News and Promos

More than 3.8 million people flocked to the sounds and rhythm of the Sinulog, the annual celebration of faith and hope in the province of Cebu. To the sounds of “Viva Pit Senyor!” more than 50 contingents from all over the Philippines strutted their stuff during the main competition. The participants dazzled in their Sunday Best, with dancers in colorful costumes swaying and moving to their carefully synchronized dance routines to the sounds of the roaring bands – the culture of Cebu was alive and well during the 12 hour parade. Adding to the feast to the eyes were floats (with a cameo by Darth Vader and his stormtroopers), papier mache giants called Higantes and walking puppets. A throng of two million people gathered at the Cebu Grandstand to watch the performers.But despite the glitz and glamour of the celebrations, devotees did not forget to pay homage to Senyor Santo Nino and for the blessings they received on its behalf. There were hourly masses at the Basilica del Sto. Nino where there were lines of people waiting to kiss the image as a sign of their devotion.The Sinulog is actually a prayer of dance for the Sto. Nino and the annual display draws millions of tourists, many of whom are balikbayans and devotees. Cebu is widely considered to be the place where Christianity started in Asia To cap the festivities fireworks display that showcased the “What’s New in Old Cebu?” tourism campaign of the province.As a gift to our kababayans who were unable to be at Sinulog 2012, Choose Philippines hosted a live video streaming for free that attracted 1,500 viewers, many of whom are living or working overseas.Facebook user Danyel Dreo said: “Super like the performances! Pit Senyor!” while Lloyd Louwagz mentioned, “Watching now......... ganda mga contingent gagaling!”In Cebu City itself, more than 1,850 photographers at the Sinulog to capture the color and pageantry also signed up with Canon Philippines and Choose Philippines to share their photos and to share the fun via a photo booth at the Ayala Active Zone at the Ayala Center Cebu.