Cebu is ready for a night of music, fun, and good vibes. Fans of local bands can enjoy an unforgettable concert featuring some of the Philippines’ favorite performers. The To The Philippines with Love Concert for a Cause promises energy, talent, and a chance to support those in need.
Big Concert in Cebu
Photo from Parokya ni Edgar Facebook Page
Parokya ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Rob Deniel, and Earl Agustin are set to perform live on January 16 at the SM Seaside City Cebu Concert Grounds. The concert is designed for music lovers of all ages and offers a mix of popular hits and fresh performances.
Photo from Parokya ni Edgar Facebook Page
Free Admission for Fans
Photo from Parokya ni Edgar Facebook Page
The best part is that the concert is free. Fans just need to present an AirAsia boarding pass at the entrance to receive their VIP concert pass. This makes it easy for both travelers and locals to join the fun.
Supporting a Good Cause
Photo from Parokya ni Edgar Facebook Page
Every AirAsia flight booked contributes to helping those affected by recent calamities. For every seat sold, PHP 15 will be donated. Attending the concert becomes a way to enjoy music while making a difference.
Easy Flight Booking
Photo from Air Asia Facebook Page
AirAsia flights to Cebu are available from multiple cities, making travel convenient. Fans can secure their seats quickly, ensuring both access to the concert and support for the fundraising effort.
Register in Advance
Photo from Parokya ni Edgar Facebook Page
Pre-registration for the concert is available online. Fans who register can claim their VIP pass smoothly and enjoy the event without delays.
A Night to Remember
Photo from Parokya ni Edgar Facebook Page
The concert is more than just music, it’s a chance for Cebuanos and visitors to come together, celebrate talent, and contribute to a meaningful cause. With great bands, free admission, and a charitable mission, January 16 is set to be an exciting night in Cebu.
At the start of 2026, Cebu City placed waste segregation at the center of its environmental agenda. Mayor Nestor Archival led the renewed push to enforce the long-standing “No Segregation, No Collection” policy, aiming to reduce garbage volume, control costs, and bring discipline back to waste management at the household level.
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Why Segregation Matters
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Cebu City produces around 600 tons of garbage every day, with higher volumes during major events like Sinulog. For years, mixed waste filled landfills faster than they could be managed, forcing the city to spend heavily on hauling trash outside Cebu. Proper segregation allows recyclables to be reused and biodegradable waste to be turned into compost, easing pressure on landfills.
From Policy to Practice
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To ensure uniform enforcement, the mayor met with Department of Public Services personnel, including garbage truck drivers and loaders from all districts. The city emphasized that unsegregated waste will no longer be collected once full enforcement begins, making frontline coordination a key part of the program.
Information First
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From January 1 to 15, the city focused on information dissemination to give residents time to adjust. Barangays, schools, and communities were targeted through meetings, orientations, and media outreach. Students were included early, as they often influence household habits and daily practices.
Phased Enforcement Plan
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A trial period runs from January 16 to 30, during which violators receive warning citations only. Full penalties will follow starting February 1. Barangay Enforcement Officers are tasked to monitor compliance, issue citations, and submit regular reports to ensure consistency across all areas.
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Composting and Recycling
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Biodegradable waste is now directed toward composting instead of being dumped indiscriminately. Composting sites, including facilities in Kalunasan, process organic waste for reuse. Non-biodegradable recyclables such as plastics are collected separately and sent to industrial partners, including cement and asphalt producers.
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Barangays at the Core
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Barangays play a central role in the program’s success. Clear guidelines were prepared for officials, recyclers, and partners to standardize practices. Community-based solutions, such as shared composting and small livelihood opportunities, are encouraged to keep waste management local and practical.
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A Long-Standing Problem
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Cebu City’s garbage issue has persisted for decades, highlighted by the closure of the Inayawan landfill in 2018 and ongoing concerns over the Binaliw facility. Weak enforcement in the past allowed poor habits to continue, despite ordinances already in place since 2004.
A Renewed Commitment
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The city’s approach combines education, phased enforcement, and system-wide coordination. By turning waste segregation into a daily routine, Cebu City aims to cut hauling costs, protect communities near landfills, and build a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.
Cebu City will not implement mobile signal jamming during the Sinulog Festival activities on January 18, 2026. The decision ensures continuous communication for the public, performers, media, and emergency teams throughout the celebration.
City Decision
Photo from Mayor Nestro Archival Facebook Page
Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed that the policy was finalized after coordination between the Cebu City Government, Sinulog Foundation Inc., and the Cebu City Police Office. The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency will still assess possible threats, but no security risks have been identified so far.
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Purpose of Connectivity
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Maintaining mobile signal access is seen as essential for faster coordination, public safety, and real-time coverage. The absence of signal restrictions will support emergency response, crowd management, and smooth festival operations.
Performance Guidelines
Photo from Josh F. Almonte
Organizers have banned the use of lighted and illuminated props during performances to keep visual balance and reduce distractions. Stricter rules will also apply to parade schedules, with contingents required to arrive at prepositioning areas before 7 a.m. to be allowed to participate.
Parade Management
Photo from archive
To avoid delays, float entries will undergo pre-judging before the grand parade. This step ensures all floats meet competition standards before joining the official route, helping maintain orderly flow along the carousel route.
Security Measures
Photo from Cebu City Police Office Facebook Page
Around 10,000 police personnel will be deployed for crowd control, traffic regulation, maritime security, and emergency response. Intelligence coordination will be strengthened to safeguard devotees, tourists, and performers during the festivities.
Photo from Cebu City Police Office Facebook Page
Mandaue Preparations
Photo from Cebu City Police Office Facebook Page
In Mandaue City, traffic authorities are preparing for the Fiesta Señor and Traslacion activities. About 70 traffic personnel will manage routes, with temporary road closures only during convoy passage. A dry run is scheduled in early January to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Photo from Cebu City Police Office Facebook Page
Festival Significance
Photo from Josh F. Almonte
The Sinulog Festival remains one of the largest religious and cultural events in the country, drawing millions of visitors each year. With updated guidelines and continuous mobile access, the 2026 celebration aims to be safer, more organized, and more accessible to everyone.
Sinulog 2026 is shaping up to be a more disciplined and time-bound celebration. Organizers plan to bring the festivities to a close by 7 p.m., shifting away from previous years that stretched late into the night.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
Strict Starting Call
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
To keep the timeline on track, participating contingents are required to arrive at their assigned pre-parade areas by 7 a.m. Any group failing to meet the call time will not be allowed to join the grand parade.
The Parade Route Remains
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
The street dancing will follow the same route as the last edition, ending with the ritual showdown at the Cebu City Sports Center. At least thirty-seven contingents have already confirmed their participation for the 2026 program.
Focus on Traditional Presentation
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
The use of lights and illuminated props is prohibited. The restriction is intended to level the playing field among performers and highlight religious devotion and traditional elements rather than visual spectacle.
Progress and Preparations
Photo from Cebu City News
City officials estimate that preparations for the January 18 showcase are sixty percent complete. Key tasks include marketing efforts, securing additional funding, and arranging mobile bleachers along the parade route.
Sinulog 2026 is gearing toward a more structured and balanced celebration that emphasizes punctuality, cultural depth, and visitor convenience. With clearer rules and an early finish, the festival hopes to offer a smoother and more engaging experience for both devotees and spectators.
Vietnam is fast becoming a top choice for Filipino travelers, and AirAsia is expanding access with two new direct routes from Manila to Hanoi and Da Nang. The move supports the growing travel demand between the Philippines and Vietnam while giving travelers more direct and affordable flight options.
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₱888 Introductory Fare Takes Center Stage
Photo from Fly Air Asia Facebook Page
AirAsia is offering one-way base fares for as low as ₱888, exclusive of fees and surcharges, for its newly launched Vietnam routes. The limited-time fare is available for booking until February 1, with travel dates scheduled between March 20 and October 25, 2026.
Direct Flights to Hanoi and Da Nang
Photo from Fly Air Asia Facebook Page
Flights to both Hanoi and Da Nang will begin on March 20. Each route will operate four times weekly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with afternoon to evening departure schedules designed for relaxed and flexible travel planning.
Cebu Hub Supports Route Expansion
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The launch of these Vietnam routes follows AirAsia’s recent expansion, including the opening of its Cebu hub. This development improves regional connectivity and strengthens travel options for passengers flying from both Manila and Cebu.
New Year Seat Sale Adds More Value
Photo from Fly Air Asia Facebook Page
In addition to the ₱888 introductory fare, AirAsia is running a New Year seat sale offering up to 27 percent off selected domestic and international flights. Bookings are open until January 11, with travel periods running from January 19 to November 30, 2026.
Vietnam Travel Continues to Surge
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Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing destinations for Filipino tourists, recording an 81.3 percent increase in arrivals in 2025. With ₱888 base fares, new direct routes, and expanded flight options, AirAsia is making Vietnam easier to reach than ever.
The Novena forms the devotional backbone of the festival, drawing locals and visitors from early mornings to late evenings. Each day follows the same rhythm, shaping a steady flow of worship before the grand cultural events. Here is the full Novena Mass schedule for Sinulog 2026, running January 9 to 16 at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu.
• January 9–16, 2026
• Venue: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu
Early Dawn — Quiet Beginnings
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
The daily sequence starts before sunrise with two Cebuano Masses at 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM. These early rites attract dedicated churchgoers who prefer calm settings and wide space inside the Basilica grounds.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
• 4:00 AM — Cebuano
• 5:30 AM — Cebuano
Morning Span — Cebuano at the Center
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
By 7:00 AM, Cebuano remains the language of worship. At 8:30 AM, an English Mass shifts the tone for guests and tourists. The 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM Cebuano Masses return to the local language, keeping the morning strongly rooted in community tradition.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
• 7:00 AM — Cebuano
• 8:30 AM — English
• 10:00 AM — Cebuano
• 11:30 AM — Cebuano
Afternoon Stretch — Language in Balance
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
After midday, the Basilica reopens its pace with English at 1:00 PM, meeting the needs of visitors and non-Cebuano-speaking devotees. At 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM, Cebuano leads again, preserving familiar cadence during the warmer hours of the day.
• 1:00 PM — English
• 2:30 PM — Cebuano
• 4:00 PM — Cebuano
Evening Close — End of the Daily Cycle
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
The last part of the day settles with a 5:30 PM Mass in English, followed by a 7:00 PM English Mass with traditional elements. This pairing gives structure to the evening and signals the close of the daily Novena program.
• 5:30 PM — English
• 7:00 PM — English with traditional elements
Devotion Before Celebration
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
Across eight days, the Novena sets a stable pre-festival rhythm for Sinulog 2026. It prepares the community through familiar language, orderly schedule, and consistent practice. As the festival days approach, the Novena completes its role by anchoring Sinulog in faith before the city turns toward grand dances, street events, and cultural displays.
When the Sinulog crowd gets intense and the sun refuses to take it easy, these Cebu City cafés offer cool air, good food, and a place to pause. Here’s a guide on where to recharge.
Cong Cafe
Photo from Cong Cafe Facebook Page
Cong Cafe is a calm stop in the middle of Cebu’s busiest downtown stretch. It’s known for affordable Korean-inspired meals like ramen and kimchi fried rice, paired with strong coffee and a student-friendly setup. The space is cool, quiet enough to rest, and fitted with Wi-Fi and charging ports, perfect for escaping the Sinulog heat without leaving the city center.
Photo from Cong Cafe Facebook Page
How To Get There?
Location: Sanciangko St., Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: Drive toward Downtown Cebu via Osmeña Blvd., turn right to Sanciangko Street. Limited street parking available.
By Commute: Ride a 01K or 02B jeepney and get off near Sanciangko Street. Walk 2–3 minutes to the café.
The HQ
Photo from The HQ Facebook Page
The HQ is a reliable all-day-and-night café built for students, freelancers, and anyone needing a break from the crowd. With wide tables, steady Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets, it’s ideal for resting or getting work done between Sinulog events. Comfort food like lasagna and croffles adds to its appeal, especially during late hours.
By Car: Head toward downtown Cebu near major universities; paid parking spots are available nearby.
By Commute: Most downtown jeepney routes pass close by. Ask to be dropped near the nearest university landmark, then walk a short distance.
Cup O’ Jil Cafe
Photo from Cup O’ Jil Cafe Facebook Page
Located inside Elizabeth Mall, Cup O’ Jil Cafe is an easy stop for shoppers and festival-goers who want a quick but comfortable break. It offers reliable coffee, simple sandwiches, and a cool indoor setting, ideal if you want to avoid the street heat without going far.
Photo from Cup O’ Jil Cafe Facebook Page
How To Get There?
Located: E-mall, Sanciangko St., Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: Drive to Elizabeth Mall along N. Bacalso Ave. Mall parking is available.
By Commute: Ride a jeepney passing Elizabeth Mall (06B, 06H, 12L). Get off directly at the mall entrance.
ROADSIDE CAFE
ROADSIDE CAFE on Junquera Street is a favorite among students who need strong internet and a calm space. The café keeps things simple: good coffee, light meals, and a cool interior that helps you reset after walking under the Sinulog sun. A quiet room is also available for those who want extra focus.
By Car: From Colon Street, turn toward Junquera Street. Parking is limited, best during off-peak hours.
By Commute: Ride a 01K or 04C jeepney, get off along Junquera Street, then walk a short distance.
Dahun Cafe
Photo from Dahun Cafe Facebook Page
Dahun Cafe feels more like a quiet home than a busy café. With branches in Zapatera and Kasambagan, it offers a peaceful setting, lots of greenery, and locally sourced coffee. It’s ideal if you want to cool down, slow your pace, and enjoy thoughtful drinks and comfort meals away from festival noise.
Photo from Dahun Cafe Facebook Page
How To Get There?
By Car: Use Waze or Google Maps and search “Dahun Cafe Zapatera” or “Dahun Cafe Kasambagan.” Street parking is usually available.
By Commute: Ride a jeepney bound for Zapatera or Kasambagan, then walk 3–5 minutes from the main road.
Sinulog is best enjoyed with balance, energy on the streets, rest in between. These cafés offer air-conditioned comfort, good food, and easy access from key Cebu City routes. Whether you need a quick cooldown or a long pause, these spots let you recharge before heading back into the celebration.
Every January, Cebu City transforms into a sea of color, drumbeats, and devotion as Sinulog draws millions of devotees and travelers. With major roads closed and crowds stretching from dawn until night, choosing the right place to stay becomes just as important as joining the celebration itself. Downtown Cebu remains the best option, close to the Basilica, parade routes, and transport hubs. Below are affordable hotels that offer comfort, accessibility, and value during the Sinulog season.
GV Tower Hotel
Photo grab from Google Maps
GV Tower Hotel is a familiar name for budget travelers who want a straightforward stay in the center of Cebu. Located along Osmeña Boulevard, it provides easy access to churches, museums, and key Sinulog routes. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, city views, and shared spaces where guests can relax after a long day of walking and festivities. It’s ideal for those who plan to spend most of their time outside and just need a reliable place to rest.
Photo grab from Google MapsPhoto grab from Google Maps
By Car: Drive along Osmeña Boulevard, turn right at Sanciangko Street, and look for the hotel signage.
By Commute: Take any jeepney bound for Colon or Downtown Cebu, alight near Sanciangko Street, then walk about 2–3 minutes.
ML Suites Cebu
Photo grab from Google Maps
ML Suites Cebu offers a stay while still being close to Sinulog hotspots. Sitting near Colon Street and Cebu Coliseum, the hotel is within walking distance of Magellan’s Cross and Santo Niño Basilica. Rooms are clean and functional, making it a good option for couples or solo travelers who prefer a calm space away from loud crowds at night. Its central location allows guests to explore heritage sites even before or after festival events.
Photo grab from Google MapsPhoto grab from Google Maps
By Car: From Osmeña Boulevard, head toward Colon Street and follow directions going to Cebu Coliseum.
By Commute: Ride a Colon-bound jeepney, get off near Cebu Coliseum, then walk for around 5 minutes.
Glojam Town Apartelle
Photo grab from Google Maps
Glojam Town Apartelle stands out for its balance of comfort and location. Just a few meters from Colon Street, it places guests in the middle of Cebu’s historic district. Churches, hospitals, malls, and heritage landmarks are all nearby, very helpful during peak Sinulog days. Rooms are modern and well-kept, while the in-house café makes it easy to grab food without going far. It suits travelers who want convenience without the high hotel price.
Photo grab from Google Maps
How To Get There?
Location: Panganiban St., Cebu City, Cebu Philippines
By Car: Drive toward Colon Street and enter the downtown area; Glojam is located along the inner streets near Colon.
By Commute: Take a Colon or Carbon jeepney, get off at Colon Street, then walk a short distance to the apartelle.
Cebuview Tourist Inn
Photo grab from Google Maps
Cebuview Tourist Inn is a dependable budget choice for travelers who prioritize location over luxury. Located along Sanciangko Street, it’s close to transport terminals, heritage sites, and downtown dining spots. The rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and complete with basic amenities, perfect for resting between Sinulog events. Its practical setup makes it popular among groups and long-time festival goers.
Photo grab from Google Maps
How To Get There?
Location: Sanciangko St., Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: Access Sanciangko Street via Osmeña Boulevard; the inn is situated along the main road.
By Commute: Ride a jeepney going to Colon or Carbon, alight at Sanciangko Street, then walk less than 5 minutes.
Photo grab from Google Maps
Sinulog is best enjoyed when everything is within reach. Staying in downtown Cebu means less time stuck in traffic and more time soaking in the music, prayers, and street dances. These affordable hotels offer simple comfort and prime locations, allowing you to move freely, rest well, and fully experience the spirit of Sinulog, from dawn masses to late-night celebrations.
Japan has set a new global benchmark for internet speed after researchers successfully transmitted data at 1.02 petabits per second, equal to more than 125 terabytes every second. The achievement was made by scientists from National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, marking the fastest data transmission ever recorded over a long distance.
Distance Meets Power
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The data traveled across 1,808 kilometers of optical fiber, proving that extreme speed can be sustained over real-world distances. This range is comparable to traveling across an entire country, not just inside a laboratory. The total data-distance product reached 1.86 exabits per second per kilometer, the highest ever achieved in fiber communication.
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The 19-Core Fiber Breakthrough
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At the heart of the record is a 19-core optical fiber, designed to carry far more data than standard single-core fibers. Despite its advanced design, the cable has the same thickness as existing fiber cables, about 0.125 millimeters, meaning it can fit into today’s infrastructure without major changes.
How the Transmission Worked
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Researchers used 180 parallel data streams, sent through looping fiber paths that repeated the journey 21 times to simulate long-distance travel. Advanced signal amplification kept the data stable and clear across the full route. This balance of speed and stability is what set the new record apart from earlier attempts.
Why It Matters
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At this speed, it would be possible to download the entire English Wikipedia thousands of times in one second or stream millions of ultra-high-definition videos at once. The technology could support future 5G and 6G networks, large-scale cloud systems, and fast-moving AI platforms that depend on massive data flow.
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From Research to Reality
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The fiber itself was developed by Sumitomo Electric, while the transmission system was built by NICT with international partners. Although this speed is not yet available to the public, the experiment proves that future ultra-fast networks can run on cables already installed around the world.
Starting 2026, travel plans for Filipinos are set to become easier as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) includes the Philippines (Philippines) in its visa-free entry program. This update allows qualified travelers to visit Canada (Canada) without applying for a traditional visitor visa, marking a major shift in travel access.
Photo from Pixabay
From Visa to eTA
Instead of paying the usual CAD 100 visa fee, eligible Filipinos may now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA. The eTA costs only CAD 7, roughly P301, making short trips more affordable and less time-consuming to prepare.
Photo from Pixabay
Countries on the 2026 Visa-Free List
Along with the Philippines, several other nations are included in the new visa-free entry list. These are Thailand, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, Seychelles, Uruguay, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Citizens of these countries may apply under the same eTA system.
Photo from Pixabay
Who Can Apply
The eTA is available only to known travelers. This includes Filipinos who have held a Canadian visitor visa within the past 10 years or those who currently have a valid non-immigrant visa for the United States. Travelers must enter Canada by air, as cruise ship arrivals still require a regular visa.
Photo from Pixabay
Application and Payment Details
Applying for an eTA requires a valid passport, an active email address, and a credit or debit card. Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. Philippine payment options such as GCash, Maya, BPI, and BDO automatically convert the fee, usually totaling around P305 to P320 due to bank charges.
What This Means for Future Travel
This visa-free update opens more travel opportunities for Filipinos, especially for short visits, family trips, and tourism. With fewer requirements and lower costs, Canada becomes a more reachable destination for qualified travelers starting 2026.
