CEBU Province is bringing back the colorful “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbu” to further enhance Cebu as the festival and heritage hub of the country. Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia started this project, and it was carried over by the next administration. Now it’s back as how it gloriously started. The City of Cebu has recently reorganized the Cebu City Tourism Commission, whose focus is to continue the religious and cultural depth of the Sinulog, honoring the Sto. Niño. The religious procession will still be the heart of the festivity. Cebu City Vice Mayor Mike Rama appointed a formidable team to handle this event.

Meanwhile, there are varied events for festivals and beauty queens. It is a bit difficult to discern the varying thrusts of “Queen of Cebu,” or is it “Queen Philippines,” “Miss Cebu,” “Binibining Cebu,” “Mrs. Cebu - Philippines,” “Miss Cebu Tourism”—name it, you have it! The same happens to national pageants where winners compete in many international titles.

There is no question on the relevance of beauty pageants as long as they focus on the best of our heritage and culture. They, too, showcase the craftsmanship of our local couturiers and our indigenous materials. They are tourism attractions as well. Festivals honor tradition and religion.

Cebu continues to reap laurels in international music festivals. The Mandaue Youth and Children Chorus, founded and mentored by Dennis Sugarol, paved the way. I predict that the Sisters of Mary Boystown Choir will bring home the bacon.

SP Communication Kit. Most students dislike composition. In earlier times, students did informal and formal compositions where errors were corrected by teachers. Writing was a basic requirement. Students write as they think. English teachers must reinforce written compositions and stress content, mechanics and unity or coherence. Use interesting topics. Forget holiday topics. Let them write their opinions on current fiction or movie themes, or current role models or super heroes, songs and games. Add some photos or video clips, if possible. Writing could be interesting if teachers are as equally amazing.