Sinulog project director in hospital

CEBU, Philippines - The dance and life of Sinulog would not be possible if not for the efforts and dedication of Sinulog Foundation project director Dolly Suzara. Even with her absence from the start of Sinulog festivities this year, her presence can still be felt through the marks and efforts she did to make this year's Sinulog another success.

Sinulog Foundation, Inc. executive director Ricky Ballesteros said Suzara had been in and out of the hospital since November. Because of her age, she had difficulty in breathing even if she would just walk a few meters she would already be catching her breath.

Ballesteros said Suzara was brought in the Intensive Care Unit before the New Year but is now in a regular room undergoing recovery.

"Ingon to'ng doctor, if her health would continue to improve, probably next week makagawas na siya. Kana kung mo-improve iyang health," Ballesteros said.

Ballesteros said he visited Suzara last Saturday and the latter was doing good.

 "Nibalik man iyang nawong. The same Ma'am Dolly man gihapon siya. Ang problema lang naka-dextrose siya," he said.

"Ma'am Dolly, she's really the icon of Sinulog mao na sungogon namo siya'g Sinulog Festival Queen," Ballesteros added.

Suzara was still chairperson of the University of San Carlos Physical Education Department when she started working with Ballesteros.

As then president of the Cebu Physical Education Association, Suzara was Ballesteros' key person to contact for performers whenever he needs them for his events and big projects.

Suzara is known to many not only in Cebu but in the entire country because of her involvement in the cultural arts.

"Choreographers would call her 'Mommy Dolly'. Mga kabayutan sa Cebu, kaila ni Ma'am Dolly tanan," Ballesteros said in jest.

"Basta something to do with the culture and the arts, si Ma'am Dolly kaila gyud ana," Ballesteros added. (FREEMAN)