is a most important thing to have while out there, especially on a sunny day. And a DIY water bottle holder is the stylish way to stay hydrated and look fresh.

Funky Hat. This DIY can make one stand out in the crowd! All it needs are some funky jewels and gems from the local craft store, a hot glue gun, an old hat – and creativity. For sure, one would not bump into a similar funky hat out there.

Up-Cycled Footwear. One may up-cycle his or her old boots or favorite pair of shoes! All of the necessary materials – including the shoes – can be found in a craft store or a thrift shop.

Artsy Sunglasses. Another festival essential is a pair of sunglasses to shade the sunlight. The sunnies too can be made to look festive. It can be done with some hot glue and beads of choice from the local craft store.

Tribal Bracelet. One may add some bling to his or her festival style with a tribal-looking bracelet. And it’s a DIY item too; one can make it even more unique by adding his or her favorite charms and colors.

Hair and Makeup

Hair Wrap. One may have a simple yet colorful hair wrap using some colored strings and beads.

Hair Pieces. Wearing a flower crown is one way to go, simply by getting creative and using vibrant colors and flowers that express one’s personality. Another way is to come up with a feather hair band – just some bright feathers and beads from a craft store and putting one’s personal spin on it.

Face Painting. This one is a no-brainer. It only takes grabbing some friends and getting creative. The only thing is to make sure that the paint and everything used on the face are hypoallergenic. Face painting is a great way to express one’s creativity at a festival.

With everything ready, one is set to go and rock!