Kasadya sa SRP to start today

CEBU, Philippines - Starting today, the South Road Properties will once again come to life with the opening of the Kasadya sa SRP, now on its third year.

City Market Administrator Raquel Arce said this year is extra special as the activity which starts today will last until the city Charter Day celebration on Feb. 24, 2014.

Arce said the activity is a venue for Cebuanos and visitors to enjoy and momentarily forget about the recent calamities.

"This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy, with the series of calamities that we have experienced; from the sinking, earthquake, and typhoon. This is the right place to move on," Arce said.

A total of 44 firecracker stalls, 10 ready-to-wear stalls referred to by organizers as "market-market," 30 food stalls and three rides are ready to entertain people visiting the SRP.

She stressed that only registered firecracker vendors are allowed to sell, reiterating the city ordinance that bans the sale of such items elsewhere.

"We will strictly enforce the ordinance. Confiscation and clearing will be against those who will violate and insist on selling outside SRP," said Arce who also heads clearing office Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement team.

While no contract was signed between stall owners and the city government, stall owners were required to secure special permits from the City Treasurer's Office.

There will be free transportation to and from the SRP in three accessible areas.

"Three Kaohsiung buses will be designated in our drop-off and pickup points for free. We have the Senior Citizens' Park, Mambaling access road and Talisay access road near Laray," Arce added.

Kasadya sa SRP runs every day from 5 p.m. to midnight. Security will be in place to guard the stalls and fairgoers.

A videoke contest will be held every Tuesday.

A Eucharistic celebration will be held at 4 p.m. today to mark the opening of the Kasadya sa SRP.  (FREEMAN)