The Summit's Program of Activities

As the Cebu International Convention Center takes on more hammering and poundings to meet the deadline, so are program preparations that have become intensified as the hours pass by.

Filipinos, being perennially fond of presentations galore, move a notch up as Cebuanos ambitiously yet carefully plan an avant garde showcase that shall turn Cebu and its component cities Cebu City, Lapulapu City and Mandaue City into one big stage production.

The program for the spouses committee is made possible with the concept that the big bosses' spouses do better with hosting and social conversations among the distinguished visitors - around ten Asian countries and seven dialogue countries expected.

It will be to everyone's delight to note that perfect planning begets perfect hosting as most of Cebu's premiere choreographers, festival organizers, directors, artists and enthusiasts converged at the Sinulog Foundation office last October 18 to carry on the plan of showcasing what the best of Cebu has to offer starting from day one on December 10, 2006.

Day 2 showcases the pre-Hispanic culture of Cebu with Kadaugan sa Mactan as its highlight in the actual site segueing to a crossover to Circa Americano featuring Serenata, Parada ug Tertulla sa Malacañang sa Sugbo, the latter being transformed into "Pasko sa Sugbo" complete with Christmas carolers, brass band and the USC Dance Troupe in Pastores costumes greeting the delegates and guests.

Traditionally, a Tertulla is a celebration of performance, food and conversation. The guests, after being acknowledged by the "Mayoras" (Mdms. Margot Osmeña, Linda Ouano, Paz Radaza and Tina Sitoy), will be offered a formal toast.

Choristers and Ingrid Sala Santa Maria shall provide entertainment where guests can also check the parade of bangkeros making choreographed formations on the bay. The whole spectacle shall be capped with a fireworks display to be set up at the Shell Island.

Day 3 will offer a spectacle of epic proportions, having Cebu and Mandaue as theme destinations (Spanish era, American era and Contemporary Cebu).

Guests shall be brought to Talamban Friendship Garden where a ceremonial tree-planting and watering shall take place. Guests shall then be toured to the Capitol building where a diorama of the turn of the century motif shall be presented, as models don outfits inspired from the 1900s complete with vintage cars to provide the feel of the era. A cultural dance number by the Caballo de Compostela Dance Troupe of the Municipality of Compostela, Cebu shall reveal the Virginia, an American inspired Filipino dance.

The whole of Fuente Osmeña shall be transformed into a Family Park simulated with families having a picnic, artists painting, balloon vendors, sorbeteros, bikers, etc. The central ring shall showcase live bands and Dancesports Team with the UC Dance Troupe dancing to rock and roll of the fifties and sixties.

Along Jones Avenue, different Cebuano Festivals will be doing stationary dancing, taking center stage.

Colon shall present the Chinese motif. A bangketa shall be set up with strolling Chinese and Cebuano characters, a remake of the old Chinatown. The Dragon and Lion dance shall be performed by Filipino-Chinese Family Associations with students from USJ-R, USP, CEC and ANS performing Chinese dances. A small stage with traditional Chinese theater shall be mounted at the intersection.

The morning tour ends at the Magellan's cross where Sinulog dancers comprising the real ones- the Sinulog group from Mabolo, Zapatera Elementary School and Camp Lapu-lapu National High School-shall add to the visual impact of the whole scenario.

From the more traditional and period themes, the guests shall be brought to the modern and contemporary lifestyle of the Cebuanos at the Mandaue City Capitol Social Hall where they shall be ushered in with a welcome dance by the Mandaue City School for the Arts dancers. A fashion show shall ensue.

It is upon good times that Cebu harvests its sweetest victory. Truly a memorable occasion in the offing, with a very bright promise of a real and reel red, merry Christmas. To Cebu, the best of luck!