Balikbayans to get glimpse of 500th year of Christianity

CEBU, Philippines — The “Balik Cebu” committee is focusing on promoting 2021’s 500th anniversary of Christianity to this year’s balikbayan visitors witnessing the Sinulog 2020 Festival.

According to Patria “Dawnie” Roa of “Balik Cebu” core committee, apart from providing the balikbayans the red carpet services in their Sinulog Festival experience, the group will instead give visitors a glimpse of what will happen in next year’s Sinulog Festival in line with the grand 500th celebration.

Now on its 19th year, “Balik Cebu” officially opened its dedicated booth yesterday at the Ayala Center Cebu to assist balikbayans with their requirements such as tickets, tours, among others.

The Balik Cebu Foundation will host its welcome dinner for balikbayan on January 16 at the Ayala Center Cebu Terraces.

While the balikbayans are already regular Sinulog Festival VIPs, the program also extends its services to non-Filipino guests.

The Balik Cebu program is an offshoot of the initiative of tourism stakeholders to encourage more overseas Filipinos to come home.

From accommodating 200 returning Cebuanos in 2002, the program has grown over the years with more and more balikbayans registering every year, including foreigners.