My Cebu

It is a rare occasion for me to be walking around the streets of Cebu City, especially at night. I live quite far from the city, work in Mandaue, and am basically allergic to horrendous traffic. Add to that, the rare parking slots in the heart of Cebu City for those with vehicles. Whenever I get a chance, I try to savor the very least I can get.

Over the weekend, I saw the beauty of Cebu City once again just in time for the celebration of the Sinulog. It is a long-standing festival, anchored on the feast of the Senior Sto. Niño. Back then it was as rowdy as it could be. This year, with the pre-activities, everything seems laidback. It isn't boring, don't get me wrong. It's just that I feel safer than before.

Safe in a sense that I can freely walk around without having to worry that somebody would grab me or I would be run over by a group of teenagers. The happy child in me can easily walk through the gates of Fuente Osmeña rotunda not fearing if a vehicle would run me over as well. This is the Cebu we all have dreamed about.

It is just sad to note that the police, who have been toiling day and night to keep tabs on the security, have become the subject of scrutiny. Their stern and strict manner of keeping the whole place secure is not welcomed by everybody. It seems like they would rather have a loose type of security rather than a strict one, just so they can get what they want.

I hope we get this right this time. This is not about what we want but what we should showcase to the world. We are so spot on at bragging how Christianity in Asia started here, but we can't get our Christian values right. How come? I have always loved how singer Dong Abay placed it into song with his “Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo.” In short, let us not be hypocrites. Cooperate if you can. It is just for a matter of time anyway.

I am proud of how Cebu has transformed into a different city than it was before. What was once a small center of commerce is now a bustling city that seems to never sleep, even at night. With the Sinulog festivities coming, this is our chance to show them what we have now become. A new rising tiger in the center of the archipelago.

I'm excited as you are for the Sinulog to come. Although I will be busy with work, I know that we will all have a grand time. Well, the best thing we can do to keep it as orderly is to follow simple rules. When they say, don't party then don't. If they don’t want anyone to drink near the route, then don't. Remember, there is always a time for everything. Don't rush. We will all get there.