Thursday, May 15, 2008 Utzurrum: Suroy-suroy, kaon-kaon and more By Chinggay Utzurrum: The scene
TONIGHT, May 15, Enrique Ruiz De Lera, the Tourism Counselor of the Embassy of Spain and Director of the Spain Tourism Board for Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and India, will treat the media to an enchanting journey and presentation on Spain, called, Spain On Your Palate, at the ballroom of Marriott Hotel. Office attire for everyone. As they say: “Smile, you are in Spain, where you discover hidden corners, where life goes on day and night.”
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May we suggest that before we leave for sunny Spain, let’s start exploring our very own tropical island of Cebu first!
Through the innovative, exciting and educational Suroy-Suroy Sugbu, a travel program initiated by our very own beloved Gov. Gwen Garcia, we got excited and educated and more, when we joined the Northern Cebu Escapade 2008. It comprised of 15 municipalities and two cities in three days! Whew, hectic you say, but there was no way, otherwise.
Here’s the countdown: Consolacion, Compostela, Danao City, Carmen, Sogod, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio,
Santa Fe, Madridejos, Bantayan, Bogo City, Tabogon, Borbon, Catmon, and Liloan.
What makes Suroy-Suroy unique is that every town and city went all-out in preparations through fiesta food, cultural presentations and even mini trade fairs showcasing the town’s products! Of course, the secret ingredient was the presence of Gov. Gwen, who absolutely charmed her way into the hearts of town officials and townsfolk. Why, even school kids lined the streets waving leaflets as our bus approached. Was it a school holiday we ask?
The group (we were in two huge tourists buses) spent two overnight stays at San Remigio Beach Resort, which is owned by the enterprising Tony Enoc; and at Yooneek Beach Resort, managed by the accommodating Yagui couple—he of foreign descent, and he even speaks Spanish!
The super-energetic governor manifested a hidden talent: dancing the kuratsa with the Tabogon mayor participating in the cultural shows in Bantayan; and drinkling tuba and eating “exotic” seafoods in Madridejos! But always ending her sojourns in every town with the signature song, Mabuhi Ka Sugbuanon! Mabuhi Gyud!
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The next Suroy-Suroy will be Discover Enchanting Camotes on May 24 to 25.
For this, we shall be crossing to the next island. Isn’t this exciting! Call your favorite travel agent, members of Cebu Association of Tour Operators or National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, or call the Office of the Governor at the Provincial Capitol Bldg. at 253-5642, or cell phone at 0917-546-4544 and ask for Titta.