CEBU, Philippines — This may not be known to many Cebuanos, but the island celebrates today the 121st Independence Day of the victory of Cebu Revolution against Spain, dubbed as “Pasko sa Kagawasan.”
The activities are hosted by Palm Grass, The Cebu Heritage Hotel, from 5p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Hawanan Tres de Abril.
Pasko sa Kagawasan is an event that celebrates Christmas, New Year, and the 121st Anniversary of the Cebu Revolution Victory against Spain.
On this 121st year of freedom from Spain, Pasko sa Kagawasan pays tribute to the heroism of the Cebuano Katipuneros during the 1898 Cebu Revolution.
On December 29, 1898, a Thanksgiving Mass for the victory of the Cebu Revolution against Spain was celebrated at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Mass was dedicated to those who bravely fought for national freedom.
Today, a Thanksgiving Mass will be held at Hawanan Tres de Abril (Function Hall) at 5 p.m. to be presided over by a Cebu Cathedral priest.
Cebuano historian Trizer Mansueto will also give a short talk on this milestone in Cebu history.
As part of the celebration, the Junquera Street Children’s Choir will also be performing for the first time, while Cebu Katipunero descendants will be performing as tribute to their ancestors.
A Binisayang Awit Alang sa Nasod (Visayan Patriotic Songs) Singing Contest will also be held.
There will also be a “Bayle sa Hardin Dagami.” wherein participants will have a chance to experience “bayle”-- a traditional benefit dance that used to be held during fiestas.
Palm Grass, as a heritage hotel and hotel-museum, continues its commitment in promoting Cebu cultural heritage by featuring more activities in the coming months that include performances of Bag-ong Teatro Junquera and the Junquera Street Children’s Choir, featuring Sinulog dance in 2020 and launching of children’s storybook on Cebu hero Leon Kilat. GAN (FREEMAN)