Wednesday, September 05, 2007 A park for ‘everyday man’ By Jigs Arquiza
WITH the construction of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), Cebu finally has a convention center worthy of the name. Finished barely in time for the Asean Summit, the center provided a venue for heads of state to address issues regarding their respective countries as well as issues concerning South East Asia. While the primary purpose of the complex is to have a suitable place for important functions, a secondary function appeared out of nowhere, perhaps unplanned by its originators.
It is not just the political bigwigs, leaders of other countries, important people and moneyed families who get to experience the CICC nowadays. People from all walks of life have found the CICC to be the perfect place to assemble at—though the CICC has been the center of many a controversy, this fact has long been disregarded by the families, the children, the teenagers, and everyone else who frequent the small park at the front of the compound. With the number of people hanging out at the park, it’s pretty obvious controversy is furthest on their minds as they enjoy just being there.
The CICC is definitely a grand place, fit for stately functions where kings can hold court, but for the common people, it is something else. For some, the park in front is a place to stroll in, a welcome change from the overly crowded malls and department stores. For others, especially those on a tight budget, it’s a place where they can hang out and have fun without having to spend a lot of money. For the young ones deprived of a decent playground, it’s a place where they can play their lively games. For those in love (and, again, on a tight budget), it’s a somewhat romantic setting where they can hold hands under the stars.
Despite some party poopers saying that doing this demeans the purpose of the CICC, that turning it into a playground desecrates the magnificence of the edifice, people still flock to the CICC in droves. It may be the impressive façade of the building that draws them to the area, or it may be the cool air coming in from the seaside. It may even be the much talked about lampposts lining the compound and boulevard, or the bust, or lack thereof, of Mayor Pedong.
Whatever their reasons are for visiting the park, one thing remains true. The center was built so people would have a meeting place. And by gathering at the park, Cebuanos definitely are putting the Convention Center to good use.
