Cebu's calendar is jam-packed with events, and Jamaican Nights is one of the biggest. Jamaican Nights started out as one of many beach parties held during the summer vacation (March/April). But something about Jamaican Nights was different, and it has since evolved into the mother of all beach parties. Hordes of people fly in from Manila, and MTV Philippines covers the event live.
Jamaican Nights essentially consists of performances by rock bands from Cebu and Manila, and male and female swimwear competitions featuring unknown model-wannabes. A number of people stay at the venue where the event is held, Cebu Beach Club, and apart from imbibing copious amounts of tequila and beer, go skinny dipping at the house beach. Tickets cost about PhP 250.
I suppose the atmosphere is somewhat similar to what goes on during Spring Break events in the US. Not surprisingly, given the raging hormones and the large amounts of alcohol consumed, things get a little wild, and scuffles are not uncommon. If you're on a pacemaker, perhaps you should skip this event.
In fact, a lot of people nowadays skip Jamaican Nights even though they are in the right target audience. As the event has grown over the years, so has the power and arrogance of the organizers.
There are plenty of other happenings going on, however. The malls regularly stage concerts and sporting events. The Gaisano Country Mall favors boxing, and every now and then local pugilists will fight it out on a ring in the parking lot. Wa'y Blima! will soon release a Gig Guide to provide notice of these events in detail, so stay tuned.
