Cebu City 74th Charter Day Celebration

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City began as a “fledging trading port in 1521” to be known later as “Villa  del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus in 1575” and from a “municipality in 1901, Cebu finally became a chartered city on February 24, 1937” (http://www.cebucity.gov.ph/history).

Other sources, however, reveal that Cebu City had an earlier name. Spanish explorers led by Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in Cebu and “established settlements, trade flourished and renamed the city on January 1, 1571, from San Miguel to Villa del Santísimo Nombre de Jesús (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cebu City).”

Was it 1575 or 1571 and was San Miguel the original name of Cebu City? A mistake has been committed somewhere and that is a job for historians. Another correction that has to be made is the list of sister cities/towns in Wikipedia because it did not include Xiamen, Fujian Province and I was there for the 20th anniversary celebration as sister cities.

Another date that is important is February 24, 1937; by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 58 authored by Senator Vicente Rama (representative of Cebu’s 3rd district), Cebu City was granted its own charter, which means that “the governing system is defined by the city’s own charter document rather than by state, provincial, regional or national laws.” For your favorite food columnist, it means more anniversaries to commemorate and food is the most important element in any celebration. By the way, who among my beloved readers have read this charter document? 

As Cebu City celebrated its 74th Charter Anniversary, I had the pleasure to enjoy the Testimonial Dinner and Awarding Ceremony at the Casino Español de Cebu. As usual, nothing starts on time in the Philippines and many guests in this day and age cannot understand the meaning of “formal” attire. And my stomach starts to grumble if no food is served at the anointed time.

Fortunately, I was seated among gentlemen, regular guests in this establishment, and the service brigade was quick to recognize them. First, a small bread basket and some butter, then a small plate with Lengua Consetas, followed by another plate of Chicken Supreme Cacciatore and glasses of red wine. Seated beside me was a former councilor who has made a fashion statement in formal wear; he has never worn the same, excuse me, barong Tagalog in all the regular council sessions he has participated in six years!

 While guests in adjoining tables were staring at this privileged corner, friends began to gravitate around our table, filling the empty seats while enjoying our company, food and wine.

Finally, the program started with the Parade of Awardees and Cebu City officials, as waiters were most eager to refill our glasses. Large plates with slices of Roasted Angus US Beef, medium done and tender, quickly filled our table. As Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young gave the Welcome Remarks, the waiters began to serve Scotch whiskey accompanied by more plates of Lengua Consetas and Roast Beef.

When the dinner began, I went for the Celery Asparagus Apple Chicken Salad, Steamed Fish Fillet with Ham and Shitake Mushrooms and some dessert. The Awarding Ceremony began with a message from Mayor Michael Rama and I glanced at the list of awardees, which included His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal (Order of Rajah Humabon). Very appropriate award for such a holy person and he has accepted that Cebu City is now his home.

Cebu City has grown because it has residents who are concerned with its future and they have walked the extra mile for its development. Hopefully, our beloved city will continue to grow!