Thursday, December 14, 2006 Spouses tour to become a fiesta
WITH the Asean summit scheduled at start of the Sinulog 2007 celebration, the concept for the tour of the spouses of heads of state was changed to a fiesta celebration.
The original plan was to show how Cebuanos observe Christmas.
The Laag-laag sa Sugbo will now be on how Cebu celebrates the feast of Sto. Niño.
Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricky Ballesteros said that the national organizing committee (NOC), in a meeting last Monday, assured that the Asean will not in any way disrupt the Sinulog festivities.
He said the NOC, the guests, including the international media, will be given flyers of the activities of the 10-day celebration, which culminates with the Sinulog grand parade on Jan. 21.
Ballesteros said he was initially concerned because the Laag-laag will pass Osmeña Blvd., which will be used for the Sinulog launching on Jan. 12.
The launching will feature a mini-parade showcasing some contingents dancing their way towards the Cebu City Sports Center, outside of which is the trade fair along Osmeña Blvd.
But he was told the Laag-laag will be in the morning while the launching will be in the afternoon.
Because the tour’s theme is fiesta celebration, placing of buntings, arches and banderitas along the road is encouraged.
Additional attractions are the nightly activities in a stage at the Fuente Osmeña oval, and the carnival in an open space beside the Development Bank of Philippines building.
The trade fair, which starts today, will serve as added attraction for the spouses to see.
It consists of numerous stalls lined along Osmeña Blvd. showcasing items ranging from batik products to leather belts and fashion accessories.
Ballesteros said vendors are required to wear their traditional Filipino costumes and maintain the cleanliness of the area.
Ballesteros also said the NOC allows corporate sponsors to put up streamers presenting their products.
While the Cebu City Government promised to take care of the Grand Parade prizes, which totaled P8 million, around 12 million for other expenses are from corporate sponsors. (RHM)
