The opulence of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral altar glittering with gold as backdrop plus the dazzling lights from the huge chandelier added to the grandiloquent celebration of the first ever Jubilee Santacruzan of the 75th (Diamond Jubilee) anniversary of the Cebu Archdiocese.
Headed by His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal (conspicuously absent because of illness), with the assistance of Bishop Julito B. Cortes and Rector of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Msgr. Roberto Alesna, the Jubilee Santacruzan, held inside the church, was beautiful and sacred.
With the cue from Guam-based Benjie Diola, director of the Santacruzan, the procession started with the UV Chorale singing the entrance song for the “Birhen sa Flores,” the angels and opening dance of Marian Overture by the Sandiego Dance Troupe.
About 30 reynas joined the Jubilee Santacruzan led by philantrophist Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung as Reyna Emperatriz. In her significantly fashioned Elizabethan gown by Cary Santiago, Kit was escorted by her future son-in-law, British real estate businessman Chris McKowen.
Nena Bagcat Gullas, wife of our Chairman Jose “Dodong” Gullas, was Reyna Elena wearing an electric blue gown by Paul Cabral, and was escorted by John Tristan Gullas as Constantine.
Carla Marie Salimbangon Yeung was Reyna de las Flores in a gown made by Cary Santiago. Reyna de los Angeles was Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento in an Allan Platring gown. Reyna del Cielo (Queen of Heaven) was Belinda Wong wearing a purple gown by Cary Santiago; Reyna Paz was Tessie Javier in an Arcy Gayatin gown; Reyna del Sol was Kris Hansen in an OJ Hofer gown; Reyna de los Propetas was Shirley Yasukawa in a Cary Santiago gown; Elvira Stehr was Reyna de las Estrellas wearing a gown made by Rio delos Santos.
The other zagalas were: Reyna Banderada, Stephanie Señires (Philip Rodriguez); Reyna Aetas – Jonielyn Alburo (William Manahan); Reyna Mora - Marie Carmelli Canoy (Philip Tampos); Reyna Fe – Carol Monique de Leon (Felix Yu); Reyna Esperanza - Glebeth Goking (Edwin Alba); Reyna Caridad - Bea Villegas (Humberto Villegas); Reyna Abogada - Rengel Pelayo (Alain Fonte); Reyna Sentenciada - Francine Yoko Sato (Mark So); Reyna Justicia - Angel Luzano (Arcy Gayatin); Reyna Judith - Priscilla Mae Honorio (Bethoven Bachiller); Reyna Sheba - Hazel Ceniza (Edwin Alba); Reyna Esther - Carleizle Gonzaga (Marichu Tan); Samaritana - Michelle Latras (Marichu Tan); Veronica - Marvelle Villacarlos (Cary Santiago); Mary of Magdala - Johannah Patalinghug (Harley Ruedas); Mary Joanna - Bendynne Garcia (Wendell Quisido); Mary Mother of Jesus - Mytha Canoy (Protacio); Reyna de las Virgines - Melissa Basubas (Philip Rodriguez); Divine Pastora - Fern Medequillo (Ren Manabat); Rosa Mystica - Maria Theresa Gorgonio (Barbie Alvez).
After the procession, Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung offered flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary and did the honor of crowning the image of our Blessed Mother. She was assisted by Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, Most Rev. Julito B. Cortes and Msgr. Roberto Alesna.
Since this is year the first ever Jubilee Santacruzan of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Reyna Emperatriz Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung is donating her Elizabethan gown to the Cathedral Museum for all to see throughout the ages. Thus announced the inimitable emcee for the evening’s Santacruzan Monette Aliño.