CEBU CITY -- About two million people are expected to watch the Sinulog parade on January 16, prompting organizers to appeal for tight security from the police and private establishments.
With the festivities only a little over a week away, the estimated 9,000 rooms in the different hotels in the city are already booked, said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI).
The 600 white tickets, the most expensive tickets to the grandstand of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), were also sold out two days after the SFI started selling these. The white ticket costs P600.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he invited President Benigno Aquino III to the January 16 event, but the latter has not yet confirmed if he can make it.
The mayor also invited representatives from the City of Yeosu in Korea, one of Cebu City's sister-cities.
He asked the private sector to help government agencies and the Philippine National Police (PNP) ensure the safety of tourists, during the city's busiest tourism season.
"We have to invest in security and visibility will be highlighted. If the security guards of the establishments can man the area outside their building, then why not?" he said.
In last year's grand parade, a top police official estimated some eight million people turned up in the grandstand and along the parade route, to watch the 11-hour show.
In an interview last year, Ballesteros had said the CCSC was "getting too small for the Sinulog."
To improve access to accommodations, Ballesteros this year also urged the Department of Tourism to come up with a home-stay program for tourists.
Meanwhile, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the Province is ready to extend financial assistance for the Sinulog.
"They only have to ask," she said.
The Capitol gave P2 million to the Sinulog Foundation in 2009, but was criticized by former mayor Tomas Osmeña, who said the City has enough money to spend for the parade.
In a previous Sun.Star report, the governor last year stated the Province will no longer donate cash to the foundation because it might be misinterpreted again. She also said they had decided to donate in 2009 because there were fewer donations due to the economic slowdown that hurt many companies.
Ballesteros, however, said Wednesday that the governor will probably dance in the Sinulog grand parade.
"The Sinulog is for all. Whoever wants to join, wa gyud nay problema (no problem). We've never barred any contingent from coming in. For as long as it will give meaning to the festival, they all are welcome and for as long as they will follow the guidelines," said Rama.
The governor, who was interviewed separately, said she is willing to dance this year but is still waiting for the invitation from the City.
What she has received so far was only an invitation to attend the Sinulog sa Kabataan Panlalawigan, where she will award the winners and give a speech.
In case she will be invited to dance, she has chosen to join the Bonga Festival contingent of Sibonga town, the second placer in last year's Pasigarbo sa Sugbo. She said she was born on the feast day of their patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Pilar, which is why her second name is Pilar.
Those interested to watch the parade from the grandstand are advised to go to the SFI office within the Cebu City Sports Center, Ballesteros said.
"Surprisingly, the most expensive tickets have already been sold out. To those who want to buy the other tickets, we just want to remind them that we don't accept reservations. They really have to buy it at the SFI office," said Ballesteros.
The other tickets, Ballesteros said, are 2,100 yellow tickets for P500 each, 1,600 green tickets for P400 each and 1,600 pink tickets for P400. (PDF/RSA
