1. DO: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Greet the elders first and then the younger
The weather is now so unpredictable. Wear light-colored
or loose-fitting tops and pair it with your lovely shorts.
Sneakers, rubber shoes, or flat shoes should be worn.
DONT: Avoid wearing jeans and dark-colored
clothes since it tends to absorb heat that could lead
you to sweat a lot.
Never wear your high heels during Sinulog because it
could make your feet sore as the activity involves a lot
of walking by moving from one place to another. Avoid
slippers because anyone can easily stomp on your feet.
2. DO: Hydrate yourself by drinking water.
It is best that you bring along a drinking water with you
wherever you go. Yes, you can buy on the streets but,
you never know when you need one. Plus, prices might
soar high because you know, “Sinulog rate”.
DON’T: Never drink too much alcohol.
What is a street party without beer? Just remember,
drink moderately and simply enjoy the day with your
friends. Drink and celebrate but, know your limitations.
3. DO: Bring friends and secure a meeting place in case
you get lost.
Make sure that you and your friends go together in
groups. Or better yet, do the buddy system. For those
bringing their children, let them wear an ID, in case they
get lost.
DON’T: Avoid bringing valuables, especially gadgets.
Leave unnecessary things at home and bring only what
you need such as cash (small amount), phone, water,
snacks, umbrella, and handkerchief/hand towel.
4. DO: Wear vibrant accessories.
Aside from wearing your Sinulog shirt, accessorize with
necklaces, headdress, or earrings. Just don’t overdo it.
DON’T: Never wear expensive jewelry.
The streets would be full of people and we can’t tell
when pickpockets are going to attack. During this time,
make sure not to flaunt your costly accessories because
it can be eye-catching to thieves.
During sinulog
Cebu Dos and Don'ts
 Do's. Be nice and friendly and greet everyone
sincerely. ...
 DON'Ts. Don't be too straight or expressive
about your observations. ...
Do's
Be nice and friendly and greet everyone
sincerely. Cebuanos don’t like snob and stiff-
necked people. Return their greetings.
ones next.
Smile a lot and you’ll make lots of friends.
Take off your shoes (sandals, slippers, etc.)
when entering a house. Most of them offer
house slippers to be worn inside the house
only.
Accept their food and drink offers. Just try a bit
of the food they offer so that they don’t feel
embarrass or insulted even when you don’t like
it.
Look humble, kind, simple, and reserve.
Although Filipinos love these behaviors not
everyone acts such ways.
DON'Ts
Don’t be too straight or expressive about your
observations. Better keep them to yourself and
talk about it later on at the right time and
environment.
You don’t have to be on time when invited to
an informal and other social or friendly
appointment. Filipinos can be on time only if
the appointment is official and formal. Most of
them thought that time is cyclical in direction.
Don’t get paranoid if some locals look at you
with searching eyes or stare at you. Some are
not just used to see foreign visitors.
Don’t show off. Ordinary people do not only
dislike you but you are attracting pickpockets,
thieves and other bad elements.
Although the Philippines is a tropical country,
never wear sandals and shorts when attending
special occasions. Wearing shoes and a
descent pair of pants and clothes is a
preferable attitude.
Ask the locals what proper attire to wear for
different formal occasions.
Cebuanos (or Filipinos), in general, are not
very straightforward in a strict sense. So, when
you invite somebody to attend an event or to
your place be sure to say it more than once to
convince the person that you are really sincere
about it. Expect that they will refuse or not
accept your offer right away – a way of
showing politeness…
Losing one’s face is one of the traits of
Cebuanos. So, you can give the person a
chance to redeem herself to avoid
embarrassment thus saving her face.
Don’t use the common sign of OK, which
symbolizes money. Instead, a thumbs-up sign
should be used to mean ‘good’, ‘okay’, or ‘great
job’.
Don’t use your index finger when you want
someone to come near to you. It is considered
rude. Use your hand by downward motion.
Another way is by calling their names, titles
(waiter, Sir, Ma’am, Miss, Mister, etc.) is much
acceptable and polite. A casual method of
calling one’s attention is by producing the
sound ‘pssst’.
Cultural background
The people are called Cebuanos or Sugbuanons. They
are known to be religious because Cebu opened the
gate to Christianity during the Spanish regime (this is
based on the history of Cebu). Until now, Christianity
is still in practice of the major population.
The people are also talented; there are plenty of
Cebuanos that are known around the world because of
being artistic and creative. Cebuanos are known to be
happy people. They laugh even in hard times and
problems. The people have a strong fighting spirit;
they do not easily give up.
Culture of Cebu
In Cebu, fiestas are always present. The people are
getting used to celebrate fiestas. Fiesta is a religious
festival (since Cebuanos are known to be religious,
fiesta is already part of their lives). In Cebu, when
celebrating fiesta, it is expected to be fun, colorful and
has plenty of food. The people really spend time just
to prepare for this event. The grandest of all these
fiestas is the feast of the Catholic Patron, the Sto.
Niño that is held annually every 3rd Sunday of
January. This celebration lasts a month long with
colorful and meaningful mini events.
Tourist Spots
Cebu is a perfect destination for tourists. Cebu is rich
in white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and marine
life. There are many forest reserves, mountains and
hills, that are perfect for those who love forest
trekking. Cebu is also rich in historical places that can
suit the desires of those who are culture enthusiasts.
Trying Cebu’s food delicacies will add to a
remarkable experience. Cebu has wonderful places
which one can enjoy. People are also hospitable.
Explore and learn more about Cebu Tourist
Destinations.
What are the famous tourist spots in
Cebu?
1. Cebu Taoist Temple
2. Temple of Leah
3. Sirao Flower Garden
4. 10,000 Roses of Cebu
5. Osmeña Peak
6. Kawasan Falls
7. Pescador Island
8. Oslob Whale Sharks
9. Tumalog Fall
10. Sumilon Island’s Sandbar
11. Simala Church
12. Magellan’s Cross
13. Basilica del Sto. Niño
14. Colon Street
15. The Heritage of Cebu Monument
16. Yap Sandiego Ancestral House
17. Jesuit House of 1730 or Museo de
Parian
18. Casa Gorordo Museum
19. Fort San Pedro
20. Museo Sugbo
Cebu (/seɪˈbuː/;[5][6] Cebuano: Sugbu) is
a province of the Philippines located in
the Central Visayas (Region VII)region,
and consists of a main island and 167
surrounding islands and islets. Its capital
is Cebu City, the oldest city and
first capital of the Philippines, which is
politically independent from the
provincial government. The Cebu
Metropolitan Area is formed by seven
neighboring cities (Carcar City, Cebu
City, Danao City, Lapu-Lapu
City, Mandaue City, Naga
City and Talisay City) and eight other
local government units. Mactan–Cebu
International Airport, located on Mactan
Island, is the second busiest airport in
the Philippines.
Cebu is one of the most developed
provinces in the Philippines with Metro
Cebu being the second largest
metropolitan area in the Philippines
(after Metro Manila) and Cebu City as
the main center of commerce, trade,
education and industry in the Visayas. In
a decade it has transformed into a
global hub for shipping, furniture-
making, tourism, business processing
services, and heavy industry.