Politicians ‘absent’ on Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines – Local and national politicians, who usually go to Cebu to join the Sinulog celebration, were obviously not around yesterday.

Among the very few political figures spotted watching yesterday’s Grand Parade, and a first timer in witnessing the celebration, was Senator Lito Lapid, who was all praises for the event.

“Maganda ito. Kakaiba ito. Napakaganda,” said the senator in an interview with The Freeman at the VIP designated stage at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

Lapid, who is now on his last term as senator, said his province in Pampanga also has Sinulog, which they copied from Cebu since 1995, when he was still the governor.

“Pero iba ang Sinulog ng Cebu. Kayo ang nauuna, eh,” Lapid added.

Lapid was joined by his son, Mark, who is most likely to follow the footsteps of his father.

Mark said, though, he is not yet sure whether he will run for senator.

“Hindi pa natin masasabi na tatakbo ako, pero baka tatakbo,” the younger Lapid said.

The veteran senator, one of the country’s most popular action stars, nevertheless said during the interview, “to support his son.”

Aside from the older Lapid, no other national politicians were spotted unlike before wherein Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, and Allan Peter Cayetano as well as Vice President Jejomar Binay, were usually present in the celebration.

Revilla obviously could not attend the event, though, as he is currently in jail.

Binay was supposed to be the guest of honor but did not make it as he attended the mass at the Quirino grandstand officiated by Pope Francis.

The celebration was nevertheless a star-studded one as usual with the presence of some popular movie stars like Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Enchong Dee, Gabby Concepcion, casts of the Once Upon a Kiss, and beauty queens Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj.

Other celebrities spotted were Daniel Matsunaga, Ogie Alcasid, Melai Cantiveros, Dionisia “Mommy D” Pacquiao, Sarah Lahbati, and the Gutierrez family – actor Eddie and wife Annabelle and children Ruffa, Raymond, and Richard. — (FREEMAN)