Tomas: Sinulog ‘downscaling’ to push through

CEBU, Philippines - An elated Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday said no one can beat Sinulog and Cebuanos are the ones who deserve the credit.

He said this after the Sinulog was chosen recently as the “best festival” in the country.

 “They cannot beat us. No one can beat us….because of the devotion of the people and a lot of out-of-town contingents would like to come in the city. It has to do with our Cebuano culture. Kita, we enjoy others’ culture,” he told a press conference yesterday.  The mayor is Sinulog Foundation Inc. chairman. 

Despite the award, however, the mayor said he would continue with his plan to “downscale” the Sinulog grand parade next year.

“Actually, I’m trying to downscale it because it’s getting to be rowdy. Okay lang ang party. Ang problema mogawas ang adik-adik and palahubog. Before, it’s wholesome, now it’s not,” he said.

This means a shortened grand parade, which should end already by 4:30 p.m.; no fireworks; fewer contingents (since no Cebu City schools would be allowed to join the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan); and no street parties.

Osmeña earlier expressed concern that public schools in the city are spending as much as P15 million for the competition. He also said education is his priority and having the students join the Sinulog disrupt classes.

SFI executive director Ricky Ballesteros received last Thursday night the “Best Festival Award” during the first ABS-CBN-spearheaded Choose Philippines Awards held at Dolphy’s Theater, ABS-CBN Compound, Quezon City.

Osmeña said he can see that people from different countries are coming in the city to participate the festival because they know that they are appreciated.

Other nominees for the Best Festival award were the MassKara Festival, Panagbenga Festival, Pahiyas Festival, and the Kadayawan Festival.

According to awards.choosephilippines.com, the best festival award went “to the most exciting, unforgettable, and meaningful Filipino festival.”

Other accolades that Cebu won were the “Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers”, which went to Plantation Bay Resort and Spa; and “Best Destination—Best Water Form” for the Kawasan Falls.

The mayor also warned that he would shut down all Sinulog parties or even the grand parade if there is hooliganism.

“The moment that it will become rowdy, I will close it. I will shut it down. Everyone would say ‘oohh you’re a lousy mayor’. (But) I’m very strict when it comes to those things,” he said. (FREEMAN)