She Meets World: Cebu -- Sinulog Festival 2012

I have always wanted to witness the Sinulog Festival. When I was in working in Cebu on 2005, I did not have the chance because I took advantage of the holiday and had a rest after a busy work week. I didn’t even catch it on TV.

Until last October, a friend invited me to visit Cebu. And luckily, we got a plane ticket on promo just in time for Sinulog 2012. But the agony came on booking for accommodation. All cheap and affordable hotels seemed to be fully-booked on the Sinulog week. I was getting discouraged. Worst, on the last minute, my friend cancelled. I am going to Cebu alone, without an itinerary and accommodation. I searched the net for several nights stay and luckily, I found a decent backpacker’s hotel, Sugbutel Bed & Bath. It is cheap and best of all, still has vacancy for Cebu City's famous festival.

Though I was a bit familiar with the Queen City of the South, I still brought a map just in case I got lost. The map came in handy when I have to walk around the area where the Sinulog parade would pass through. I have to catch the parade on the street since I was not able to get a ticket to the arena where the performances would occur. Transportation was not allowed in the area. I was dropped off somewhere at New Imus Road, I saw people who were heading to the parade. I enjoyed walking because I pass performers lining up on the street. While the parade was going on, I also walked along passing Fuente Osmena. It was indeed a long walk (I think I walked 5km), thank God to my outdoor sandals, I was comfortable.

Along the way were bleachers, food stalls, photographers and medical stations. The experience was very memorable. I was not able to take a picture of myself though. After that trip, I discovered that a cousin and a friend were also there alone and like me, were not able to take pictures of themselves!