(Update: The Sinulog guidebook can now be downloaded in this page. We now have a Sinulog Guide Android app version as well as a Sinulog Guide mobile website for other devices. )
The country’s wireless leader Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and Cebu-based website MyCebu.ph have produced an electronic guidebook on the Sinulog for the iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Android phones and tablets and other tablets, e-readers and smartphones.
A Guide to Sinulog 2012 will be made available for free download at the Mactan Cebu International Airport through quick response or QR code scanning, USB download or e-mail distribution. Tourists and balikbayans can get a copy of the guidebook as soon as they arrive in Cebu for Christmas vacation or the Sinulog festivities.
The Sinulog guide will also be made available for free download through partners Ayala Center Cebu, Department of Tourism Central Visayas, and the Sinulog Foundation. The ebook will also be available in hotels, resorts and other tourism establishments in Cebu.
A Guide to Sinulog 2012 is part of a groundbreaking project on Cebu tourism that will be launched in historic Barangay Pari-an on December 20.
The group will also produce an ebook compilation of winning entries of the Sinulog photo contest that will be released next year.
Unlike websites, ebooks can be read in various devices even without an Internet connection.
“This is part of our efforts to support the DOT and the Cebu local government in the promotion of tourism in Cebu. Through digital and social media, we can showcase our heritage to more people around the world through locally generated content.” said Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, senior manager for Public Affairs Group, Smart.
“Most travelers nowadays bring along tablets, e-readers or smartphones. An electronic guidebook would be very useful to them because they no longer need to carry around heavy books, including those that devote merely a chapter on Cebu or the Sinulog. You just download it once and you can read it anywhere and at anytime, even without an Internet connection.Our guidebook is an extensive resource that you take with you wherever you go,” said Marlen Limpag, MyCebu.ph editor.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind project. It’s a unique resource that would help our guests make the most of the biggest festival in the Philippines,” said Sinulog Foundation Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros.
The Sinulog guide contains helpful articles and tips on Cebu’s grandest festival. It contains the complete list of cultural and religious activities.
It also lists establishments near the procession and grand parade route where tourists can stay. It also contains offline maps of the procession and grand parade routes that readers can view even without an Internet connection. The ebook, however, also provides a link to a frequently updated and interactive online map that people can view if they are connected to the Internet.
I’m always thrilled to hear when there is something new about Cebu. I was able to navigate into this web site in anticipation that I can download the Guide about Cebu during the Sinulog.
I’m disappointed to read that this download is only limited to some places listed above. I don’t understand why this can not be available in this site so you can have a much wider audience.
Rick
Hi, Rick,
The ebook is available for free download here: http://www.mycebu.phsmart-sinulog/ We haven’t been able to m ake the download link more prominent because we made it active only yesterday, during the launch. Cheers and hope you find the Sinulog guidebook useful.
Thank you very much for the link you provided. I was able to download the iBook version of the A Guide to Sinulog 2011 into my iPad2 successfully. The content is truly informative. I will definitely let my friends who are going home for the holiday know about this link. This will be a good reading material during the long hours in flight to Cebu.