~cloverfinds~: sinulog

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Sinulog 2013

Sinulog is the biggest festival here in Cebu. Biggest in terms of activities, revelry and crowd. While it's merrymaking aspect has earned attention from tourists, local and international, it is primarily a religious celebration in honor of Sr. Sto. Nino.

After completing the 9-day novena and joining the foot procession, I'm all set to party! This year's Sinulog is quite different. For the first time in many years, I was not able to see the parade. Nope, not even a glimpse of it. No celebrity-sighting either. Haha. In fact, my husband and I tried to avoid the crowd (as if it can be avoided! Lol). And that's because we brought Joaquim with us. Quite risky, but he survived! Yeah, it's his first Sinulog experience-- the youngest attendee so far!

I'm guessing he enjoyed it because he was awake most of the time. He didn't mind the crowd and the noise. Hopefully next year, we can let him watch the parade, if the weather permits.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Miss Cebu 2012 Coronation Night

I know this post is a bit late, but I'm sharing anyway.

Back-up candidate. Or backstage candidate. LOL!!!

The opening salvo was a production number by the different dance troupes from Cebu's top universities. The highlight of the opening number was the the participation of Miss Cebu 2011 Mia Faridoon, who was sitting on a bamboo chair carried by tribal men. Then came out the lovely candidates in their Indo-Malay inspired resort wear designed by Rey Humberto Villegas, Peewee Senining, Hadji Godinez and Ivan Belocura.

Shortly after the ladies introduced themselves to the audience, there was another dance presentation featuring the various cultural dances from the different ASEAN countries. The ladies, this time, sashayed the city wear creations of William Manahan, Barbie Alvez and Edwin Ao.

One of the segments I look forward to in a pageant is the evening gown competition. The line-up of designers for this year's pageant are: Jun Escario, Jojo Romoff, Ren Manabat, Oj Hofer, Wendell Quisido, Cary Santiago, Harly Ruedas, Arcy Gayatin, Phillip Tampus, Dino Lloren, Albert Arriba and Marichu Tan.

The best evening gown designer award went to Cary Santiago, worn by no less than the newly-crowned Miss Cebu 2012, Pierre Anther Infante.

Also showcased that night were the world-class creations of THE Kenneth Cobonpue, featuring his Yoda Chairs. My friend Alexa, who has rubbed elbows with Kenneth (first name basis jud), told me that these chairs are actually comfortable to sit on. I will take her word for that.

And they are down to five...

We got to know the girls a bit more from the effective communication training we had with my fellow Toastmasters, thus we know their strengths and weaknesses. I must say, I was not disappointed with the line-up of the five finalists. There were a few who surpassed my expections. Well done girls!

Miss Cebu 2011, Mia Faridoon in her farewell walk.

Confettis and balloons covered the stage as the new Miss Cebu 2012 was crowned.

Congrats Pierre!

The coronation night wouldn't have be half as fun if it weren't for these girls. My dates for that night were my niece, the one light blue denim jacket and my good friend Alexa. Also, it was all the more eventful as I was with my fellow Toastmasters and mentors. 'Til next year? Hehe.