Soar Higher Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - When talking about live performances, it has to be said that productions of its class are not exactly entertainment genres but are more of collaborations – a conspiracy even – between performers and the audience.

In the case of the Opening Salvo of the Cebu Business Month 2012 held last June 1, 2012 at the Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, guest performers Mark Bautista and La Diva's Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia did well in living up to the premises which define performances which are worthy of remembering, in an event which, all in all, didn't overdo nor was inept in its intent and purposes.

Working on the CBM 2012's "Soar Higher Cebu" theme, guests to the month-long event's opening salvo were treated to a unique experience, amalgamating the textbook definitions of "make believe" and wit into one.

Invites to the occasion came in the form of airline tickets and boarding passes, true to the tune of CBM 2012's "Soar Higher Cebu" theme, as a line of "airline attendants" were present in assisting "passengers" in settling in their seats before "take off".

Kicking off with La Diva members Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia on stage, renditions of Adele's hits were met with appreciation from the crowd. But these performances, impressive as they were, were not the stars which turned heads that evening.

What drew attentions was a humble RC Helicopter, whose take-off symbolically represented the official launch of CBM 2012, soaring high as Cebu soars to higher bounds.

The lift-off was then followed by the ceremonial "passing of the plane" by key proponents of CBM 2012 to members of the next generation, a symbolic act reminding everyone - not just businessmen - that all our efforts and endeavors today are for the growth of the future.

Mark Bautista then performed last, culminating the evening with a medley of standards, a choice which comes as a credit to Bautista's eclectic vocal range and music sensibilities.

As opening salvos come, the CBM 2012 Opening Salvo was not only well organized, not only star studded, and not only intent in heralding in celebrating the month-long event, but purposeful in its happening, unified in its aims and goals for a better and brighter Cebu. (FREEMAN)