PIT SENYOR!

Sinulog is here!

I was jolted out of bed at 4 in the morning because of the pounding of drums somewhere down in Guadalupe area. WTF! But I realized that today is Friday, the last day of the novena of the Señor Santo Niño of Cebu. Officially, today is the feast day.

I went to the novena mass last night despite the rain and the massive crowd (as in MASSIVE!) and wondered why this country is so religious but is very slow when it comes to prosperity. Does religiosity have to do with development? Does religion have a hand with government corruption? And I mean corruption not only in government. Even that street vendor somewhere is very corrupt, for Christsakes!

Maybe because our being religious is only skin-deep? The pratices the Spaniards taught us were imbedded in our culture but never in our psyche. Ambivalent right? Or were they a mere reflection of what our invaders did in their time and we think it should be okay to be corrupt because we pray for the forgiveness of our sins daily? Daily! Do what I say, is that it?

Anyways- Sinulog is here and time to get ready with that sturdy walking shoes. What you mean you don't know what I mean? Sinulog is basically your exercise time since most of the streets in Cebu are closed for the celebration. The usual 15 minute-ride home would now mean 2 hours of waiting in the taxi. Better walk. Another excuse to do cardio.

And please bring your rainy day gadgets despite Pagasa declaring we would be experiencing warmer weather. It has been raining since Monday and getting worst today.

Pit Señor everyone!

My love affair with Sinulog

Most of you non-Cebuanos would excitedly flock to Cebu and see the Sinulog celebrations. Mine is a love-hate relationship with Sinulog. Here are the reasons why-

Why I hate Sinulog-

• People everywhere would cause massive traffic jams.
  
• The usual 15-minute ride would almost become an hour of intense struggle.
  
• During the Sinulog parade, all you could do is walk. Jeepneys are re-routed. Taxis won't bring you to your destination no matter how near because of very slow traffic.
  
• Noise pollution becomes intense! Beating of drums even in the evenings can be heard. Karaoke in the houses are on the rise.
  
• Our favorite hangouts suddenly become full and nowhere can we sit in.
  
• Bars, even those unknown, would cordone off their premises and impose an entrance fee even if they have nothing special going on. You pay the entrance fee and drink a beer. Shucks.
  
• I have to search for hotels and pension houses so that friends could be accommodated. But at this time, even the dirtiest pension house are doing well. So I have to scout even outside city limits. Tiring!
  
• Pickpockets, swindlers, snatchers would be in season.
  
• Muggers and trippers also abound. Just be careful.
  
• And I am quite sure only a few souls would go to the Basilica del Señor Santo Niño and at least light some candles there.
  

Why I love Sinulog-

• Friends connect. Even long time friends suddenly remembers you. Especially if they need a place to stay.
  
• Friends from abroad comes home. If you are good to them you can have a pasalubong.
  
• So many freebies from companies offering new products and discounts!
  
• Stores would offer sale and discounts.
  
• Sinulog is eyecandy. Aside from the colorful costumes of dancers, so many yummy people can be seen around as if some magic spell comes to Cebu.
  
• Some people come to Cebu to get laid. So be always ready, just in case. Remember to bring other safety gadgets.
  
• The celebrations would bring in lots of food and drinks. Some friends would invite you to eat at their house.
  
• Sinulog is a good reason to be drunk until the morning.
  
• You can visit the whole province if you take time to see the big displays on the Sinulog routes.
  
• Christmaasss is extended!
  

Picture grabbed from rengarcia.wordpress.com

Attacking the Bohemian Rhapsody

The Sinulog activities suddenly give me the opportunity or should I say opportunities to go out despite the limited funds. Friends from outside Cebu and those coming home from work abroad give me treats in the form of dining out and almost always getting drunk in the wee hours of the morning.

One place we curiously go is called Alejandro’s in Capitol Site. It used to be a steak house, I believe, but now it is reinventing itself to become the “it” bar despite the seedy location.

The place is painted white and almost everything in there is white, giving an atmosphere of cleanliness. The waiting staff is dressed in black and white. The music is cool, not too soft and not too loud. I hope the atmosphere would not be that deafening this Sunday when the live band will perform.

We ordered a pulutan of chicken sticks which come in crispy and just right for the cold SanMig Light. The service is impeccable and fast. Even when I wave my hand to emphasize a point, a waiting staff readily came and asked if there was a problem. That is so fly.

After getting drunk and wanting to refresh ourselves, we go to Carlos Batchoy at the Boulevard in Capitol area. Now the place is quite homey but the batchoy they serve us is not satisfactory. Aside from the greasy soup, it was not that hot, which most drunks would appreciate to have to aid perspiration.

But as expected of drunks, we eat it without complaining.

Tomorrow we will assail Mango Square with the energy of a teenager.

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