CEBU, Philippines – Sinulog is a most awaited event of the year in Cebu, if not in the whole country. Its religious side draws multitudes of devotees; the secular celebrations attract as many or even more. And in the midst of the big crowd, anything can happen.
The police warn the public to be ever vigilant of bad elements who might take advantage of the occasion. The overall celebratory mood might entice pickpockets, snatchers, swindlers and the like to ply their trades. And even if there is enough number of policemen around, it may be rather hard for them to get through the sea of people to respond to any incident.
For their part, health authorities are reminding people about the health hazards that the celebrations bring. Foods sold by the street sides are open to germs and bacteria. It is difficult to enforce health and sanitation procedures as food stalls proliferate everywhere.
Joining the Sinulog is, indeed, a challenge. It is a challenge for everyone to join and enjoy the various events without having to pay much - especially in terms of one's health and safety. Proper planning and preparation is sure to go a long way.
There are certain things to remember, observe or put in place before hitting the streets on Sinulog day:
Secure bag
A bag of the right size and sturdy enough to keep necessary things is a big help. It shall be convenient enough to carry around, preferably with a discreet pocket where to secure cash, mobile phone and ATM card.
Weather gear
An umbrella is a versatile tool, a good protection from both sun and rain and can also function as a cane. Fans are advisable, as well, especially to cool oneself amid the dense crowd. Head wears such as hats, bonnets and caps are also very helpful. On a bright day, sunglasses protect the eyes from the sun.
Money
It is wise to have at least little cash ready. It shall, however, be just enough for possible little buys here and there. There shall be loose change, too, for candies and tips to kids whom to ask little favors from, if ever. An ATM card slipped securely in the bag will answer for any significant emergency expenses.
Phone
The advice "Don't leave home without it" applies particularly to mobile phones during the Sinulog. It is very necessary in case of any unlikely incidents. The handy tool will be able to get the person some help when needed. It should be fully charged and with enough load credits before leaving the house.
Sundries
Personal care items such as hankies, face towels, tissue paper or wipes are necessary, too. These help keep the person fresh and hygienic - a must when going elbow-to-elbow in a crowd.
Contact list
It is important to have a list of persons or institutions to contact in case of emergency. It should have the phone numbers of the police, hospital, and close relatives. The list shall be kept close to the body so it won't be lost even if the bag is stolen.
Extra shirt
An extra shirt - preferably cotton - that's thin and airy comes handy as soon as one gets soaked with sweat on a hot day or in case of a spurt of liquid from drinks, whether his own or those carried by other people in the crowd.
Map
Especially among out-of-towners, a map is very helpful in going around the city. There are now mobile phone app maps that are as informative and useful as the actual maps. These are very convenient to use as they are just packed together with the other phone features.
Quenchers
A bottle of drinking water and a few packs of biscuits or crackers come very handy. It is not easy to get to the street sides to buy these when holed up in the middle of the crowd. When going out on a sunny day, drinking water is very important - as well as ready food to nibble on when needed.
Also - when going out at night or in joining activities that last until evening, a small flashlight is good to have. It is advisable to go out with someone - a friend or family member; it is more fun and safer. Expensive jewelries and other unnecessary valuables are better left at home.