Chinese consuls, military execs join 'Suroy-Suroy'

CEBU, Philippines -  Chinese consuls and military officials joined Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the rest of some 140 guests in the two-day Suroy-Suroy Sugbo in Camotes group of islands.

Dubbed as “Enchanting Camotes,” this is the second Suroy-Suroy Sugbo for this year after the Northern Escapade in northern Cebu in January.

Garcia is also joined by acting Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who chairs the committee on tourism in the Provincial Board. Magpale also happens to represent the fifth district in which Camotes island is part of.

Former Philippine Ambassador to China Francisco Benedicto, Consul-General He Shi Jing and Honorary Consul Samuel Chioson brought their families in the rural tourism program of the provincial government.

Jing said it is the first time his family joined the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo although he already heard it since he arrived in Cebu two years ago.

He found the program very good to promote Cebu in the world since Suroy-Suroy Sugbo is localized.

The deputy commander of the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, B/Gen. Alejandro Estomo and his wife, Capt. Rogelio Castillon of the 78th Infantry Battalion and Commodore Teddy Pan and Gen. Arnaldo Fernandez also joined the activity.

Some prominent personalities include businessman Glenn Soco, Betchy Quisumbing and Linda Ouano, wife of PB Member Thadeo Ouano.

The participants left Pier 1 in Cebu City at exactly 8:00 in the morning yesterday on board Ocean Jet to Poro, Camotes.

Three Ceres buses and private cars waited at the Poro wharf and transported the guests to Bukilat cave in Tudela where they witnessed the ritual of Valentina Lanosa, 85, and son, Demetrio, 56, in asking mythical creatures to allow people to enter the cave. Valentina claimed Bukilat as her grandfather.

A “palina” (a ritual to drive away bad spirits) was performed and an egg was placed on a plate while Valentina prayed for a sign that the cave is ready to be opened for the people.

The guests had their lunch at Buho Rock Resort in Poro and proceeded to Lake Danao in San Francisco where they participated in the symbolic tree planting.

The group then visited Santiago Bay and had dinner at Mangodlong Resorts and stayed overnight in different resorts.

The group will cross the island of the town of Pilar today where a Mass will be held and will be followed by a visit to heritage and ancestral houses. They will be back in Cebu City this afternoon. (FREEMAN)