tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39925484938886056002024-02-18T20:26:36.205-08:00Sinulog Festival in Cebu citySomething about the upcoming Sinulog Festival. The Sinulog Festival is held in Cebu city. The Sinulog festival attracts people from all walks of life with its vibrant colors and dazzling array of dancing performances. The Sinulog Festival, an event that must not be missed.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-17333138230315075252012-11-17T03:36:00.001-08:002012-11-17T03:37:43.640-08:00Getting Ready For Viva! Pit Señor This January 2013Road repairs start this Saturday along 1.9 kilometers of Ouano Avenue at the Mandaue Reclamation Area and is expected to cause traffic through the holiday season.
One lane will be closed at a time for asphalting to minimize disruption along the stretch which starts after the Cebu Port Authority until the intersection of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
Ouano avenue is a vital road connecting Cebu city to Mandaue city, and is a favored route going to the Mactan airport.
Venray Construction, the private contractor, said they would work 24/7 to finish earlier than scheduled by January before the Sinulog festival as requested by public works officials.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh0K69iDuIb2JUWdhCIjWBlrVOu5-FGU4qmdRq_hsJav94QaRnAsBBB-DFmNRv1LjdbgmJ4k2YKenqa1c52Rv5H0mH6TztE55ZhxcONR49we7RpZ9RwlOxZlpmwWJqDwBT9XRpnzR0uY/s1600/Cebu-Sinulog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnh0K69iDuIb2JUWdhCIjWBlrVOu5-FGU4qmdRq_hsJav94QaRnAsBBB-DFmNRv1LjdbgmJ4k2YKenqa1c52Rv5H0mH6TztE55ZhxcONR49we7RpZ9RwlOxZlpmwWJqDwBT9XRpnzR0uY/s320/Cebu-Sinulog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Engineer Jose Renee Niole said he was confident of meeting the Sinulog deadline since this was was an asphalting job that doesn’t require a curing period.
It would take only one to three hours after an asphalt overlay is applied for the road to be passable, he said.
Niole asked for understanding and patience from the public for the temporary inconvenience.
The project has a 270-day contract period that ends on July 13, 2013.
Rachel Lumapas, project engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 said traffic would be manageable since both sides of the road have four lanes.
Repair work will involve both sides of the 29-meter-wide avenue.
Work will start in front of the CPA until 13 meters after the intersection of the CICC.
The contractor would work on the inner lanes first, followed by the second lanes, third and the outer lanes last.
Lumapas said he would ask for more Mandaue City traffic enforcers in the area especially during the the Nov. 30 thanksgiving Mass of Saint Pedro Calungsod at the South Road Properties when thousands of pilgrims and visitors are expected to come to Cebu City./Correspondent Fe Marie Dumaboc
-inquirer.netKujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-2775896606023238752010-01-15T03:53:00.000-08:002010-01-15T03:53:02.224-08:00Festival queen crowned tonightAt least 11 beauties will be vying for tonight’s Sinulog Festival Queen title, touted as the grandest in the pageant’s six-year history.<br />
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A lass from Negros Occidental, 17-year-old Kim Villacampo, was adjudged Best in Runway during a preliminary runway modeling contest where the 11 early registrants strut the runway in their official getups.<br />
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However, the fashion show has no bearing on the main event tonight, said Junjet Primor, one of the pageant’s organizers.<br />
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Villacampo, dressed in a bright red gown patterned after a cabbage rose with gold highlights, butterfly adornments and a headdress of artificial flowers, easily outshone her rivals.<br />
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The gown, however, was made of inexpensive materials, she said.<br />
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“Dili mahibaw-an nga plastic ra diay ni sa sud-an (You can’t tell that it’s just the kind of plastic bags that you put food in),” said Villacampo, pointing to the petticoat under her gown.<br />
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She represented San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, whose contingent is one of four out-of-town groups whose lead dancers signed up for the Sinulog Festival Queen competition. The main contest will be held tonight, 7:30 p.m., at the Cebu City Sports Center.<br />
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For the 30th Sinulog anniversary, the contest will be on a grander scale to seek out a modern-day Hara Amihan.<br />
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A total of 15 contestants are expected to sign up. Last year, there were 23.<br />
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The Sinulog Festival Queen pageant tonight will have three parts.<br />
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First, each contestant will walk on stage after introducing herself. Then she performs a dance along with a limited number of members from her Sinulog contingents. Finally, the lead dancer has to dress up in her official contingent gown and dance alone, carrying the image of the Sto. Niño.<br />
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Each contestant will be judged based on her total appearance (50 percent), group dance performance (30 percent), and her solo performance (20 percent).<br />
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The Sinulog Festival Queen pageant aims to pay homage to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu’s 16th century ruler Rajah Humabon.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-64971049414192774412010-01-15T03:52:00.001-08:002010-01-15T03:52:34.801-08:00Filipino-American bishop to visit for festivalST. BENEDICT — The popular Filipino devotion honoring Santo Niño — the holy child Jesus — is coming to Mount Angel Seminary. <br />
Filipino seminarians are extending an invitation to all Catholics to join the festivities on Saturday, Jan. 16. <br />
Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Solis of Los Angeles will be the principal presider at an 11 a.m. Mass. He is the first Filipino American ordained to the episcopacy in the United States. <br />
Festivities will include a blessing of Santo Niño statues and a Sinulog festival. Sinulog, a dance ritual, commemorates the origin of the Cebuano people and their acceptance of Christianity. Traditionally, it’s a street parade filled with bright-colored costumes and loud beats of drums and native gongs. This year’s Sinulog festival will be hosted by Sinulog Portland under the direction of Rudy del Rosario. <br />
To culminate the festivities there will be a reception with Filipino food, traditional Filipino dances and entertainment. <br />
On Sunday, Jan. 17, Filipino seminarians will accompany Bishop Solis as he visits St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. Later in the day, he will visit the National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, better known as the Grotto, and pray at the Dambana, the first Filipino shrine in the Archdiocese of Portland. <br />
The evening will conclude with solemn vespers at the Grotto with the seminarians and Filipino lay leaders from throughout the archdiocese.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-68509537788125645952010-01-13T22:50:00.000-08:002010-01-13T22:50:00.432-08:00Thousands join start of 9-day novena mass for Sto. Niño<div class="label"><br />
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</div></div><a href="http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/sto.nino__0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Two priests get themselves busy blessing a sea of Sto. Niño images during the first Novena Mass at the Basilica Minore del Sto.Niño in Cebu City at dawn Thursday. The Mass kicked off the Sinulog 2010 celebrations. (Photo by CHERYL BALDICANTOS)" border="0" class="img" src="http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/sto.nino__0.jpg" title="Two priests get themselves busy blessing a sea of Sto. Niño images during the first Novena Mass at the Basilica Minore del Sto.Niño in Cebu City at dawn Thursday. The Mass kicked off the Sinulog 2010 celebrations. (Photo by CHERYL BALDICANTOS)" width="265px" /></a>CEBU CITY – Thousands of religious devotees joined the early dawn procession on Thursday from the Fuente Osmeña Oval to the Basilica del Sto. Niño de Cebu, carrying images and statues of the Child Jesus in different forms and sizes, ushering the start of the traditional nine-day novena for the Feast of the Sto. Niño de Cebu.<br />
Dubbed the “Walk With Jesus Procession,” the religious march gathered devotees from Cebu and beyond who traveled to the city to attend the procession.<br />
“I have been doing this for the past 10 years. The Sto. Niño has been giving me and my family good health so I will be participating in the procession for as long as my body will allow,” said 68-year-old Crisanta Coronado, who traveled from Moalboal town, south of Cebu, to attend the procession.<br />
Crisanta joined a huge throng of devotees, mostly with their families, including children in tow, in the procession that ended with the first novena mass at the Basilica.<br />
The nine-day novena will culminate on the third Sunday of the month, January 17, which is the actual Feast of the Sto. Niño de Cebu.<br />
Meanwhile, Cebu's tourism industry is expected to shine bright at the start of 2010 as the mad rush for hotel bookings in Cebu City began. All available accommodations in the city, leading up to the annual biggest event of the year in Cebu, the Sinulog Festival whose 30th anniversary is being celebrated this year, are expected to be fully booked.<br />
Initiated in 1980, the Sinulog Festival manifests the devotion of the Cebuanos to its Patron Saint, Señor Sto. Niño through dance movements depicting the island province’s religious history including how its people were converted to Roman Catholicism.<br />
In the past, Sinulog Mardi Gras participants were scant, but over the years, the numbers have grown as more and more people from outside Cebu come to take part in the Sinulog parade.<br />
The Sinulog Mardi Gras has evolved from a simple event to being a major tourism crowd drawer currently.<br />
The festival has also become a particularly popular religious event among Sto. Niño devotees, some of whom come to Cebu from as far as Mindanao and Luzon to pay their respects to the Child Jesus, or the Sto. Niño. Also, the Sinulog festivities have become a major motive for balikbayans to come home and celebrate with their loved ones.<br />
This coming Friday, the 2010 Sinulog Festival will kick off at 2:00 p.m. with a Sinulog retrospective photo exhibit to be put up simultaneously at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center and at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. This will be followed by a solemn mass at 3:00 p.m. at the Basilica del Sto. Niño.<br />
At 7:00 p.m., a parade will be conducted from the Basilica del Sto. Niño to the Cebu City Sports Center followed by the opening and launching program at Fuente Osmeña at 7:30 p.m.<br />
Succeeding days will have activities that include the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, cultural shows, concerts and street party bands at Fuente Osmeña, Ms. Cebu 2010 pageant, Cebu Pop Festival, Walk With Mary, Misa de Translacion motorcade, Sinulog Festival Queen 2010 Competition and Balik Cebu Welcome Party for BalikbayansKujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-53620518083185166032010-01-12T22:46:00.000-08:002010-01-12T22:46:00.101-08:00Sinulog festival to open IN KABANKALANThe opening of the week-long 34th Sinulog 2010 celebration in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental will be held 5 p.m. today at the city public plaza, a Kabankalan City press release said.<br />
It will be highlighted by a concelebrated Novena mass at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, blessing of the images of Sto. Niño during the Holy Mass, and procession of these images with five tribes and the KCC Sad-Sad dancers.<br />
There will also be a presentation of the candidates for the Search for Hara Sang Negros by Rey Cordero, chairman, committee on the search for Hara sang Negros, followed by a ceremonial face daubing with soot by the chairman of Kabankalan Sinulog Foundation Inc., the press release said.<br />
The festival will be declared open by Mayor Pedro Zayco.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-8431039297800986182010-01-11T05:11:00.000-08:002010-01-11T05:11:00.130-08:00Lanao Norte gears up for Sinulog 2010Iligan City (5 January) -- In a bid to finally capture the elusive championship in the biggest cultural stage of the Philippines-Cebu's Sinulog Festival, the provincial government of Lanao del Norte is again sending its own contingent in the much anticipated cultural competition.<br />
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"This is the fulfillment to our promise to last year's winning group in the Municipal Festival contest during our Golden Araw Anniversary. And with their spectacular win, we are sending this year the Kapatagan National High School to the Sinulog to be our contingent," explained Governor Khalid Dimaporo.<br />
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This is the second time that the provincial government is sending an official contingent in the Free Interpretation category where Lanao del Norte placed 4th over-all in a category that saw 25 groups compete.<br />
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Last year, Lanao del Norte was also able to grab the coveted title of Best in Costume despite being a first-timer in the festival.<br />
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"We are very thankful for the all-out support of Governor Dimaporo. We are inspired to reach for the top prize this time and bring home the trophy here in Lanao del Norte," said Tourism Officer Minda Regis.<br />
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This year, the province's Sinulog contingent is composed of 95 dancers, 50 propsmen, 30 instrumentalists and 24 support group personnel. Lanao del Norte will also be sending 2 candidates in the prestigious Sinulog Queen Pageant, namely Emilyn Opada of Maranding, Lala and Lota Correos of Tubod.<br />
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"This is another chance for us to showcase to the whole world that Lanao del Norte is indeed a beautiful and peaceful province where people live in unity and harmony with one another," said Information Officer Lyndon Calica.<br />
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The Lanao Norte group will depart for Cebu on January 12 for early rehearsals, while the actual Sinulog competitions will be on January 17.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-44381810227383992082010-01-10T05:10:00.000-08:002010-01-10T05:10:00.705-08:00Four National Team Boxers Featured in “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” undercard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://philboxing.com/news/pix/gregorio.aldeguer.100105.300w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://philboxing.com/news/pix/gregorio.aldeguer.100105.300w.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span></span>Four members of the Philippine amateur boxing training pool will be showcased in the upcoming big boxing event dubbed as “Bakbakan Sa Sinulog!” this January 14 at the Waterfront Hotel.<br />
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The fight card is headlined by Milan “Melinyo” Melindo who will challenge WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight Champion Anthony Villareal of the USA and AJ Banal who will face Mexican veteran “Cecilio “Boga” Santos.<br />
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The amateur fights will feature Adonis Cabalquinto vs. Jimmy Vallares and women’s team members Karina Jane Recaido vs Iris Magno. Karina Jane is the daughter of 1996 Olympian Elias Recaido.<br />
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This is part of SMART Communications continuing support of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) training program. Pato Gregorio, Head of SMART Sports Marketing and Special Projects highlighted the accomplishments of our national team in recent tournaments like the Asian Indoor Games and Laos SEA Games. His company has been instrumental in providing financial support during training and cash incentives to the gold medal winners.<br />
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The pool now has forty male and fifteen female amateur boxers. They are tapping the support of professional stables like the ALA Gym of Cebu to find more promising amateur talent to continue our quest for the country’s first Olympic gold. A 15 million peso incentive awaits the first Filipino to win an Olympic boxing gold medal.<br />
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The Bakbakan fight card will also feature rising ALA Gym stars James Bacon and Larry “Bonjovi” Canillas. Bacon (13-1-0,8 KO’s) will fight Thittichon Singwancha (12-3, 2KO ’s) and KO artist Canillas (11-1-0 with 10 KO’s) will face Pet Twin Gym (8-3-1, 6 KO’s).<br />
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This is a joint venture between giant communication SMART Sports and TV5 with ALA Promotions to launch its entry to the sports of professional boxing.<br />
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Top photo: ALA Gym President Michael Aldeguer (R) stresses a point as Smart's Patrick Gregorio listens as the duo discuss the upcoming Jan. 14 Sinulog boxing event with the Cebu media at the A Taste of Mandarin Restaurant in Cebu City. Photo by Dong Secuya.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-66774893539622544312010-01-09T01:55:00.000-08:002010-01-09T01:55:00.605-08:00Cebu tourism up as Sinulog Festival celebrates 30th yearCebu City (5 January) -- Cebu's tourism industry shines bright with the new year as hotel bookings are full leading to the annual biggest event of the year in Cebu, the Sinulog Festival, which celebrates its 30th year.<br />
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Initiated in 1980, the Sinulog Festival showed the devotion of the Cebuanos to its Patron Saint Señor Sto. Niño through dance steps that depicted the religious history of the island province and how its people were converted from pagans to Catholics.<br />
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Contingents of the Sinulog Mardi Gras then were just a few but over the years, the number of contingents grew as out-of-town participants joined the Sinulog parade.<br />
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The Sinulog Mardi Gras has evolved from a simple activity to a major tourism crowd drawer while the festival has become a popular religious event especially among the devotees to the Sto. Niño. Some devotees who come to Cebu in January hail as far as Mindanao and Luzon to pay their respects to the little Child Jesus, Sto. Niño while balikbayans make it a habit to come home to celebrate Sinulog with their loved ones.<br />
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On Friday, the 2010 Sinulog Festival will kick off starting at 2:00 p.m. with a Sinulog photo exhibit through the years at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center and at the Mactan Cebu International Airport followed by a solemn mass at 3:00 p.m. at the Basilica del Sto. Niño.<br />
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At 7:00 p.m., a launching parade will be conducted from the Basilica del Sto. Niño to the Cebu City Sports Center followed by the opening and launching program at Fuente Osmeña at 7:30 p.m.<br />
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Succeeding days will witness activities that include the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, cultural shows, concert and street party bands at Fuente Osmeña, Ms. Cebu 2010, Cebu Pop Festival, Walk With Mary, Misa de Translacion motorcade, Sinulog Festival Queen 2010 Competition and Balik Cebu Welcome Party for Balikbayans.<br />
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The widely attended religious activities on the other hand are the fluvial procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño at the Mactan Channel, the re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon at the Basilica and the solemn procession on the 16th.<br />
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On January 17, the Sinulog 2010 Grand Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. and is expected to last until 7:00 p.m. with a grand fireworks at the Cebu City Sports Center while awarding ceremonies of the winners will be done the next day.<br />
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Police are also busy preparing for security measures in anticipation of the bulk of people that will flock and join the merriment during the mardi gras.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-65400432151107565052010-01-08T01:52:00.000-08:002010-01-08T01:52:00.236-08:00Sinulog launching a ‘must-see’ eventAll systems go for the launching of the Sinulog festivities this Friday.<br />
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Ricky Ballesteros, Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director, described the launching on Jan. 8 as a “must-see event.”<br />
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Since it will be the festival’s 30th anniversary, the theme for Sinulog 2010 will be “Cebu, Then and Now,” wherein the celebration will revolve around the history of Cebu, from prehistoric times to modern Cebu. The participants will be in Filipiñana attires.<br />
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But Cebuanos should look forward to the first “Sinulog Idol,” a singing competition open to 12 contestants, aged 5 to 25 years old and residents of Cebu.<br />
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A possible highlight was the rumored participation of Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos.<br />
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Radio station dyAB reported yesterday that Santos may join the contingent from barangay Basak-Pardo.<br />
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Basak-Pardo barangay captain Dave Tumulak said he would have to ask permission from the SFI about this.<br />
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Ballesteros, however, said anyone could join the grand parade as long as they were dancing with a contingent.<br />
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He added the foundation would not invite politicians to the festivities, but would not prevent them from joining in the celebrations.<br />
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Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he might invite his brother, Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III who is running for senator as an independent candidate.<br />
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He also said that if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo attends, she should be treated well.<br />
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The preparations for this year’s Sinulog festivities would not be hampered even if the city government had yet to get an exemption from the Commission on Audit circular that prohibits local government units and government agencies from providing financial assistance to people’s organizations and non-government organizations that have, as any of its incorporators, organizers, directors or officials, an agent or official of the government or anyone related to such a government employee by consanguinity or affinity to the fourth civil degree.<br />
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Vice Mayor Michael Rama is chairman of the SFI as well as presiding officer of the City Council that appropriated the funds for the SFI. Former vice mayor Renato Osmeña is SFI vice chairman whose son is Councilor Richard Osmeña.<br />
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But Rama remains optimistic that the COA would grant another exemption to the city government.<br />
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“Sinulog will proceed as planned. Señor Sto. Niño will solve the problem,” he added.<br />
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The COA circular was issued in late 2008, which would have posed a problem for Sinulog 2009.<br />
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But City Hall asked COA to exempt the city government from the COA circular especially that the preparations for the Sinulog 2009 were already underway. The COA granted the exemption for that year but made it clear that as a rule, it does not grant exemptions.<br />
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But with Rama still at the head of the foundation this year, the city is prevented from donating the P12.5 million that it has allocated for the festivities.<br />
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But Rama said he was confident that the COA would issue another exemption this year.<br />
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Rama said he would fly to Manila this week to talk to COA officials.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-79252408117137732872010-01-07T01:51:00.000-08:002010-01-07T01:51:00.829-08:002010- the year of living green againWhat is it about the onset of the New Year that makes one feels so upbeat about life and the future? Is it the festive air teeming with laughter, dance and gaiety? Sharing moments with dear ones in turning another meaningful page in our life story contributes in no small measure to the pervading vibrant mood.<br />
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Decades back, in the glorious era of “hand-me-downs”, New Year meant that time of the year when something brand new was in store for each member of the family - a dress, pair of shoes, socks and toys. A hand-me-down story it is that hand-me-downs make siblings closer. It did work – for most of us, at least.<br />
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We actually did not have much of a choice but to accept the contention – hook, line and sinker. Maybe it was a rationalization concocted to sustain the prudent and green practices of our parents. But, the seeds of proper resource management took deep roots in our psyche. For some families, including ours, with our Mama Coring as the original “Recycling Queen”, the tradition of re-use and recycling is still being carried out and is indeed something to be proud of, amid the pervasiveness of the “use and toss” mindset of this generation.<br />
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We look back to the marvelously green period where wastes such as the perilous plastic bags and styropors were still not invented and carbon footprints, climate change, global warming and sustainable development were unknown concepts.<br />
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Then, our veggies like malungay and fruits such as banana, guavas, atis, santol and star apple or caimito were not commodities that could be bought in the market, as they are now, but were happily plucked from the backyard. We were responsible for our “wastes”, without inflicting harm on our planet. Biodegradables went back to the soil. Recyclables such as bayong and banig were common reusable household items. There were no carbon-emitting garbage trucks to collect society’s junk. There was no need for electric fan or air-conditioner unit. The temperature then was cooler, and chilly in December.<br />
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Yes, we did live green as a way of life. We did not damage the then-lush-and-now-dwindling-and–threatened resources as much as we now do, each second, each minute, and each day of our existence.<br />
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Can we bring back the hands of time to that golden era of sustainability? There is undoubtedly no reason why we cannot. But, with carbon dioxide now present in the atmosphere beyond 350 parts per million, there is not much time left. The time for action is now.<br />
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Despite the odds, this writer’s fearless forecast is this: 2010 is going to be the year of living green again. Civil society stakeholders are now taking unprecedented leadership in protecting God’s creations and are more responsible stewards of this ailing planet.<br />
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Climate Justice Resource Speaker Larry Lohman aptly pointed out in November that our political leaders are not climate leaders. The climate crisis shows that political decisions made are harmful to our life-support system. There is no culture of science in arriving at decisions and worse, there is a policy of exclusion for our subsistence fisherfolk, farmers and indigenous peoples who are already feeling the consequences of climate change.<br />
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The good news is - 2010 unfolded with a welcome green bang. Pope Benedict exhorted his flock to protect the planet and respect divergence. The Catholic Church hierarchy in Cebu now commits to nurture God’s creations. Parishes are expected to be visible in the environmental programs of each community, in collaboration with the local government units (LGUs). This development is a tremendous boost for LGUs and the constituents to craft, implement and monitor environmental projects and adapt to the climate crisis in a participatory and transparent manner.<br />
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This year, a Green Sinulog is in the offing with a Mass for Mother Earth on January 11, 7 in the evening at the Sto. Niño Church. Environmental groups led by Knights-Stewards of the Sea (Sea Knights) leader, Fr. Tito Soquino of the Order of St. Augustine and the Fisheries for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) US-AID Program officers, had their hands full days before the holidays planning for a high-impact Green Sinulog.<br />
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2010 being an election year, candidates for elective national and local offices will be asked to present their environmental agenda. On January 12, a forum on Eco-Governance will be held at the University of San Carlos, at its main campus. Those who confirmed to be present are presidential candidate Nicky Perlas (hopefully, COMELEC will already decide on his motion for reconsideration), senatorial aspirants Alex Lacson (author of Twelve Little Things Filipinos Can do for the Country) and Sonia Roco, a scuba diving enthusiast and women advocacy campaigner and local Cebu City SP member candidate, Ms. Nida Cabrera, the much-admired proponent of participatory brand of political leadership.<br />
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The youth from the University of the Philippines led by Kristian Abad, in partnership with the Visayas Climate Action Network, will soon work with a barangay in Cebu City to help the constituents work out their waste management program.<br />
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The eco-crusaders are also set to carry their advocacy to new grounds. An innovation is a monthly draw to choose recipient barangays whose officials will be asked to account for their compliance of our environmental laws (or lack of). This project jives well with the plan of the church to be more involved in programs that are in harmony with nature.<br />
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We must now realize that if there is to be hope in changing our wasteful and destructive lifestyle and practices, we have to show the way. The leaders are us – the people from the grass roots who must now move our political leaders into a sustainable frame of mind.<br />
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Cheers to another year of golden opportunity to do right – for our planet, our children and the generations yet unborn. Let us start living green again. Mabuhay!Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-15311054866362872932010-01-06T01:50:00.000-08:002010-01-06T01:50:00.389-08:00‘Sinulog, polls to boost Cebu economy’Cebu will continue to have a robust economy and a better business climate this year, said a business leader in Mandaue City.<br />
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Eric Ng Mendoza, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), named two factors for his 2010 forecast – tourism, Sinulog and the elections.<br />
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Mendoza said that Cebu is a peculiar place being it is in the center of the Visayas. Everything in tourism comes to Cebu before going to other provinces in the region.<br />
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Mendoza said the peace and order situation in Cebu and the facilities like the international airport, a choice of five-star to two-star hotel accommodations are also a big plus factor for Cebu's tourism industry.<br />
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These are among the factors that made Cebu the No. 1 tourist destination in the country last year with 1.24 million tourist arrivals.<br />
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Mendoza said he expected more tourist arrivals to Cebu this year especially for the Sinulog after organizers promised a grand celebration to mark the festival's 30th anniversary.<br />
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After the Sinulog, the elections will come next in May.<br />
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Mendoza said the number of candidates running for different positions would be good for the advertising industry, the different media outlets, printing businesses, t-shirt manufacturers and other related businesse especially during the campaign season.<br />
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Other businesses that would benefit from the elections include restaurant and function rooms for the meetings of the different political groups.<br />
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After the elections, businesses will prepare for the 3rd and 4th quarter of the year for the Christmas season.<br />
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He said that in July, orders for Christmas-related products start production for delivery in September and October.<br />
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Mendoza also said investors and businessmen were not worried about who would win in the elections because they were assured of business-friendly candidates running for the different posts in government.<br />
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-Cebu Daily NewsKujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-75985729663360413842010-01-05T01:49:00.001-08:002010-01-05T01:49:57.509-08:00Sinulog sa Sugbo 2010 at the Heart of Crown RegencyCEBU, Philippines - The entire island of Cebu goes in frenzy every January to celebrate Sinulog. This is the main reason why Cebu is now known to the world as the “Fiesta Island.” Still others refer to Cebu as the “Island of Festivals,” because almost all of the 48 municipalities have already come up with a mini-festival of their own largely based from the Sinulog. Check this out with the Sinulog Foundation and you will see a complete line-up of each festival which is intrinsically named after a municipality’s unique feature — be it a means of livelihood, a rare bird or fish species, a rare tree genus, a local food concoction or a well-upheld culture and tradition.<br />
<br />
The Sinulog is actually a dance routine of two-steps forward and one-step backward that is performed usually by an old lady who, with a candle in hand and waved up high while saying “Pit Senyor” invokes a little prayer for good health, good intentions and good luck for whoever approaches her to do a “sinug.” This sacred ritual was previously done within the confines of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was in 1981 that Sinulog sa Sugbo started in the streets and participated largely by schools and universities in Cebu to showcase the grand fiesta celebration of Senyor Santo Niño, then considered as Cebu’s Patron Saint and Protector, coupled with the people’s unwavering belief in the miracles of the Little Boy. That was only the start. Year after year, contingents grew in numbers. The city decided to widen its route and literally lengthened it, too.<br />
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Fortunate it is, indeed, for Crown Regency Hotel & Towers to be located along the Sinulog Parade route. Being the tallest edifice that faces the major thoroughfare called Osmeña Boulevard, any local resident, unit owner, club member or foreign guest who stays at Crown Regency for the duration of the Sinulog celebration gets the best view of the entire proceedings from the first hour down to its end. Not only that, one gets to enjoy the sumptuous Whole Day Dining promo at Glo Café for P999 per person. At Sparkz International Restaurant, dinner buffet cover of P1000 per person gives additional perks like a choice of an Edge Coaster ride or the Skywalk Extreme or watch one movie feature at the 4-D Theater.<br />
<br />
Moreover, one gets to enjoy our in-house entertainment like the Video Karaoke Room, the Family Recreation Lounge, Vivo Playroom for the kids and the Sky Observatory. When your eyes droop from all the watching, take a catnap at the Snooze Lounge and be refreshed and re-energized! If you think the heat becomes intolerable, there’s a swimming pool at the 9th floor or the Aqua Fitness Pool at the 17th floor. There’s Prana Medispa’s body massage, foot massage or foot spa that will ease your body aches and tired muscles.<br />
<br />
Book a room at once. Do it now! Talk to any of our very friendly sales executives. Call 418-8888.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-70587061247947813222009-12-29T18:24:00.000-08:002009-12-29T18:24:00.188-08:00Sinulog 2010 gipasalig nga bongga ug alegreCEBU, Philippines - Gipasigarbo ni Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña nga mas bongga ang grand finale sa umaabot nga Sinulog 2010 karong sunod buwan tungod kay kini gastuhan og P2.5 milyones alang ra sa presentasyon nga salmutan sa 500 ka mga performers.<br />
<br />
Lakip sa ginganlan ni Osmeña nga imbitahon sa grand finale mao sila si Pilita Corales, Dulce ug ubang local performers nga nisikat sa laing kanasuran.<br />
<br />
Giimbitar usab ang singer nga si Dandin Ranillo nga igsuon ni Mat Ranillo III ug uyuoan sa kontrobersyal nga artistang si Krista Ranillo. Si Dandin mao ang Sugbuanong niawit sa sikat nga ‘Cebu Cebu’ ingon man sa Sinulog theme song nga gamiton matag Sinulog festival.<br />
<br />
Gawas sa P2.5 milyones mohatag usab og laing P10 milyones ang city government alang sa premyo sa festival.<br />
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Gibutyag sa executive director sa Sinulog nga si Ricky Ballesteros nga moabot sa P25 milyones ang gastuhon pagpahigayon sa Sinulog 2010 ug P11 milyones niini alang sa premyo ug sa uban pang mga special awards.<br />
<br />
Sa kasamtangan, duna nay pipila ka mga out-of-town contingents nga mikompirmar nga musalmot sa ika-30 na nga Sinulog Festival sunod buwan.<br />
<br />
Miingon si Ballesteros nga pipila niini mao ang Santa Catalina sa Negros Oriental, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Placer sa Masbate, Tangub City ug Siargao sa Surigao ug daghan pa ang interesadong musalmot lakip na ang mga first timers. Kini sama sa Davao City, Zamboanga City ingon man ang Larena sa lalawigan sa Siquijor ug ang pagbalik og salmot sa contingents sama sa Camiguin nga mipahuway og tulo ka tuig. (BANATNEWS)Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-47496040485228804362009-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:002009-12-28T20:23:00.375-08:00Council cites Sinulog group as tourism arm for festivalWITH less than a month away, the Cebu City government cited the Sinulog Foundation Inc. as its principal tourism arm, reaffirming its lead role in organizing programs for the annual event.<br />
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The recognition was spelled out in a resolution approved by the City Council in its session yesterday.<br />
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The Sinulog foundation Inc. is an accredited non-government organization (NGO) of Cebu City.<br />
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The foundation is tasked to handle the Sinulog activities, specifically the grand parade.<br />
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Sinulog is a cultural activity that has been institutionalized since 1980 and is one of the most celebrated events in Cebu City as well as in Asia.<br />
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The resolution also authorized the foundation to take charge in decorating principal streets and parks in Cebu City with streamers, banners and street arches in preparation for the Sinulog 2010 festival.<br />
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Another approved resolution authorized the foundation to organize a Sinulog Street Fair from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31 along Osmeña boulevard in front of Cebu City's Sport Center.<br />
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The council said the street fair will add color to the event and provide income for stall owners displaying various Philippine made products from across the country.<br />
<br />
Revenues from stalls will also augment the Sinulog foundation's income.<br />
<br />
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier said he expected a bigger turnout for next year’s Sinulog. Correspondent Fe Marie D. DumabocKujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-39789910744122211222009-12-28T18:22:00.000-08:002009-12-28T18:22:00.686-08:00No politicos allowed during SinulogOrganizers of the Sinulog celebration next year are making it a point not to involve politicians in the celebration.<br />
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Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., said many politicians have already expressed interest in participating in the festivities in one form or another, especially to put up streamers along the parade route.<br />
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“We don’t want Sinulog to become a venue for politics, especially since election is coming. We will focus on the festival,” Ballesteros told Cebu Daily News.<br />
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Also, the foundation would not solicit donations from politicians to help fund the event, although voluntary donations would still be accepted and acknowledged, Ballesteros said.<br />
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“They are still welcome to watch the Sinulog, but no speeches,” he added.<br />
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In respect to their participation in the Sinulog celebrations in the past years, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City first lady Margot Osmeña would be allowed to participate in the festivities, although organizers would not openly invite them.<br />
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Garcia is seeking reelection in the 2010 elections, while Margot is running for a seat in the City Council.<br />
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Garcia has traditionally led one of the contingents from Cebu Province.<br />
<br />
Osmeña usually performs in the celebration’s grand finale.<br />
<br />
“That’s already the tradition because she is the first lady. She has been dancing for 20 years, and she is the most appropriate personality to portray the role of Queen Juana, being the first lady of Cebu,” Ballesteros said.<br />
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Even President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may not get a personal invitation to witness the celebration.<br />
<br />
“We usually invite the President, but maybe this time, we won’t send her an invitation,” said the foundation executive director.<br />
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Ballesteros said Sinulog 2010 would be “different” from past celebrations, since it would be the festival’s 30th anniversary, having been institutionalized in 1980.<br />
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Sinulog 2010 will have the theme “Cebu Then and Now,” revolving around the beginnings of the Sinulog celebration in particular and Cebu in general through prehistoric times, the Spanish occupation, the American occupation, and modern Cebu.<br />
<br />
In connection with the theme, Sinulog 2010 would recognize the personalities who started the Sinulog, as well as the first schools to participate in the festivities.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-76669270173263530982009-12-27T18:21:00.000-08:002009-12-27T18:21:00.206-08:00A walk for the Niño<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmchH0sHIjdnc-NsqskOKuzbQkFXzqlfEXODpe7KR7BOP2sacK-1m9x-jla7uQN0MT_l23uEKt406g5ZD8QwH9qgJ5EtUbPS79GTeSFu4To505mAzwOXJ47sdQomRDbTh4SeGwcjh7gis/s1600-h/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmchH0sHIjdnc-NsqskOKuzbQkFXzqlfEXODpe7KR7BOP2sacK-1m9x-jla7uQN0MT_l23uEKt406g5ZD8QwH9qgJ5EtUbPS79GTeSFu4To505mAzwOXJ47sdQomRDbTh4SeGwcjh7gis/s1600/5.jpg" /></a>Sinulog is a nine-day fiesta celebration in honor of Sto. Nino. The celebration entails two major activities: the religious procession on a Saturday and the grand street parade the following day.<br />
<br />
Organized by the Augustinian order, the solemn procession in Honor of the Child Jesus is basically the same manner as of the other religious processions in the Catholic Church. It begins in the church and ends in the church.<br />
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Millions of pilgrims and devotees of Sto. Nino flock the streets going to the Basilica bringing with them candles and<br />
rosaries as they respond to the holy rosary which is spoken in different languages.<br />
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Parishioners from different parishes, business sectors, colleges and universities, government officials, archdiocesan organizations and all sectors in the Cebuano community, including group of friends,<br />
families and relatives join together in honoring the patron saint.<br />
<br />
The solemn procession route may vary every year to cater to other barangays who were not visited by the Child Jesus the other year and also depending on the estimated number of devotees participating the event.<br />
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After the procession a high mass is going to be celebrated.<br />
<br />
Immediately after the mass, performing the Sinulog dance is recommended for those who have petitions. Many people believe that their hopes in life are answered by dancing the Sinulog after the solemn procession. A dancer must have his or her own candle for dancing. Dancing with complete strangers, armed with candles in hand and hearts filled with pure love our beloved Sto. Niño, will surely not only please one’s self – but the dear Child Jesus as well.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-63624634497208034542009-12-27T18:20:00.000-08:002009-12-27T18:20:00.284-08:00New CV tourism chief takes over next monthThe incoming regional director of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) takes over next month, ready to share her knowledge and skills in developing sustainable and responsible tourism communities.<br />
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Maria Rica Bueno told CEBU DAILY NEWS on Friday that she would continue the programs of outgoing DOT-7 Regional Director Patria Aurora “Dawnie” Roa.<br />
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Bueno heads Team Asia Pacific, which handles the tourism planning and promotions of the DOT.<br />
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Bueno will take over the post on Jan. 9, 2010 in time for Cebu's biggest tourism event of the year, the Sinulog Festival.<br />
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A 22-year veteran of the department, Bueno started as a junior operations assistant in September 1987 and since then has handled various positions.<br />
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With her expertise in destination and development planning, Bueno said she was confident she could further encourage tourism development in the region.<br />
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Outgoing DOT-7 Regional Director Roa, who has been in the tourism department for more than three decades, said last Tuesday in the weekly 888 news forum that she was confident in leaving her post to Bueno.<br />
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Roa will retire on Jan. 9, 2010 after a three-month extension . Her service was extended due to ongoing preparations for the Sinulog.<br />
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Roa’s name has been floated as a possible replacement for tourism undersecretary Phineas Alburo, who retired a few weeks ago.<br />
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However, Roa said she was planning to enjoy her retirement and was not entertaining any offers of a government post.<br />
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Bueno said she was “very eager to continue the work already initiated by Director Roa as well as excited to embark in this new role as regional director.”<br />
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According to Bueno, the region, especially Cebu, has good tourism potential especially as a venue for exhibits, meetings and conventions for both foreign and local organizations due to its white sand beaches.<br />
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Bueno also sees great potential in Cebu's diving sector.<br />
<br />
“I see more tourists coming here soon once we can develop further the diving spots in the island. I know that many tourists already know of Cebu's diving spots but I'm sure we can improve more in marketing.”<br />
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Although she is not from the region, having been born in Cotabato City, Bueno said she was raised in Iloilo City and became familiar with Central Visayas through frequent visits as part of the work in the planning and development division.<br />
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Bueno said she would still be going around the region to get more acquainted with the different tourism players.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-72481553350098657442009-12-26T18:20:00.000-08:002009-12-26T18:20:00.276-08:00Famous Cebu talents to highlight Sinulog 2010CEBU, Philippines - Local talents who made their names known internationally will be invited to perform for the grand finale of Sinulog 2010, this according to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.<br />
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These local talents include singers Pilita Corales and Dulce, among others, who will render songs with the accompaniment of the Philharmonic Orchestra.<br />
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Osmeña will lead the Sinulog festivities next month after he failed to attend the festival last year after being diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer.<br />
<br />
He was in the US during the Sinulog celebration for chemotherapy sessions. He eventually underwent a successful operation months later.<br />
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Osmeña said that the city will spend P2.5 million for the grand finale alone and another P10 million for the prizes of the grand parade.<br />
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“All-Cebuano kuno ilang kuhaon for the grand finale, I said ‘that’s fine’, the city will spend for the production,” Osmeña said.<br />
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It was learned that the city government only donated P10 million for the Sinulog festivities last year including the grand finale.<br />
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Sinulog executive director Ricky Ballesteros revealed that around 500 performers will entertain the crowd during the grand finale of Sinulog 2010.<br />
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Ballesteros said that singer Dandin Ranillo, the brother of Matt Ranillo III and the uncle of Krista Ranillo was also invited to perform.<br />
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Dandin is the one who sang the theme song of the Sinulog festival entitled Sinulog isyagit og kusog.<br />
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Meanwhile, Ballesteros said a number of out-of-town contingents have already confirmed their participation in the Sinulog 2010 grand parade.<br />
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These are Santa Catalina of Negros Oriental, San Carlos City of Negros Occidental, Placer of Masbate and Masbate City, Tangub City and Camiguin, among others.<br />
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The Sinulog executive director said that there are also first-timers who confirmed to participate in the coming Sinulog festival, these are Larena in Siquijor, Zamboanga City and Davao City.<br />
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Ballesteros is expecting a more colorful and dramatic presentation<br />
from different contingents in next month’s Sinulog festival.<br />
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“Kay we encourage the choreographers to innovate, make some research of their concepts and improve their musicality and production,” Ballesteros said.<br />
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Ballesteros disclosed that the launching of the Sinulog 2010 activities is scheduled on January 8, a day before the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan will be held.<br />
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On January 10, the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan will take place.<br />
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The 20 winning contingents of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and Lalawigan will automatically be included in the Sinulog 2010 grand parade on January 17.<br />
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Ballesteros said that major prizes at stake for the festival will be P500,000 for the champion, P300,000 for the first runner-up and P200,000 for second runner-up, both for the Sinulog-based and free interpretation category. – Elly Bolonos/BRP (FREEMAN NEWS)Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-47727679799943944492009-12-25T18:19:00.000-08:002009-12-25T18:19:00.053-08:00Sinulog Trade Fair: Cebu’s BestIn celebration of the Sinulog fiesta, several programs and activities are lined up by the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation. Apart from the main spectacle which is the Sinulog grand parade, various trade fairs and product displays are organized to add vitality and vibrance to the festivity.<br />
<br />
One of these highlights is the Sinulog Tourism and SME Trade Fair 2006 in Plaza Independencia. It aims to further promote the unique products created by Filipinos. Since Cebu is the import and export hub of the country, It will be participated in by micro, small, and medium enterprises from different sectors such as accessories; gifts, toys. and house wares (GTH); home furnishings; food. The Sinulog SME Trade Fair will showcase Cebu’s best quality and reasonably-priced products. It will also be featuring the finest products of the different municipalities all over Cebu Province such as the bisayang manok of Dumanjug; tasty torta of Argao; danggit of Bantayan; the shoes, lechon, and chicharon of Carcar; rosquillos of Liloan; and a lot more.<br />
<br />
In coming out with trade fairs such as these, Cebu will not only be known as world-class tourist destination but also a haven of uniquely designed and top of the line products. Tourist, balikbayans, and other regional visitors will witness and be amazed with all the globally competitive products that are both superior in quality and marketability.<br />
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As of today, Cebu has been exporting goods internationally such as furniture, garments and coconut oil. Cebu has also topped the fashion industry with internationally acclaimed designers and interior designers who have created beautiful home improvement equipments. Bathroom equipments such as shower head, outdoor shower for the pool and shower cubicles are one of the notable creations. Walk in shower, bathroom counter top and bath shower faucets are also notable bathroom equipments. Sofa, living room chairs and office equipments are some of the most exported furniture. Truly, even the goods alone are enough reason for tourist and travelers to visit Cebu.<br />
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Plaza Independencia has been identified to be ideal venue for SME Trade Fair because of it’s accessibility, space capacity, and availability of amenities. It could also help out in dispersing or decongesting the visitors and spectators of the Sinulog celebration who are usually seen in Osmeña Boulevard or at the Fuente Osmeña circle. The Sinulog’s fiesta atmosphere is aptly maintained not only in the uptown areas but also in downtown areas as well.Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-2490327777791994012009-12-24T18:15:00.001-08:002009-12-24T18:15:00.496-08:00Gwen not invited, but not barred from SinulogCEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia can still dance in the upcoming Sinulog grand parade if she wants, according to Sinulog executive director Ricky Ballesteros.<br />
<br />
While no formal invitation<br />
letter was sent to the governor, Ballesteros made it clear that they will not bar any participants from the province from participating in the festival if they will include Gwen in their contingent.<br />
<br />
In the Sinulog grand parade last January, Garcia joined the Tostado Festival dancers from Santander, Cebu who participated as a guest contingent.<br />
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“Mao man go’y rule namo ‘ron nga dili mag-invite ug mga politicians, dili man lang si Gwen maoy wala namo imbitaha,” Ballesteros said.<br />
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The Sinulog executive director added that aside from not sending invitation, they also refrained from giving a solicitation letter to the provincial government.<br />
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For this year, Capitol donated P2 million for the annual festival and was considered as one of the sponsors of the festivities.<br />
<br />
Ballesteros, however, said that if the provincial government will donate again for the next year’s Sinulog, they will definitely accept the donation.<br />
<br />
He clarified though that tourist spots in the province will be included in the See Cebu in the Carousel Route even if the province will no longer be one of their sponsors.<br />
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The Sinulog executive director clearly stated that Mayor Tomas Osmeña has no involvement in coming up with their decisions.<br />
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Osmeña earlier threatened to ban the governor from joining the Sinulog festivities upon learning that Jonah John Rodriguez sat in the VIP area of Cebu City Sports Center.<br />
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Rodriguez was convicted in 2006 for sending threatening text messages to the mayor’s wife Margot.<br />
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During the Sinulog festival last January the mayor was in the United States for chemotherapy sessions for his urinary bladder cancer.<br />
<br />
The mayor thought that Rodriguez was part of the governor’s party but it was clarified later that he was not part of Gwen’s group.<br />
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The mayor though did not withdraw his threat to the governor but he clarified that if Gwen will participate in Sinulog 2010, she has to follow the system.<br />
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“Kung ganahan sila, they have to apply, mao na ang sistema, kay sa last Sinulog, sa ilang stance, mura ug ila na ang Sinulog, equal billing sa siyudad, dili oy,” Osmeña said.<br />
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Osmeña will lead the Sinulog festivities next month after he failed to attend the said celebration last January. — Elly Bolonos/BRP (THE FREEMAN)Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-1476329631853894232009-12-23T18:15:00.001-08:002009-12-23T18:27:40.710-08:00Sinulog 2010 Route<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDda4AHaFgWl8jv6JwGYS8bNuvPBZNnB77_9ls5INzRo54prcLzf5mKHe475fawQlgVHramcBHp9wIlvA20g7jW1iDKPPpPBHXMz8C9NEB8H1u6O0U6_mKsq5IkB2sKY2HtHP_J7Yy8Bt/s1600-h/route_sinulog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDda4AHaFgWl8jv6JwGYS8bNuvPBZNnB77_9ls5INzRo54prcLzf5mKHe475fawQlgVHramcBHp9wIlvA20g7jW1iDKPPpPBHXMz8C9NEB8H1u6O0U6_mKsq5IkB2sKY2HtHP_J7Yy8Bt/s320/route_sinulog.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Just imagine – you wake up to a bright but breezy Sunday and gear up for the once-in-a-year experience of a Sinulog Festival. You step onto the streets and realize… you don’t know where you’re going. Exaggerated as this may seem, you sure do not want to face this dilemma on the big day. So take some time to familiarize this route. Whether you want to take pictures, observe the dance movements, get heart-thumpingly near to the drum-and-bugle choir or simply enjoy the atmosphere, your effort to take a look at this map will be well worth it. You can even print it so you don’t forget. Best of all, remember to share this map with friends and strangers. You don’t want to be stranded in the wrong place during Sinulog, so better be there when the throng shouts, “Pit Senyor!”Kujihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14644881929507700220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992548493888605600.post-27840409043564070312009-12-23T18:11:00.000-08:002009-12-23T18:11:51.668-08:00Sinulog’s Beauty<div class="entry"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGYIN7XbaGXkmatJ5G5MI5RSPB22C29EY0LrlrGBgkcfl58qorrSu3N6pB_IVyM5MIKZduINWbD0hTA-LEraW_Hl0OIDdgyf27Fti5tPsbi0TdVlpdu5wbFmbLxorGKtNxZwLf9-kOKeQ/s1600-h/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGYIN7XbaGXkmatJ5G5MI5RSPB22C29EY0LrlrGBgkcfl58qorrSu3N6pB_IVyM5MIKZduINWbD0hTA-LEraW_Hl0OIDdgyf27Fti5tPsbi0TdVlpdu5wbFmbLxorGKtNxZwLf9-kOKeQ/s1600/3.jpg" /></a>She’s a provenance of perpetual blaze. Beauty and body proportions are her great assets for it can affect 35% to the whole criteria, followed by her skills. Through her confidence, she becomes the apple-of-the-eye of every photographer and watchers alike. Indeed, her qualified physical attributes have found their way to everyone’s hearts. Hers is the charm of an elegant maiden. Hers is the resemblance of a natural queen; the Festival Queen. <br />
The Sinulog Foundation, with the theme One beat, One dance, One vision, has launched the Festival Queen. From all the dance maidens aging 16-24, search for the Sinulog’s best lead dancer has begun. A Festival Queen is the lead dancer of every participating contingent during this Sinulog 2006 and, yes, she has to be single. Her ability to move with grace and rhythm in accordance with the dance is the factor in winning her title. Furthermore, she will encourage her members to execute to their fullest level of performance.<br />
She will catch the attention and interest of everyone on their own street dancing demonstration. She will bind together the extracts of creativity to the extent of up bringing the real identity of such traditional dance. Despite of the attachments to these great responsibilities, a Festival Queen has the privilege to bear in her hands the image of the Christ Child. She has become the resemblance of Queen Juana receiving the image of Sto. Niño. The latter can be traced back to the year 1521 wherein together with Rajah Humabon, Hara Amihan or Queen Juana received the image of the Sto. Niño from Magellan as a baptismal gift among the first Filipinos to be Christianized. <br />
The venue for the Festival Queen 2006 will be at the Cebu City Sports Complex on January 14, 2006 at 7:30 in the evening. Each candidate is required to wear the same costume to that she would be wearing during the Grand Parade. Aside from executing her own 2-minute dance interpretation, she has to give her 30-seconder self-introduction considering her municipality or school on which she represents. <br />
Bear in mind, that the Festival Queen is not, by any chance, an advocate of a beauty pageant. This is merely a tribute to the many lead dancers who made 25 years of successful Sinulog Festival. So if you happen to hear a shout of Viva! Pit Señor! in any of the busy streets during such festival, remember, it is led by the queen herself. After all, hers is still the resemblance of a natural queen; the Festival Queen, that is.<br />
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