STO. NIÑO IN THE AIRPORT. GMR Cebu Airport Corporation chief executive advisor Andrew Harrison (center, wearing orange vest) carries the holy image of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu given by the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, through its rector, Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr. (in black clerical), to the Mactan Cebu International Airport, Jan. 14, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Media Center/Analyn Conocono, USJ-R Communication Intern)
CEBU CITY — With six days more to Sinulog Festival 2019, the Sinulog Foundation on Monday launched a mobile app that netizens can use during the celebration, Councilor Dave Tumulak said.
Tumulak, chairperson of the Sinulog Foundation’s executive committee, said the app will give netizens a convenient way to celebrate Sinulog.
Through the app, netizens can easily purchase tickets to the festival, he said.
“Get timely messages about festival news and updates, promo winners, vote for your favorite Festival Queen and contingents,” a statement posted in the foundation’s Facebook page reads.
With the app, devotees and visitors can “plot (their) personal event schedule” such as devotion, festival and parties.
It said that by tapping the heart icon beside the selected events, favorite features can be seen.
Under this campaigns, the foundation uses the hashtag #SinulogMoments, among other hashtags.
Netizens who post photos on Facebook using the said hashtags and will have most likes during the day will receive a prize.
Also, the foundation reiterated to owners of establishments along the Sinulog route the prohibitions imposed by the city government for an orderly celebration.
Sinulog foundation’s website said activities and events such as concerts, shows, gigs, and street parties and performances that will require loudspeakers and sound devices will strictly be prohibited on Jan. 20, 2019.
Tumulak said starting Jan. 18 up to the 20th, setting up of tables and chairs outside every establishment’s premises is prohibited.
He also reminded establishment owners not to convert parking spaces into “party zones.”
The Cebu Capitol area and the entire Escario Street up to the intersection of Gorordo Avenue will be a “strictly no activity zone.”
The foundation, on its website, however said that activities will only be allowed outside of the routes of the solemn procession of the holy image of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu on Saturday, Jan. 19, and the Sinulog grand parade on Sunday, Jan. 20, if the organizers can secure special permit from the Cebu City Traffic Office (CCTO), Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire, Cebu Ciy Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), deputy mayor for police matters, and approval from Mayor Tomas Osmeña himself.
Aside from the permits, the organizers should also presented a security plan and guarantees the detail of medical teams during the event.
Starting 6 a.m. of Jan. 20, selling and drinking of liquor will strictly be prohibited along the Sinulog parade and procession routes, the site said.
The liquor ban will end at 6 a.m. of the following day.
The city traffic office has also released rerouting advisories for the public utility jeepneys.
Meanwhile, the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority on Monday received a holy image of Santo Niño de Cebu from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
Basilica’s prior-rector, Agustinian friar Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr., blessed the holy image before it was given to the airport authorities, through GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation chier executive advisor Andrew Harrison. (PNA)
