I'm going to the Dinagyang Festival tomorrow to watch the increasingly competitive Kasadyahan contest and on Sunday for the ultimate ati tribe competition. This was all planned a week ago so work-related stuffs are going to a halt starting tonight. I'm already fully aware of things I need to do and bring with me to the city. This is a whole day affair. No, make that a 2-days, non-stop, affair. Just so you know. The festival doesn't end right after the contests end. Party people are not going to sleep this weekend.

Some things to bring and remember.

• A cellphone and adequate loads to last you two days. You, definitely, want to keep in touch with the rest of the gangs. It's no fun dancing and drinking alone.
• Anything that shoots photos, for the world to see the party-animal in you. No, really. Apart from taking colorful tribe uniforms/costume, you need to show off your own. Come on, max-out your flickr account.
• Extra clothes. Unless you're totally comfortable drenched in your own sweat or that of the person beside you while watching the parade under the sweltering heat of the sun, it's ok wear the same shirt for the whole day. On this day and time, stripping is frowned upon so please don't.
• Cash. You're to a party place. You're not going to just stand there and watch all day, do you? They don't give away free drinks around here anymore - in Kalibo's Ati-atihan festival, they used to. Buy some drinks and join the fun.
• Don't bring weapons of any kind. Otherwise, you risk getting caught and spend time in jail rather than in streets. Don't be carried away. Although, there will be warriors roaming the city streets, they're all for the show. We're not at war my friend.
• Formulate lame excuses for not coming home or going home very early the next day. Did I say some people are not going sleep over the weekend? I think I mean they're not going home this weekend. Most of them will be sleeping for sure from all the alcohols they'll take.

These are just some that I can think of right now. Care to add yours?