Monday, April 07, 2008 Costanilla: Cool cultural doings By Sam Costanilla spotlight
TOMORROW, Tuesday, is the start of the three-day, two-night Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, the provincial government’s local tourism program that other provinces want to copy. There’s nothing wrong with copying this project. It’s an original concept by Gov. Gwen Garcia whose passion for local tourism development is beyond question. In fact, if there are more provinces that have this type of program, the country’s tourism industry is sure to boost further. The April 8-10 Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, billed as “Northern Escapade,” covers all the towns and cities found in northern Cebu, which means from Consolacion up to Bantayan.
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I AM AWARE that the towns and cities involved in this project are already preparing to showcase their best in terms of historical sites, heritage spots, cultural presentations, native delicacies and cuisine, their warm hospitality, and other features and amenities that local and foreign tourists would surely enjoy. Our previous Suroy-Suroy events treated domestic and foreign visitors to a truly delightful experience. The one that starts tomorrow is even more exciting. I am sure that the mayors and their Suroy-Suroy coordinators are cooking up something that tourists have not yet experienced and enjoyed in past tours.
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BY THE WAY, I hope a monsignor who earlier criticized Suroy-Suroy Sugbo can find time to join the tour starting tomorrow. His criticism against the tour was irresponsible, unfair and baseless because, in the first place, he has yet to see and feel the benefits that this local tourism program brings to the towns and cities. He can ask Fr. Dan de los Angeles about the benefit of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo. The young priest has always been joining this tour. Anyway, today is the last day to buy Suroy-Suroy Sugbo tickets. For details, call 2536070 or 2531970.
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AS an observer, may I suggest that starting next year, during the annual Takas sa Talisay, Kagawasan sa Sugbo (Landing in Talisay, Freedom of Cebu), there should be some individuals playing Japanese soldiers battling against American liberation forces. Past reenactments of the historic event only showed men playing US liberation forces, but not even a single Japanese soldier returning fire could be seen. The yearly reenactment of the March 26, 1945 battle would be more realistic if protagonists from both warring sides, particularly Japanese troops in authentic military getup, are portrayed in action.
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THREE more towns are coming up with their respective festivals. I’m glad that the mayors and the populace are so enthusiastic now. Sogod, Liloan and San Fernando are coming up with Sinugdanan, Rosquillos and Sikuy-Sikuy festivals, respectively, with the aim of tapping the schools and barangays as street dancing and showdown participants. These colorful festivals are major tourist attractions for the localities concerned.
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THIS VETERAN broadcaster (he used to manage a radio station here) is now doing well in the US as a fast food outlet employee. He is earning substantially, so coming home is not an option as of now.
