"Balik Cebu" program expected to draw in over 200 balikbayans

CEBU, Philippines - At least 200 registered “balikbayans” will arrive in Cebu before the Sinulog 2011 celebration on January 15 and 16 through the “Balik Cebu” program, a joint project of the Cebu City Tourism Commission and Cebu Holdings Inc., and other tourism stakeholders.

Balik Cebu committee chairperson Tetta Ba-ad said the number is expected to grow considering that there are other unregistered balikbayans who will be visiting Cebu during the festival.

The 10th “Balik Cebu” program this year will be providing several perks and travel assistance to balikbayans including the establishment of a “Balik Cebu” counter at the Ayala Center Cebu (ACC), that will be manned by the members of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATO).

Aside from the welcome dinner that will be held on January 13 at the Ayala Center Terraces, which will host 300 Balikbayans, the registered visitors will also be given grandstand passes for the festival.

Last year, the “Balik Cebu” program experienced a slight dip in arrivals, due to the global economic recession. This year however, Ba-ad is confident that the number will hit even over 200 or 300.

Besides, she said there are also “balikbayans” who are registered in the “Balik Cebu” program that already arrived earlier to spend their Christmas in the Philippines.

Those who registered this year are mostly from Las Vegas and other countries in the United States. Ba-ad said in the coming years, the “Balik Cebu” committee will also tap other continents, like Europe and the Middle East.

First launched in 2002, the “Balik Cebu” committee put together activities to help welcome our balikbayans who come home to pay homage to Sr. Sto. Niño and join the revelry of the Sinulog Festival.

Yesterday, the Balik Cebu booth was formally opened, located beside the Concierge in Ayala Center Cebu, the booth will be open during mall hours to hand out event guides and provide information to balikbayans about the Sinulog Festivities.

Other services that will be offered to registered Balik Cebu visitors are also tour packages, like Suroy-Suroy tour packages and other specialized tours.

Balik Cebu has become an institutionalized program strongly supported by CHI, the company which owns and manages landmark projects in Cebu like Cebu Business Park, Ayala Center Cebu, Asiatown IT Park, City Sports Club Cebu and Amara.—  THE FREEMAN