Event Geek

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) opened to the public a belen in the gallery of the Casa Gorordo Museum last Dec. 15.

The belen features the antique figurine collection of the Casa Gorordo Museum. It does not only show the Nativity scene but also other significant events that happened before and after the birth of Jesus, such as the Annunciation and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple.

Msgr. Cris Garcia, founder and spiritual director of the Society of the Angel of Peace, blessed and opened the belen.

The belen, a Filipino term derived from the Spanish word for Bethlehem, is a three-dimensional art depiction of the nativity scene of Jesus Christ. It could be a crib or tableau that represents the infant Jesus in the manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and their flock, and the Three Wise Men.

“The belen in the Casa Gorordo Museum is a manifestation of RAFI’s promise to carry on the house traditions of the Gorordo family,” Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of the Culture & Heritage unit of RAFI, said.
The Casa Gorordo Museum is the 19th century residence of the first Cebuano Bishop Juan Garces Gorordo. Every year, the Gorordo family would put up the belen as one way of celebrating Christmas.

When RAFI obtained the Casa Gorordo Museum, the Foundation pledged to continue this as well as other house traditions, such as Sinug sa Casa Gorordo where the original sinug dance is rendered as an offering to the Holy Child and to the souls the day after the Feast of the Sto. Niño; Semana Santa; and Pista ni San Juan. Through these house traditions, preserved century-old images and caros are showcased and used in processions.

The opening of the belen is timed with the 27th anniversary of the opening of the Casa Gorordo Museum. It was first opened on Dec. 15, 1983. Showcasing 19th and 20th century Philippine lifestyle and architecture of the period, it was recognized as a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1991.

The belen is open to the public until the end of January.

For more information about the belen, please contact 255-5630 and look for Karl Damayo

There will be a Music Fest for a Cause by 6000 Promotions and Store on January 8, 2011, 7PM at the El Garaje Resto Bar. There will be an Entrance Fee for the Music Fest for a Cause which is about Php150.00.

See the Music Fest for a Cause by 6000 Promotions and Store for more information!

New Year Revelry at Waterfront Mactan Lapu Lapu City, Philippines! Party and grove this New Year's eve with wine and cocktail buffet, a show band and spectacular display of Fireworks as we countdown to the new year 2011!

This New Year Revelry at Waterfront Mactan will be from 9:00PM to 1:00AM. Lets all have a New Year Revelry at Waterfront Mactan!

YMA Season 5 is open to all young people aged 12-20 years old who want to enhance their competence, strengthen their character and practice active citizenship.

How to join?

A. Form a team of five (5) members under one of the following categories:
• Generation A : 17-20 years old
• Generation B : 12-16 years old

B. Accomplish the following:

Team requirements
1. Completed team application form (YMA Application Form 01)
2. Letter of recommendation and support from any of the following: school, barangay, office/organization, church, or whatever group the team is representing indicating their willingness and commitment to monitor the team and ensure that they abide by the rules and comply with the requirements of YMA.
3. A Team Accountability Partner who shall serve as a team partner, ensuring and monitoring the team’s compliance in YMA requirements.

Individual Requirements
1. Completed individual application form (YMA Application Form 02)
2. Completed medical review and release of liability form (YMA Application Form 03)
3. Certified true copy of birth certificate
4. An essay on “What citizenship means to me” in no more than 300 words (Arial, 11, double spaced, short bond paper)
5. A fee of Php 500* to be paid on the following installments:
• Php 300 upon taking the qualifying exams (first screening)
• Php 200 upon covenant signing (final admission to the Academy)
(*Actual cost of the program is around Php30,000 per scholar. RAFI will shoulder Php25,000 while City Savings Bank and UnionBank will shoulder Php4,500 per scholar).

C. Submit completed application forms and requirements to RAFI for short listing and screening. You may mail or submit in person at the following address:

The Executive Director
Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center
Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
35 Lopez Jaena St. Cebu City 6000

Deadline for application is on January 10, 2011.

Get your application forms from the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City or download them at www.rafi.org.ph.

For your queries, please feel free to contact us through Mel Yan at 418-7234 loc 110 or email mel.yan@rafi.org.ph.

This year, the Sinulog 2011 Celebration will be a jam-packed celebration. Below is the schedule of activities for Sinulog 2011.


Schedule of Activities for SINULOG 2011:
Dec. 1, 2010 – Jan. 31, 2011 - Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.

Jan. 2, 2011 (SUNDAY) - Sinulog Fun Run

Jan. 06, 2011 (THURSDAY) - Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
* 4:00 AM - Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
* 4:30 AM - Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 5:30 AM - Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2011

Jan. 7, 2011 (FRIDAY) - Sinulog 2011 Kick Off
Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, MCIAA

* 2:00PM - Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)
* 3:00 PM - Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
* 7:00 PM - Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir, Dance Sports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities
* 7:30 PM - Ms. Cebu 2011 Presentation, Fuente Osmeña
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Street Party Bands

Jan. 8, 2011 (SATURDAY) - Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
* 1:00 PM - Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
* 2:00 PM - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
* 4:30 PM - Awarding of Winners
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:30 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 9, 2011 (SUNDAY) - Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan
* 4:00 AM - Cebu City 2011 Marathon – Check www.cebumarathon.com for more info
* 1:00 PM - Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
* 2:00 PM - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
* 4:30 PM - Awarding of Winners
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 10, 2011 (MONDAY)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of Cebu
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 11, 2011 (TUESDAY)
* 7:30 PM - Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Jose-Recoletos and Cebu Institute of Technology - University
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 12, 2011 (WEDNESDAY)
* 9:00 AM - Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) University of Southern Philippines-Foundation and Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology
* 7:00 PM - Ms. Cebu 2011 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 13, 2011 (THURSDAY)
* 9:00 AM - Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
* 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Photo Shoot Sinulog Festival Queen , SM City Entertainment Plaza
* 7:00 PM - Sinulog Festival Queen Parade of Costumes at SM Northwing Lobby
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) Cebu City Division
* 6:00 PM - Balik Cebu, Welcome Party at Ayala Center Cebu
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 8:00 PM - Handumanan at Ayala Terraces
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 14, 2011 (FRIDAY) - Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
* 4:00 AM - Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña to Sto. Niño
* 7:00 AM - Misa de Translacion (Motorcade)
* 9:00 AM - Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent / Floats / Higante / Puppteers) at Cebu City Sports Center Gym
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) (Cebu Normal University, Abellana National High School and Asian College of Technology)
* 7:30 P.M - Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
* 7:30 P.M - Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, Cebu City Sports Center
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 15, 2011 (SATURDAY)
* 6:00 AM - Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
* 8:00 AM - Vibration and Big Bike Rally by Vmax Owners Group
* 9:00 AM - Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 2:00 PM - Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
* 7:00 PM - Sinulog Fireworks Competition at SM City Cebu
* 7:00 PM - Street Party at Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
* 8:00 PM - Gala – Passionata a Cultural Heritage Celebration in Honor of Sto. Niño de Cebu at SM Cinema I
* 8:00 PM - Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras at Ayala Center Cebu
* 8:00 PM - Handumanan Concert, USP-F Theater for the Performing Arts

Jan. 16, 2011 (SUNDAY) - SINULOG GRAND PARADE
* 4:00 AM - Mañanita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 6:00 AM - Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
* 9:00 AM - Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
* 7:00 PM - Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
* 7:30 PM - Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

Jan. 17, 2011 (MONDAY)
* 1:00 PM - Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

Jan. 21, 2011 (FRIDAY) - “HUBO”
* 4:00 AM - “HUBO Mass” Ritual at Basilica del Sto. Niño

Jan. 29, 2011 (SATURDAY)
* 1:00 P.M - Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest / Sinulog Short Film Festival

Jan. 31 – Feb. 10, 2011 - Photo Exhibits "Winning Photos Sinulog 2011" at SM City Cebu

See you this January 2011 guys! One Beat, One Dance, One Vision! Pit Senyor everyone!

• Janmick Hilado
• Bert Padilla
• Rodel Lagahit
• Orville Tadle
• Aika Baylon
• Milafel Hope
• Mark Abitona
• Ruben Licera
• McBilly Sy

Photos care of http://www.facebook.com/cebubloggers
Merry Christmas everyone! 

There will be an SMB Sinulog Sa Mango Square 2011 this upcoming Sinulog 2011. Please see the schedules for the SMB Sinulog Sa Mango Square 2011:

January 15, 2011 (Saturday) 6pm
- KALYE KANTO Street low and Cebu Vintage Bike Club Exhibit
- RnB Jam withDJ’ DexterFly, Lester and ChrisRod
- kicking it off with Sirene and Dance With Me Kris

January 16, 2011 (Sunday) 5pm onward
- Hennatoohay Sa Mango Square
- Jah Man “Reggae Night”
- with BAMBU SPLIF SUGBUWANON, SKANKIN BREWS, SANTING SCALAWAGS
- front acts GOWVY, INDEPHUMS, ISLAND SOUVENIR, ROOTS REVIVAL, S.T.I.F., PIPELOAD MILITANTS, DOMESTIC GRASS

Be sure to be there at the Mango Square Sinulog 2011!

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) conducted a medical mission and relief distribution in Barangay Sambag Uno last Oct. 28 to assist the victims of the Oct. 4 fire that razed almost 90 houses and left more than 100 families homeless.

The medical mission served a total of 179 patients, 94 of whom are children. The fire victims were able to avail of the free medical consultations and medicines.

Dr. Edward delos Reyes, one of the volunteer doctors, found that the common illnesses are cough and colds for children and hypertension among the adults.

Ninety-four hygiene kits containing soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other hygiene essentials were also distributed to the families who were victims of the fire.

Around 200 hygiene kits were also distributed by RAFI last Nov. 23 for the families of Duljo Fatima who became victims of the fire that hit their barangay last Nov. 1. The fire burned down 80 houses, leaving almost 200 families homeless.

Medical mission and relief distribution for victims of calamities in Cebu City are among the community extension services of RAFI, through the collaborative efforts of the Office of Humanitarian Relations and Services, Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center, and Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund.

22 Tango Records presents the Tango Tangled Event at the Outpost on December 22, 2010, Wednesday, 9pm onwards.

You'll be sure to be Tango Tangled by 22 Tango Records with the presence of Ian Zafra and CATTSKI! So be sure to tango and tangled and be there!

Recent SWS Survey records over 4 million households or 20 million people experiencing hunger regularly. According to the World Bank, 70% of Filipino families live on a P42.00 daily budget-- barely enough to provide for the basic minimum of food to survive, let alone prepare for a Christmas Eve meal. Millions like this boy go to bed hungry every night… If you help, we can make this Christmas Eve different for them.

World Vision’s Noche Buena Caravan

From Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao World Vision will bring the spirit of Christmas to less fortunate families through its “Noche Buena Caravan”.

In the midst of the urgent hunger problem in the country with some 20 million people nearly starving, World Vision will spread the blessings and joys of Christmas by providing poor families with Noche Buena gift packs containing a special Christmas Eve meal they can share.

Set to visit 11 provinces and over 50 barangays, the Caravan targets to reach 34,000 families in the weeks leading to Christmas. Target provinces/areas include: Baseco, Malabon, Cavite, Isabela, Zambales, Cebu, Aklan, Antique, Palawan, Leyte, and Missamis Occidental.

For the past 5 years, over 100,000 Noche Buena gift packs have been sent to needy families allowing them to celebrate the season with thankful hearts!

Send a Noche Buena Gift Pack to a family in need today!

How to Help:

• For P1,000 you will be able to send two (2) Noche Buena gift packs to two (2) families in the province of your choice.
• Each Noche Buena gift pack contains the following: spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, a can of fruit salad, a can of condensed milk, a bottle of sandwich spread, a bar of cheese, a pack of milk and coffee, a pack of powdered juice, and two canned goods.
• Plus, a portion of your donation will be pooled with the rest to allow communities to hold a Christmas party!
• For existing World Vision Child Sponsors, you have the option of providing one (1) Noche Buena gift pack, and a special gift for your “child”.
• Donations may be made through World Vision mall booths at SM Megamall and Trinoma Mall, or by filling out our online form at www.worldvision.org.ph. For more details please call 372-7777.

All Noche Buena gift pack items are purchased at discounted rates courtesy of Robinsons Supermarket

This year, add more meaning to your Christmas and make room to bless a needy family who might not have food on their table this Christmas Eve. Imagine what your P1,000 can do to bring them joy!


Over 100,000 blessed over the years!


For the past 5 years (since 2005), World Vision has worked to bring the spirit of Christmas and the joy of Noche Buena to poor Filipino children and their families across the country through its Noche Buena Campaign—this year called the “Noche Buena Caravan”.

By encouraging the virtue of sharing among the public—which is the true meaning of the season, Christmas blessings have been shared from one family to the next spreading across the country! Over 100,000 Noche Buena gift packs have been delivered over the years to needy families allowing them to celebrate Christmas Eve with grateful hearts over a special dinner meal.

This year, add more meaning to your Christmas and make room to bless a needy family who might not even have food on their table this Christmas Eve. Imagine what your P1,000 can do to bring joy to a family in need!

Support World Vision’s Noche Buena Caravan and spread the blessings from one family to another all across the country! For more details you may call 372-7777 or log on to www.worldvision.org.ph.

Recent SWS Survey records over 4 million households or 20 million people experiencing hunger regularly. According to the World Bank, 70% of Filipino families live on a P42.00 daily budget-- barely enough to provide for the basic minimum of food to survive, let alone prepare for a Christmas Eve meal. Millions like this boy go to bed hungry every night… If you help, we can make this Christmas Eve different for them.

World Vision’s Noche Buena Caravan

From Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao World Vision will bring the spirit of Christmas to less fortunate families through its “Noche Buena Caravan”.

In the midst of the urgent hunger problem in the country with some 20 million people nearly starving, World Vision will spread the blessings and joys of Christmas by providing poor families with Noche Buena gift packs containing a special Christmas Eve meal they can share.

Set to visit 11 provinces and over 50 barangays, the Caravan targets to reach 34,000 families in the weeks leading to Christmas. Target provinces/areas include: Baseco, Malabon, Cavite, Isabela, Zambales, Cebu, Aklan, Antique, Palawan, Leyte, and Missamis Occidental.

For the past 5 years, over 100,000 Noche Buena gift packs have been sent to needy families allowing them to celebrate the season with thankful hearts!

Send a Noche Buena Gift Pack to a family in need today!

How to Help:

• For P1,000 you will be able to send two (2) Noche Buena gift packs to two (2) families in the province of your choice.
• Each Noche Buena gift pack contains the following: spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, a can of fruit salad, a can of condensed milk, a bottle of sandwich spread, a bar of cheese, a pack of milk and coffee, a pack of powdered juice, and two canned goods.
• Plus, a portion of your donation will be pooled with the rest to allow communities to hold a Christmas party!
• For existing World Vision Child Sponsors, you have the option of providing one (1) Noche Buena gift pack, and a special gift for your “child”.
• Donations may be made through World Vision mall booths at SM Megamall and Trinoma Mall, or by filling out our online form at www.worldvision.org.ph. For more details please call 372-7777.

All Noche Buena gift pack items are purchased at discounted rates courtesy of Robinsons Supermarket

This year, add more meaning to your Christmas and make room to bless a needy family who might not have food on their table this Christmas Eve. Imagine what your P1,000 can do to bring them joy!

Over 100,000 blessed over the years!


For the past 5 years (since 2005), World Vision has worked to bring the spirit of Christmas and the joy of Noche Buena to poor Filipino children and their families across the country through its Noche Buena Campaign—this year called the “Noche Buena Caravan”.

By encouraging the virtue of sharing among the public—which is the true meaning of the season, Christmas blessings have been shared from one family to the next spreading across the country! Over 100,000 Noche Buena gift packs have been delivered over the years to needy families allowing them to celebrate Christmas Eve with grateful hearts over a special dinner meal.

This year, add more meaning to your Christmas and make room to bless a needy family who might not even have food on their table this Christmas Eve. Imagine what your P1,000 can do to bring joy to a family in need!

Support World Vision’s Noche Buena Caravan and spread the blessings from one family to another all across the country! For more details you may call 372-7777 or log on to www.worldvision.org.ph.

The Opening and Blessing of the Belen happened last Dec. 15, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Casa Gorordo Museum, Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City. Msgr. Cris Garcia, founder and spiritual director of the Society of the Angel of Peace, opened and blessed the Belen, which features the antique figurine collection of the Casa Gorordo Museum.


The Belen in the Casa Gorordo Museum, organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in collaboration with Msgr. Cris Garcia, does not only feature the Nativity Scene but also other significant events that happened before and after the birth of Jesus, such as the Annunciation and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple.


The Belen occupies half of the gallery of the Casa Gorordo Museum. It is a manifestation of RAFI's promise to carry on the traditions of the Gorordo Family who once lived in the museum.


The opening and blessing of the Belen is also timed with the 27th anniversary of the opening of the Casa Gorordo Museum. The museum was opened in Dec. 15, 1983.