Santander's tostado inspires Gwen's gown

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is working with Phillip Rodriguez, a renowned fashion designer here, on the final details of her gown she will be wearing for her upcoming performance in this year’s Sinulog Festival. 

 In an interview, Garcia told the media that the gown design draws inspiration from the tostado, a kind of cookie Santander is known for. In fact, the festival in Santander is even named after this toasted cookie.

 The lady governor will be dancing with the “Tostados” or Santander’s delegates to the Sinulog festival.

 “Our choreographer JP Cabigon will help us interpret the step-by-step process of making the tostado,” she said.

 Department heads of the Provincial Capitol will start rehearsing with the Tostado performers on Monday, while Garcia will rehearse later next week.

 In the same interview, Garcia said she will financially assist the delegates from the municipality of Alcoy for their preparations in their upcoming performance in the Sinulog festival.

“The Siloys deserve help, they are the defending champions,” she said.

 Garcia will be attending the official launch of the Sinulog Festival 2009 tomorrow, Friday. She will also grace the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan competition on Saturday. — Darlanne R. Sino Cruz, CIT MassComm intern/MEEV