TERRAZA de Mariveles, the romantic trysting nook at the historic plaza de Dauis becomes the main hub of classical and joyous Christmas music this Tuesday, December 30.
The romantic terrace transforms itself into another heart-warming venue for Christmas music as two of the region’s most sought after music groups perform a concert billed as Christmas Jamming `08.
Performing are Loboc’s famous youth band and Cebu’s Philippine Peace Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet, says Rev. Fr. Val Pinlac, Assumption parish priest and Dauis Renaissance Program (DRP) key figure.
Fr. Pinlac said aside from the romantic seaside terrace just across scenic Tagbilaran strait, the terrace which features the historic Mariveles palms and grand acacia trees also exude yuletide music to saturate everyone with the mood for joyous giving and sharing.
Both groups fill the air with noels and classical yuletide compositions from the worlds greatest composers in an event organized by the parish.
The event is one of the activities that the parish offers to cause the full operation of the Dauis Renaissance Program.
The program, a partnership initiative with the Diocese of Tagbilaran, Assumption Shrine Parish and Ms. Bea Zobel Jr., and aims to promote Dauis heritage conservation leading to community development and empowerment through sustainable tourism.
Aside from managing the Pilgrim Center Complex, DRP also works for the operation of the Café Lawis, Handumanan Souvenir Shop, a 100 person fully furnished function room and the Terraza.
The end goal is to train locals to be responsibly operating the tourism enterprises upon its full turn over of responsibilities a few years from now, Fr. Pinlac adds.
The Terraza, within the church complex forms a major part in the local oral traditions as told by visiting fishermen from Argao, at least a century ago.
A story handed down tells about Argao fishermen landing between two marvelous trees (mariveles) in Dauis where their woman hitch rider from Cebu, disembarked.
The woman accordingly wanted to be near her husband in Bohol. She was later seen resembling the image of the Lady of the Assumption now enthroned at the altar of the shrine.
True enough, about a kilometer behind the Dauis Church is the imposing Cathedral of St, Joseph the Worker Parish.
The site also now comes alive with the nearby terrace fully lit and becoming a very romantic venue for al fresco dinner dates and functions. (rachiu/PIA)
