SINULOG 2016 EXPERIENCE

After the trip from Oslob back to downtown Cebu (previous post), I decided to separate from my friends to see my cousins who are based in Cordova and whom I haven't seen for a quite a while.

Going to Cordova from Banilad involved a real frightening experience. It was past 10 PM but the streets in the city were still alive and buzzing. It was the eve of Sinulog after all. But consequently, the traffic was bad. So I decided to ride a habal-habal to get myself to Cordova the faster way. I entrusted my life to a driver who confidently said he knows how to get around Cordova.

It turned out the driver didn't know much about getting around Cordova. We had to stop multiple times to ask for directions. It was scary as hell. There I was, with a complete stranger who seems just as lost as I was (or he could be faking it, who knows?). It was almost getting midnight and the roads were dark.

It was then and there that I felt fear is freaking real.

In my mind, I kept thinking if I have some hidden karate moves to defend myself in case something crazy happens. But realistically, I know I don't have those skills. Can I blame it to my youth for feeling invincible and confident that nothing bad could ever happen to me? Or I'm just simply so stubborn at times. I remember my Mom once said to me that being carefree is far different from being careless. I was being the latter. I'm not one of those YA protagonists who are, as John Green would put it, "indef*ckingstructible". Feeling lang. Haha.

But with all seriousness, this was the real side of traveling solo. If it's something that genuinely appeals to you as well, be prepared enough to face situations like this. I personally, over-romanticize travel and adventure so much not caring that actual threats of danger are out there. Be safe folks.

Thankfully, I was able to meet up with my cousin at a 7-11 Store close to their subdivision. The habal-habal driver even waited for my cousin to arrive before going. That guy still freaked me out though. In a little way that experience helped me to be a better judge of one's character and make smarter decisions in the first place.

I made it in one piece at my cousins' place and we talked and catch up. I only rested for a bit and the next thing I knew, we were on our way back to Cebu City to attend the Mañanita Mass (Dawn Mass) at Basilica del Sto. Niño. I have no sleep for like literally 24 hours. #YOLO

The crowd as expected yearly was big. Many of us Filipinos do it every year as a devotion. I said to myself that THIS is the whole point of SINULOG. People gathered together to celebrate their faith and gratitude to Sto. Niño.

I had goosebumps during the part when "Bato Balani Sa Gugma" was being sung. It was being sung wholeheartedly, hands were swayed up in the air and what made it more dramatic were the balloons (with people's petitions) being released up in the sky. It got me teary-eyed. It was astounding in a spiritual way. As I write this, it was over a month ago but I still can't help but shiver a little recalling the experience.

I may not join the parade and festivities since my return flight back home was at 10AM (sadly) but I'm content I got to celebrate the Mañanita Mass and felt the real essence on why we Filipinos, celebrate Sinulog.

Ahhh, Cebu you never fail. 

Thank you for all the good times!




P.S.

I just want to insert a little pasalubong tip. Haha. If you find yourself in Cebu, forego the usual otap, rosquillos pasalubong. Try Turrones de Mani or rGies Butterscotch Squares for a change. They are personal favorites. :)

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