SFI to hotels: Donate

CEBU, Philippines – The Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) is encouraging hotel businesses in Cebu City to set aside monetary as contribution for the annual cultural festivity.

The request came after suspended mayor Michael Rama sought help in raising funds for the rehabilitation of the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda that will cost around P7 million.

“We are asking support from the hotels if they can also support Sinulog since we also need money to make all this activities attractive to all visitors, tourists and all Cebuanos,” said SFI executive director Ricky Ballesteros yesterday.

He said Rama, chairman of the SFI board of directors, had been asking hotel executives to become active partners of the foundation for the festivity.

“He’s planning to call a meeting with HRAC (Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc.) to support us, especially now that we’re going to rehabilitate Fuente Osmena circle,” he said.

Ballesteros reminded hotels and resorts that they greatly benefit from the Sinulog, which always draws tourists from the country and from around the world.

The city government earlier tapped SFI to assist in funding the rehabilitation of Fuente Osmeña.

“We are in charge of rehabilitating it. (We need) at least P7 million to cover the expenses on the rehabilitation works,” he said.

Ballesteros assured hotel businesses of “advertising mileage” if they choose to support the yearly festival, which has been attracting people from different races to witness Cebu City’s cultural and religious celebration in honor of the Señor Sto. Niño.

“It (contribution) will be a big help…and we will include you in all our promotional packages,” he said.

Ballesteros said that though they have a target amount, which is a challenge to raise, what they could support for Fuente Osmeña would depend on the number of interested sponsors or partners.

Meanwhile, Ballesteros said one of the difficulties Ballesteros raised to them this early is the availability of nearby hotel accommodations for the judges of the different Sinulog activities, as most are fully-booked already less than 30 days before Sinulog 2016.

“Karon, puno-puno na gyud and as a matter of fact we are having a difficulty booking our judges for the Sinulog activities,” he said.

During the previous years, the foundation had accommodated the judges within the city for easy transport to venues and back; but for this year, they would be billeted in neighboring Mandaue City.

He also pleaded for all hotels to maintain their regular price rates despite the peak season. – May B. Miasco/RHM (FREEMAN)