Thursday, April 10, 2008
Suroy kicks off with Sarok demo in Consolacion, ends in Medellin
SAROK, musical talent, an old church, sinamay, beach, bayanihan and fireworks.
These things are only some of those showcased on the first day of the second Suroy Suroy Sugbo for 2008—the Northern Escapade. This is also the 13th since the activity’s inception in 2004.
Last Tuesday, more than a hundred tourists, local and foreign, joined Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in the activity, which brings tourists to the towns and make them experience truly Cebuano entertainment, food and sites.
The first stop was at Consolacion where participants were welcomed with a sarok, a popular hat locally made in the town using bamboo strips and banana leaves.
Compostela Mayor Ritchie Wagas then welcomed the participants in his town by singing the town’s song.
In Danao, tourists walked through the antique Sto. Tomas de Villanueva church, which is famous for its 19th and early 20th century bells.
The city also showcased its colorful Karansa Festival and exhibited belongings of the city’s father, Ramon Durano Sr. as well as other antique items.
In Carmen, the tourists had lunch in front of the blue waters of the municipality.
Usherettes were dressed in gowns accented with sinamay, which Carmen is widely known for. Sinamay is a type of woven abaca mostly used in furniture, gifts, decors and fashion accessories.
The participants were later treated to a snack at the five-star Alegre Beach Resort in the town of Sogod.
The town got its name from the local word “sinugdanan,” which indicates the start of the white sand beaches in the North.
Garcia was also given a miniature bahay kubo (nipa hut) by the town officials, as a token for the governor’s venture in promoting their town.
The bahay kubo also played an important part in the next stop, Daanbantayan.
This time, it was a big bahay kubo where Garcia, Liloan Mayor Vincent Duke Frasco and Provincial Board Member Wenceslao Gakit and philanthropist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, were transported to the receiving area of the tourists. The bahay kubo was carried by locals, including Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, an indication of bayanihan, a past Filipino tradition.
The first day was capped with a 15-minute fireworks display in Medellin.
Duke Ford, a European who now lives in Medellin, offered a testimony during the dinner at the town square.
“Medellin is truly clean and green. What makes it more pleasant? It his home to a lovely church, glorious park and a beautiful municipal hall,” said Ford.
The tourists were brought to San Remigio and Bantayan Island, which has three municipalities—Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe, yesterday. (JGA)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (April 10, 2008 issue)
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