EDITORIAL - Mud on the feet, mud on the face

As of this writing the decision to hold the Sinulog ritual showdown in the South Road Properties has not changed. Some netizens are already calling this year’s event the Sinulog sa Daruhan after seeing how the grounds look like, although there has already been assurance from Cebu City officials that it isn’t as muddy or as rough as it used to be.

This will be the first time in recent history that the showdown, the culmination of the Sinulog grand parade, won’t be held at the Cebu City Sports Center. There are sure to be challenges. For one the issue about how the spectators will be accommodated, for another the availability of facilities like toilets, changing rooms, and similar quarters for the different personnel needed to run the show may become a problem.

If it rains, the scenario will become a totally different one entirely.

Some years ago the same grounds were the venue for a concert. But people don’t remember the performances more than the mud that was all over the place, the same mud they later tracked into a nearby mall.

Of course, mud alone will not ruin a Sinulog event, but it will be sure to bring it down or make it unpleasantly unforgettable for some people, most especially if paired with the lack of facilities.

Cebuanos will never forgive Mayor Michael Rama if this Sinulog showdown turns out to be a disaster. Of course, we know he won’t be the only one responsible if this happens. In fact he may be getting all the blame unfairly if it goes that way. However, people tend to remember who was on top of the situation more than anything or anyone else.

Don’t get us wrong, we don’t want this Sinulog to fail, not this one after two years of waiting. We do hope all preparations are finished before the festival day and that the venue becomes one that is free from mud or any dearth of the necessary facilities. They better get a move on.

The mud should stay under, otherwise it will not just get on the spectators’ feet but also on the faces of our local government officials.