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Monday, September 05, 2005
Costanilla: Simply spectacular
By Sam Costanilla
Spotlight
INTRAMUROS. As of this writing, I’m still in the historic Intramuros in Manila, the so-called Walled City. Last Friday afternoon, I just had to emcee the first part of the opening of the Garbo sa Central Visayas, another major undertaking of the Department of Tourism. The Intramuros ruins provided a perfect backdrop to the cultural presentations of the festival dancers coming from the four provinces of Central Visayas: namely, Cebu, Bohol, Oriental Negros and Siquijor. It was a well-attended event despite the biting rays of the afternoon sun. Tourism secretary Ace Durano led the dignitaries from Manila and Central Visayas in gracing the colorful and spectacular opening ceremonies of Garbo sa Central Visayas. Junjet Primor and Victor Cuenco, two of Cebu’s top choreographers, joined hands in directing it.
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FESTIVALS. I’m sure that like me, the rest of the Cebuanos in attendance were so proud to have witnessed the different festivals of Cebu and presented them to the rest of Central Visayas. The festival showdown was truly fantastic. Dumanjug’s Sinanggiyaw, San Francisco’s Soli-soli, Mandaue city’s Mantawi, Lapulapu city’s Kadaugan sa Maktan, Bantayan island’s Palawod and Compostela’s Sinulog were spellbinding and magnificent, truly incomparable and delightful. The grand finale featured all of them plus Tanjay city’s Saulog and Siquijor’s Solili in a display of regional unity and teamwork. A spectacular fireworks display capped the opening ceremonies.
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EVENTS. At any rate, the rest of the week will be devoted to other colorful events. For instance, on Wednesday, it will be Bohol’s turn to showcase its cultural activities. From Thursday to Saturday, Siquijor will take centerstage. On Sunday, Oriental Negros will display its attractions up to Tuesday next week. On Wednesday, Sept. 14, Garbo sa Central Visayas will be formally closed. Putting together all these activities is no easy job for the Department of Tourism. If only for its tremendous success from the planning stage up to the actual staging of the events, Garbo sa Central Visayas should be hailed as another feather in the cap of the Department of Tourism. All the men and women behind it should also be congratulated for mounting such a wonderful undertaking. Special mention goes to Tourism Regional Director Dawnie Roa and her energetic staff. All their efforts paid off.
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CONCERT. The Cebu Clergy Performing Artists (Frs. Jun Gutierrez, Kipling Agravante, Rudy Ibale and Zachary Zacarias) will have another series of concerts for their legions of fans all over Cebu. Here’s their concert schedules: Sept. 9 (San Nicolas parish), Sept. 17 (Samboan), Sept. 23 (Toledo city), Oct. 3 (SM Trade Hall), Oct. 11 (SPFY covered court, Archbishop’s Palace) and Oct. 28 (Paknaan, Mandaue city). No, the four priests are not contemplating on leaving the priestly mission in favor of entertainment. They are, first and foremost, servants of the Church but singing is part of their evangelization task.
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BOOKINGS. Ultimate Born Diva Raki Vega will soon be making a major announcement regarding her recording career as well as her upcoming solo album. In the meantime, on a personal note, please let me announce now that those who’d like to book her for concerts in Cebu may call or text this writer anytime. Raki has designated yours truly as her booking manager for her non-Manila engagements.
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JUBILANT. This former television show host is jubilant. She has finally resigned from a film academy whose boss verbally abused her on several occasions.
(For reactions, E-mail: samcost@yahoo.com or text 0915-4992844).
(September 5, 2005 issue)
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