Miss U bets liven up Cebu’s Sto. Niño feast

Cebu will once again welcome devotees and tourists as the city celebrates the feast of Sto. Niño and stages the Sinulog Festival. —JUNJIE MENDOZA/CEBU DAILY NEWS

CEBU CITY—The presence of Miss Universe candidates will add more star power to the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 15, the highlight of the 10-day festivities to honor the feast of the Holy Child Jesus.

At least eight candidates will be on the float of Okada Manila, their official residence while they are in the country, said Ricky Ballesteros, Sinulog executive director.

Ballesteros, however, could not say who among the candidates would board the float, if they would stay there during the duration of the parade or  opt to stay at the grandstand and watch the final performance of participants.

The parade will be held two days before the Miss Universe swimwear competition at the J Park Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City. Aside from the competition, Cebu will host other pageant-related activities on Jan. 17, among these a gala dinner with a fashion show and an after party.

Security will be tight in Cebu starting today as the 452nd Fiesta Señor celebration officially starts, with the annual “Walk with Jesus,” a penitential procession from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño at 4:30 a.m.

The 2-kilometer walk is expected to draw thousands of devotees.

Heightened security in Cebu is expected in the next 12 days until the Miss Universe swimwear competition on Jan. 17.

Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, regional police director in Central Visayas, said about 5,000 policemen would secure the basilica in downtown Cebu City and other public places, including the procession and parade routes.

The number of security guards at the centuries-old church was also increased from 65 to 95.

Taliño discouraged devotees from bringing backpacks and urged them to use transparent bags for security personnel to easily inspect their belongings.

Although the police had not received any “direct and specific threats” to Cebu and other parts of Central Visayas, Taliño urged the public to be vigilant and alert.

“If you notice any unusual activity or suspicious-looking persons, please report them to the police,” said Taliño, who is closely collaborating with the military’s Central Command in ensuring peace and order during the Fiesta Señor celebration.

Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr., OSA, rector of the Basilica del Sto. Niño, said the church will be open 24 hours a day starting today until Jan. 15 to accommodate devotees.