Once more, the Quota International of Cebu staged its annual Santacruzan, this time at The Terraces of Ayala Center, last May 12, a Saturday. The fund-raising event was for the benefit of hearing- and speech-impaired children, three daycare centers, and various projects with disadvantaged women and children.
A solemn Mass at the activity center preceded the procession which went around the mall. Shops had decorated their front windows to make the occasion a truly festive one. It ended at The Terraces where tents were set up for the dinner, and a magnificent stage readied for the coronation pageant.
It all started with the national anthem and the invocation performed by the students of the First School for the Hearing Impaired, one of the key projects of the Cebu Quotarians.
Welcome remarks were delivered by club president Jocelyn Pesquera, who, like the rest of the Quotarians, wore an intricate Filipiniana costume. At her table sat Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Emilie Simon, the Quota International District 41 governor, who came from Manila for the occasion.
Aside from the ticket-holders with reserved seats, many people watched the event from the various tiers of Ayala Center and the viewing platforms of The Terraces. They cheered at the participants as they made their way to the stage. A well-devised ramp allowed excellent viewing of the splendid gowns worn.
The ‘reinas’
Evelyn del Rosario, who holds a high position in the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, came from Manila to reign as the Reina Emperatriz. Tara Rama was crowned Reina Elena, with Emperador Constantino Ryu Angelo Abarintos beside her.
Maria Elena Gabaya was Reina del Santacruzan; Mischelle Divinagracia, Reina de las Flores; and Isidora Valenzuela, Reina de los Angeles. Their respective corteges of zagalas drew applause from the appreciative crowd.
In the entourage of Reina de los Angeles were Alixadra Alviola, Reina del las Estrellas; Geleigh Virtudazo, Reina Ester; Jairah Yu, Reina del Sol-Del Arinasa-Rosa Mystica; Asia Arrojado, Reina de la Paz; Cryka Cabrera, Reina de las Virgenes; Marithe Emia, Reina del Cielo; Jolianne Salvado, Reina Sofia; and Monica Yray, Reina de la Luna.
Zagalas in the court of Reina de las Flores were Zerah Lubang, Reina Fe; Adrienne Viajar, Reina Esperanza; Kirsten Pickett, Reina Caridad; Michelyn Young-Lim, Reina Justicia; Rizza Librando, Reina del Rosario; Dayanara Mae Angel, Reina Sheba; Jowyna Soom Yap, Reina de los Corazones; Michelle Uy, Reina Banderada; Aida Lopez, Reina Luna; and Shane Yapcoy, Reina de los Profetas.
Eight young boys formed the court of Emperador Constantino: Joseph Aninipon, Principe de Roma; Carlos Morales, Principe de Egipto; Inno Virtudazo, Principe del Sur; Jason Lingad, Principe Imperial; Elian Salvado, Principe del Mundo; John Louis Wagas, Principe del Mar; Alvi Garcia, Principe de Oriente; and Januz Omamalin, Principe Maximo.
Ever the gallant cavalier, Mayor Mike Rama stood by the steps leading to the stage, assisting the participants to negotiate the stairs. Later, he serenaded them all with two songs that the crowd welcomed enthusiastically.
There was an inspirational message from Quota governor Emilie Simon, who praised the Cebu Quotarians and their Santacruzan as a unique effort, not just to raise funds but to showcase a traditional cultural undertaking. May is Heritage Month, after all.
Tremendous assistance
Next to speak was former club president Ma. Luisa Veloso, chair of this year’s Santacruzan, as well as the current public relations officer. Malou thanked the participants, Ayala Center, sponsors and guests. Most of all, she acknowledged the tremendous assistance of all officers and members.
Aside from president Joy Pesquera, officers are president-elect Ma. Victoria Calderon, whose induction will be in June; vice president Sue Gray; secretaries Ma. Nifracia Abatayo and Evelyn Ramirez; treasurers Angie Divinagracia and Dinah Lozada; and auditor Loretta Calderon, who is a past president. Loretta has been with the Cebu Quota since its founding in 1977.
Directors are Merinisa Arinasa, Clemencia Gatpolihtan, Lillian Patalinghug, Remedios Esparcia, and past president Connie Garcia, who emceed the pageant program together with Elisa Torres, a former Reina Emperatriz, and now a prominent member of the Cebu Quota.
The Cebu Quota’s Santacruzan fund-raising project started more than 20 years ago. Funds go a long way toward assisting its charity endeavors. The day care centers, for one, have evolved into nursery schools. These are located in Sawang Calero, in the heart of the city; Barrio San José in the Talamban area; and the mountain barangay of Guba, quite remote. The children have received medical attention, school supplies, playground equipment, and, in the case of Guba, a rainwater tank to solve the problem of water scarcity.
More power to the Cebu Quotarians!