January in Cebu

Mabuhay to the Heads of State and the delegates of the 12th ASEAN Summit! As One Caring and Sharing Community, may the member countries achieve the overall objective to engage the ASEAN leaders in exchanging views, resolving issues and also bringing ASEAN activities to the common people. Specifically, the Philippine chairmanship mission is "to steer ASEAN in the implementation of the Vientiane Action Program towards social protection and promotion of the rights of the vulnerable sectors in the community, in order to contribute to poverty alleviation and empowerment through projects implemented with dialogue partners and other supporters."

Indeed, it is a noble vision for the member countries. May the vision of an ASEAN Community by 2020 materialize as planned. As the youth, it is important that we understand and appreciate the actions of our country in strengthening the ASEAN ties. I was reading from a newspaper the other day how the Philippine Chairmanship of this Summit recognizes that the strength of the ASEAN is its youth who are building the Association's bridges to the future.

In short, it's we the youth who shall benefit from the programs of the ASEAN countries, especially by the time 2020 arrives and we who are bound to grow and ripen the key programs and projects that will be planted this very year. The youth are naturally optimistic, enthusiastic, and idealistic. It is important that we appreciate inter-country relations such as the ASEAN membership as significant to our country's present and future. May we take a more active role and keep ourselves posted on what's going on and what we can do, as the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow.

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Yes, it's a power-packed month in Cebu this January! With the much-awaited 12th ASEAN Summit in full swing and the annual Sinulog just around the corner, Cebuanos and our beloved guests are in for a lot of excitement and activity.

As true-blooded Cebuanos, let's remember that the Sinulog is more than just holidays, a string of concerts, and certainly even more than a street parade. Since centuries ago, it has always been the honoring of Senor Sto. Niño and his significance in the history of Cebuano prayer and devotion. We've witnessed celebrants from all parts of the globe fly in to partake in the festivities. In our enthusiasm, we hang bright colored flags, gather dancers, floats, plan parties- a treat for all the senses.

But lately, it seems that the festivities of the Sinulog have become very commercialized. The souvenir shops bank on the face paint and parade mask images as Sinulog symbols. Numerous social events, which actually have nothing to do with the Sto. Niño, are held in the name of Sinulog.

Well, I can't say that the goodies, concerts and parties aren't great highlights to the Sinulog week because they are. I'm sure the young and the young at heart could attest to that. Business and tourism are boosted as well. Yeah, they're all very enjoyable but the Sinulog becomes truly meaningful when we realize that the heart of the festivities is really the Feast of the Holy Child, Señor Sto. Niño. As Cebuanos, it's a highlight we should heartily commemorate not only with merry-making and grandeur but also with devotion and honor. Nothing less for a holy Patron of Cebu.

Enjoy the whole month of January! Pit Señor!

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