Fewer politicians, more stars in Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines - Compared to last year, which was an election year, just a few politicians from Manila joined yesterday's Sinulog grand parade.

Unlike last year when several politicians running for national positions were very much visible, only Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian were around yesterday.

Gatchalian was with Binay while Estrada was alone when he dropped by at the Cebu City Sports Center. He did not also join Binay at the VIP section and was not recognized by the emcee.

Binay, who was allowed to speak before Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama officially declared the grand parade open, only greeted the Cebuanos, "Pit Senyor", and proceeded immediately to the grandstand where he stayed for few minutes.

The vice president was met by shipping magnate Chester Cokaliong at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Rama said he was aware that Estrada was around but they have not seen each other.

The mayor said that they have invited President Benigno Aquino, III, and several other officials from Manila but received no reply from Malacañang.

"Maybe the president is too busy," Rama said.

Former senator Richard Gordon was also invited but could not make it due to fever, while Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was also invited but likewise did not show up.

Meanwhile, celebrities did not fail to elicit cheers from the Cebuano crowd at the grandstand and at the parade route.

Movie and television actresses Marian Rivera, Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Jodi Santamaria, and Empress Shuck as well as actors Ogie Alcasid, John Loyd Cruz, Richard Yap, Jade Madela, and Alden Richards stole the show from the contingents as they pass by.  (FREEMAN)