“Kadaugan sa Maktan” – Festivities or Frivolities?

CEBU, Philippines - The 35 years of the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan seems to have evolved from a historical reminiscing to an entertainment spectacle. Many people think that the frivolity of the recent staging has overtaken its historical significance of the event. 

The victorious cries of the native warriors commemorative in the annual occasion that started in 1981 are now drowned by the cheers of the audience for the celebrities playing the lead characters.  It is easy to tell that the “Kadaugan sa Maktan” (Victory at Mactan), celebrated yearly on April 27, has become just another spectacle, like the other festivals, that people anticipate every year.

As a nation, Filipinos try to preserve their culture and national heritage in various ways. Museums exhibits and safe-keep artifacts, libraries define what and how events happened, and public festivals re-live the past through performances.

Festivals, in particular, are often held to accentuate certain aspects of culture and tradition – and history, as well. That is why festivals along religious and socio-cultural traditions are usually held with posh and revelry. In the same way, historical moments are often remembered in extravagant celebrations.

It’s the first victory of Filipinos against foreign invaders that the “Kadaugan sa Maktan” attempts to memorialize. Thus, it is not mere entertainment production. It shall uphold its historical merit.

The province of Cebu has around 80 yearly festivals. These events draw both local spectators and visitors. Festivals are now big tourism come-ons. It is no surprise that the public officials invest great amount of money in such frivolities, in the hope of getting back more revenues.

Of course, festivals entice people to spend. And, yes, people do spend, especially young people looking for fun. And there are various fun events offered – parties, concerts etc.

The celebration has since become pure merrymaking and no longer a historical commemoration. When, in January, street parties were banned, it caused much uproar among the youth, who objected that the festival wouldn’t be complete without the street parties. In fact, street parties were still held.

The Rampa sa Kalsada, a street party during the full week of festivities in the “Kadaugan sa Maktan” celebration, went this way. During the afterhours of the party, the streets overflowed with teenagers going home from the party venue. History was, perhaps, farthest from these partygoers’ minds, even when their excitement had petered out.

True, merrymaking will always be part of any celebration. There will always be fun. But the frivolities shall always revolve around the reason for the occasion. (PHOTOS BY THE WRITER)

 “Awit ni Dodong” Moved to June

The musical radio show titled “Awit ni Dodong,” which was originally scheduled to air starting tomorrow, May 2, has been moved to June. The postponement of the show’s launch is due to certain program enhancements that Dr. Jose “Dodong” Gullas wants implemented. Dr. Gullas is the founder of the JRG Halad Museum, the producer of the radio show. 

“Awit ni Dodong” is a one-hour nightly radio show to air Mondays through Saturdays over DYKI Smooth FM 89.9 Mhz – from 9 to 10 p.m. It aims to perpetuate Cebuano culture, values, customs and traditions expressed in the timeless songs composed by homegrown musical geniuses like Ben Zubiri, Manê Cabase, Maestro Mil Villareal, Minggoy Lopez and many others.

 “Moms and Kisses” on May 8

Kisses from Mom are always the sweetest, no matter how young or old one is. That is why Mom deserves a special treat. On May 8, the entire family may make wonderful memories over lunch or dinner as Cebu City Marriott Hotel brings together all of Mom’s favorite dishes in a sumptuous buffet spread at the Garden Café. 

The family may sing along to Mom’s favorite tunes as angelic voices from the Children’s Joy Foundation serenades everyone as they cherish the occasion with dear Mom.  All moms get to take home a special gift, while the rest of the family also have the chance to win dining and overnight stay gift certificates in special raffle draws throughout the evening!

The “Moms and Kisses” Mother’s Day lunch buffet is from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Dinner buffet is from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reservations may be phone in at (032) 411 5800 or e-mailed to [email protected]. Bookings via www.facebook.com/cebumarriott earn more special treats and surprises for mom!