CEBU CITY – We attended for the fourth time the Sinulog Festival (the so-called Queen of All Festivals because of the millions it attracts, whether Sto. Niño devotees or just spectators or tourists), this time upon the invitation of ABS-CBN. Although we were not able to join the procession last Jan. 17 (which according to police estimate was participated in by more than 1.2 million Sto. Niño devotees) but we attended the 6 a.m. mass the following day, unmindful of the inconvenience and discomfort of close body contacts with fellow devotees who like us wanted to push their way closer to the improvised altar in front of the Basilica del Sto. Niño. Every year, the masses during the Sinulog Festival have to be held outside of the church to accommodate the big crowds.

True to its promise to give Cebuanos the best Sinulog Festival treat ever, ABS-CBN Channel 2 and ABS-CBN Cebu lined up exciting and colorful week-long events for Kapamilyas in this City of Smiles in what was billed as the “Kapamilya Karavan Sinulog Festival 2009.” On Jan. 16, there was the “Mor Disco Ta Lupig Silas a E-Mall,” at the E-Mall Sanciangco Parking Area, which was filled with Cebuano Kapamilyas.

Also presented was a show called “Kapamilya Fiesta with Pinoy Dream Academy ” where scholars Lizelle, Van and Sen had their album promo tour at the SM Entertainment Center. The scholars were so happy and excited to know they also have countless fans in the City of Smiles. The Cebu Pop Music Festival was held at the Cebu Coliseum, aired live over DYAB 1512.

On Jan. 17, starting at 3:30 p.m. Kapamilyas started filling up the Ayala South Surfing Parking area for the highlight show featuring “I Love Betty La Fea” leading man John Lloyd Cruz and the “Banana Split” girls Angelica Panganiban, Roxanne Guinoo and Cristine Reyes. All four of them drew enthusiastic cheers from the Kapamilyas, but of course, John Lloyd, who appeared last, was the most applauded. The young ladies in the crowd were swooning and screaming, and why wouldn’t they? John Lloyd is one of the most popular young, successful actors we have today, and we remember even Carmina Villaroel of the rival Kapuso network, who we chanced upon the PAL check-in counter at the Centennial Airport on our way to Cebu, was, like a little girl, giggling in her wish to see Lloydie in Cebu.

Anyway, Cristine came in onstage first, sexy in a black-and-white mini-dress and on her second song, invited someone from the audience to sing with her. Mohammad proved to be game. Cristine, who announced that Jericho Rosales will soon appear as guest in “Banana Split,” said “I’m so excited, first time ko makakita ng ganito kadami tao, salamat sa ABS-CBN for inviting me here. First time ko rin maka-attend ng Sinulog Festival.”

Roxanne Guinoo also sang a few song numbers and like Cristine invited one male fan from the audience. This time, the audience roared with laughter as Roxanne playfully teased him, making him chase her for that expected kiss. The guy even insisted to sing a portion of “Beautiful in My Eyes” which he dedicated to Roxanne of course. The audience cheered even louder when Roxanne mentioned Jake’s (Cuenca) name twice. Roxanne really knows how to titillate the audience.

Angelica also rendered a few songs, and delighted the Kapamilyas with her sense of humor and showmanship. The multi-awarded former child star who’s grown up to be a dramatic actress to reckon with, also got special participation from a guy from the audience. This act always guarantees fun and we’re sure every male in the audience prays that he’ll be the one to be called up there onstage. We’re sure those guys who got the chance to kiss Cristine, Angelica and Roxanne would never forget their experience. And so with those two girls who won in the games conducted earlier (by the Kapamilya Cebu TV hosts) while waiting for the arrival of the Kapamilya stars whom John Lloyd serenaded with some songs. They also had their most wonderful experience with the actor that night.

After a sumptuous seafood dinner (with lechon of course) at the Lighthouse of Gaisano Mall, we hied to CSCST main campus for “Mor Sinulog Concert 2009 Lupig Sila” where Parokya ni Edgar and local bands Phylum, Aggessive Audio, Agadiers and Pasakanin performed to a big crowd (estimated to be around more than 35,000 and in Ayala Mall, more than 15,000). The day after, there was also the “Kapamilya Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras” aired live over ABS-CBN TV 3 Cebu and DYAB 1512.

At the parade the following day, among those most applauded were Richard Gutierrez and KC Gutierrez who were with Annabelle Rama and Mother Lily in a float, and Marian Rivera who was in the Jag float.

Wrapping up the week-long festival was “Kapamilya Fiesta with Vhong Navarro” at the SM Entertainment Center at 4 p.m, after which he proceeded to Mango Ave. to greet fans.

By the way, for making our stay in Cebu, albeit short, most comfortable and memorable, we’d like to thank Jayne Abella of ABS-CBN Cebu Creative Communication Management, who celebrated her birthday last Jan. 11, Ronald Padrica, Promo specialist, Channel Development Group, and Kathy Solis, of course, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications manager.

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BBC looking for role model Pinoy families for documentary series

Donnovan Harris, casting producer for a TV company in London called Twenty Twenty Television, wrote in to say they are now working on the second series of the very successful program for BBC Television “World’s Strictest Parents” which is about the values of parenting and cultural differences around the world.

Donnovan said “World’s Strictest Parents” features two British teenagers who are sent to live with a role model family abroad to experience life in their country and under their rules. In the first series, the BBC sent indulged teenagers from the United Kingdom to live with role model families all over the world – from Jamaica to India, from Ghana to South Africa. They are now looking for host families in the Philippines to take part in the second episode of “World’s Strictest Parents.”

“The first series was a huge success, as we were able to cast parents who not only felt passionately about instilling discipline and respect in their own children, but felt that their values could also help teenagers who did not benefit from the same moral guidance at home,” Donnovan said.

He added: “We are looking for conservative Filipino families (with children aged 14-16 living in the Metro Manila area), who would be willing to accommodate two teenagers for a week at the end of March 2009 and instill in them the values and morality they demand of their own children. The British teens will be expected to attend school and church, complete homework and help with household chores. They will not be guests in the house but new members of the family.”

For those interested to participate in the second series of “Worlds Strictest Parents,” they may email their inquiries to donnovanharris@twentytwenty.tv.

By the way, Twenty Twenty Television (www.twentytwenty.tv) is one of UK’s leading independent production companies with a reputation for producing intelligent and award-wining programs.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 22, go to Eva Eugenio, Jose Sarmiento, Betty Roxas-
Chua, Rannie Raymundo, US-based Jessica Rodriguez and Miguel Vera, Jingjing Romero, Cecilia “Inya” Macaraeg, Nellie Belen, Aguilina “Liling” Sta. Maria, Arnel Morato, Janinia Patricia Aligayo-Angeles, Leah Soliman, Beng Buenviaje, Angelica Amor Hilarion, Raymundo Lasatin, Rich Escudero and former MB lifestyle editor Ethel Soliven-Timbol…Happy wedding anniversary to Joey Recio and Che Bernal…