It was long, hard and huge!

CEBU, Philippines -  - And you thought I was referring to something nasty. Nasty? No, but fun? Indeed! January seemed to have stretched the previous month’s revelry as the entire island welcomed the Sinulog festivities. Consequently, the City’s beat vivified in anticipation of the big day. Brewing that anticipation were a series of events that of course got Cebuanos and visitors into the rhythm. I made sure I was on the frontline.

First up, was the kind of dance party that I have longed for to hit the city—the kind that combines the creative production of a Madonna concert and the magnitude of Woodstock. Finally, it landed at the CICC on the Friday before the grand parade (I guess if you pray hard enough, it gets answered)! The city’s hardcore partyphiles flocked to the mega structure to become one with HedKandi. Presented by Nokia and Big Fish as the launch of the phone maker’s latest model, the event flew in renowned DJs of the country and the UK for an unparalleled mega party. Of course, only Cebu’s bold and beautiful graced the massive shindig for an experience like no other.

Yes, Sinulog Sunday attracted everyone to be at the thick of all the action in Mango Avenue and the Fuente Circle. I on the other hand decided to stay away from the crowds (and the intermittent rainshowers, for that matter) and kept myself in the comforts of the Y101 studios as Roommate to resident gypsy Jude Bacalso, playing great music and broadcasting his annual coverage of the city’s biggest celebration with live feeds from field jocks and from the station’s Eye in the Sky. We hit the streets around 10 in the evening and drowned ourselves in the long sea of festive crowds. We ended up at Cary Santiago’s shop for some good company and a few cocktails.

Meanwhile, my dear friends Monina Blanco and Bernardo Flores marked milestones in their respective beautiful lives. It was another candle on her cake and his 8th in the fashion industry. Also blowing candles on her chocolate cake was the always-bubbly Carol Sarte. All the best to you guys, cheers!