Friday, August 03, 2007 DOT exec raises need for more cultural shows for Cebu tourists
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 is encouraging tourism stakeholders in Cebu to venture into Broadway-like entertainment with projected arrival of more foreign travelers to the province.
“There is a need to develop good cultural entertainment,” said Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo, adding that this is an area in Cebu’s tourism nightlife that needs to be improved.
Alburo was referring to DOT-supported cultural entertainment like the Dance on Fire at the Casino Filipino Cebu Teatro in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, as well as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Filipiniana Night.
Dance on Fire, a dinner and dance show held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, is performed by the Dancesport Team Cebu International Inc. The show depicts the dance history of Cebu.
Sugbu, the first segment, tells the tale of pre-Spanish and Spanish roots. This is followed by the American era segment that features rock and roll, boogie and twist numbers. Capping the show is a showcase of different dance influences from the ‘60s to the present.
Project executive director Lyndon Angan said the Las Vegas-inspired presentation “offers a high standard of entertainment, a cut above the resort folk dance routine or ‘cultural shows’.”
‘Filipiniana’
He said the show has drawn the attention of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans and locals who have become avid dancesport followers.
Filipiniana, on the other hand, is a Filipino-themed cultural show presented every Tuesday at Marco Polo’s Garden Terrace.
Costumes and choreography are by Ritchie Mendoza.
Filipiniana presents the Philippines’ history and culture. It showcases dances like tinikling.
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu general manager Hans Hauri said Filipiniana “is the perfect opportunity” for tourists and balikbayans who want to discover and experience Filipino culture and cuisine, as guests are treated to Filipino food like lechon, adobo, palabok, among others, while watching the show.
“The thrust of tourism industry players is to teach tourists to become like the locals,” Alburo told Sun.Star Cebu in a phone interview.
He noted that apart from cultural shows, foreign visitors to Cebu have found other means to entertain themselves at night.
Asians guests, for example, like going to karaoke bars and getting massage and spa services, while most Americans and Europeans go to restobars, watch band concerts or cultural shows in hotels.
Alburo observed that a huge number foreign and local tourists frequenting local “hang-out” places like those at Mango Square Mall, Crossroads, Banilad Town Center and Paseo that offer a variety of entertainment activities.
“Cebu has an active nightlife” he said, as most establishments close shop as late as 3:30 a.m.
With tourist arrivals to Cebu showing a 24-percent jump from January to May this year, Alburo said the Department of Tourism will coordinate with local tour operators to include night-tour packages. (MMM)
