WIN 1 of 5 Smart LTE Pocket Wi-Fi devices by joining our Sinulog 2015 social media photo contest.
Get a chance to win one of five Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi devices by downloading the Sinulog Guide app to your Android, iOS, and Windows phone devices and tagging your Sinulog 2015-related photos with #smartsinulog.
WIN 1 of 5 Smart LTE Pocket Wi-Fi devices by joining our Sinulog 2015 social media photo contest.
InnoPub Media, in coordination with wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc., is holding an online photo contest covering Sinulog 2015-related activities.
The contest will run from January 17 to January 19. To join, all you need to do is post your Sinulog photos in your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts and tag them with #smartsinulog and notify us of your entry by leaving a link to your photo as a comment in the MyCebu.ph FB page.
The three best Sinulog 2015 photos (including the most liked), best Sinulog 2015 Selfie, and best Media/Blogger Entry will each win a Smart LTE pocket wifi device. Aside from #smartsinulog, photos by media and bloggers must carry either the #cebumedia or #cebublogger tag.
Smart and InnoPub will be selecting 15 finalists and posting their photos on the MyCebu FB page on January 20. Read the full mechanics of the Smart-InnoPub Social Media Photo Contest in the Sinulog Guide app.
One of the best things about the Fiesta Señor is the opening early in January of the Sinulog Trade Fair where you get to buy Cebuano specialty products without needing to travel far.
This year, the Sinulog Trade Fair in SM City Cebu features popular local products like ukulele and guitars; accessories and home furnishings made from seashell or wood; chicharon, torta, tableya, rosquillos, and other Cebuano delicacies; and even Pope Francis shirts.
Small enterprises from Tupi in South Cotabato, Zamboanga City, and Laguna are also selling their products at the fair.
Sto. Niño de Cebu icons of various sizes and designs are on sale in one of the stalls in the Sinulog Trade Fair in SM City Cebu. (Photo by Max Limpag)
In the rows of stalls, you’ll see guitars and ukulele from Lapu-Lapu City, accessories like bangles, charm bracelets, earrings, necklaces, handbags, clutches, and purses by handicraft enterprises; home furnishings made of shells, wood, or rattan from manufacturers in Banilad and Minglanilla in Cebu; native food like the torta and tableya from Argao, and chicharon from Chilen in Guadalupe.
Opened a few days ago, the Sinulog Trade Fair will continue up to January 18 or later, if organizers decide to extend it.
SPICY, DARK CHOCOLATE. This product by the Kablon Farms in Tupi, South Cotabato is delicious! (Photo by Max Limpag)
We tried out the spicy dark chocolate from the Kablon Farms in Tupi, South Cotabato and bought some of the Arabica and Robusta coffee bean varieties harvested from Mt. Matutum. These were delicious.
At one stall, we discovered the yellow chicharon, a favorite childhood snack, that we used to buy for P1 a pack. Only, it costs P35 and came all the way from Laguna.
There are Pashmina scarves sold by a vendor from Zamboanga City.
SCARVES from Zamboanga City are among the items on sale at the fair. (Photo by Max Limpag)
Department of Trade and Industry 7 Director Asteria Caberte, in a newspaper report, said there are 46 exhibitors in the 2015 Sinulog Trade Fair. Of this number, she added, 34 are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Cebu while 12 come from Bohol, Baguio, Manila, Laguna, South Cotabato, and Davao.
The vendors, which occupy 56 stalls, sell at the lower ground floor of SM City Cebu.
More Sinulog Trade Fair photos (click or tap on them to enlarge)
These antiques are on sale in one of the booths in the Sinulog Trade Fair in SM.
The famous torta from Argao can be bought at a booth selling specialties of the town.
This cap will be useful if the sun comes out during the grand parade.
Delicious, delicious, delicious chicharon.
A childhood favorite we haven’t seen in years: yellow chicharon.
Chilen Chicharon is a popular local brand.
These chocolates come from the Kablon Farms in South Cotabato.
Another Argao specialty: the tableya or native chocolate.
MVP. Business Manuel Pangilinan leads the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., whose proposal to build the 3rd Mactan-Cebu bridge was approved by Cebu City Hall. Pangilinan is shown above during a PLDT stockholders' meeting.
It looks like the 3rd Mactan-Cebu bridge project is moving in earnest after the groundbreaking at the start of the year with the Cebu City Government approving the proposal by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC). An in another bit of good news, the minimum fare in Central Visayas is now P7.
In the battle against drugs, a man whom police said was a big-time drug pusher was arrested with P700,000 worth of shabu.
Here are the top Cebu news stories for today, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015:
MVP. Business Manuel Pangilinan leads the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., whose proposal to build the 3rd Mactan-Cebu bridge was approved by Cebu City Hall. Pangilinan is shown above during a PLDT stockholders’ meeting.
Cebu City approves Manny Pangilinan-led company to build 3rd Mactan-Cebu bridge
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has declared the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) the original proponent of the 3rd bridge that will link Cordova to Cebu City. Sun.Star Cebu reported that Rama signed the certification declaring MPTC the original proponent of the project based on a review by the Cebu City Joint Venture Committee.
Rama and Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy led the groundbreaking of the project on Shell Island.
“Based on our review, the proposal was really original and they did not copy other designs.” — City Administrator Lucelle Mercado, in Sun.Star Cebu report.
Mercado heads the Cebu City Joint Venture Committee. She said they already forwarded the certification to MPTC so they can start talking about terms. Mercado said that if no one challenges the proposal then the MPTC will be implementing the project.
LTFRB approves P7 minimum jeepney fare for Central Visayas
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has approved a 50-centavo provisional cut in the jeepney fare in Central Visayas, according to a report by The Freeman.
LTFRB 7 Director Reynaldo Elnar said his recommendation for the P7 minimum fare was approved by their board last Thursday and might be implemented starting Monday. Elnar said the new fare will be announced by LTFRB chairman Winston Gines, who will be in Cebu with other board members on Monday for a meeting on the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project.
Elnar said he will call for a public consultation on January 16 on calls to also cut the fares of other public utility vehicles. Rep. Manuel Iway, who used to be with LTFRB, filed a petition to cut the taxi flagdown rate from P30 to P20 and the fare for each succeeding 300 meters from P3.50 to P2.50.
JEEPNEY FARE CUT. The LTFRB has approved P7 as the new minimum fares for jeepneys in Central Visayas. (Creative Commons photo by razordu30 in Flickr)
Talisay City, Tuburan win top spots in Sinulog Sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan
The Talisay City Central Elementary School and the Tinubdan sa Kauswagan Cultural Troupe of Tuburan won their respective divisions during the Sinulog Sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan yesterday. They each won P300,000.
Talisay’s performance told the discovery of the Sto. Niño image in San Nicolas on April 28, 1565, which is commemorated as the Kaplag.
Talisay Mayor JVR threatens to sue over City Council’s decision to cut proposed budget for his office
Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes said he will file a complaint before the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Ombudsman-Visayas over the City Council’s cut by almost half of the proposed budget for his office.
De los Reyes proposed a P41.82 million for his office but this was slashed by the council to P20.31 million.
P700,000 worth of shabu seized during arrest of suspected big-time dealer in Carcar
Police seized P700,000 worth of shabu during the arrest of Rodel Quijano in a drug buy-bust Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City last Friday.
Senior Insp. Leo Logronio of the Cebu Provincial Police Office Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) said Quijano can sell more than 50 grams of shabu per week and is part of the drugs watchlist of Carcar City.
He said Quijano is also in their watch list of alleged drug personalities in Carcar City.
A MAN is accused of robbing a taxi driver in Mandaue City using a toy gun on Friday morning. The accused robber, identified as Gabriel Marie Limotan, was brought to the Mandaue police station by the driver, Brian Rabago.
Limotan hailed Rabago in Barangay Basak at 7 a.m. on Friday and asked to be brought to Barangay Cambarao. He then poked what later turned out to be a toy gun on Rabago’s neck and told him to surrender his money. The driver handed his P300 in fares but noticed the gun was a toy. He quickly speeded off toward the Mandaue police office where Rabago was then detained.
“He was told that the relatives of the victim are also hunting him down. It’s better if he will surrender, at least we can assure his safety.” — Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Noel Gillamac
RELIGIOUS FOCUS. This year’s Sinulog Grand Parade will highlight the religious foundation of the festival.
The Sinulog grand parade will focus on its religious roots as it marks its 35th year this 2015. The festival was officially launched yesterday with a parade that started at the Basilica del Sto. Niño. Previous winner and crowd favorite Tribu Lingganay from Alang-Alang town in Leyte province will join the grand parade again after skipping last year when it was devastated by Super typhoon Yolanda.
Meanwhile, sparks flew at City Hall with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama threatening to sue the City Council over the deferral of the conversion of City Hall’s foreign loan for the South Road Properties (SRP) into a domestic one.
CEBU NEWS. Today’s front pages of Sun.Star Cebu and Cebu Daily News.
Here are the top Cebu news stories today:
Sinulog grand parade to focus on religiosity
The Sinulog Grand Parade will highlight the festival’s religious significance as it marks the 35th year. This year’s theme is “Sto. Nino: Hope of the People” and organizers want to emphasize the religious component of the festival.
The festival was launched yesterday with a parade from the Basilica del Sto. Niño to Fuente Osmeña and the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
“This is not just a cultural and historical event, this is a religious happening.” — Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Ricky Ballesteros.
Ballesteros said the festival is held on the 450th year commemoration of the finding of the Santo Niño de Cebu image and the 50th anniversary of the designation of what was then the San Agustin Church as Basilica Minore.
The stage at the CCSC, where contingents will perform their respective routines, is also patterned after the façade of the Basilica del Sto. Niño.
RELIGIOUS FOCUS. This year’s Sinulog Grand Parade will highlight the religious foundation of the festival.
Today: Sinulog Sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan
Different schools will perform during this afternoon’s Sinulog sa Kabataan
1 PM Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to CCSC
2 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at the CCSC
Tribu Lingganay returns to perform after surviving storm
Tribu Lingganay from Alang-Alang town in Leyte will be returning this Sinulog after skipping last year when Super typhoon Yolanda devastated their community.
Alang-Alang won in the free interpretation category in 2012 and 2013.
Cebu Daily News reported that 600 performers have been practicing since October for the Sinulog, even as typhoons Quennie, Ruby, and Seniang hit their community.
“We do not want to fail the Sinulog spectators. We wanted to make sure that we will be giving a good show.” — Alang-Alang contingent coordinator Kent Jefflord Guillermo.
DPWH working 24-hours a day to finish steel bridge in Sibonga
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) installed yesterday the steel decks of a temporary bridge in Barangay Dumlog in Sibonga. DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas said the installation might take five days but his agency will try to do it faster.
DPWH hopes the steel bridge will be passable before the important Sinulog events: the religious procession on January 17 and the grand parade on January 18.
The 18-meter approach to the Dumlog bridge, which links Argao and Sibonga, collapsed during a flash flood at the height of tropical storm Seniang.
The temporary bridge will have the 20 tons of capacity, the same capacity as the original span.
HONORING THE POPE. Inmates of the Cebu provincial jail dance to honor and thank Pope Francis for visiting the Philippines. (Photo from the Cebu Provincial Government Facebook Page)
Cebu inmates dance to thank Pope Francis
More than 2,000 inmates at the Cebu provincial jail danced yesterday as prayer offering and thanksgiving to Pope Francis for visiting the Philippines. They danced to a Gregorian chant and the song “We Are All God’s Children.”
Mayor Rama threatens to sue City Council for “economic sabotage” over conversion of SRP loan
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama criticized the Cebu City Council for asking him to submit a request for the passage of a resolution to authorize the mayor to negotiate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the conversion of City Hall’s foreign loan for the South Road Properties (SRP) into a domestic one.
Rama said the councilors already knew about his plan and there was no need for him to file a request.
“Kahibaw na man sila ana. Kung wa sila kahibaw ana, buta sila. Kung wa sila kadungog, bungol sila. Kung wa sila kahibaw, insignificant sila. Unsa man ng klaseha uy? Dapat di na sila maghuwat. Dapat motabang sila sa mayor.” — Mayor Michael Rama.
In 1995, JICA lent Cebu City 12.315 billion yen to develop the 300-hectare SRP. Rama wants to convert the yen loan into a domestic one to save on interest and foreign exchange losses.
NO NEED FOR REQUEST. Mayor Michael Rama says the councilors already knew about his plan and there is no need for him to file a request. (Photo from Mayor Rama’s Facebook Page)
“He wants to keep on filing, then let him file a case. He can do what he wants. Bahala siya.” — Councilor Margarita Osmeña
Councilor Sisinio Andales says a request from the mayor is required as part of protocol and procedure. Osmeña and Andales said they are in favor of restructuring City Hall has to follow procedures for transparency and accountability, The Freeman reported.
“But if he’s going to sue us. He can file case or whatever he likes. We are willing to face him. But as I said, we cannot take a shortcut, rather follow what is proper.” — Councilor Sisinio Andales as quoted by The Freeman
Local taxi drivers making more money from cab booking apps
From just P500 a day as take home pay, Ronel Diapana now earns P900 after signing up with GrabTaxi, an app that allows commuters to hail taxis using their phones. Diapana told The Freeman that with the app, he can book 5 to 10 passengers during rush hours. The difficulty in getting a cab during rush hours is pushing more commuters to use apps like GrabTaxi.
“In a way, nakatabang gyud ni siya sa transportation industry — taxi industry. Karon, di na ang drivers mangita og passengers, ang passengers na maoy mangita sa drivers. The drivers no longer have to go around to find passengers.” — Raymond Dejan, GrabTaxi Cebu sales and operations manager
“These groups will be an extension of CCCI in the far-flung areas in Cebu. We are going to help them become legitimate and advocacy-driven business groups and not just a mere social club.” — CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan
HUGE TURNOUT. Yesterday mornings Walk With Jesus and mass was attended by 57,000 devotees.
Expect heavy traffic in Cebu City starting at noon today for this afternoon’s Sinulog 2015 launching parade. Early yesterday morning, Cebu saw the “biggest and most attended Walk with Jesus,” which surprised church officials who expected attendance to be affected by the upcoming visit of Pope Francis.
In Mandaue, meanwhile, traffic officials said they have been called out by the public works department for allowing tricycles on national highways. They will discuss with drivers and operators possible route changes when tricycles are barred from national highways.
Here are today’s top news stories in Cebu:
Cebu City roads closed today for Sinulog launching parade
Both lanes of Osmeña Blvd. will be closed to vehicles this afternoon for the Sinulog launching parade that will start at the Basilica del Sto. Niño until Fuente-Osmeña. Traffic enforcers will close the roads by noon until the last contingent enters the Cebu City Sports Center.
The launch will start with a mass at the basilica at 2 p.m. to be followed by the parade at 3 p.m.
Drivers should follow traffic advisories and take alternate routes to ease traffic, said Citom Operations Chief Jonathan Tumulak. He said enforcers will be deployed along the route to guide drivers and communters.
“Let’s all be patient and keep cool to avoid trouble on the road.” — Citom Operations Chief Jonathan Tumulak
HUGE TURNOUT. Yesterday mornings Walk With Jesus and mass was attended by 57,000 devotees.
Biggest Walk With Jesus turnout in years
Thursday morning’s Walk with Jesus procession was the biggest so far since Fr. Jonas Mejares became rector of the Basilica del Sto. Niño de Cebu. He said it was the “most attended religious opening salvo” he attended.
The “Walk with Jesus” procession is a penitential walk while also serving as the opening of the religious activities of the annual Fiesta Señor.
“Ang Facebook ug ang lain matang sa social media grasya gikan sa Ginoo busa gamiton nato sa maayong pamaagi.” — Fr. Jonas Mejares during sermon, after which he sang “The Impossible Dream.”
Sr. Supt. Conrad Capa, officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Police Office, said 27,000 people joined the procession. He said 29,000 devotees were already in the basilica adding up to 56,000 devotees.
BANNED FROM NATIONAL HIGHWAYS. Tricycles like these will soon be banned from the national highways in Mandaue City. (Flickr photo by Gregory Perez under Creative Commons License)
No more tricycles in Mandaue national highways soon
Mandaue City tricycles will soon be barred from plying national highways, according to Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) head Edwin Ermac.
Ermac said Mandaue City has been called out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for allowing tricycles on national highways. These include M.L. Quezon St., M.C. Briones St., Hernan Cortes St., A.S. Fortuna St. and Plaridel St.
“Sige na og pressure nato ang DPWH nga dili na paagian og tricycles ang national highways.” — Team head Edwin Ermac Ermac.
A 2007 memorandum by the Department of Interior and Local Government banned tricycles and pedicabs on “national highways utilized by four-wheel vehicles greater than four tons and where normal speed exceeds 40 kilometers per hour.”
Ermac said they will change routes of jeepneys and as soon as the routes have been finalized, tricycles will be limited to interior roads.
DPWH to finish temporary steel bridge in Dumlog before Sinulog
If things go as planned, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 will be able to install today the rest of the materials needed for the steel bridge to temporarily connect Dumlog, Sibonga to Argao.
But DPWH 7 maintenance division chief Elvis Calunod said that if materials and the rest of the equipment will not arrive today, the temporary bridge will only have one lane. Dumlog Bridge, which connects Sibonga and Argao, collapsed during tropical storm Seniang.
“It’s an honor for Cebu nga kita ang nabuhat. Ni-participate gyud ang mga Cebuanos sa pagbisita ni Pope. Sama ra nga niapil gyud ta sa iyang misa,” — Jennifer Lunod, customer service manager of Mehitabel Inc.
The Cebu City Tourism Council (CCTC) will declare September as Tourism Month. The city will hold shopping festivals that will offer bargains similar to the annual Black Friday sale in the US.
CCTC will also launch next week a new tourism campaign called Lakbay Lingaw or Fun Travel to showcase the various aspects of the city’s tourism from shopping to history and culture and eco-tourism.
“Bohol, Palawan and Camarines Sur are doing a lot to promote their respective destinations and if we don’t come up with coordinated efforts and fail to align our directions we will lose our spot as prime tourism destination.” — Cebu City Tourism Council chairperson Tetta Baad
Sinulog is both festive and religious. It is the biggest religious gathering in Cebu; it is also its biggest party – on the street, in dance halls and open air locations.
GIANT PARTY. Lifedance says it is the country’s first outdoor EDM or electronic dance music party. This year’s Lifedance will be held on January 16 at the SRP. (Photo taken from official Lifedance Facebook page)
Revelry starts on the week leading to the grand parade and continues way into the early hours before dawn breaks each day. If you’re out to have fun during Sinulog 2015, here are the parties you should join. Pit Senyor!
January 15 to 17
Known for gathering the best local rock bands in one stage, Sonic Boom is one party to look out for. “Enjoying 8 years of making gigs that don’t suck,” it says. Sonic Boom has raised their game by making it a 3-day music event with 8 artists per day.
WHERE: Chillage, North Reclamation area TIME: 7 PM TICKETS: Early bird price P250 Php (see SONIC BOOM Philippines facebook page for details) CONTACTwww.facebook.com/sonicboomph
Life Dance
January 16
Life Dance is known for having epic parties that are joined by locals and tourists alike. It said in its website that it is the country’s first ever outdoor EDM or electronic dance music party. This year, they have prepared a night of Electronic Dance Music by local and international DJs
WHERE: South Road Properties TIME: 4PM TICKETS:
Patron (Before Jan 15) P750
Patron P1,000
VIP (Before Jan 15) P1,500
VIP P2,000
VIP Table P25,000 (10 VIP tickets + 2 premium drinks) CALL Mike Orlanes +63921 258 8178 (tap on number to call on your phone)
Threadfest Sinulog 2015
January 17
Threadfest Sinulog showcases rad T-shirts from Threadfest brands, live performances by over ten bands and music by DJs. WHERE: Parkmall, West Gate, Parking Lot TICKETS: General Admission P350
Take Over 2
January 16
Take Over 2 is a night of music featuring this generation’s greatest Cebuano bands such as Urbandub, Franco, Powerspoonz, Junior Kilat, and more.
WHERE: KOA Tree House, Lahug
TIME: 4:20 PM
TICKETS: P400
CONTACT: www.facebook.com/SkillsandBones.ClothingCo
Sensation
January 18
They made history last year by hosting one big party and this year, they are about to do the same. Situated beside the grand parade route, they surely will lure the crowd with the beats by local and national DJs. WHERE: Alchology Parking lot TIME: 1PM TICKETS: General Admission (before Jan 12) P350 with free shirt
General Admission P500 with free shirt VIP P15,000 10 tickets + freebies CALL Via Chan +63927 366 4301 or +63933 449 6899
Sinulog Invasion
January 18
Having hosted Masskara Invasion, Kadayawan Invasion and more, Spectrum is known for hosting the wildest parties in the country. With a line up of the best of Filipino DJs and 4 international DJs they sure will make your Sinulog experience unforgettable.
WHERE: Fooda Parking Grounds TIME: All day TICKETS: General Admission (before Jan 16) P500
General Admission P650
VIP (before Jan 16) P1,200
VIP P1,500
You can buy tickets online. CALL Alexandra +6392 9798 4176 or visit the Spectrum website
Download Sinulog Guide to be updated on Sinulog events and parties.
SINULOG IS HERE. Organizers say they expect more contingents to join this year’s Sinulog grand parade. (Photo by Teddy Uy used with permission from the Sinulog Foundation)
Sinulog organizers say the visit by Pope Francis next week will impact Sinulog attendance. Those in Luzon or Leyte would likely attend papal visit activities rather than fly to Cebu for the Sinulog. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and some local government and church officials, however, still talk up hopes for the pope to swing by Cebu.
Meanwhile, another public official has been shot dead in an ambush. Here are the top stories in Cebu’s papers today, January 7, 2015.
SINULOG IS HERE. Organizers say they expect more contingents to join this year’s Sinulog grand parade. (Photo by Teddy Uy used with permission from the Sinulog Foundation)
Organizers see fewer people attending Sinulog but expect more contingents joining festivities
Sinulog organizers expect fewer people to attend Sinulog activities because of Pope Francis’ visit to Manila and Tacloban starting next week. On top of the papal visit, many flights have been cancelled because Manila has been declared a no-fly zone at certain hours when Pop Francis will arrive on January 15 and leave on January 19.
Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said many in Luzon and Leyte will choose to join activities with the Pope in Manila or in Tacloban rather than head to Cebu for the Sinulog since the visit is a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“Affected gyud ang Sinulog ani (in terms of number of people) because they are torn between two big events… Those from Luzon, Manila and Leyte might decide to attend the Pope’s activities instead,” — Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros during the Association of Government Information Officers forum.
Ballesteros said that as of January 6, 36 contingents have confirmed joining the grand parade. They expect the number to increase to 45 next week, more than last year’s 42 contingents.
Ballesteros said the history of Cebu will be told in the grand finale performance.
“Sinulog is Cebu. Let us defend, protect and contribute to its success. To all the undesirables, please take a leave and be spiritual instead. Attend all the religious activities at the basilica,” — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama
Mayor Rama still hopes Pope Francis will visit Cebu
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he still hopes Pope Francis will visit Cebu, which he repeatedly pointed out as the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. The city is also “very near” Tacloban City, which the pope will visit.
“I can’t understand why the Pope can’t drop by Cebu. I don’t understand why such an arrangement can’t be done and Manila is being highlighted. But let’s continue to pray,” — Mayor Michael Rama
FRONT PAGES. Today’s front pages of Cebu Daily News and Sun.Star Cebu
Toledo barangay captain shot dead
A barangay captain of Toledo City was shot dead Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. while driving his Ford Everest SUV on the national highway after dropping off his children at school.
Timoteo Largo, 65, died in a ditch where he was gunned down allegedly by Dionesio Juarez. Largo is the barangay captain of Cambang-ug, Toledo City. Juarez, on the other hand, was identified as a member of Civil Service Unit (CSU) of the Toledo City Hall and a police asset.
Toledo City Police Chief Ricky Delelis told Sun.Star Cebu they are considering 2 motives for the attack: 1) Largo’s refusal to accept illegal drugs payment and 2) Largo’s refusal to allow Juarez to be part of the sand and gravel business in the barangay.
“Istoryahan nato ni, pre (Let’s talk about this).” Timoteo Largo to Dionesio Juarez shortly before the killing.
SOLVING BRIDGE PROBLEM. Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III meets with officials from Sibonga town and other government agencies to speed up solution to the collapse of the Dumlog bridge connecting the towns of Argao and Sibonga. (Cebu Province PIO photo)
DSWD says Ronda mayor turned down offer to provide relief goods before Seniang
DSWD 7 Assistant Director Shailane Marie Lucero said they offered to supply relief goods to Ronda before Tropical Storm Seniang made landfall but Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III wanted these only after the storm.
Lucero said they could not distribute the relief goods because they needed a signed request from Mayor Blanco since all calamity-related expenses of DSWD are subject to audit. The goods would have been delivered immediately had the mayor signed the letter
“We are only following the law, otherwise we will go to jail.” — DSWD 7 Assistant Director Shailane Marie Lucero
Local retailers are asking for “special non-discriminatory locations” and special rates for businesses located in Mandaue and Cebu Cities. Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) – Cebu Chapter president Robert Go said this would help local retailers reeling from the challenges of the dominance by global brands of the market.
“Many of our home grown retailers are helpless and have nowhere to go, either deteriorating or are running out of business, being too dependent on malls,” — Robert Go.
Cebu Provincial Government tourism consultant Patria Aurora Roa has reported strong demand for the “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo” program for the southern part of the province. She said the southern leg will have new destinations such as the Aguinid Falls in Samboan and Mainit Spring in Malabuyoc.
This early, many Cebu City hotels are already fully booked for the important Sinulog 2015 dates of January 17 and 18.
These dates are the third Saturday and Sunday in January when Cebu celebrates the eve and actual day of the Feast of the Señor Sto. Niño.
Azia Suites and Residences lobby
Since many Cebu hotels and pension houses are already full, you might be one of those still looking for a place to stay when Cebuanos celebrate the festival of festivals known as the Sinulog.
Azia Suites
Opened just this June, Azia Suites and Residences still has available accommodations for Sinulog 2015 revelers. One great thing about Azia, which means “sunshine” in Greek, is its location near Gen. Maxilom Avenue (formerly Mango Avenue), along the route of the Sinulog 2015 dancing contingents.
About half of the 60 rooms at Azia Suites are still open on the Sinulog Festival weekend, said outgoing manager for hotel operations Ian V. Fresnido. All of the hotel’s four family suites are taken, however, and what remains are standard rooms with double or twin single beds.
Azia Suites charges P4,000 per night for its standard room from January 15 to 19, 2015 and requires a minimum stay of three nights. This comes with breakfast for two. Room rate goes down to P3,500 if booking is paid by December 15, 2014 and P3,800 if by January 4, 2015.
Promo rates
From December 16, 2014 to January 14, 2015, Azia Suites offers a promo rate for standard rooms at P2,000 per night with breakfast for two for a minimum three-night stay.
Rooms come with cable tv and free wifi connection.
Fresnido said the hotel’s location at 8 Rahmann Extension, just beside what used to be the USC Boys’ High School, gives it easy access to Cebu City’s business, shopping, and entertainment centers. Getting a ride on a taxi or jeepney is not a problem as Azia Suites is of walking distance from Gorordo and Gen. Maxilom avenues.
Hotel amenities
The 9-storey hotel has two function rooms that can cater to an event requiring from 30 to a hundred seats.
Only one of Azia’s two restaurants, Cafe Lazat, is currently open. Fresnido said they plan to open the second one, Platela Grill, by January. The hotel also plans to open by the Sinulog season the Raya Bar, where guests can have coffee or drinks, on the topmost floor.
The top floor lounge will be a vantage point for the fireworks displays during the Sinulog Festival as well as cityscape views.
Sinulog 2014 photo contest second grand prize winner is by Teddy Uy. Used with permission from Sinulog Foundation, Inc.
Cebu’s Sinulog Festival is a celebration both solemn and festive, a festival of festivals held every January in Cebu City with much pomp and pageantry.
Although the Sinulog Festival has grown to become a month-long festivity, its highlights happen every third week of January.
Sinulog 2014 photo contest second grand prize winner is by Teddy Uy. Used with permission from Sinulog Foundation, Inc.
The important Sinulog 2015 dates are January 17 and 18. Sinulog 2015 activities will culminate in the first baptism reenactment as well fluvial and solemn processions on January 17 and Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18.
Below is the official list of Sinulog 2015 program of activities from the Sinulog Foundation, Inc.
