CEBU was formally bestowed the title Asean City of Culture yesterday, in a ceremony attended by ambassadors of some of the bloc’s member-countries.
But Cebuanos were surprised when the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) revealed that Cebu shares the title with nine other cities in the Philippines.
Olivia Palala, DFA Office of Association of Southeast Asian Nations Affairs executive director, said other Asean City of Culture cities are: Manila, Angono in Rizal, Angeles in Pampanga, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental, Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte, Roxas in Capiz, Tagbilaran in Bohol and Tarlac.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines's Eva Mari Salvador said, though, that only three of the nine are considered the core group.
These are Manila, the country's capital; Pangasinan because it is where the Asean Ministers for Culture and the Arts first designated the Asean cities of culture; and Cebu.
Logistics
Vigan in Ilocos Sur was considered, but Salvador said the city did not have the logistics to accept the designation.
Salvador clarified that Cebu was given a distinction for its “encompassing richness in culture, heritage and creative arts.”
During his acceptance speech, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said it is the Cebuanos who make Cebu an Asean City of Culture.
Palala said she has high regard for Cebuanos, who have a “flawless command of the English language.”
Culture
Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, chairperson of the committee on tourism, local and international relations, culture and the arts, made a five-minute presentation of what makes Cebu’s culture rich.
The presentation included the puso (hanging rice), furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue and his products, Jay Aldeguer and the Island Souvenirs business, painters, architects, Cebu's architecture, the San Diego dancers and the Sto. Niño.
Only five of the 10 Asean members were represented during Cebu City's acceptance of the City of Culture title at the Radisson Blu Hotel yesterday. These are Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
President Benigno Aquino III and his Cabinet were unable to attend but Sen. Vicente Sotto III came.
Streets
The guests were made to feel they have visited different parts of the city as they dined at tables named after streets, like Colon.
They were also treated to Filipino dishes with a twist. The lunch menu included a starter named “kinilaw utanon ni Bulakna” (Bulakna's coconut and banana blossom salad); “tinowa ni Rajah Humabon” (chicken soup with chayote); and “pinutos sa gugma ni Hara Humamay” or violet rice topped with steamed fish as the main dish.
The course ended with “kalipay ni Magallanes,” a platter with ube brulee, mango sago and coconut panna cotta.
After the acceptance, the party proceeded to nearby SM City Northwing, for the opening of an exhibit that features the creativity of the Cebuanos in design.
Cary Santiago presented a futuristic version of the Philippine terno, which he called “Mandaragit,” a pair of fitted pants and top with puff sleeves and a train, made with metallic patterns.
Philip Rodriguez also showed off his Filipiniana couture.
The exhibit also showcased furniture pieces by different Cebuano designers, high-end accessories, and unique lamps and figurines made of shells and bronze from Arden.
