Sinulog Festival Kapuso-fied

The Kapuso drums beat the loudest during the recent Cebu Sinulog Festival and many Cebuanos were “Kapuso-fied” by the crowd-drawing events held by GMA Network. The annual religious festival that honors the child Jesus Sto. Niño — was more vibrantly celebrated with the presence of Kapuso stars who chanted Pit Señor (Praise the Infant Jesus).

Last Jan. 18, the dual forces of Buena Mano (BM) and Unang Hirit (UH) woke up the Cebuano audience with presentation gimmickries. BM’s Cheryl, Allan and Aljin and UH’s JC Cuadrado had a live point at The Basilica, Cebu and threw a rundown of production numbers which started at 5:30 a.m.

The following day, GMA 7’s Kamandag, held a screening at the Gaisano Country Mall’s food court. The crowd eagerly anticipated the film showing, as the venue hardly had enough space for the usual number of mall-goers.

Beyond the mall parameters were specialized booths for everyone to avail. There were likewise production numbers, sponsored games, and local bands that drew a crowd of more than 15,000 heads, all flocked up to Gaisano Country Mall’s open-aired activity area.

Kamandag stars led by Richard Gutierrez were hugely applauded by the Cebuanos. Gutierrez himself traces his roots to Cebu, and it’s no wonder he has rapport and familial ties with the locals. He speaks the Cebuano dialect a little, knows much about the regional riches of the Queen City of the South, and is well-versed with the festivities of the Sinulog.

With him were his Kamandag co-actors, whose stars shone equally bright. Maxene Magalona, in her usual head-turner beauty, wore a casual red dress during the staged performance. She was a real-life mannequin whose classy radiance could be worth-staring at.

Ehra Madrigal was sexy as ever. With big, dangling earrings and a black wardrobe to accentuate her physical allures, one couldn’t help but fight for a convenient spot in the audience to gaze at her beauty.

StarStruck product Jewel Mische must have doubled her screen charm and charisma. She looked more stunningly beautiful in person. One could easily mistake her for a living doll.

Onscreen antagonist Mark Anthony Fernandez went far from his devilish looks in Kamandag. He came in too calm and relaxed onstage, furthered the skrieking and cheering of the Cebuanos via his effortless, hunky appeal.

The heavens poured heavy drizzle but the show still went on. Not even the most unfavorable events dampened the crowd’s enthusiasm. The audience stayed behind and waited until the Kapuso stars waved goodbye.

In utmost desire to catch a glimpse of the artistas, some spectators even climbed the lamp posts lining the sidewalk. The tremendous cheering overwhelmed the Kapuso stars onstage.

GMA also launched a new show to the press during the weekend. The Cebuano tele-magazine show Istayl Nato is the newest addition to GMA local programming. This is hosted by StarStruck product Chad Burden and beauty queen Ana Maris Igpit.

All has been well and done with this year’s Sinulog Festival. One region after another goes the GMA way, and in the gradual span of time, there is surety that all else will be Kapuso-fied.