Balik Cebu team expects more balikbayans this year

CEBU, Philippines - The Balik Cebu Committee, along with local tourism stakeholders,  is anticipating an increase in the number of balikbayan arrivals to Cebu for this year's Sinulog celebrations.

According to Balik Cebu chairperson Tetta Baad, the activity which welcomes balikbayan visitors through a dinner party usually only  accommodates 200 seats for the welcome dinner, but due to the increase awareness of the campaign, "we have added up to 500 to 600 seats."

Baad also said they are rearranging the tie-ups with existing programs of private sector tourism organizations like Cebu Association of Tour Operators and the Ng Khai Group to include more attractions and offerings to balikbayans.

The Ng Khai Group has entered into the promising tourism sector in Cebu, through the introduction of the “Lakwatsa Restolounge,” which showcases a new and original musical and dance fantasy called “Bayahe."

The fifth floor of the The Lakwatsa Restolounge will serve as Cebu’s first cultural restolounge that specializes in modern cultural shows.

The facility was conceived as a venue for cultural shows and musical and theatrical productions. It has over 500 seating capacity, and the restolounge is equipped with the latest stage lights sound system, Melanie Ng, Ng Khai Group Vice President said in an interview.

This year marks the 27th annual celebration of Balik Cebu, a partnership between Cebu City Tourism Commission and the Cebu Holdings Inc., which ushers in a group of hundreds of registered balikbayans to get perks and privileges during the festival.

In addition the Balik Cebu booth provide information to balikbayans about the Sinulog Festivities.  (FREEMAN)