PNoy, Binay invited to Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines - Not looking at party lines, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is inviting both President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay during the Sinulog on Jan. 19.

He said he also invited former senator Richard “Dick” Gordon and Senators Pia Cayetano and Allan Cayetano because they fought for Cebu’s funding.

Meanwhile, he added that Sinulog 2014 is going to be a celebration of faith after all the tragedies and disasters Visayas has encountered last year.

Rama said this year’s Sinulog should all the more be a celebration of faith in view of the events in 2013, the worst of which was the Oct. 15 earthquake and the Nov. 8 super typhoon Yolanda.

“If we look back at 2013, it was not a rosy picture for the country because of all the tragedies, disasters and the like,” he said.

He likewise stressed that since the Sinulog has always been an offering to the Holy Child, this year’s festivity will emphasize the theme “One Beat, One Dance, One Voice and One Vision.”

“We should, in one voice, thank Senior Santo Niño for us not experiencing the many burdens the country is facing in view of all the disasters that had happened,” Rama said.

The mayor said preparing for this year’s Sinulog is not easy but worth it.

He said that although Sinulog festivities end with the awarding on Jan. 20, related activities are still until February.—/RHM (FREEMAN)