Samsam: Sugat should stay at sports complex

CEBU, Philippines - For Cebu first district Representative Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, the Sugat Kabanhawan re-enactment in Minglanilla town should remain at the oval in front of the Minglanilla Sports Complex, but in close coordination with the church.

Gullas, who attended the celebration of Christ's Resurrection last Easter Sunday, witnessed the grand commemoration of Sugat in Minglanilla that attracted more than 5,000 tourists and spectators.

"For me, mas maayo nga anha lang gihapon himuon atubangan sa sports complex to accommodate those nga gusto motan-aw," Gullas said.

Gullas added there is no debate as to why the parishioners initiated a signature campaign asking for Sugat to be held in front of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine.

Gullas said both local officials and the parishioners have found a compromise agreement that after the celebration, there won't be a disco.

Last week, Cebu Episcopal Vicar Monsignor Esteban Binghay, the municipal government and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine agreed to still hold the event at the town's sports complex but not to hold a disco prior to the Sugat.

Binghay said the venue for next year's Sugat will be determined based on the outcome of the event last Easter Sunday. They have yet to issue an official assessment on how Sunday's Sugat went.

The municipality of Minglanilla has long held the distinction of being the Sugat capital of the south, a title earned from its celebration of the Sugat Kabanhawan Festival.  (FREEMAN)