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Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Editorial: Going to the next level
Former tourism secretary Richard Gordon raised a good point in his closing spiel during last Sunday’s Sinulog grand parade. As the celebration enters its 25th year, it is good to raise it to a higher level.
But first off, don’t be fooled by that talk about Cebu becoming Asia’s “mardi gras capital.” Even Gordon, who is running for senator, was careful enough not to put off older festivities like the Ati-atihan, which will surely stake a claim to that, too.
Anyway, Cebu can still become a “mardi gras” capital without the label. But Sinulog organizers must also bring to the next level its way of doing things.
Consider crowd control. Organizers need to have more sophisticated means of controlling the crowd than the primitive one that needs thousands of volunteers. Maybe organizers can study the crowd control setup in more advanced countries like the US.
There’s no doubt about the dancing ability of most of the Sinulog participants, so the direction is to develop some more the creativity of choreographers. More workshops like the one done recently should be in place.
And surely, Sinulog cannot go to the next level if organizers can’t tone down the commercialization (stress should be on people, not companies and on ordinary Cebuanos, not only the moneyed) and eliminate politicking (or what’s the Sinulog Foundation for?).
Politics and Sinulog
Early on, the Sinulog 2004 executive committee, through Vice Mayor Michael Rama, made much noise about barring politicking during the Sinulog activity. But it turned out to be just that—noise.
Some candidates were there, led by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her runningmate, Sen. Noli de Castro, plus some of those in their senatorial ticket. So, too, some opposition bets. While they did not mount the stage, their presence spoke volumes.
Finally, there was Lakas senatorial candidate Richard Gordon taking the stage even if he is no longer tourism secretary. With Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña urging Gordon on, Rama’s and the Sinulog executive committee’s noise became but a whimper.
CHEERS. . .
…to majority of Cebuanos, whose innate religiosity and hospitality made the religious activities at the Basilica del Sto. Nino and the Sinulog grand parade a success—this despite the usual hitches.
boo. . .
…To some Sinulog grand parade participants, who committed acts inconsistent with the religious basis of the cultural undertaking, like acting indecently. And of course, to the politicians.
(January 20, 2004 issue)
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