Mr & Mrs Smith

January Sinulog (third Sunday of the month; wwww.sinulog.ph) or Fiesta Señor as it’s often referred to, is Cebu’s biggest, most popular and loudest festival, honouring the Holy Image of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu. Expect to see colourfully costumed Cebuanos dancing (Sinulog is the name of a special rhythmic prayer dance) to deafening drums. President Osmeña Boulevard is one of the best spots to watch the parade, but get there early to secure a spot among in-the-know locals, or slink off to one of the quieter streets where you might be able to join dancers and try your own sinulog. The week-long festivities also include fireworks, processions and cultural shows. April Holy Week, covering Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, is a big deal in this predominantly Catholic country, when pretty much everything but the churches are closed. April Kadaugan sa Mactan. The annual re-enactment of the historic Battle of Mactan (27 April) between Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the forces of local chieftain Lapu-Lapu, which ended Magellan’s crusade and life. Get to Barangay Mactan beach early – it can start as early as 8am, depending on the tide. June Independence Day (12 June) celebrates the Philippines' long-sought freedom from Spain’s colonial rule. December The death of Dr José Rizal, national hero and martyr of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish, is commemorated with a national holiday.