Garcia to dance even if venue is still SRP

CEBU, Philippines —  In the end, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia decided to continue her devotion to Sr. Sto Niño this Sinulog 2023 by offering a dance, even if the organizers decide to stage the grand parade at the South Road Properties (SRP).

In a press conference yesterday, the governor said “whether or not (my) concerns were addressed” she will continue her offering of the traditional Sinulog dance.

“Mopatigbabaw gihapon akong debosyon sa Sr. Sto. Niño, kay nahibalo mo sa matag tuig nga ako gobernador mohalad gyud ko sa Sr. Sto. Niño,” Garcia said.

Garcia narrated her experience when she was suspended as Governor in 2013, she was still able to participate in the Sinulog grand parade.

“Busa karon kun na-address man akong concerns or wala, kung ganahan man ko sa desisyon o wala, labaw gihapon ang Sr. Sto. Niño. Busa akong ipadayon ang akong tinuig nga halad dili alang kanako, alang sa mga Sugboanon,” Garcia said.

The governor initially suggested to bring the Sinulog Grand Parade back to its original venue which is the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) since changing the venue this year “is not yet the time.”

In a previous interview, Garcia has expressed her concerns in holding the Sinulog at SRP, citing the problem with traffic once the SRP is closed, making the Natalio Bacalso Avenue as the only way in going to Cebu City.

Another concern is the security and the health of the performers.

But according to Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, the venue will still be at the SRP grounds.

This year is the 14th year of Garcia dancing during the Sinulog. Eversince she got elected as governor of Cebu Province, it has been her tradition to offer a dance to the Holy Child.

In 2005 and 2006 Garcia danced with the San Diego Dance Company.

In 2007 she danced as an Egyptian queen with the Haladaya Festival of Daanbantayan. In 2008 she was with Palawod Festival of Bantayan; 2009 was with Tostado Festival of Santander; 2010 she danced with the Ani-anihan Festival of Tabuelan; 2011 she performed with the Bonga Festival dancers of the town of Sibonga.

In 2012 Garcia performed the La Torta Festival of Argao.

2013 is the most memorable dance offering of the governor because, despite facing a suspension, she still managed to dance with the Rosquillos Festival of Liloan.

Garcia was back in the Sinulog stage in 2015 when she was a congresswoman of the third district.

She performed with the San Diego dance company back then.

In 2020, she danced with Alcoy’s Siloy Festival dancers. In 2022, she offered a dance through a pre-recorded video at the Capitol.

And this year, she chose the Sarok Festival dancers of Consolacion. Garcia’s festival costume will be designed by Cary Santiago. — GAN (FREEMAN)