Are you ready for Sinulog?

For candidates and political teams:

No handshaking by politicians or display of political banners or distribution of campaign materials.

These are not allowed on the Sinulog parade route tomorrow, said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), who warned that rules will be strictly enforced.

Any candidate or his representatives caught politicking along the parade route will be asked to stop and leave the area.

“They will be dealt with accordingly or (they) will be pulled out from the parade,” Ballesteros said.

“Politicians are very much welcome to enjoy the Sinulog, but they must behave,” he added.

Displaying banners, streamers or tarpaulin signs featuring a politician’s picture will also be prohibited.

Ballesteros said politicians may wave at their supporters, but shaking hands is frowned upon to preserve the “ecumenical objective” of the Sinulog, a celebration is based on Catholic devotion to the Sto. Niño or Holy Child Jesus.

For parade dancers, floats, contingents:

The SFI released a 20-point guideline for revelers amd contingents to observe during the Sinulog parade.

Indecent moves, too much showing of skin will not be allowed.

“Make sure your contingents are dressed properly,” Ballesteros said.

Last year, SFI reprimanded a contingent for wearing skimpy clothes and were asked to get off a float. The same correction will be done this year if needed.

Dance moves that are sexually suggestive are also a no-no in order to keep the sanctity of the celebration of the festival, Ballesteros said.

Dance participants have to wear appropriate footwear consistent with their theme. No barefoot dancing is allowed for health and safety reasons.

Police and marshals were directed to break up and apprehend people who hold drinking sessions along the parade route.

Smudging paint or cosmetics on revelers and spectators is also discouraged as it may lead to trouble.

Those on floats should also refrain from tossing giveaways to the crowd on the streets, as this may cause a stampede.

For motorists:

The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) will tow illegally parked vehicles along the route of today’s solemn procession and the Sinulog grand parade tomorrow.

Fines range from P2,100 for a motorcycle, P2,800 for a four-wheeled vehicle and P5,500 for a truck or delivery van.

Citom chief Rafael Yap said it would be best for car owners to take public transportation and walk if they are joining the church processions and the Sinulog street dancing.

One option is to park your vehicle near the San Pedro Calungsod templete at the South Road Properties where there is free parking designated by the city government.

Citom will field two tow trucks and four other vehicles to remove all road obstructions starting today.

They will go after vehicles illegally parked on sidewalks, along driveways, in no-stopping zones and areas near the Basilica del Sto. Nino and the Sinulog carousel route which are off limits.

Citom’s Joy Tumulak said vehicles won’t be towed off immediately.

Citom personnel will first call the attention and warn the owner or driver through a public address system and take photos of the vehicle before imopunding it.

For the health-conscious:

Don’t forget to drink enough water for the weekend’s outdoor activities.

It’s also better to bring your own snacks than buying food from sidewalk vendors where you don’t know how the food is prepared, said Dr. Expedito Medalla, Emergency Management Staff Coordinator of the Department of Health.

He reminded everyone to bring fluids to avoid dehydration.

Also bring an umbrella, cap or raincoat for protection from the heat or rain.

He discouraged the elderly and those in poor health from joining the procession or parade because this may aggravate their health problems.

“Please remember that the route is long. You might collapse,” the DOH advisory said.

However, if they insist on going, bring along a companion.

“We can’t prevent people from going, especially when they believe that their participation will heal them. But they must be accompanied bv somebody who is younger. I don’t mean small children whom they would end up looking out for instead,” explained Medalla.

In case of emergencies, the DOH in coordination with the different hospitals and emergency response groups in Cebu, will be deploying 25 ambulance stations along the procession route.

Evey station has doctors and nurses who will respond to the public’s medical needs for free.

“We have first aid kits, oxygen for those who will get dizzy. They can also have their blood pressure checked there,” Medalla said./Christine Emily L. Pantaleon, Doris C. Bongcac and Patria Andrea D. Pateña