Cebu prepares for Sinulog

Cebu may not be a destination for Pope Francis during his upcoming Philippine visit, but the province's residents are in the midst of preparations for a separate major religious feast: the Sinulog Festival.

Dancing contingents taking part in the Sinulog Festival 2015 have been practicing daily for the program to be held at the Cebu City Sports Center, GMA Cebu's Nikko Sereno reported.

Sinulog will have its opening salvo on January 8 with a "Walk with Jesus" event, and formally kick off on January 9.

It will have its grand parade on January 18.

"So far so good dahil hindi natin masasabi malalamangan ang ating contingents dahil magagaling ang mga contingents from Cebu City at Cebu province," said Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricky Ballesteros.

Lumad Basakanon choreographer Norman Navarro said they will feature new costume designs and dance routines.

"Grabe ang ginagawang brainstorming ng aming mga seniors at choreographer to the extent na paano mapapaganda ang sayaw at merong ma-expect ang mga tao," added lead dancer Rose Jean Areza. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News