[caption id="attachment_13760" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="Sinulog Dance Festival Parade, Cebu City"][/caption]

Cebu City, considered as the Philippines’ Queen City of the South, has been declared a City of Culture by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Cebu is the tenth Philippine city to be awarded the title after Manila; Angono in Rizal; Tarlac City; Angeles in Pampanga; Batangas City, Roxas in Capiz; Tagbilaran in Bohol; Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental; and Dapitan in Zamboanga.

“From the historic Magellan's cross planted in the heart of the city, to the city's magnificent hotels, pristine beaches and diving spots, colorful religious and tourist festivals and vibrant industries-you name it, Cebu has it," said Olivia Palala, executive director of the DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs.

The recognition was in line with the country’s distinction as the ASEAN Culture Capital for 2010 and 2011, a project that gives countries the distinction of being a Culture Capital for two straight years.

The news was met with festivities in Cebu where Cebuano college students decked in traditional attire of ASEAN member-states and carrying the 10 flags of the ASEAN kicked off a series of events. The day was highlighted by the unveiling of the “Cebu City as ASEAN City of Culture" marker at the Talamban Family Park where the 12th ASEAN Summit was located.

Other events included a roundtable discussion featuring the city’s artists and traders and five ASEAN resident ambassadors, a cultural extravaganza, a sampling of Cebu delicacies, a furniture and fabric exhibit at SM Cebu, an evening fashion show at the Rizal Library and a heritage walk around the city.

Cebu will pass on the honour of being the ASEAN Culture Capital to Singapore in January during the city’s annual celebration of the Sinulog Festival.

The ASEAN City of Culture movement began in 2008 and aims to strengthen ASEAN identity and increase the prominence of ASEAN inside and outside the region by celebrating Southeast Asian arts and culture.

- Bea Cupin/KBK, GMA News (report from GMA News)

See also report from Cebu Daily News