Santacruzan sa S.M.

CEBU, Philippines - Time and again the grand finale for the merry month of May’s festivities, the highly anticipated Santacruzan, unfolds at Cebu’s ultimate lifestyle destination, the grand atrium of The Northwing at S.M. City Cebu this Sunday May 30 at 4:00 p.m.. Boasting of 53 designers from Clothes for Life Foundation dressing up 53 society ladies, this, by far is the biggest Santacruzan this side of town in commemoration of the Holy Crusade. This is a project of SM City Cebu and Clothes for Life Foundation spearheaded by president Cary Santiago to raise funds for various charitable institutions supported by both entities.

According to popular legend, St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, went to Calvary 300 years after Christ’s death to search for Christ’s cross. At the site of the crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses, and had her sick servant lie down on each one. Upon touching one of the three, the servant was cured; this cross was determined to be Christ’s. The anniversary of this discovery is traditionally celebrated on May 3rd. During Spanish times, parish priests would choose hermanas or sponsors from the daughters of wealthy families. These women would shoulder the expenses, plan the festival and decorate the church as well as the caroza which would be used in the procession.

In these modern times, the tradition of assigning daughters of wealthy families vis-à-vis models and celebrities to don the latest ternos from top designers add glamour to this religious festivity. A bevy of beauty queens and celebrities congregate at The Northwing to lend support to the grand procession followed by a short programe. Key figures are Rosario Antoinette Realiza Rama (Mutya ng Pilipinas winner) as Reina Emperatriz and Anna Maris Igpit (Bb. Pilipinas World 2006) as Reina Elena will showcase the ternos of Cary Santiago and Philip Rodriguez, respectively. Also on exhibit at The Northwing are the portraits of the reinas and zagalas printed by The Banana Book and some ternos worn by former Reina Emperatrizes, the likes of Teresin Mendezona and Elvira Luym. ?

Credits:

M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu (0917 6302400/ 032 3162368)

Maquillage by Roy Erwin Tizon, Emi Ayag, Ramil Solis, Wenwen Zaspa, Tatz Augustin, Abbai Pila, Jonas Borces, Kenneth Malaika Llamas, Norman Aspiras, John Rubi, Michael Laborte, Nestor Gamus, Lloyd Aytona, Andy Simadhan and Cielo Diamante.

Digital Imaging by Tom Evangelista and Wenwen Zaspa

Special thanks to Ms. Marissa Fernan, Ms. Jane Hester Amigo and Ms. Issa Balce of S.M. Superrmalls