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Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Serna: Fiesta feature of Ms. Cebu laudable
By Roger Serna
It seems like the beat of the drums and the other instruments used in the dances during the Sinulog grand parade refused to die down in my ears. That’s how big the impact of the celebration was to me despite the hard times we are in.
As to the skeptics’ worry over the possible waning out of the popularity and the relevance of the Sinulog, I believe there’s no basis for that. For as long as the celebration is centered on the faith and belief in the Sr. Sto. Niño, the Sinulog will always be relevant and popular.
Of course, the turnout will vary from year to year, but the celebration will always be there. That’s how optimistic I am. Hopefully, this quality will rub-off to the skeptics. He-he!
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It’s also nice to note that a lot of people still make it a point not to miss the solemn foot procession and even the very early fluvial procession. These and the holy masses, including the other religious activities related to them, make up the spiritual side of the celebration.
As early as past noon time last Saturday, the procession route had been very alive with people lining up on the sidewalks, expectant of the prospect of seeing the venerated icon of Sr. Sto. Niño at close range and being able to shout to Him thanksgivings and petitions that have been kept in the deep recesses of their being.
With this show of fervent devotion, the celebration will surely withstand the test of time. Onward to Fiesta Señor and Sinulog 2004 and even beyond!
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Not a few praised the organizers of the Miss Cebu 2003 for coming up with the noble idea of featuring the different festivals around the province in line with the pageant’s theme which is Cebu: The Fiesta Island.
The opening number featured four festivals, aside from the main attraction (the Sinulog), namely: Palawod of Bantayan, Mantawi of Mandaue City, Kabkaban of Carcar and Sadsad of Oslob. The introductory spiels of the candidates likewise mentioned eight other festivals not included in the production number.
Needless to say, the segment surely did provide the necessary promotional blitz for these festivals. Those who had not had the opportunity to watch these festivals in actual had a glimpse of the pomp and pageantry that they bring.
Over and above the feeling of pride, officials and residents of the places of origin of those festivals should, by now, have to face the challenge of improving and giving more support to their respective fests.
As a result of the impact that the production number created, many local tourists are looking forward to visit these places and witness for themselves the color of the festivals.
This year’s pageant was one of the better, if not, the best staging of the beauty and intelligence competition. Compared to the past outings, this one was a little bit longer but who cares?
The audience surely didn’t mind or did not even notice the time that elapsed because the whole proceedings was enjoyable. TV host Boy Abunda’s participation added a showbiz touch and showed that the candidates were not just pretty faces and shapely bodies but brainy as well.
Allow me to congratulate the people behind the Cebu City Tourism Commission and to the pageant committee. Your really did a splendid job! More power to you all and best wishes!
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Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Dawnie Roa proudly announced during a presscon held at the City Sports Club Cebu, that it has a long-range tie up with Islands Souvenirs for the agency’s promotional activities.
Islands Souvenirs and SM City - Cebu joined hands with DOT in the Sinulog festivities which resulted in various treats inside the mall and in other parts of the city.
Aside from Sinulog, Islands Souvenirs also supports other festivals throughout the country like Dinagyang in Iloilo, Penagbenga in Baguio. Come October, the firm will also play a major role in the Travel Mart for Central Visayas which will be held in Intramuros.
Don’t be surprised then if Islands Souvenirs will become a byword in all festivals around the country, that is, if it still isn’t.
(January 21, 2003 issue)
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