Loay launches repackaged Sandugo commemoration

GETTING aggressive in affirming its historic eminence as the site of the legendary friendship pact between Boholano Chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of Spain , Loay launches this week a series of activities highlighting the Blood Compact Commemoration. According to Loay Mayor Leonides P. Tiongco at the December 19, 2006 launching is in response to the National Historical Institute's Resolution No. 04, series of 2005, which drastically repainted the event that happened March 25, 1565 .

The resolution determined that flagship San Pedro anchored off in Hinawanan Bay Loay. This later became the venue of the dramatic ritual where Datu Sikatuna and Spanish Commander Legaspi who forged the First International Treaty of Peace and Friendship in the world. Going big after a sizzling start last year, Loay has tapped a private organizer to run its 2007 promotional activity via a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution and Memorandum of Agreement. Golden World Services (GWS) is now officially responsible for the town's conceptualization, organization, production, management and implementation of rites and activities to dramatize the global significance of the blood pact including the event's marketing in Bohol , the country and overseas. John Galia Enerio and SEAIR Bohol GWS spearheads the group, which consists of experienced people in events organizing and management with partners and associates. His job is to ensure advertising, sales and marketing the Blood Compact thru corporate sponsorships.

GWS has called on to Department of Tourism Asst. Sec. Phineas Alburo in Cebu City recently to brief him of the events set for next year's celebration in Loay. Prudencio Sirilan, GWS concept and events director stressed that the commemoration aims to foster the treaty's spirit of international friendship, secure multi-sectoral and community participation and stimulate tourism and investor activities in Loay. The calendar includes an on site commemoration, international pledging and various competitions designed to emphasize the international character of the Blood Compact in its Loay setting. A number of foreign embassies, residents, tourists, Bohol business community and Manila based multi-national companies have accepted the invitation to participate in the various events, says Joy Pahati, GWS and Manila associates promotions and marketing director.

In its ongoing efforts, Publishers Association of the Phils. Inc led by Juan P. Dayang, during their National Convention last December 17 – 20, 2006 found time to see and visit the 1565 Blood Compact site in Hinawanan Loay were briefed of the Bohol Blood Compact. With them was the National Press Club represented by Roy Mabasa (Chief of Reporters-Manila Bulletin) and Samuel Julian, Moderator of the “NPC Kapihan sa Ambassador Hotel ” “The Blood Compact Commemoration“ organizing committee have the support of the PCSO, SEAIR, Lite Shipping Corp., Aproniana Gift Shop and Souvenirs, Bohol Diver's Resort, ACME Web-Cebu, London Tourism Attache Chicoy Enerio, Chicken Ati-atihan, Konica Photos, Vest Pension House, Ocean Jet fast Ferries, Guadalupe Café Floating Restaurant, Raymund Roldan, Zosimo and Eduardo “Boy” Enerio, Charles Lim (Cebu Pacific), Bobby Villasis (Dumaguete City Tourism Office), Art Enerio (Nestle Philippines) Boy Guingging, Jun Evasco (Maribojoc), Primo Espiritu, Tess and Boboy Labunog (Loay River Cruise), DYTR and The Bohol Chronicle / DYRD.

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