1st fest queen feated for her contributions to Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines - For her unwavering commitment and dedication to the annual feast, the first Sinulog Festival Queen and who also stood as the festivity's project director for 29 years was recognized yesterday.

The Sinulog Foundation Incorporated (SFI) yesterday handed over the Plaque of Recognition to Dolores Suzara for being a part of the meaningful and successful Sinulog festivities throughout the years.

And there is no other fitting recognition to the first festival queen, who is also known as Ambassador of the Culture and Arts in the Philippines, than to create a crown as a tribute to her contribution to the annual activity.

This year's festival queen crown, which was designed by  known Cebuano designer Cary Santiago, is called the "Inang Dolly" crown.

Yesterday, Suzara, who was on wheelchair because of her frail health, personally accepted the award.

SFI Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said it is about time to give Suzara the recognition due her.

"Despite the fact na she's getting older and we want to give her when she's still here, usually man gud ihatag ang award kung kuan na. Ang akoa lang she is still conscious, she can still appreciate the award so I think this is the best time to give her an award," he told reporters yesterday.

In fact, Ballesteros asked a videographer to come up with a documentary about those people who started the Sinulog Festival.

Ballesteros was happy that Suzara was able to attend the Awarding Ceremony considering that she has had been in and out in the hospital since November due to her age.

"Well I'm just happy nga wala na siyay oxygen kay ang sulti sa doctor she cannot stand og inani na kuan kung walang oxygen… I'm not prodding her to stand because in the past days sige lang siya’g lingkod, in and out in the hospital," he added.

Until now, Suzara still stands as the project director of the foundation despite her condition. (FREEMAN)