Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.

Prayer is best way to celebrate Sinulog

January 12, 2012 By CBSIcontent Leave a Comment

The Feast of Sto. Niño on Jan. 15 is full of festive food, overflowing drinks, and street parties. But nothing beats a solemn prayer to celebrate the day, according to two Sto. Niño devotees.

Gloria Enclonar, who has been a devotee since she was 19 years old, said that beyond the food and the dances, people must remember prayer as still the best way to thank the Holy Child.

“Prayer is still the best gift for Sto. Niño and the best way to celebrate. For me, I would complete the novena masses every year even under threats of a storm,” she said in Cebuano during the Pagtuki episode last Saturday.

Pagtuki is the radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), which airs every Saturday, 10-11 a.m. at dyLA.

Enclonar said that she personally experienced the miracle of the baby Jesus when she was 35 years old. The doctor had informed her of her difficulty to get pregnant. A believer in the power of prayer, Enclonar asked Sto. Niño to grant them even just one child.

Now, she and her husband are raising their three biological children.

For Julia Maru, another Pagtuki guest who has been battling breast cancer for three years, the miracle of Sto. Niño is manifested through the love and support of her family.

She continues to encourage her three sons to celebrate the Sinulog by attending the novena masses.

“My Sinulog will be complete when I attend mass and give thanks to Sto. Niño. For me, prayer is most important of all our Sinulog activities,” she said in Cebuano.

Karl Damayo, exhibitions and museum collections officer of the Casa Gorodo Museum of RAFI, said that Sinulog is really intended for giving thanks to Sto. Niño.

“The Vatican acknowledges the Sinulog as a prayer through a dance. There are only two dancing prayers recognized by the Vatican. The other one is in Spain,” he said.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Festivals, Society

Fete de la Musique 2011

May 24, 2011 By CBSIcontent Leave a Comment

Cebu, get ready for the sights and sounds of Fete de la Musique 2011! Now on its 4th year in the Queen City of the South, the event promises to bring Cebuanos closer to how France and over a hundred countries all over the world experience World Music Day, also known as Fete de la Musique.

Drawing from the success of last year’s multi-stage set up at Ayala Center Cebu, the music
kicks off at 1pm at Level 1 in front of Beauty Bar and at 2pm across Oh Georg. The Activity

Center Stage fires up at 3pm, and by 5:30pm, the action takes place at The Terraces, where more musicians are set to share their talents and artistry all the way until midnight.

Expect smashing musical performances brought to you by Cebuano performers such as Happy Days and Bambu Spliff, new talents Undercover Grasshoppers, Wonggoys, and Carlo Pez, SUCH from Iligan, and American pop music producer Ben Patton. Highlights of the evening include classical interpretations by the Peace Philharmonic Youth Ensemble, super percussion group Grand Slam Tambulan, the internationally acclaimed UV Choir, and ska sensation Island Joe. With their catchy pop hooks, a special guest performance by the highly successful and multi-awarded OPM group Callalily is guaranteed to entertain crowds of all ages and musical preferences.

From old school to new school, classical, experimental and everything else in between, Fete de la Musique 2011 takes you on a musical journey that you only experience once a year. And as always, it is absolutely FREE!

Fete de la Musique 2011 is proudly presented by Alliance Francaise de Cebu and The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu in cooperation with ABS CBN, ML Kwarta Padala, Sledgers, Kickers and Delsey, with the generous support of Major Sponsors, Studio 23, Maayong Buntag Kapamilya, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu and DYLS FM 97.1. It would not be possible with out Minor Sponsors, Yehey dot com, Kate’s, Soundballoon, Bioderm, Casino Ethyl Alcohol Femme and Crossover 90.7 Cebu.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Entertainment

Gabii sa Kabilin on May 27

May 23, 2011 By CBSIcontent Leave a Comment

On its fifth consecutive year, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) will once again hold Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage) on May 27, 2011.

From nine museums last year, 11 museums and seven heritage sites will open its doors to the public from 6 p.m. to midnight for this once-in-a-year unique nighttime heritage tour in Cebu.

Gabii sa Kabilin, the only one of its kind in the Philippines and in Asia, aims to reinforce the belief that local museums are venues for the understanding and appreciation of Cebuano history and culture. But beyond that it also discounts the stereotype of museums as mere repositories of “dead objects”; rather, as venues for live cultural activities.

This award-winning event is also organized in celebration of the National Heritage Month and International Museum Day in May.

This year, the participating museums are Casa Gorordo Museum, Cathedral Museum of Cebu, Fort San Pedro, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Museo Sugbo, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) – Rizal Museum, Museo Parian sa Sugbo (1730 Jesuit House), Sacred Heart Alternative Gallery, Cebu Normal University (CNU) Museum, Cebu City Museum, and Mandaue City Central Plaza, while the heritage sites include Plaza Independencia, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Basilica del Sto. Niño, Sacred Heart Church, Heritage of Cebu Monument (Plaza Parian), Plaza Hamabar, and Plaza Sugbo.

The participating museums will feature different cultural attractions during the Gabii sa Kabilin, such as performances by Izarzuri Vidal and Children’s Orchestra Marigondon Public School at Casa Gorordo Museum; storytelling at Cathedral Museum of Cebu; tribal band at Fort San Pedro; Santacruzan sa Parian procession at Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House; Cebuano dances at Museo Sugbo; nigh market of Colon Street vendors outside USPF Rizal Museum; Cebuano songs and harpist performances at the Museo Parian sa Sugbo; art fair at Sacred Heart Alternative Gallery; World War II memorabilia collections at CNU Museum; paintings at Cebu City Museum; and cooking demonstration of native delicacies of Mandaue at the Mandaue City Central Plaza.

The upcoming Gabii sa Kabilin will also feature a walking tour of the participating plazas in Cebu City to be conducted by Ka Bino Guerrero.

For a Php 150 ticket, a visitor can already enter all the participating museums and heritage sites and avail of bus and tartanilla (horse-drawn carriage) rides. Visitors can choose where to start first.

The routes will be secured by the Cebu City Police Office as well as tanods from the nine barangays in Cebu City—Santo Niño, Tinago, San Roque, Tejero, T. Padilla, Cogon Ramos, Pari-an, Zapatera, and Day-as. The barangays will also provide volunteers to man information desks and drive designated buses back and forth selected venues.

Parking spaces are available at Cathedral Museum of Cebu, Fort San Pedro and Sacred Heart Parish.

For ticket inquiries, please call Casa Gorordo Museum at 418-7234 loc. 703 and look for May, or contact any of the participating museums. Visit also www.rafi.org.ph for more information.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Events

Ayala Center Cebu Style Origin on May 8

May 3, 2011 By CebuBloggers Leave a Comment

This summer, Ayala Malls brings together an explosive fusion of fashion and music thru Style Origin’s Fashion Beats. Beyond fashion immersion, Fashion Beats is also a testament to the Filipinos’ passion for creating music that inspires an individual’s lifestyle.

Fashion Beats takes on the first unique collaboration on fashion and live music on the runway. Launched last March 25, the first installment of the series was recently held at Greenbelt.

Unlock your unique style and witness Style Origin Fashion Beats at an Ayala Mall nearest you. Ayala Center Cebu’s Style Origin Fashion Beats happens this Sunday, May 8, featuring Rico Blanco.

Express and cultivate your unique and personal sense of style as your senses witness and listen to fashion moving to the live local sound at Style Origin.

For more details, you may refer to the event poster below

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Cebu, Events, Fashion

Spotlight Dance Company’s Origin

March 4, 2011 By CebuBloggers 1 Comment

Spotlight Dance Company is a dance school, a professional training ground of the country’s most promising young talents in dance that, with the help of BASELINE Restaurant and Recreation Center, started last summer, 19th of April 2010.

Pretty much new to the dance scene, Spotlight’s Creative Director is not. Ms. Ellen Marie Chua Tan has almost 22 years of experience in dance and 8 years in teaching.

Last February 20, 2011, the dance company had their first ever year end recital at the USC-GHS Cultural Center. An almost 3 hour presentation encompassing all the different dance disciplines the school offers. It was participated in by the students and the instructors themselves. The young and not-so-young showcased their talents to impress families, friends and guests.

Here’s a video clip of the POI/Fire Dance presentation:

Sorry if the video is stretched.

Regular courses in dance (Classic Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Ballroom, POI/Fire Dance for all levels) including performance and workshops are offered from July to March. From April to May, the school conducts a summer (6-week intensive) technique training culminating in a dance showcase.

Enroll and learn how to dance!

This article is written by Debbie Rojonan.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Cebu

Local Rock Band Releases Free Song with ‘USB Flash Drive Concept’

December 7, 2010 By CebuBloggers Leave a Comment

Alternative rock band Bethany will be releasing for free, a track off their debut album coming this December 17, Friday, 9 p.m. at The Outpost Restobar, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. Their official debut album dubbed “Fantasy Fool” is to be released second quarter of next year tentatively.

Bethany is composed of Quibranza siblings Luis on the vocals and guitars, Angelo on guitars and Paolo on the drums, plus Jan Osbert Dela Cerna on the bass. During the gig, their official single “Waiting” will be released for free. All the audience has to do is to bring their own USB flash drive with them, and there will be a counter set up to assist the loading of the song.

Coming off fresh from a weekend tour in Metro Manila (including a set at Eastwood mall), the band is back here in Cebu focused in promoting their new album. “We hope that this move will allow the public to get a feel what kind of songwriting we have in our album. It’s also our little Christmas treat giving the track out for free,” shares guitarist Angelo.

The band has performed in numerous gigs and festivals since starting 2008, making appearances in shows like the Visayan Music Festival, Fete de la Musique, Sonicboom Sinulog Blast Off, and being featured in local cable’s RCTV 36 show, Tambayan Sa Outpost. Other bands scheduled for the gig are Foc Fashion, Sirens, Detached, Lightyear, and Shuffled.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Cebu, Technology

Galeon Andalucia — More than Impressive

October 25, 2010 By CebuBloggers 1 Comment

“Impressive” is the reply I relayed when one of the crew of Galleon Andalucia, named Jose, asked me about the mid-sized but still mammoth buoyant structure that docked in Cebu, eclipsing the harbour side of Malacañang sa Sugbu for seven days. This was on October 16, 2010, a Saturday night where we were invited for a tour with the crew of the galleon through RAFI.

Despite the impending drizzle and chilly sea breeze on that night, the spectacle and the buffet never failed to feature the ship in which its ancestors once sailed and landed on the shores of Cebu almost five hundred years ago.

The galleon, which unofficially symbolizes Spain’s might on the sea during its colonial years and centuries, is not just a floating structure that moves when its sails set (this time, the galleon is engine-powered). It has become a floating museum; much like a memorabilia of what it once was before the steel-fabricated naval machine became the prototype of the modern ship known and frequently seen in these contemporary times.

Culturally, Galeon Andalucia is indeed a museum, a floating one that integrates antiquity and modernity in design and structure. Apart from it, it is a sea carrier conveying Spain’s cultural richness. For me, I consider it a symbol of Spain’s might. Its voyage around the world could somehow be taken as a sign of Iberian country’s attempt to showcase its cultural pride to reminisce (and flaunt) its navigational power.

Nevertheless, with the tour from the deck to the inside of the galleon, the ship includes friendship and education on its cultural display.

Galleon Andalucia is more than impressive. Yes, I made a mistake when I told Jose of that word for that definition is an understatement. If I could take that back, maybe the term “Awesome” would be the best reply.

Marvelous. Mighty. Beautiful. Those words are other descriptions I can best say about the colonial ship Spain has built for centuries.

It is really a great experience to see a ship of that size and beauty.

Although the tour inside the ship could take less than an hour, picture takings and an interview with the crew plus the real canons and chitchats on the galleon’s deck prolonged our time to wander, venture and scrutinize almost every detail of the ship (save for the crew’s cabins, which I failed to take a peek).

The Galleon Andalucia provides cultural education between Spain and the Philippines. Since this is the first time, perhaps the coming years will yield more improvement in educating us Filipinos, something that is part of our history. We will not only learn of how sea voyage was done and like during those times but also retrace our economic historical footprint of our exported goods at the time as well. Truly exciting!

Write up by: Bjorn Bernales. More about Bjorn in BjornCebuano.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Cebu, Events, Tourism

1st Cebu Comic Book Convention

September 21, 2010 By CebuBloggers Leave a Comment

The 1st Cebu Comic Book Convention event aims to bring together Cebu’s comic book community under one roof to celebrate our collective love for the medium. The 1st Cebu Comic Book Conventionon the 25th of September 2010, 10AM to 7PM at the Activity Center Ayala Cebu.

It will feature activities and attractions like comic book art exhibits, panel discussions and talks by comic book professionals, portfolio reviews, contests, cosplay, and art workshops among others.

People expected to be present will be Comic book professionals, both from Manila and Cebu. This is a good opportunity to show your support to our local Comic Book Creators!

The is presented by Big Ape Design Studio and JONASDIEGO.COM, in cooperation with Super Debil Robot Comics and kawalo concepts & designs.

For more info, visit Cebu comics and expect CBS members to be there!

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Cebu, Events, Hobbies and Interests

Tsinelas’ Their Books 3

September 14, 2010 By CebuBloggers Leave a Comment

Tsinelas Association Inc.’s Their Books 3 will be this coming Sept. 24, 25, 26, 2010 as part of the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration. Their Books now on its third year, won Tsinelas the prestigious TAYO (Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines) awards in 2009.

“THEIR BOOKS” is an award-winning fund-raising project of Tsinelas participated in by writers, columnists, editors, musicians, painters, media practitioners, teachers, the academe, politicians and other prominent personalities in Cebu. These people are asked to donate books from their personal collections. The books are then put on sale for the public. Hence, the name “Their Books.”

Tsinelas Association Inc. (Tsinelas) is a non-government organization that provides assistance to poor students in depressed areas in Cebu. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as non-profit.

One of Tsinelas’ ways to raise funds is by holding a book sale every year. The books we sell are donated by book lovers and some of Cebu’s prominent media personalities. They call the sale “Their Books.”

Through “Their Books,” you don’t only raise funds for Tsinelas’ projects, but also promote reading by providing the public with affordable but quality books. Be part of this campaign by donating some books from your collection. By donating, you are not only helping children stay in school, you are also helping us promote reading.

For inquiries, call/text 09228243800 or 09274864146, or visit the official website tsinelas.org.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Cebu, Events, Hobbies and Interests, Society

Hobcon 10-10-10 Imperia

September 3, 2010 By CebuBloggers Leave a Comment

General Mechanics, Rules, and Procedures:

Guidelines:

1. This contest is open to all, however participants below 18 must be registered by a guardian.
2. Participants can download registration form from the website (www.caneevents.com), or may register on the day of the event at the designated registration area. Cosplayers under eighteen (18) years old must have their parent/s and/or legal guardian/s sign the waiver/image release form which will be distributed at the event.

Upon registration, contestants shall be requested to provide the following:

A. Fully Filled out official registration form;

B. Signed image release, quitclaim and waiver

C. A full-body reference photo of the characters that will be portrayed. This reference photo must be at least 4 inches by 6 inches and must be provided in color and must be in printed form. The reference photo must be of the original character, not the contestant dressed in costume.

D. A CD soundtrack to be played during the performance. (for group cosplayers)

Participants with incomplete requirements will not be allowed to be part of the contest.

3. The cosplay registration will be both on-site/at-con registration and online pre-registration. The on-site/at-con registration will be on October 10, 2010. Cosplayers should register at www.caneevents.com; for pre-registrants they are required to confirm their pre-registrations on-site during the cosplayer registration period. Pre-registrants who fail to confirm their registration from 10am-1pm on October 10, 2010, the organizers has the right to forfeit their pre-registered slots and will be given to the on-site Individual Cosplay registrants.

4. Cosplay event will be an OPEN CATEGORY event where participants could cosplay any character that they want from an EMPIRE genre whether it’s from an Anime, Manga,Tokusatsu, Video Games, western animation, visual kei, harajuku fashion, Movies, Graphic Novels or Comic Books. Original or Fan-based (Dōjinshi) characters will be immediately disqualified.

5. Costumes that are too revealing (ie. exposes private parts) are prohibited. Scantly clad and/or sexy costumes are allowed but are not encouraged. The HOBCON Organizers OR CANE Events TEAM has the right to disqualify any participant on this ground.

6. Cosplayers shall be held responsible for their props at all times. Any sharp and/or metal and pyrotechnic costume props are not allowed. Messy props that can cause damage to the stage or surrounding area or that takes a long time to clean up is likewise disallowed. Cosplayers shall be liable for any damage or injury resulting from mishandling and/or negligence of a contestant in his/her use of props/materials throughout the duration of the event.

7. Skits involving Fanservice (ie. yaoi, yuri, etc.) is allowed but should be “General Patronage” however, extreme fan service (kissing, PDA and the like) and lewd, messy or obscene costumes that are deemed inappropriate for minors will be immediately disqualified. Keep in mind that it is a wholesome event.

8. Individual Participants will be given a maximum of 1 minute each to act out the character.

For Group Participants, the maximum time for stage performance is ten (10) minutes. Contestants who will have special requirements for their skit are advised to inform the organizers regarding their set-up during registration. Otherwise, the contestants will be provided default background music.

9. Criteria for Judging :

Performance (25%): Portrayal of Character, Execution of Skit, creativity in action scenes, choreography and adherence to time limit;
Craftsmanship (30%): Costume accuracy, Quality and Creativity of costume Construction, costume difficulty, innovativeness in use of materials.
Accuracy of Character (30%): Actual costume characterization must be a replica of the original character.
Overall Impact (15%): Stance, Pose, Appeal and total presentation of the character.

10. The Judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

11. All Contestants must be present in the Cosplay Holding Area in full costume at exactly 1pm on October 10, 2010. Finalists must be ready to have their costumes assessed by judges and answer any questions they might have.

Registration on October 10, 2010 will start at 10:00 am and will be closed at 12:30 pm.

12. HOBCON Organizers reserve the right to disqualify any cosplayer who ignores and/or violates any of the aforementioned guidelines.

13. Prizes:

Group Cosplayers – Php 8,000 plus trophy and Gift Pack
Individual Male Cosplayer – Php 5,000 plus trophy and Gift Pack
Individual Female Cosplayer – Php 5,000 plus trophy and Gift Pack
Best Kiddo Cosplayer – Gift Check plus trophy

*Prizes may be subject to change.

14. Relatives of HOBCON organizers, marshals, volunteers, suppliers and company partners up to the 3rd degree of consanguinity or affinity are prohibited from joining this contest.

15. Registration and participation to the Contest constitutes that the cosplayer gives the right and the authority to HOBCON organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to take pictures and/or videos of registered cosplayers, cosplay groups and its members and will be the sole property of the organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to be used for future publications and/or advertising promotions.

Guidelines is subject to change without prior notice at CANE Events main website (www.caneevents.com) .

Individual Cosplay Guidelines

Registration Fee: Php 150 per participant

1. There will be no entry limit for the Individual Cosplay event. There is a deadline for the registration and anyone who registers before the deadline is included to the official list of Individual Cosplay participants.

2. Individual Cosplay participants are only allowed to have a maximum of two (2) human props.

3. Individual Cosplay participants will be given name tags that must be worn at the event venue at all times.

4. Individual Cosplay participants are not qualified to join the Group Cosplay event even as a cameo role or as a prop.

Group Cosplay Guidelines

Registration Fee: Php 100 per participant

1. A cosplay group must strictly consist of at least five (5) and a maximum of ten (10) members per group. Any group that lacks/exceeds to the set number of participants will be disqualified. Human props and the Cosplay Group’s Technical Director are included in the member count.

2. A cosplay group member is only allowed to join in one cosplay group.

3. A member of a particular cosplay group is not qualified to join the Individual cosplay event.

4. All cosplay groups are required to have a cosplay skit. Each cosplay group will be given a Maximum of 10 minutes of stage time to do their skits.

5. All BGMs that will be used for the cosplay skit must be in audio format (.CDA) or in MP3 format and must be within the limit of their cosplay skit. Audio CDs must be properly labeled and submitted at the event itself upon registration. A cosplay group is required to have a technical director who will assist the HOBCON technical team in the usage of their CDs.

Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Cebu, Hobbies and Interests