Ms. Tourism International to lead Sinulog Grand Finale

CEBU, Philippines - Newly crowned Miss Tourism International Rizzini Alexis Gomez, another pride of Cebu, will portray Queen Juana during the Grand Finale of this year’s Sinulog Grand Parade on January 20.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said Gomez, now a global tourism ambassador, was the choice of the board because the 22-year-old Cebuana can best serve one of Sinulog’s objectives – to promote Cebu.

Gomez will be this year’s lead dancer as Queen Juana.  In history, Queen Juana was the second name of Hara Amihan, the wife of Rajah Humabon. When Portugese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the shores of Cebu, the holy image of the child Jesus was presented to Humabon as a gift.

History has it that Queen Juana danced with the holy image with joy while other natives followed her. That was considered the first act of Sinulog. Queen Juana holding the Sto. Niño image is the usual concept in Sinulog performances.

Gomez shall also be the Sto. Niño bearer during the finale. This year’s grand finale relates to the 75th Charter Anniversary of Cebu City.

Last year, the grand finale lead dancer was Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel del Mar.

Ballesteros said the Grand Finale, which lasts for about an hour following the performance of the participating dancing contingents, will feature the highlights of a decade starting from the 1930’s.

Ballesteros said they acquired the services of researchers and historians to ensure they can best present the significant events that made Cebu City what it is now.

These significant events include, among others, the birth of the Sinulog Festival more than 30 years ago, the EDSA revolution and the recent canonization of San Pedro Calungsod.

Renowned Cebuano choreographer-directors Victor Cuenco, the overall director and artistic designer, and Junjet Primor, choreographer, are at the helm of preparations for the grand finale with dancers from the city’s different colleges and universities. A pyro musical will conclude the event.

A huge diamond backdrop will be the anchor of the stage design consistent with this year’s theme, “Cebu City: Turning diamond. Gems of the past, brilliance of the present.”

Ballesteros promises of many elements of surprise the audience can look forward to. —/JMO (FREEMAN)