Taytayan Sa Parian

Taytayan (meaning “bridge” in Cebuano), a group of volunteers advocating the primacy of Parian in Cebu’s history, held a dinner and show in the old district of downtown Cebu on October 11 to commemorate the 394th anniversary of the demolition of the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista Parish.

Pooling their talent and other resources and with the support of friends and family, the organization had put together an hour-long show.

No less than Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal was on hand for the activity along with Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano.

The show highlighted the development of Parian through the years, starting from the pre-Spanish era when it was the center of trade between the natives and the Chinese merchants, to what it is in the modern times.

Parian is home to many prominent Cebuano families and the activity was meant to also highlight the role of the district in molding Cebu to what it is now. 

In his message, Cardinal Vidal said that he hopes that someday he would see the parish that was abolished almost four centuries ago rise again in Parian.

The show was held at a makeshift stage set up in front of the centuries old Yap-Sandiego ancestral home.

Organizers led by choreographer Val Sandiego announced after the event that this would become an annual activity gearing towards the restoration of the old cobblestone streets and the historic beauty of Parian.