Friday, July 18, 2008 Serna: Festival of festivals By Roger Serna Sounds and images
NEW entertainment hubs have sprouted in many parts of the metropolis especially in the outer parts of Cebu City. At the Asiatown IT Park area, not just one or two but quite a lot have opened recently.
And knowing Cebu’s propensity to satisfy curiosity as to what these joints have to offer, more often than not, the parking spaces surrounding the area are filled. No matter if it’s fair weather or otherwise.
Over at the Mabolo area, a new project is fast shaping up. Named after the English equivalent of genus Diosyros, which includes the Philippine mabolo, the Persimmon will feature hottest nightspots right down the street, a panoramic view of the city side by side with the ocean and mountain views.
Places of work, recreation and entertainment will just be a few minutes away from places of abode. Aboitizland calls it urban village lifestyle. Hmm, sounds exciting.
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Come Aug. 9, the nearby area and immediate surroundings of the Cebu Int’l. Convention Center will practically rock with the life and rhythm of festival jingles as various festivals from all over the province of Cebu converge at the site for the second outing of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals.
The event is one of the highlights of the 439th Founding Anniversary celebration of Cebu Province. So far, 33 festivals have signed up for the showdown in street dancing and rituals as well as in the selection of the prettiest and most graceful festival queen.
The enthusiasm of the 33 participating local government units is understandable. Very handsome prizes being dangled for the best performers are at stake. The grand prize winner alone will receive a cool million pesos plus other incentives.
Quite tempting, if you ask me.
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Upcoming songwriters, including those who have just given composing songs a thought, should bear in mind that by the word “originality” applies not only to the lyrics but also to the melody. It is one of the standards for the selection of finalists and eventually winners of a songwriting contest.
It’s so sad to think that a participant goes through the tedious process of creating a song only to end up being disqualified after being found out that the entry’s melody is not original after all.
Plain naivete or a malicious act? I can’t really tell. One thing is sure though. It’s a rare opportunity that’s put to waste.
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Not too long ago, some members of the Cebu media were treated to “something new and something different” over at the Banilad area in the vicinity of the Dona Rita Village, Sto. Nino Village and the University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus.
The treat was a varied menu of mouthwatering items made of fish and chips that the proprietors of the place believe will hook clients. Johnny’s Fish and Chips is a welcome development especially for food lovers who are always on the lookout for something that pleases the palate and fills the tummy but not necessarily increases the waistline.
That experience can be described only as dining delight, no less.
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Movie buffs and stargazers are currently talking about the unexpected twist in the careers of multi-awarded dramatic actress Meryll Streep and action superstar (former James Bond, no less) Pierce Brosnan. The two stars recently surprised moviegoers in the movie Mamma Mia with their singing.
Some male friends likewise surprised me with the revelation that they are eagerly looking forward to the opening date of a movie that is inspired by a very popular song in the 80s that somehow made it to their list of favorites.
The movie is the debut team-up of John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo, A Very Special Love, megged under the joint efforts of Star Cinema and Viva Films and is slated to open in movie houses nationwide on July 30.
Are you surprised, too? Life is full of surprises or so they say.
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Before this gets any staler, let me convey this now. Allow me to congratulate Atty. Pachico A. Seares, this paper’s ed-in-chief, on his selection as the 2008 U.P. Gawad Plaridel Awardee by the University of the Philippines System.
