Monday, January 9, 2012

Balik-Cebu launched to welcome balikbayans

By Katlene O. Cacho

Sunday, January 8, 2012

MORE balikbayans are expected to arrive this week in time for the Sinulog celebration, officials of the Balik-Cebu program said.

Balik-Cebu program chairperson Tetta Baad said they are expecting over 300 balikbayans to arrive in Cebu starting on Jan. 10 from California, Las Vegas and Seattle and other countries.

Baad said the committee has already planned several activities for balikabayans, including a welcome ceremony at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

“If there’s anything new about the Balik-Cebu program this year, I think it is the number of returnees that is increasing every year,” Baad said at the sidelines of the opening of the Balik-Cebu booth at the Ayala Center Cebu on Friday.

The Balik-Cebu program aims to offer tourists an “unparalleled Cebu experience.” The program organizes chartered flights to entice returnees to come home for the Sinulog celebration.

The Balik-Cebu program is sponsored by Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Holdings Inc. in partnership with the Cebu City Tourism Council, Department of Tourism, Sinulog Foundation Inc. and some volunteers from the private sector.

Its booth at the Ayala Center Cebu will serve as an information center for Sinulog events. Tickets for some Sinulog events such as grandstand passes for the grand parade and Balik Cebu dinner party will be made available at the booth.

The annual party for balikbayans called Balik Cebu Dinner Party and Handumanan is scheduled on Jan.12, at The Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama said the program has always been an important part of Sinulog activities.

“This (program) provides an impetus of enticing tourists to come to Cebu especially during the Sinulog celebration. The Balik-Cebu program has contributed to the increase of tourism arrivals in Cebu,” Rama said.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 09, 2012.

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