Here are some helpful tips that can definitely turn your Sinulog 2012 more memorable and comfortable instead of horrible and uncomfortable!
ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you are visiting Cebu for Sinulog, try to make your reservations at least eight months in advance. Don't come to the city thinking you will get a hotel when you get here (11th hour) otherwise you'll be sleeping in a more less pleasing accommodation, which is not recommended, not to mention rather uncomfortable. If you have relatives or friends then you have an alternative option if you can't get a room but if you are a tourist or first timer then you'd better be prepared. The number of hotels in Cebu has exponentially grown over the past couple of years but so has the visitors so its always best to be prepared, by now hotels are at 90% capacity already which includes those out of the main city.
SAFETY FIRST:
*Do NOT bring expensive jewelry to the city. Do NOT wear it to parades or leave it in your car or hotel room. Utilize your hotel room's safe, if it has one, or bring a piece of luggage that locks in which to place your valuables when you leave the room for the day to go to parades.
*Do NOT leave anything of value in a parked car. If you're not fond of getting a car tint, you can be sure a thief will know what you have left inside your car and that you will be away from your car plenty long enough for them to make off with your stuff.
*Don't bring a purse. For one day this is not essential. Leave it at home!
*Fannie packs are "not just for tourists". Be sure to bring yours, strap it on tight, and try to tuck it under a jacket or shirt. The best thing you can have is a passport carrier (tourists) that slides under your clothes, with the least amount of cash and valuables as possible.
*Choose your pants with pickpockets in mind. Don't put your wallet in your back pocket. It's a good idea to carry money in several pockets (PIN cash inside your pocket, and only take out when buying something) and keep your I.D. and maybe one credit card in another. Mardi Gras Day is a "cash" situation. Most places that offer quick food, snacks, and drinks don't accept credit cards. Also, let everyone in your group carry some cash "just in case".
*Special Note About Children: Keep them as close to you as possible, and communicate with them before you leave for the day the importance of their staying by your side. Also, make sure they know their whereabouts when you reach your destination- landmarks, etc. It is a GREAT idea to pin a tag on them that tells their name, age, parents names, hotel phone numbers, and your celphone number if you bring it with you. Know what they are wearing in case you have to ask for help in locating them. It is a scary thing to lose a child and it does happen, but you have a Police outposts that has tons of experience in these matters on your side.
*Follow the crowd. Don't think you will avoid traffic by using side streets you know nothing about. Don't venture off the main roads either on foot or by car. Its best to relax, enjoy the people and the incredible diversity you see, and be safe. There IS safety in numbers so stick with the crowd.
ALCOHOL:
*Please be safe if you drink--alcohol and safety must go hand-in-hand at all times. It is a good idea to stay in control and know this, you are an ideal target for petty thieves if you are intoxicated especially if you are alone!
*Use your head: know what hotel you are staying at, where it is located, and have some cash on you for a cab ride in case you get separated from your group.
*If you have a rental car, please do not drink and drive, not only because you could get in a serious accident, but because police are on the streets specifically looking for intoxicated drivers.
*On a lighter note, if you must drink, remember that the amount of alcohol you consume is directly correlated with the number of times you must relieve yourself, and bathrooms are not easy to find
COMFORT:
*Wear comfortable walking shoes. Make sure they are supportive with plenty of cushioning. You'll walk and walk and walk. Also, DO NOT wear your new expensive shoes since they will age three years in three days! Bring the old, beat-up pair you always wear so you won't have to worry about it getting dirty or wet if it rains.
*Dress for comfort, not for style. Weather during Sinulog usually varies from sunny, cloudy, and rainy (at times) so come prepared. It's a good idea to pack a raincoat just in case it sprinkles. Just make sure that whatever you wear you can take off if you need to.
*Wear sunscreen, and try to incorporate a hat in your costume. It's hard to find a shady place during Sinulog, and though it might be cool in the morning, by midday you might be melting! Use common sense and take the extra minute to watch the forecast for the day.
*Pack snacks and lunch. Bring disposable pre-moistened towelettes. Your hands will get dirty and its hard to find a sink on the streets. Some people pack an ice chest and use a wagon to haul it around.
*If you must bring a camera, go for the smallest, lightest, and LEAST expensive. A disposable camera or two is your best bet. Sure, you might want to get high-quality shots from your expensive cam, but you'll lug it around only to find that you can't get any good shots with all the people around you bumping and pushing! Besides, after "holding" everything you own all day, you'll appreciate the fact that you aren't weighed down and remember the incredible things you saw in your memory!
BATHROOMS:
*Bathrooms are few and far between. Private restrooms are usually restricted, Port-O-Lets experience heavy traffic and public restrooms are hard to find. Try to locate a place near you that offers restrooms and if they want Php10-20 per person to use their facilities all day, don't make a fuss, just pay it. It is well worth the money to avoid the discomfort of not having a place to relieve yourself. Also, it is not a good idea to relieve yourself anywhere you please. This is the quickest way to get in a situation that may hurt your physically.
*And if you have children that are not 100% potty-trained, put them in pull-ups for the day! If your children are recently trained, put them in pull-ups to start with. It also goes without saying, bring an extra change of clothes in case of an accident
