Sail boat, fireworks contests on Friday

CEBU, Philippines — It’s all systems go for the first “Sinulog sa SRP” on Friday that will feature twin events: the colorful “Balik Baroto Regatta” in the morning and a fireworks musical competition in the evening.

 This will take place in the vicinity of the Il Corso Filinvest Lifestyle malls at South Road Properties.

Former Mactan customs collector David “Boy” Odilao Jr., the father of Sinulog sa Sugbo, yesterday announced that there are 50 paddle and sail boats participating in the competition for the two categories of baroto race and the baroto showcase of Sinulog relevance.

Odilao said only certified fishermen can join the competition which will start and end at Il Corso while the participants have until SM Seaside City Cebu before returning to the starting line.

“This will be a colorful activity nga baroto, bugsay ug layag ra kay ato ipakita nga walay de makina sa unang panahon,” said Odilao during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

Odilao also thanked the Cebu City government through Mayor Edgardo Labella for the financial support.

“What is good for the Sinulog is also good for me,” Odilao quoted Labella as saying when he presented the activity.

For the baroto race, the first placer will get P100,000; second, P75,000; third, P50,000; fourth, P30,000; and fifth, P20,000. The sixth to tenth finishers will get P10,000 each while a consolation prize of P5,000 will be also given out.

As for the baroto showcase, the first placer will get P50,000; second, P40,000; third, P30,000; fourth, P20,000; and fifth, P10,000.

Odilao said if the event this year will be successful, they are eying to open it nationally next year, with each of the provinces envisioned to be represented.

The fireworks musical this year, on the other hand, will be a three-way competition among participants representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Tickets are selling at P200 and P500, inclusive of dinner.

Like his suggestion of creating the Sinulog Foundation Inc., Odilao further said he is contemplating on suggesting again the creation of another foundation to raise fund for the Sinulog sa SRP.

The Sinulog sa SRP was conceptualized by then SRP Management Office head Jose Daluz III before his appointment to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District Board.

Following the resignation of Daluz from the SRP Management Office, Odilao automatically assumed the responsibility to lead with Councilor Jerry Guardo, who is tasked to oversee the Sinulog sa SRP.   JMD (FREEMAN)