JC de Vera greets his Cebuano fans.

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Street dancing, partying, and endless merry-making marked the Queen City of the South’s yearly celebration of one of the biggest festivities in the country – Sinulog Festival.

To make the celebration even more remarkable, TV5 flew in some of its stars to celebrate Sinulog with the Cebuanos for the first time.

Dubbed “Sugod Mga Kapatid Sa Sinulog 2012,” the free show served as the “Kapatid” artists’ way of thanking Cebuanos for their continuous support to the network’s past, current and forthcoming shows.

Cebu’s very own “Star Factor” grand winner Eula Caballero was just so happy to celebrate with her kababayans for the second time.

She spoke Cebuano in promoting her upcoming mini-series with international recording artist David Archuleta, “Nandito Ako.”

“Iba talaga ang aura ko when I’m here [in Cebu]. I feel happier when I’m here. I feel so at home. No pressures at all. I’m just inspired by my kababayans,” a thrilled Eula said.

“I’m happy na I’m able to bring honor to my hometown kasi hindi naman lahat ng Cebuanos may chance. Kahit na marami sa mga Cebuanos maganda, talented, konti lang talaga ang may chance [makapasok ng showbiz]. I’m proud of myself, I’m proud of my hometown kasi I can’t be the Eula now kung hindi ko nakasama ang mga taong ito. Everyone contributed to who am I now,” said the budding drama actress.

In “Nandito Ako,” Eula plays contravida in a love triangle composed of David, Jasmine Curtis Smith and herself.

Being a first-time villain, Eula said: “It’s challenging kasi first time ko [to play this kind of role].”

Sugod sa Sinulog

Thousands gathered at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, Jan. 12 for the country’s leading talent show, “Talentadong Pinoy’s” auditions.

The “Sugod mga Kapatid sa Sinulog Show” followed at 5 p.m. “Talentadong Pinoy” Hall of Famer AstroBoy opened the show with a sizzling-hot hoola-hoop performance.

Present were some of TV5’s primetime princesses. Upcoming “Felina” lead actress Arci Muñoz, who was celebrating her birthday that day, gave a rock and roll performance.

Also to promote TV5’s “Valiente” remake were its lead stars JC de Vera and Niña Jose; Danita Paner of “Hey! It’s Saberday!” and “Glamorosa’s” Zoren Legaspi.

Faith Cuneta, the singer behind “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin,” theme of “Glamorosa,” worked up the crowd to sing along with her.

Although a slight technical glitz marred the event, “Glamorosa’s” Ruffa Gutierrez, Wendell Ramos and Ritz Azul and “Star Factor” runner-up Morisette Amon managed to greet their fans onstage.

Prior to the late afternoon event, Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the local and Manila press interviewed the stars at Casino Español.

Edu Manzano and Alex Gonzaga arrived at the show’s venue just in time for the event.

The country’s grandest and most colorful religious event, Sinulog Festival 2012 was covered by TV5 and its sports and news platforms – sports channel AKTV and 24/7 news channel Aksyon TV.