Dance one last time, Sinulog exec urges Gwen

WITH 2013 being her last term in the Capitol, can Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia join the Sinulog parade on Jan. 20 with a suspension order encumbering her?

Sinulog Foundation Inc. officials hope so. They invited her to join the parade in a closed-door meeting yesterday in the governor’s office where Garcia has been staying since Dec. 19.

“She joined the Sinulog Grand Parade in 2004 at the start of her term. One thing we can be proud of is that through Sinulog, we can show to the world that we are united. It’s apolitical,” SFI executive director Ricky Ballesteros said.

Ballesteros, who visited Garcia at the Capitol, said the SFI still hopes the suspended governor can have her “last dance” since the annual dance ritual is a personal vow of hers.

Garcia has refused to step out of the Capitol since Dec. 19, partly because the police may stop her from being able to get back inside her office.

Garcia told reporters she’s still praying “with all my heart that the suspension case will be resolved… and everything will be back to normal as one people with both the city and the province united in thanksgiving.”

She was scheduled to dance with the Rosquillos Festival contingent of Liloan town which won the top award in last year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival.

Ballesteros said the governor already prepared her gown last month.

“The Rosquillos Festival is something to watch and look forward to because the concept is fresh. They really prepared for it. I hope they can join,” he said.

Ballesteros said he would still meet with Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale. about the city’s request for the uusual financial assistance from the province, which was P3 million last year.

Bleachers will be installed at Fuente Osmeña Circle, Mango Aveñue and roads leading to the sports center.

This year’s theme will highlight the 75th anniversary of Cebu City’s Charter and look at significant events since the 1930s. With Correspondents Christine Emily Pantaleon and Tweeny M. Malinao