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Review Travel

Sinulog 2016 & Nino’s Birthday

This year was the year that I finally got my wish after moving here almost 10 years ago.

When we moved, I remember seeing these incredibly vibrant photos of people dancing in the streets with these amazing costumes. They were always smiling faces, and to me, they were full of so much culture. I never knew the Philippines had such amazing celebrations and fiestas!

Soon after seeing these photos, I learned that Sinulog was a feast that was centered around the Feast of the Sto. Niño. 

There's no one I'd rather explore something like this, than with this guy.

There’s no one I’d rather explore something new with than with this guy.

Y’all know my husband is Nino, right? Well, he’s not a Niño, but rather a Nino…and his birthday is in January, so it was a fitting celebration for us to learn more about and attend together.

This is what I learned from the Rappler IG account:

“The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which roughly means “like water current movement;” it describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance. Natives were already dancing this way in honor of their wooden idols and anitos (spirits) long before Magellan’s arrival.

The Sinluog dance steps are believed to originate from Rajah Humabon’s adviser, Baladhay. It was during Humabon’s grief when Baladhay fell sick. Humbaon ordered his native trive to bring Baladhay into a room where the Santo Niño was entroned, along with the other pagan gods of the native Cebuanos. After a few days passed, Baladhay was heard shouting and was found dancing with utmost alertness.

Baladhay was questioned as to why he was awake and shouting. Pointing to the the image of Santo Niño, Galadhay explained that he had found on top of him a small child trying to wake him and tickling him with the midrib of a coconut. Greatly astonished, he scared the child away by shouting. The little child got up and started making fun of Baladhay. In turn, Baladhay danced with the little child and explained that he was dancing the movements of the river. 

To this day, the two-steps forward, one-step backward movement is still used by Santo Niño devotees who believe that it was the Santo Niño’s choice to have Baladhay dance.”

So for his birthday, we decided to go back to one of our favorite resorts.

This was our second time to go back to Abaca.

This was our second time to go back to Abaca.

Abaca is a small boutique resort with only six suites and three villas boasts one of the best restaurants Nino and I have been to. 

Choosing a quiet villa for our stay was natural. We wanted privacy and comfort.

Choosing a quiet villa for our stay was natural. We wanted privacy and comfort.

We knew there would be a crazy crowds to fight. We knew that even if Abaca wasn’t in the middle of where the action is for the fiesta, we would still be able to seek the assistance of the staff of the resort to help us get where we needed to go to see this awesome celebration up front close, and personal. 

Of course having our own private pool was a lovely treat too...we would take our afternoon drink here and relax quietly.

Of course having our own private pool was a lovely treat too…we would take our afternoon drink here and relax quietly.

Ok. So what does that mean? It means that we wanted the fun of the fiesta, but not a fiesta 24/7!

Coming back to this view was certainly a perk!

Coming back to this view was certainly a perk!

Abaca is such a gem, that when we visited this exclusive Cebu resort for the first time as a couple we didn’t leave the resort. I’m not kidding!

Thanks to the ever thoughtful staff managed by Glenn, and the owners Jay and Anna Hyatt, we had a special treat waiting for us when we checked in! SWEET!

Thanks to the ever thoughtful staff managed by Glenn, and the owners Jay and Anna Hyatt, we had a special treat waiting for us when we checked in! SWEET!

We wanted this mini vacay to celebrate Nino’s birthday to be an experience to remember, while also being a time in which we could rest and recharge. We allotted the first two days to explore, and the next two days to rest, relax, and enjoy happy couple time. Planning our days this way gave us the healthy balance that we wanted and needed to also nourish our relationship.

Little Nooks are private enough to take time together, but there is always a private butler waiting near by in case you should need something.

Little Nooks are private enough to take time together, but there is always a private butler waiting near by in case you should need something.

We also were really lucky that our very good friends Fannie & Dhic, and Fannie’s sister Arlene were also there to take us around and show us a good time the way the locals would do it.

Totally in the middle of the street parade route, we got to see the dancers and the floats up close and personal! Thanks Fannie and Dhic!

Totally in the middle of the street parade route, we got to see the dancers and the floats up close and personal! Thanks Fannie and Dhic!

Because of their home town connections, we were able to get very special passes which would allow us to even walk the parade route with the dancers and the floats. We also had great seats to see all of the stage productions as they competed for the title of Best in Show. 

I was sorry I didn't bring my big camera, but happy to have been able to see quite a few of the stage productions.

I was sorry I didn’t bring my big camera, but happy to have been able to see quite a few of the stage productions.

To be honest, both Nino and I had never seen anything like it! The stage productions had hundreds of people and hand made props that were AMAZING! Fannie explained to me how so many of these competing teams came from far and wide and would have to fundraise for their costumes, travel expenses, and moving stage props that would ultimately aid the winning team in taking home their titles.

These productions were nothing short of amazing.

These productions were nothing short of amazing.

I noticed that there was also a Gigante competition going on, the same way that it happens in Marinduque. When we go to Marinduque, I am always amazed at how they are pieced together…some with recycled materials as well!

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These Gigantes are also judged and awarded titles as well. That’s why they all have numbers. They would walk passed the judges for them to be rated on their presentation.

I found this particular one to be interesting because the body was decorated and embellished with rope and twine.

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Another thing I found really amazing is that many of the dancers involved in the street dance competition are CHILDREN! These kids were all decked out in their costumes under the heat. (I got sunburned it was so hot.) And there they were…all of them dancing and smiling…truly a FIESTA and celebration for The Santo Niño…I LOVE IT!

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From costumes to head gear…each dance troop was more and more beautiful.

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And each dance troop had a queen. She would carry The Santo Niño and dance so gracefully. Here is one of the queens who was resting before moving on to the next phase of the parade route. She touched up her make up just before the photo. Isn’t she gorgeous?

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Many of the floats were adorned with flowers…but all floats had their own Santo Niño.

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Each of the girls also had boys as partners. The dancing was amazing…and they seemed like they had an endless source of energy…inspired by the Baby Jesus, Himself.

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Having these special passes made it easier for us to move around. I swear if we didn’t have them, I know I would be miserable. The crowd was so large that you would be forced to go wherever the crowd was going as a group. Having VIP passes (that I learned you can purchase from the city) made it a truly pleasurable experience. If I had my big camera it would have been even better because my photos would be super clear.

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Abaca Baking Company was our home base for the first day. We began our day with coffee and ended it with some sweet treats and plenty of water.

After a long day of walking all over the city, Nino and I were ready to go back to Abaca. We had asked the car and driver to stay near by so that we would be able to move around the city and go back to Mactan when we were tired. This was probably the best thing we could have ever done. 

Like the croissants we would receive in our bread basket every morning...the whoopie pies and the cookies were huge!!! BIG & TASTY to be exact...

Like the croissants we would receive in our bread basket every morning…the whoopie pies and the cookies were huge!!! BIG & TASTY to be exact… I likened the whoopie pie to be similar to a Devil Dog when I was growing up. It was delish.

We also used all of the restaurants in The Abaca Group as stopping points during our walking and for our meals. We love their food and the concepts of all of their restaurants so this was a no brainer. It made it all the more pleasurable for the inner foodies…

At some point, Fannie was trying to convince me to look for some street food to indulge in…I didn’t get a chance to do that, but maybe I can try that next year? 

By this time, we were ready to call it a night. All that walking was tiring, and we just wanted to relax in the air conditioned villa.

We got up early the next morning to visit three more places on our list.

  • Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
  • Basilica del Santo Niño Museum
  • Magellan’s Cross

Here are the photos from our second day of Sinulog activities:

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I am so amused how there is something for everyone during these festivals. In one family, you might have someone who is very prayerful and renewed spiritually by attending the services, the masses, and the lighting of candles, and on the other hand, you might have a little one who would just love to have a Lightning McQueen balloon…

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VIVA PIT SENYOR! 

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Whenever I go into a new church I say my prayers and make three wishes. I learned this from my mother while we were traveling around Italy when I was 18 years old. It always feels like such a special moment when I enter a church for the first time. I am reminded not just to ask for some help with my wishes, but to also give thanks for the many blessings that I have received due to His goodness.

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These ladies were all dressed the same and standing outside the gates of Magellan’s Cross. For a nominal Php10 a candle you could ask for one of these ladies to say a prayer for you. Once they say their prayers for your and your family, you can toss your candles inside the gates.

 

For Php10 a candle, she will pray for your family. After she is done, you can toss your candles into the gated area of Magellan’s Cross while saying “Viva Pit Señor”. #cebu #itsmorefuninthephilippines #sinulog

A video posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Jan 17, 2016 at 7:21pm PST

I really found the entire process intriguing. I also felt like she really meant all of the prayers asked for me too. I was touched.

 

Thousands of candles, prayers, and wishes all left at the foot of Magellan’s Cross. ? : @fotozubuano #travelph

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Jan 17, 2016 at 9:57pm PST

After making sure to visit all of these places, we built up quite an appetite. Our friends suggested a local restaurant so we could get our fill before doing a little shopping. I had planned on visiting a store I found on Instagram, and I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be distracted with any hunger pains! hehehehehehe.

 

Lunch time! Crispy Pata. Banana Hearts. Langka. Pancit. Scallops. Kilawin. Ngohiong. Let’s eat!

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Jan 17, 2016 at 8:21pm PST

This lunch was awesome. Nino and I actually wanted to try another restaurant from The Abaca Group, but it was a good thing that our friends insisted on some local fare so we could enjoy different flavors. 

Again, this just gives us another reason to go back and try Tavolata during another visit to Cebu.

Look for my separate post on Bao Bao Babies. This was the only other stop I wanted to make before heading to the 7D Dried Mango Factory, and then before heading back to our home away from home, Abaca.

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Heading back to the hotel, I was already looking forward to my spa treatments. It was the perfect way to end the very busy three full days in Cebu with friends, learning more about the rich Filipino culture that is intertwined and influence by a deep spirituality and stronger base in faith.

I know that Nino enjoyed himself, just as much as I did…we were pampered, and hosted in a way that only Abaca can take care of us, and we got to spend some one on one time to enrich our relationship. 

So we were surely refreshed as we were already thinking about our trip back to Manila and the kids as we were winding down for the night…

But not before we indulged in a little time by the pool…

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Taking in a little sun by the water…

IMG_9532 copyAnd our last brunch in paradise…

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The Abaca Group has 7 different restaurants that serve up great food with even better service. I’m so happy for this dynamic duo, Jason and Anna, knowing that it was just 8 years ago when they opened their doors to the Abaca Resort adjoined to their Abaca Restaurant. Now they have 7 restaurants that we can explore!

I suppose one could say that our experience would have been much different if we stayed closer to the town center and were surrounded by all the sights and sounds of what the fiesta encompasses.

But I think the fact that we stayed with Abaca was the reason why we enjoyed ourselves so much. The staff’s attentiveness made it easy for us to move around the city, figure out places to go, and left us with very little to worry about in terms of logistics. 

Nino and I were able to invest the time in the activities that we wanted to see and participate in first hand, and we were able to spend time with friends, eat fantastic food in at least four of the seven restaurant concepts from The Abaca Group and RELAX.

Which is exactly what we needed…

The Abaca Group

Abaca Resort

 

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Comments

  1. Peter A. Ressa says

    March 23, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    Wow! What a beautiful place!

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Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

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Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
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@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

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@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
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10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

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4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

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7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

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Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

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Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

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@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

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Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
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