“Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu” was launched yesterday before Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Cebu mayors, councilors, politicians and art enthusiasts.

Msgr. Carlito Pono, director of the Cathedral Museum, described the project as “a panorama of faith expression.” More…

The congress, held once every three years, is organized and spearheaded by the National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Philippines.

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, in his invitation to the faithful, commended the Catholic Charismatic renewal as a dynamic and effective instrument in the spiritual transformation of millions of individuals in the country and around the worldMore…

It would make sense to bring umbrellas.

The unusual spate of rains in Cebu and the rest of the Visayas may last until the weekend, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Even the Philippine Coast Guard is anticipating rough seas and will require all vessels to have life jackets on board as a safety measure. Continue reading…

The grand parade of Sinulog Festival of Cebu is usually held on the third Sunday of January, but other activites are held prior to the grand highlight light the fluvial parade, search of the Sinulog Festival queen, the Sinulog sa Baranggay, Sinulog sa Lalawigan, the nine-day novena and a whole lot more.

Many dance troupes have actually started their dance rehearsals as early as now. Last year’s Sinulog Festival Free Interpretation Category Champion, Lumad Basakanon have actually confirmed that they are now rehearsing their dance routine for the Sinulog 2009. Pinoy travel blog

Here’s the recent schedule of Sinulog 2009:

January 09, 2009 (Friday) Sinulog 2009 Kick Off
Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years @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 Childre’s Choir, Dancesports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities

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January 10, 2009 (Saturday) Sinulog sa Kabataan sa 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
7:00 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province
9:30 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 11, 2009 (Sunday) Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan
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
7:00 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)>
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

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January 12, 2009 (Monday)
7:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 13, 3009 (Tuesday)
7:30 PM Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 14, 2009 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
7:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 15, 2009 (Thursday)
9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
7:00 P.M Ms. Cebu 2009 , Coronation Night @ Cebu Waterfront Hotel
7:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 16, 2009 (Friday) Visual Merchandising Contest
(Dept. Stores and Malls)
7:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
DepEd, Cebu City
7:30 P.M Handumanan The Concert’s @SM City Cebu
8:00 PM Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 17, 2009 (Saturday)
6:00 AM Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
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
6:30 PM Sinulog Festival Queen 2009, Cebu City Sports Center
7:00 PM Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

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January 18, 2009 (Sunday) SINULOG 2009 GRAND PARADE
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
8:00 PM Grand Fireworks Display @ Ayala Football Grounds
Sponsored by Mitsumi Group of Companies

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January 19, 2009 (Monday)
1:00 PM Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

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January 31, 2009 (Saturday)
1:00 P.M Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest

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February 1-10, 2009
Photo Exhibits -Winning Photos Sinulog @ SM City Cebu

Lapu-Lapu City is celebrating its annual fiesta and thousands of devotees of the Virgin of the Rule(Birhen de Regla) from all over the Visayas are expected to flock tomorrow.

It has been said and believed by the devotees that they have spoken of the miraculous cures while the town itself was spared from a number of calamities through the intercession of the saint.

Today, Lapu-Lapu City is one of the major key cities that help boost the economy of the province of Cebu and in the Philippines as well.

SonicFlood’s brand of modern worship - including the hits “Here I am to Worship,” “I Could Sing of your Love Forever” and “Cry Holy” - has made a major impact on worshippers all over the world having released eight albums since their debut in 1999, sold over two mllion records, and received numerous Dove awards and a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Rock Album in 2001.

For sales and reservations, call 4124512, 2326888 and 5169387 or visit the official SonicFlood ticket outlets at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Ayala Center Cebu Customer Care Counter, SM City Customer Service Counter and Wings Travel and Tours Ayala (2317391). Cebu Daily News

In a decree of conferment he issued on July 24, Vidal named the shrine “Santiago de Compostela,” in reference to the famous pilgrimage Cathedral in Galicia, Spain.

“They don’t have to go outside the Philippines or outside Cebu anymore because there is already a shrine here,” Vidal said. More…

Don Moen has been one of my favorite praise and worship leaders and his songs tremendously changed my outlook of who God is. 

I attended his concert way back in our province in Iloilo in year 2000 and it was truly a blessing for all of us. ”God will make a way, Praise looks Good on You, You Make Me Lie Down, Give Thanks, I Just Want to be where You Are” are my favorite songs and popularized by this man that helped me believe in God and continue doing his ministry.

As Josiah says, “God used his songs to reach out to me; To minister to me. That is why with all my heart, I would love everybody to go to this concert. I know the ticket prices is a bit of a stretch but I know in my heart that we will be blessed in this concert - and that is priceless. Don didn’t came here to be paid. He can choose not to come here and be wealthy in U.S. If you look at his schedule it is full for the whole year. He came here to minister through songs. “

Tickets at P680 and P890. Reserved seats.

Boljoon is one of the oldest towns in the South. And it is also the most quaint and picturesque. Its narrow coastal plains is bordered by cliffs and luxuriant hills which has a commanding view of Bohol Strait.

According to Marin Morales, the town was created in 1598. The parish was established a year later. But this was disputed by Fr. Blanco, asserting that the parish was founded in 1600. The church of Boljoon was started by Fr. Manuel Cordero and completed by Fr. Julian Bermejo, who also built the convent that was finished in 1841. The convent is L-shaped like a monastery surrounded by walls and tile roof.

Boljoon church is a veritable showcase of old and intricate carvings and bass relief. It still has the Spanish churchyard beside it. According to Tamayo, of all Cebu’s churches, the Boljoon church best gives one a sense of the Philippine colonial past. J.T Newman describes the church: It is relatively well-preserved, except for its communion rail with ornate silverwork which has been stolen. It is pseudo-baroque-rococo. Its tower is unusual because it is Islamic in character, it is square, rather than curved, making it look more like a fortress than anything. Its rectangular belfry, built in 1701, has fort windows used to show cannons to defend against Moro pirates. The sound of its silver bells reached Oslob and Alcoy. But in 1802, they were stolen by Muslim hordes led by Datu Orendain. Because of their weight, the Moro vinta sunk. Fray Antonio Maglano, OSA, was the warrior-priest who led the Boljoon militiamen.  Visit Boljoon!

See more details here.

The Santo Niño is the soul of Cebu. Devotion to the Holy Child Jesus is strongest in Cebu but one, whether in statue or stamps form, is found in all Catholic homes across the entire Philippines. Filipinos in other parts of the country often appreciate if a statuette of the a Santo Niño is brought as a pasalubong (travel souvenir) or remembrance from Cebu.

The original statue is small, barely about 12″ tall. It is made of dark wood is given as a conversion gift to the wife of Cebu’s ruler Rajah Humabon by Magellan himself in 1521. The church burned down in 1565 but the little statue was undamaged and became a a legend. The Santo Niño is more than Cebu’s patron saint and is an object of veneration of cult-like proportions.

The Santo Nino exists in various forms, from black to white with blonde hair, alone or posing with Mary and Joseph, or lying down taking a nap. This replica is the classical pose but is (Spanish) Caucasian in features while the original is dark brown.

Taken inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines .

Share your devotions here with Santo Niño.

Doulos is the World’s Oldest Ocean-Going Passenger Ship.

MV Doulos is now here in Cebu. A vessel with a rich history, Dolos exists for a unique purpose. From January 26 – February 19, 2007 the ship’s book fair will open daily to the public. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday and Monday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The entrance fee is 10 Pesos. Children under 16 are free to visit, but must be accompanied by parents or guardians.

Doulos is berthed at Aduana Pier - Pier1.

Visit http://www.doulos.org/ for details.

For more details, pls. contact Herman Dionson at Phone # 2339653

This is a 3-day Evangelistic Event.

Come & Experience God’s presence!

In Cebu, like the rest of the Philippines and other Christian countries, Semana Santa is devoted to days of solemn services in churches and homes alike. Believers are encouraged to follow in their prayers with readings from the Gospel the account of each of the actions from the time of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the crucifixion and death of Jesus on Good Friday and the resurrection on Easter Sunday. This tradition has been passed on from generation to generation for hundreds of years since the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

Holy Week officially starts on Palm Sunday where Catholics, during Mass, carry “palaspas” or palm leaves to be blessed by the priest. Many of them bring home the palm leaves after the Mass and place these above their front doors or their windows, believing that doing so can ward off evil spirits.

Government and private companies will end the work week on Holy Wednesday when some employees will return to their respective towns in observance of the Holy Week. Most shopping malls and some department stores will close shop on Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday.

Good Friday is considered to be the holiest of all and virtually every faithful Christian will observe the day in deep silence and penitence such as fasting and prayers. People stay at home and virtually everything comes to a standstill. Commercial, social and other activities not considered religious are virtually absent. Hotels will remain open however.

Bantayan in Bantayan Island in northern Cebu may observe the solemnity of the Holy Week but it is probably the only place in the whole world where eating meat is not a transgression to the Holy Catholic doctrine.

A papal indult granted by Pope Leo XII in the 19th century allows Bantayan residents to feast on meat even on Good Friday because fishermen at this time of year could not go fishing due to the inclement water conditions.

The Spanish Church obtained a copy of the indult in 1843, 263 years after the erection of the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in 1580. The indult was later renewed by Pope Gregory XVI.

Pls click here for more.