The cultural fest will feature exhibits of indigenous arts and crafts, delicacies, literature, history, and architecture as well as a concert of Bisayan songs and a cultural show of indigenous dance, music and poetry.
This was learned through an invitation from the office of Rev. Fr. Roderick Salazar, Jr., SVD, president of USC and chairman of the KBM; and Dr. Jose Abueva, co-chairman; with the Executive Committee composed of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr.; honorary chairman; Dr. Magdaleno Albarracin, Jr.; Mr Jesus Alcordo, Ms. Yolanda Bacani and Mr. Baltazar Endriga as members.
The cultural fest is intended to enhance appreciation of and pride in the rich Bisayang Sugboanon language, culture and the arts. Beginning this Friday, December 1 at 10:30am, an exhibit showcasing Cebuano heritage and culture will be held at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Also on the same day, "Elena," a play by Vicente Sotto, will be re-staged by the USC Theater Guild for a gala show slated for USC college students as well as the public for P150 only at the Rudolf Rahmann Cultural Center, USC South Campus. "Elena," which was first staged last September 23 and 24, will also have matinee shows this November 30 at 2pm and 4pm.
On December 2, starting at 2pm, a Symposium will take place at the Buttenbruch Hall, USC Main Campus, featuring the following topics and esteemed speakers: Ethnography, Basak Blacksmiths: A Glimpse of Cebu's Past by Dr. Jocelyn B. Gerral; Cebuano Heritage: Issues and Concerns by Arch't. Melva R. Java; Future of Visayan by Dr. Francisco Nemenzo and Bisaya in the Global Filipino Nation by Dr. Jose B. Abueva. By 6pm, a free concert headlined by Pilita Corales plus other Cebu-based pioneering artists and leading Bisrock bands will take centerstage at the Anselmo Bustos Sports Complex, USC Main Campus.
Capping the three-day festival is a cultural show at the Rudolf Rahmann Cultural Center, USC South Campus on December 3 (Sunday) at 7:30pm to be presented by various USC performing arts groups.
Dalit Bisaya is expected to enliven the artistic and cultural life of Cebu just before the 12th ASEAN Summit, and before the Christmas holidays.
In the near future, it is hoped that the cultural fest will be replicated in other parts of the Visayas and in selected cities in Mindanao, in recognition of the spread of Kulturang Bisayang Sugboanon to those parts of the country. Eventually, the organizers want a similar cultural festival in Metro Manila.
It is aimed that the cultural fest be sustained by a long-term collaboration among schools, colleges, universities, media and government agencies interested in the promotion of Bisayang Sugboanon language, culture and the arts with assurances of high esteem and cooperation.
The festival is sponsored by Smart Communications Inc., the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Mr. Magdaleno Albarracin, Jr., San Miguel Corporation, the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Union Galva Steel, Universal Robina Corporation and the Bank of Commerce. - Maria Eleanor Elape Valeros