The public can expect generally fair weather and bigger production numbers in today’s Sinulog Grand Parade and competition to be held at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The weather forecast from the Pagaasa Mactan office is sunshine in the morning and possible rainfall later in the day.
“Since we really can’t predict the weather, let’s just be ready for it,” said Al Alcazar, weather analyst.
A total of 135 contingents have registered for the grand parade.
Watch out for life-size zoo animal props to be carried by Placer town in Masbate province, said Ricky Ballesteros, Sinulog executive director.
Placer gave Cebuanos a teaser of their performance in Friday’s Sinulog Festival Queen contest.
Backup dancers dressed as tigers and lions joined their festival queen candidate, Juna Jean Hermonsa, in a production number.
They also used life-size props of crocodiles, a gorilla, giraffe and zebra. Placer was last year’s 2011 champion in the Free Interpretation (FI) category.
A first-time contingent from Alang-Alang, Leyte, also made waves with their colorful props of flowers, Christmas bells and image of the Sto. Niño.
“But props are not everything. Judges look particularly at the performances,” said Ballesteros.
About 50 of the parade contingents are joining the dance competition with 27 for the Free Interpretation category while 23 groups will see action in the Sinulog-based category.
The parade includes 34 floats, 27 puppeteers and 24 higante (giant) models.
Ticket holders must enter the Cebu City Sports Center from the Osmeña Boulevard entrance.
Gates will open starting 6 a.m.
Msgr. Esteban Binghay will celebrate a 8 a.m. Mass at the grandstand and Vice President Jejomar Binay will give a fiesta message.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will open the grand parade.
“We already told the vice president’s staff that his message should have no political undertones. We only allow short messages from the two top officials of the country,” Rama said.
Binay will stay at the grandstand to watch the Sinulog parade until noon then leave for a courtesy call on Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
Rep. Rachel del Mar of Cebu City’s north district said she was dancing in the grand finale as her thanksgiving for the blessings she received in the past year.
The 20- to 25-minute finale will have the theme “Cebu City the city of culture.”
A 10-minute fireworks display worth P300,000 will close this year’s Sinulog celebration.With Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus