Over 1000 balikbayans, tourists enjoy Sinulog welcome at MCIA

CEBU, Philippines — Over 1,000 balikbayans and foreign tourists enjoyed the Sinulog festivities and treats at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), signifying a positive resurgence of festival-driven arrival to Cebu after the pandemic.

From the festive beat of the drums, to the graceful dances, and the burst of colors in the decorations and costumes of performers greet the arriving balikbayans, tourists and locals at the MCIA for the “Sinulog sa Airport 2024” festivities.

Last January 18, 2024, arriving guests were immediately welcomed by a rondalla serenade, Sinulog dances, drumbeaters, and a colorful Sinulog kit that consist of branded foldable fans, whistle, Sinulog 2024 festival guide brochure containing the festival map, schedule of activities, and information on activities, as well as a Be My Guest Travel Passport from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The annual “Sinulog sa Airport” festivities form part of the Balik Cebu Balikbayan Welcome activity in partnership with the Balik Cebu Committee, MCIA, Department of Tourism Central Visayas, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Cebu City Government, and various tourism stakeholders, where they welcome balikbayans coming home for the Sinulog Festival.

Apart from the Sinulog dance performances, the welcome festivities at MCIA also featured the traditional tribal Sinug Cultural Performance together with Casa Gorordo Museum at T2 Arrival Lobby. Sinug is the traditional prayer-dance offered to Sto. Niño, the Holy Child Jesus that started way back between 1940s and 1950s by Estelita “Nang Titang” Diola in Cebu.

This year’s “Sinulog sa Aiport 2024” festivities were in partnership with various airport stakeholders including airlines, resorts, food, and retail outlets. Among these include Jollibee, DutyFree, Pagcor, NuStar, Smart, Food Panda, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, Golden Topper, Mang Inasal, NutriAsia and Regasco.

The Sinulog Festival is a significant event in the Philippines that attracts millions of visitors from around the country and abroad. The festival also serves as an economic boost for Cebu as it brings in many tourists and generates significant revenue for local businesses.

MCIA, the Philippines’ multi-awarded destination gateway, has set new milestones with over 10 million passengers in 2023, marking an incredible post-pandemic rebound.

MCIA now hosts five local airlines, and 15 foreign carriers flying to 28 domestic and 12 international destinations.