Santacruzan 2008 at Marco Polo Plaza

Amidst the garden of Marco Polo Plaza is a celebration of the Santacruzan 2008. The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC), Clothes for Life and the Marco Polo Plaza in cooperation with Smart Communications, Inc. will retrace Filipino heritage, culture and tradition in a spectacular and glittering Santacruzan 2008 on May 10 to be held at the Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

The Santacruzan 2008 is actually a traditional Filipino depiction of the search for the Holy Cross upon which Jesus Christ died, by Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine The Great. After her son’s victory over the Romans in 312 AD and her conversion to Christianity, Empress Helena set out on a journey to Jerusalem. She recovered the cross of Christ and brought it home as a holy relic.

The Santacruzan came to the Philippines during the Spanish time. It highlights the month-long observance of Flores de Mayo in parishes where little children offer flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Operation Smile, Clothes for Life Foundation – Cebu’s fashion designers group that bonded together in the pursuit of its charitable mission, and the Mission Society of the Philippines – a group of Filipino missionary priests who spread the word of God in the Pacific region, are the beneficiaries of this event.

Cebu’s most beautiful zagalas will be led by Ms. Mariquita S. Yeung as Reina Emperatriz 2008 and Ms. Fiona King as Reina Elena 2008. The event starts with a Holy Mass at Marco Polo Plaza hotel lobby at 4PM to be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Carmelo Horeador, MSP. After the Mass, a procession follows at the hotel ground. Tickets are available at ticket outlets – Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Marco Polo Plaza, Ayala Center Cebu and participating designers of Clothes for Life Foundation.

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It was one festive affair for the Mendoza family when they celebrated a thanksgiving Mass in honor of Joseph Mendoza, the good looking son of Ms. Wendy Mendoza, the well-known hairdresser, who passed the nursing board examination. Wendy Mendoza was overwhelmed with joy and excitement by her son’s success, the reason why they hosted a dinner held at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel. Close friends and relatives attended the party. Cheers to Joseph!