Lapu-Lapu fluvial parade kicks off fiesta celebration

CEBU, Philippines - Close to 70 sea craft of various sizes, as well as jetskis and rubber boats with colorful ornaments joined yesterday's fluvial procession that kicked off a week of celebration leading to Lapu-Lapu City's fiesta on November 21 in honor of its patron saint, Our Lady of the Rule.

No untoward incidents were reported after the activity yesterday, as organizers announced a big success of the 11-year fluvial procession.

The sea procession left barangay Suba-Basbas at 7 a.m. and passed through the coastal barangays of Marigondon, Maribago, Mactan, Punta Engaño, Buaya, Ibo, Pusok, Pajo, and Poblacion.

A helicopter from the Philippine Air Force showered petals at the vicinity of the Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge and at the Muelle Osmeña.

After a 25-mile route around Mactan island, Ang Mandaragat, bearing the image the Virgin, docked at barangay Poblacion where the shrine is located.

At 9:00 a.m., close to 6,000 people waiting at the Muelle Osmeña wharf rose to their feet to wave as the "Ang Mandaragat" docked.

Lapu-Lapu City councilors brought the image down from the vessel, bearing it on their shoulders. They then took it to the Our Lady of the Rule Shrine, where a Holy Mass was held.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong, and devotees were at the Muelle Osmeña wharf to meet the image.

Former city councilor and chairman of the Tourism and Historical Committee Damian Gomez expressed thanks to the business establishments and resorts and hotel owners who participated the fluvial procession.