CEBU – Continuous rains did not stop thousands of devotees and tourists to flock to Cebu City on Sunday for the yearly Sinulog Festival.

The festivities started at 6 a.m. with a mass celebrated by the newly installed Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. During the mass, Palma thanked the Cebuanos for their warm welcome.

He also said he is impressed by their strong devotion to Sto. Niño.

The grand parade was supposed to start at 9 a.m. but was delayed to wait for President Benigno Aquino III’s arrival.

The President arrived around 9:30 a.m. at the Mactan International Airport and was met at the airport by government officials of Lapu-Lapu City. In his speech, he urged all Filipinos to seek Sto. Niño’s help, especially now that the country is being struck by calamities particularly in the Visayas.

The President has skipped the scheduled press conference at the airport.

The whole-day celebration will end with fireworks display in the evening. A Chinese-themed finale dance headed by 1st District Cebu City Rep. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” Del Mar will also be held.