Lapu-Lapu fluvial parade Nov. 12

CEBU, Philippines - The annual fluvial procession in honor of Lapu-Lapu City's patron, the Virgin of the Rule, will be held on November 12.

The date also marks the first day of novena masses.

In a press statement, former Lapu-Lapu City councilor Damian Gomez Jr., chairman of the city tourism commission, said that fluvial procession will start at 7:00 a.m. from the Pacific Cebu Resort wharf at Suba-basbas and will culminate at the Muelle Osmeña at around 9:00 a.m. after covering a distance of almost three fourths of the coastal line of Mactan Island.

Initiated by the City Tourism Commission, the fluvial procession, now on its 11th year, has since gained cooperation from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Pacific Cebu Resort, Pumpboat Operators, Jet ski's Operators, Catholic Religious Groups, the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), and the Metro Ferry Corporation.

Commissioner Naty Amores is over-all coordinator.

Following the 5:30 a.m. Mass that will be held at the Marigondon Parish Church, the icon of the city's patron saint will be brought by motorcade to the Pacific Cebu Resort where it will be boarded on a yacht offered by Lee Joseph Gonzales.

The flower arrangement will be donated by an anonymous Marian devotee.

A helicopter from the Philippine Air Force will drop the first shower of petals. Two other drops will follow in the vicinity of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and at the Muelle Osmeña before the yacht docks signaling the end of the procession.

The best decorated and most symbolic pump boat (out-rigger vessel) will be awarded prizes. This year's board of judges for the contest is still to be decided by the tourism commission and will be announced at a later date.

The M/B Birhen sa Regla, the city-owned sea ambulance will be provided to members of the media who wish to cover the event. Boarding passes can be procured at the Lapu–Lapu City Tourism Office.