MANILA, Philippines - It was a homecoming of sorts for the Kapuso stars who joined in Cebu’s annual celebration of the Sinulog Festival last weekend.
Jennylyn Mercado and Rafael Rosell, stars of the primetime soap Second Chances, consider Cebu like their second home. For one, Jennylyn, whose family and relatives are from Cebu, has already purchased a lot in the northern part of the island-province.
Rafael has Cebuano roots himself because his father, a geologist, is from Daanbantayan. In fact, at the time of this interview, his parents were also in town to observe the religious activities of the festival held in honor of the Sto. Nio.
Rafael, who makes it a point to spend holiday breaks like Christmas in Cebu, told The STAR during the Cebu junket, “They’re (parents) here on vacation. I would love to extend my stay because I love (Cebu). I have a lot of friends here, mga DJs. What I love about Cebuanos is that they know how to have fun. My perception of people in Manila, sila yung outgoing, masaya mag-party, but when you come here, all of them are all-out, (they’re) dancing, no-holds-barred.”
Raymart Santiago, also one of the lead stars of Second Chances, frequents Cebu because of his new hobby, which is sky-diving. “I have friends here who are also into sky-diving. I’ve been invited to (do sky-diving) in Bantayan. It’s (sky-diving) just a small community. It’s something I’ve been doing in my free time,” Raymart said.
Once Upon A Kiss tween stars Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix, who were the central attraction of the Kapuso float during the parade, had a front seat view to the revelry although it was not the first Sinulog experience for Miguel, whose mother’s side is from Cebu as well.
Other Kapuso artists who lent star power to the Sinulog were Kristoffer Martin, Joyce Ching and Angelika de la Cruz of Healing Hearts; Camille Prats, also of Second Chances; comedians Betong Sumaya and Pekto; and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, who is always a hit among Cebuano audiences everytime she visits, owing in part to the fact that she speaks the language having lived part of her childhood in neighboring Leyte.
Nevertheless, amidst the grand festivities, the stars’ thoughts were not far from what was simultaneously happening in Manila, the pastoral visit of Pope Francis.
Rafael said, “I think it is a great, great honor for the Philippines to have — don’t be mad if I put it this way — the Michael Jackson (known as the King of Pop) of Catholicism (for a visit). It’s such a big thing; Pope Francis is a historical figure and a great leader. Personally, I like this one a lot. Sayang di ako nakapunta, I would have wanted to see him.”
For Miguel, he was particularly impressed with the Pope’s accessibility and special affinity with the Filipinos, especially the young people. “Although I’m not a Catholic, Pope Francis is my idol because I can really see that he wants to be close to us, from the moment he stepped out of the plane. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam!”
The stars were flown to the Queen City of the South as part of GMA network’s consistent and intensified efforts to not only be visible in the regions, but to also be more involved in the country’s biggest festivals, according to a GMA executive.
Oliver Amoroso, GMA head of Regional Strategy and Business Development (RSBD) Division, said, “GMA is very much privileged to have the Cebuanos’ support for our programs and artists. 2015 will be again a busy year for the network as we continue to help keep the fiesta spirit alive all year round. This is right in the alley of our goal to bring out the best of and in the Filipino.”