Sinulog Floats 2017

Perhaps one of the most awaited part of the annual Sinulog festivities is the parade of various floats. Floats bearing the name of the various corporate sponsors follow the carousel route up to the Cebu Sports Center. The Best Float Category has always been an avenue for the Cebuano artists to showcase their  creativity and ingenuity. 

For several years, Cebu-based International Pharmaceutical Incorporated has been bagging the Best Float category. Over the years, IPI has produced award winning float designs that it has gained quite a number of followers in this category. Its followers and fans, however, were in for a surprise this year when the Best Float category was awarded instead to M Lhuillier Pawnshop. 

IPI Sinulog Float 2017

This year, IPI features an ingenious masterpiece with their exotic-themed float design. It features a collection of diverse flora and fauna under the protection of Santo Nino. This seems a fitting tribute to the Holy Child as well as to the country’s ecological diversity. 

IPI’s conspicuous absence from the Best Float Award is pretty disappointing not just for the people behind it but also for its fans and followers. It should be noted that IPI, through its float designs, does not just  afford Cebuanos an avenue for their creativity during Sinulog but also expands that avenue to other festivities all over the country. 

IPI's entry for Sinulog 2017

IPI is known to have displayed Cebuanos creativity to other festivals such Maskara, Panagbenga, Aliwan, Dinagyang and Kadayawan. And, more often than not, IPI gained acclaim in the Best Float Categories in these festivals as well. 

They have proven to be always on top of the rest not only for  Sinulog but for all the festivals throughout the whole year,  I vividly remember these floats from IPI:

Sinulog Float 2014 (theme:Egyptian)

Sinulog Float 2016 (theme: underwater)

Kadayawan Float 2014

Panagbenga 2014 (Grand Prize Winner)

Panagbenga 2014 (Grand Prize Winner)

We could only hope that this year’s failure to get the Best Float Category will not dampen the resolve of those who are behind IPI’s float design and they will continue to showcase the Cebuano talent both in Cebu and beyond. 

Credits: to the owners of the photos