"The Cebu Malay Society of Composers, Authors, Artists and Producers, Inc. through a letter dated November 28 addressed to this humble representation, opines that the gathering of 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on December 11-14 in Cebu is a rare global window of opportunity to project our Visayan/Cebuano culture to the world stage via the international media," Labella said.
The organization is proposing that local compositions be played in hotels, major restaurants, shopping malls, and radio stations in Cebu in the duration of the summit.
"Even under the intense onslaught of foreign music spurred by the globalization process, our local music composers as well as artists in various disciplines have demonstrated through their creative outputs that Cebuanos are second to none in expressing their deep well of artistic talents," Labella said.
Also, Labella said that highlighting local compositions and music is in line with the policy of the state to promote and support the development and growth of the local arts industry, including music, as a medium for the upliftment of aesthetics, culture and social values.
Likewise, Labella is calling on the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas to encourage all its member radio stations to allocate ample time to local music to promote the compositions of Cebuano music artists.
At least 1,000 foreign journalists are expected to cover the summit, many of which will be billeted in major hotels like the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Meetings of country leaders and foreign ministers will be held at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City, the Shangri-la Resort in Mactan and the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Nivel Hills, Lahug. - Joeberth M. Ocao