SUCCESSFUL. The Sinulog festival ritual and showdown inside the Cebu City Sports Center last Jan. 15 was a success, thanks to the Holy Child for the fine weather.

The last contingent performed before 6 p.m., making the showdown a fair game for all groups. There was no play of lights that could have added color, splendor and beauty to those contingents performing beyond 6 p.m.

WINNERS. I should felicitate the top three winners in this year’s Sinulog Idol singing competition because the seven-night event was not an easy challenge. Aian Vincent Uba, a call center agent, won the top prize of P50,000 while former band vocalist Maryjane Adolfo went home P30,000 richer and fresh college graduate Mitsuko Cabillada received P20,000.

CONCERTS. I commend the producers of two upcoming concerts here for featuring at least two local performers as front act singers to international artists. Stephanie and Anna Fegi-Brown are performing during the Patti Austin concert on Feb. 3 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

They will be joined by Karla Estrada and Arthur Manuntag, both from Manila. Stephanie and Anna will also be the front act stars during David Pomeranz’s concert on Feb. 17 at the same venue.

FOOD. There’s a new restaurant in Mandaue City: Third Degree Charred Bar & Grill on Ouano St. To me, it has the best panga, pinakbet, crispy pata, adobong kangkong and other delectable food. Congratulations, Richard and Mylene Lim and their children, for joining the local food industry.

TODAY. Today, the Marie Ernestine School (MES) North Campus will have its painting contest and ope-ning of the painting exhibit of architect Fred Galan. I laud MES for collaborating with Galan, one of Cebu’s well-respected artists. The event is part of the school’s observance of Buwan sa Sugboanon.