- 2 days ago
Atty. Raymond Alvin Garcia joins Beyond the Headlines today.
Beyond the titles and public life, who is Raymond Alvin Garcia?
In today’s episode, we take a closer look at his journey—from his early years and career to the experiences that shaped his views, values, and approach to life. He also opens up about the lessons he has learned along the way, the challenges he has faced, and the moments that have defined his journey.
A conversation beyond politics, beyond public service, and beyond the headlines.
Catch Beyond the Headlines today at 12 noon.
Look Deeper. Think Better.
Beyond the titles and public life, who is Raymond Alvin Garcia?
In today’s episode, we take a closer look at his journey—from his early years and career to the experiences that shaped his views, values, and approach to life. He also opens up about the lessons he has learned along the way, the challenges he has faced, and the moments that have defined his journey.
A conversation beyond politics, beyond public service, and beyond the headlines.
Catch Beyond the Headlines today at 12 noon.
Look Deeper. Think Better.
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NewsTranscript
00:25It
00:26starts with a fresh shot of espresso.
00:29Bold.
00:30Rich.
00:31Full.
00:32Just right.
00:34Then comes the milk.
00:36Steamed smooth.
00:38Creamy.
00:39And balanced.
00:40The perfect latte is not brushed.
00:43It is crafted.
00:44One cup at a time.
00:46Your perfect latte is ready.
00:49Coffee first.
00:51Then, everything else.
00:53Good afternoon and welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
00:55I'm DJ Moises and today's conversation is brought to us by Coffee First.
01:01Today, we look deeper and think better about arts, culture and heritage that make Cebu, Cebu.
01:09Joining us is former Cebu City Mayor, Raymond Alvin Garcia, who has been closely involved in initiatives to promote and
01:17protect Cebu's cultural heritage.
01:19So, good afternoon, Attorney Raymond.
01:22Although, I will still have to call you Mayor, Raymond.
01:26And welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
01:28Any will do.
01:29Any will do.
01:30Raymond, Attorney.
01:31Thank you very much for having me.
01:34Thank you very much for having me.
01:35And mayong uddo sa tanan ni mong mga listeners and followers.
01:40Yes.
01:40And this is also one of the awaited episodes.
01:45Because not only are our everyday Cebuanos like me are able to reconnect with you.
01:52But at the same time, be able to have a better appreciation also of arts, culture and heritage.
01:58So, we will start our conversation in that space.
02:02So, before you were involved in government, what was your relationship with arts, culture and heritage?
02:10Yes.
02:11Okay.
02:11So, growing up as a boy, since my dad was the Vice Mayor and Mayor of the City of Cebu,
02:20he was so busy.
02:22And it was always the mission that every time that is free time, Nia, he would bring us once a
02:35year abroad.
02:36It can also be local, but most of it was abroad.
02:39So, we would go to, let's say, places around Asia or places around Europe or even America.
02:46And once we would visit a place, a city, we would always go to the cultural sites, the cultural heritage
02:54of that particular place, city, tradition.
02:57And that's where I really learned to love arts, culture and heritage.
03:02And mind you, his dad also was, when he was Vice Mayor, he talked about his advocacy, his passion, arts
03:10and culture and also heritage.
03:11As he was also the chairman for the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission during his time.
03:17And his dad was really regarded as, you know, the father of arts and culture, the father of heritage.
03:23So, it really started during his time.
03:25Of course, when he became mayor, it was a lot of pain.
03:28But after that, the arts and culture, it was a lot of pain.
03:31It was a lot of pain that he didn't thrive.
03:33That's what the artists are telling me.
03:35So, fast forward.
03:37When I became councilor and vice mayor and mayor, it was a lot of pain in the arts, culture and
03:44heritage.
03:44So, I can imagine just like most Filipino and Sabuano households that there are certain type of music that are
03:55being played at home.
03:56In your case, what was this music whether Sabuano or not that you remember growing up?
04:04Well, first of all,
04:08My music is really 90's music.
04:12So, you have 90's songs.
04:14But growing up, Manggud, I was very much influenced to the songs of the 80's.
04:19Because my older brother, Attorney Jess, would always listen to the music and we shared the same room.
04:27So, you know, at certain points in the year, we shared the same room.
04:30And then, first of all, I influenced you in the 80's music growing up.
04:36And it brings so much memories.
04:38But if you're talking about local music, I was maybe perhaps a number one fan of local ground during the
04:4790's.
04:49And I will never forget the 40 the band who is still playing songs until now.
04:58And they had a lot of very nice songs like Rain was one.
05:01And I still remember the lyrics of that song.
05:05There was a band called BTU.
05:08There was a band called Medusa.
05:11And many others that I still recall and remember.
05:13And at that point in time, I said,
05:15It's possible to make music and to make it appealing.
05:20And I'm very, very happy.
05:21Now, there's a lot of music in the world.
05:24Like, missing Philemon.
05:26I would say that Sunstar's very own.
05:29Because their lead singer used to be with Sunstar.
05:33He used to work in editorial, if I'm not mistaken.
05:38And then, of course, you have the, you have like, Kurt Flick or, and a lot of Cebuanos.
05:45And the talented, the musiceros, I would say.
05:50And who are, you know, who have been, who have, who is now bringing the torch for local music.
05:56And I'm very happy for that, no?
05:58So, in fact, sa unang mga panahon, napatong mga contests.
06:02Diba?
06:03There's a Vispop.
06:04Yeah.
06:04There's the, kanpakaayo to sa unang mga panahon.
06:06And in fact, well, we will get to that, no?
06:09Yes.
06:09When we talk about Arts Month.
06:10Okay.
06:11This is one of the things that we really lay down a foundation for our arts.
06:16And before we get into that, I was relieved when you mentioned earlier that you can remember the lyrics.
06:22Because I also learned that you can sing.
06:27I always joke around nga, kani akong, kani akong kanta mo, gawas na niting eleksyon.
06:33No, for a change.
06:35Agoy!
06:36Okay.
06:37Can we get a sample, no?
06:38Whether it's 90s, 80s, or Sabuano music.
06:42No, at least, maybe some of our viewers are not aware that you can actually sing.
06:47No, no, no.
06:48Not now lang tinali.
06:49Ah, not now?
06:49Okay.
06:51Eh, wala amang goy muduyog ba?
06:53Ah.
06:53Ustahay kumakapela mayabag da.
06:55Okay.
06:56Sige, sige, sige.
06:57We'll have a part two for that.
06:58We'll have a part two.
06:59Sige.
06:59Sige.
06:59I promise you that.
07:00Sige.
07:01So now we talk about Sabuano music, Lensa.
07:04And then you've mentioned several artists, and you're glad that at least a lot of new artists are also emerging.
07:11What do you think is the distinct sound or attribute of a Sabuano music that makes us unique from the
07:22rest of the Philippines?
07:23Because this is also a country of singers and composers.
07:26Well, when you talk of the melody, it's really not so distinct and different from all others.
07:34But I think the language really touches the soul of people listening, right?
07:40Ang saya.
07:40Ang subuanon.
07:41Ang sibuanon.
07:42Lahigyod.
07:43It really touches you and there's a connection with it.
07:50So that is what I think is primordial and what I think is the distinctive mark is really the language.
07:59And, you know, when you talk about the language, Mangud, there are a lot of Sibuano words that there is
08:07no exact translation in Tagalog or in English.
08:12So, muna nga.
08:14Lahigyod ang Subuanon.
08:16Lahigyod ang Cebuano language.
08:17Lahigyod ang Cebuano language.
08:18So when you hear the music, it, wow, it makarelate yudayon ka.
08:24And then aside from music also, there are a lot of emerging artists also.
08:32I'm also noticing that the theater scene, there's also seem to be an emergence of it also.
08:41So what particular Sibuano play or production that has been done in the past which you really think the new,
08:53that this generation and the next generation should continue to see?
08:58Wow.
09:00Okay.
09:01So mostly, Karun Mangud, when you talk about the theater scene, it's very much westernized, I would say.
09:11And then a lot of it is Disney.
09:14Maybe because it can relate more to the younger generation.
09:20So you have like Aladdin, for example, Broadway Youth Cebu is going to produce Aladdin, which we also helped in
09:31the past.
09:31And then they had, they had, they had Aladdin.
09:36I mean, they had, what say pangani?
09:39Bell, Beauty and the Beast.
09:42I remember.
09:43Where my daughter starred also.
09:45So, so it has become more westernized, maybe because it is more relatable now.
09:50But what we should do is also have a lot of musicals or theaters that are in Cebuano.
10:01And I was happy because when I was mayor of the city of Cebu Sauna, a group of Ateneo de
10:09Cebu students, they had a play called Quilat.
10:14Dulang Musical, I don't remember.
10:16But we also supported that.
10:17And it was a story of Pantaleon Villegas or Leon Quilat, who was actually a revolutionary.
10:24And who really started the uprising here in Cebu against the Spaniards.
10:30So that is, I was very happy.
10:33I even supported, I even asked them to do it because they did it before the Arts Month.
10:39I said, you do it again during the Arts Month and we will support it.
10:42So I was very happy that they were able to produce it again and to make it again.
10:47But in the first few years, the first Cebuano play that I was able to see was when I was
10:57a young boy.
10:59I would say grade school.
11:01And that was because my brother, Gerald, who is now a doctor in the United States, had a role in
11:07a play called Ang Tao.
11:11Ang Tao, originally Cebuano or Binisaya, but they translated it into Bisaya.
11:18But it was a very nice story because it was a story about an everyday person who was faced with
11:25death.
11:26Yes.
11:27And then, he was in a panic.
11:36He was in a panic.
11:38He was in a panic.
11:39He was in a panic.
11:39He was in a panic.
11:40He was in a panic.
11:40So he went to all his friends, his relatives, his family.
11:45So I was in a panic after world.
11:47No?
11:48And they all disappeared one by one.
11:50Because when you want to die, you will die.
11:52So he reached out to his earthly possessions, his wealth, his wealth.
11:58And everything abandoned.
12:00Everybody and everything abandoned him in the play.
12:04And so he realized at the end that you cannot bring power, fame, anybody in your afterlife.
12:14All you can bring is what you have done good while you were still alive.
12:20So it's a very nice story, right?
12:22You know, good deeds should be paramount, especially when you were still living.
12:26And speaking of good deeds, I think the good thing also is because you were able to leverage your power
12:35and your influence also in terms of preserving arts, culture, and heritage.
12:41But before again we get into that, at what stage in your life when the way you view this has
12:49already evolved from appreciation into preservation?
12:55Appreciation.
12:56Of course, younger, it's still a learning stage.
12:59So when my dad brought me, when my dad brought me all over and we were introduced to different cultures,
13:11we were introduced to different heritage, we were introduced to different traditions.
13:16The appreciation stage and learning stage.
13:22It's where I grew up as a Cebuano to preserve and to conserve arts, culture, and heritage.
13:35And then I can do it aside from preserving and conserving, also promoting, right?
13:43And then I can do it.
13:44The little things you do as a private citizen, you do.
13:48But of course, when you become a public official,
13:52when you became a councilor, vice mayor and mayor,
13:55that was the time when I realized that,
13:57wow, there's a lot of scope and influence.
13:59So let's do something about it.
14:01Let's do something about arts.
14:02Let's do something about culture.
14:03Let's do something about heritage.
14:06So when I was a councilor, when I was vice mayor,
14:09it was the time that you became an ordinance
14:12to promote, to protect all of these arts, culture, and heritage.
14:17So first, it was the time that it was the Cebu City Arts Month,
14:21which I authored.
14:24It's really an ordinance.
14:26If you don't have an ordinance,
14:28the next administration or the next generation,
14:32they will not anymore pursue it.
14:36So first, I made the ordinance and it was approved,
14:41the Cebu City Arts Month in 2023.
14:44The first concept of Moad, because Arts Month is really celebrated every February of the year.
14:50National Arts Month.
14:51But I was thinking,
14:54let's focus on our national artists.
14:57Why don't we make our own Arts Month?
15:00And call it the Cebu City Arts Month,
15:02to also focus on our artists.
15:04So it's a month-long celebration on August.
15:08And it started in 2023.
15:11So that's why we, during my time,
15:13we really supported mga activities and events on August,
15:19which is Arts Month.
15:20So like for example, Broad Makinang Arts.
15:22So we supported Vispop.
15:26We supported theater through the Broadway Youth Cebu and others.
15:34We supported visual arts through exhibitions.
15:38So on August,
15:42the events which the Cebu City government at that time sponsored,
15:48just to celebrate Arts Month.
15:49And to keep it alive.
15:51At least we have a platform for our artists.
15:54And these are very broad.
15:56Very broad.
15:57But we try to support as many.
15:58Even literature.
15:59We had Lit Fest.
16:01Taghan kay Itagnabuhat at itong panahon.
16:03And incidentally, it's also August.
16:06August.
16:06That's why.
16:07Perfect kayo nga.
16:08Perfect.
16:08This invitation came.
16:10And I thank you for that.
16:11This year, Manggud Murag.
16:13Ang Cebu City government.
16:15Murag.
16:16Wala kayo mo celebrate.
16:17Ilangi backstage ang Arts Month.
16:20But you know, in my own private initiative,
16:22I got together with some artists.
16:25Visual artists.
16:26Mga painters.
16:27The PASPI.
16:29With their head.
16:31Si Molong Galicano.
16:33He's a very good artist.
16:34Very good painter.
16:35And we came up with an exhibition.
16:40Bago lang.
16:41This was just a few days ago.
16:43We opened the exhibition in Ayala.
16:46Sa Raphael Gallery.
16:47And we entitled it Whispers.
16:51Kanang mga whispers patron to pay homage to the artists.
17:00So, mootaw nga mga mga buwat.
17:02It's on private.
17:03Wala government.
17:04But at least, among napada yun.
17:05So, before the arts month was institutionalized.
17:11Okay.
17:11What gap or what was missing before it was institutionalized on how the artists are supported and also celebrated?
17:24Exactly.
17:28During the so many years nga wala nang arts month, I think the artists, you know, they had their own
17:35little thing.
17:37Doing their own private initiatives.
17:39So, an exhibition here, an exhibition there.
17:44Musical here, musical there.
17:46Lain-lain.
17:47Ugbuwan.
17:47Right?
17:48So, they had their own little thing.
17:49But no support from government whatsoever.
17:55So, what I did was to perhaps institutionalize it in one month.
18:04But of course, you're free to do it in other months.
18:06But at least, when you say there is a particular month where we remember the artists.
18:11Where we remember their work.
18:12Where we remember their design.
18:14And that is on August of every month.
18:16So, people will always look after.
18:19Will always not look after rather.
18:21But they will like.
18:23They know.
18:24Anticipate.
18:25And they know that August is arts month.
18:28And that, you know, their innovative design.
18:33And it will showcase.
18:36On that particular month.
18:38Kaya naamatay mga events that are sponsored by government.
18:43So, Motu.
18:44I think what is important is we were able to give them a platform.
18:48No?
18:49For them to exercise their creative talent.
18:52So, that was August.
18:54Arts month.
18:56So, several years.
18:58Kaya naang commemorating the arts month.
19:02What were the highlights man now?
19:05Wow.
19:05In which you really thought that.
19:08Oh wow.
19:09This is really achieving its purpose.
19:12Well, one of our highlights.
19:15Naami.
19:16At the end of the month.
19:18Naami celebration.
19:20Wherein we celebrate Cebuanos.
19:24Who excel in their respective field of arts.
19:29Okay.
19:29So, for example.
19:31So, I instituted also.
19:34Through an ordinance.
19:34What you call the.
19:36What you call the.
19:37Subuanong Bahandi Awards.
19:39In English, Cebuano Treasure Awards.
19:45It is very similar to the National Artist Awards bestowed by the national government.
19:52But I said, let's do it locally as well.
19:56So first, every Arts Month, we will award Subbuanong Bahandi.
20:02And our first Subbuanong Bahandi program or celebration was in 2023.
20:10Where we honored and gave awards to five individuals.
20:16I don't know if I can still remember correctly.
20:19But for visual arts, I remember Kim So Yap who is a painter.
20:26One was of course Romolo or Molong Galicano who is also a painter.
20:31So that's just for visual arts.
20:32And then for design, the world-renowned Kenneth Kobonpue.
20:38We also gave him an award.
20:41And then for dance, it was Mr. Pacanya Ballet.
20:46And then of course for literature and music, Wailain Father Villanueva.
20:54Who fortunately at that time was still with us.
20:58Unfortunately, he passed already.
20:59So yeah, we were able, I think it was the last award that was bestowed upon him before he passed.
21:06So that was the first year.
21:08The following year, the following year, we received Subbuanong Bahandi awardees that were equally as important and equally as deserving.
21:17So I don't recall Pilato Kabook.
21:19But what I remember was, of course, Dulce.
21:24We also gave Dulce that award, Pilar Pilapil.
21:28We also gave her the award.
21:32If I'm not mistaken.
21:33Yeah.
21:34In visual arts, we also gave him the award.
21:37And for design, we gave Philip Rodriguez, among others.
21:45So, Motto.
21:48So, you know, if you're a Subbuanong Bahandi awardees, it's not only for those who have, who did well during
21:59their time worth giving an award too.
22:04So, this will also serve as an inspiration to the younger artists.
22:09That, someday, I too want to be a Subbuanong Bahandi awardee.
22:15Right?
22:15So they will aspire for it and they will be inspired to do their craft, to do their art.
22:21So that was also one of the purposes.
22:23That this is the younger generation.
22:26This is what inspired them.
22:28Give them a platform to practice their art.
22:30If you're an artist, if you're an artist, if you're an artist, if you're an artist, if you're an artist,
22:36you don't want it.
22:37Right?
22:39Be a lawyer.
22:40Be a doctor.
22:41Be an engineer.
22:42Or whatever it is.
22:43So, Momo is the first.
22:46But I want to change that.
22:48Because all around the world, artists in their craft alone, they can already earn well.
22:54And they can already make a living out of that.
22:56So, perhaps that's something that we lack here in Philippine culture.
22:59If an artist is supported by government, they have a platform, then perhaps it can elevate them, elevate their status
23:10economically.
23:10And I'm glad that you also brought that up.
23:15Because at least from a lay person, the impression also that I have is it's a struggle for artists actually
23:24to make money from their work.
23:27So, that's why there may be those who are considering that path, but because of financial or economic conditions, then
23:36they're not pursuing them.
23:37So, as you walk me through the Arts Month and then seeing and celebrating the successful artists, then it also
23:45gives them inspiration that this is also still a good path to be in.
23:50Okay.
23:51So, how important is it then for you or for us to bring more young people into arts, whether through
24:01Arts Month, but not only as kind of people who appreciate, but also people who actually create arts for themselves
24:11and for the public?
24:12Because of course we want to preserve our heritage, we want to preserve our culture. That's why we do all
24:23of these things so that the younger Cebuanos will not forget our history, will not forget our past, will not
24:29forget our traditions.
24:31Or the language.
24:32Or the language.
24:33Or the language, more importantly also or the language.
24:35So, for me that is very important, is to educate our young.
24:39I mean, I always say this, it's easy to say,
24:42Kailata, Kinsas Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Kinsa Pana.
24:46But if you look at the young people, Kailan sila Kinsas Leon Kilat?
24:50There's a joke, Kailan eh.
24:51Daan na sa, Daan na sa Downtown.
24:55Or, do you know why it's called Gorordo Avenue?
24:59Who is Gorordo?
25:01Diba?
25:02They don't know.
25:03Or, there are roads that we all go to, but we don't know why they are named after them.
25:11Diba ito mga Subuanong de ito nga, mga Cebuanong de ito, who had made a mark in the past.
25:17Diba?
25:18So, that is something which I feel nga na ay disconnect sa atong mga young.
25:23And that's why it's very important yun to preserve not only arts and culture, but also our heritage.
25:30Where we came from, who we are as a people.
25:34But anyway, going also to, when you talk of art as a trade, it has become also important nga.
25:46Let's say, you talk about graphic designers or artists, for example.
25:51They are already earning well, no?
25:52Because of technology, some artists already earned very well.
25:55No?
25:56Graphic designer or unsa pa ng mga ubandiha.
25:58Even animation.
25:59Animation.
26:00No?
26:01Animation, one, is really gaining ground.
26:04Correct.
26:05What do you call that?
26:05Game development.
26:06Game development.
26:07That's also arts, no?
26:09So, muna nga, you know, you veer away tingali from the traditional and go to this one, you can also,
26:14you can earn.
26:15That's why usasa sa akong ipang buhat before during my time was to promote the creative industry.
26:24Well, the creative entertainment industry.
26:26During my time, it started that together with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce.
26:31We wanted to make Cebu City the hub of the creative entertainment industry.
26:36So, you know, we already went to, you know, I sent already some people out of the country to talk
26:43to Japan.
26:45You know, mga animated to.
26:47Correct.
26:49So that, you know, we can also have more jobs here in Cebu most especially.
26:53So, I always say this.
26:56During the time of my father, he really started, I don't know if you know this, but he really started
27:01BPO's.
27:03So, Kanang Lahog, Kanang IT Park used to be a Lahog Airport.
27:10It was during his time that they really converted it into IT Park.
27:13So, si Daddy is really also the father of the BPO or BPM sector here in Cebu.
27:19So, they started it, they made an organization called CEDFIT.
27:24Ah, which is now Cebu IT.
27:27Correct, but yes.
27:28It was during his time, no?
27:28Ah, and then when he was not mayor, the private sector together with some government agencies, national agencies, they pursued
27:36it.
27:36So, that's why it's now IT Park.
27:38But it really started during my dad.
27:40So, malipay ko nga, if we can do the same for the creative industry, to make a creative entertainment industry
27:48in the Philippines, in Cebu.
27:50So, to start it like how my dad started BPO, then that would be very nice.
27:56Pila good gang BPO, pila rung 200,000 employees easy.
27:59So, 90,000.
27:59Imagine.
28:00So, if we can generate artists, animation, game, development, even original content, o gun sa panadiha, no?
28:09That's a very good endeavor to pursue.
28:13And thank you also for bringing that up, no?
28:17Because, yeah, not only your family through your dad has a link to the history of the BPO, but I
28:25also think that animation is one area also that could be the future.
28:32Correct.
28:32No? Thank you for bringing that up, no?
28:35Correct.
28:36Yes.
28:36Very, very talented, no?
28:38So, what's happening lang is, you know, they get hired and then they brought abroad, no?
28:45But if we make this the center or the hub of the creative entertainment industry, then they will locate here
28:53rather than us going there.
28:55And to parents and so many students who are watching and Mayor Raymond, no? Or Attorney Raymond mentioned about creative
29:08industry and then also animation.
29:10It's one area that you should examine because you also mentioned Japan.
29:15Incidentally, the anime market is growing.
29:18And they need help, no? The Japanese actually need help from people like us or talents like us who can
29:26actually collaborate with them to continue growing the anime and game development industry.
29:32Correct, correct.
29:33If I remember correctly, Gali, in ArtsMath, we also supported cosplay.
29:38Ah, yes.
29:39We supported cosplay.
29:42By the way, what was the cosplay? What did you play?
29:46No, no, no, no, no, no.
29:48Just kidding.
29:48It was more of...
29:50No, I'm just kidding.
29:51Amazing.
29:51I was so amazed because young Cebuanos would come in their costumes.
29:56I know.
29:56Wow, amazing.
29:58So I said, we'll support cosplay.
30:00But I found out that there are characters also in Cebuano, right?
30:08So why don't we have characters like...
30:10Are you growing up?
30:12Are you DJs?
30:13Like...
30:14Characters like Ungo.
30:16Or characters like Sigbin.
30:17Right?
30:18Or half body, half...
30:21Right?
30:23Why don't we have characters like that also in Cebuano?
30:25Why don't we have characters like that also in Cebuano?
30:27How many characters are in Japan?
30:28Where are these characters?
30:30Actually, I have an idea.
30:31Promotion?
30:32No, no, no.
30:33I have an idea and we'll talk about it offline.
30:34But remind me about it.
30:36I do have an idea and you're a master of this.
30:39But we'll not share it to them just yet.
30:41But I do have an idea.
30:42Sige.
30:43Now let's go back to Katong Heritage now.
30:46Okay.
30:47When you were talking about younger generation,
30:49not necessarily connected to Leon Kilat,
30:52I also remembered that it's a true story.
30:55I was asked also how come the heroes were named after the streets.
31:01So that would tell you that they're quite disconnected already, no?
31:06So now if we...
31:07Because you also have an ordinance, no?
31:10Correct.
31:10Specific to Cebu City Heritage District.
31:14What was also the point in your life
31:17in which you also realized that this area actually needs stronger protection?
31:26Well, let's not mention Europe because you have a lot of laws to protect.
31:29You have Spain, you have Italy.
31:31You have a lot of laws to protect.
31:34So when you go around here in the Philippines.
31:37It's only in the Philippines.
31:40You go to Vigan.
31:44Some of them are also very well protected.
31:47And it's just one street.
31:49Chrysologo.
31:50Chrysologo, yeah.
31:51And it's only one street.
31:53But very nice, no?
31:55It's very well protected also by law.
31:57And the locals really protect it, no?
32:01You go to Manila, Intramuros.
32:04Also very well protected.
32:06It's a budget.
32:08But do you realize that Intramuros and Vigan dates later than what we have here in downtown Cebu?
32:19And here we are not protecting it.
32:21We don't even have a law protecting it.
32:24Of course, there are national laws, but there are no local laws protecting it.
32:27Mm-hmm.
32:28So that's why during my term also in 2023, we introduced and it became an ordinance creating the Cebu City
32:38District.
32:39Cebu City Heritage District.
32:42Mm-hmm.
32:42So Nanay meets and bounds, no?
32:45But basically it's more of the downtown area of Cebu.
32:48So Karun, it is already protected by an ordinance.
32:51Mm-hmm.
32:51And in that ordinance also, it created the Cebu City Heritage District Council.
32:59Mm-hmm.
32:59Now, in that council, it's the only thing that the policies, rules, regulations,
33:05that if fewer property, for example, is located in that particular district,
33:11then there are some laws that you have to follow or would like to call it some restrictions that you
33:16have to follow.
33:17Because you don't even have to be able to follow or put on high-rise buildings.
33:21You have to be able to see the view.
33:23Right?
33:24And that's why the issue of the issues, was it in Luneta?
33:28Yes, I was about to mention that.
33:30That was a very big issue, no?
33:32The pambansang photobomber.
33:33Oh, photobomber.
33:34And it was also going to happen here in the Capitol when one of the stations would block the facade
33:42of the Capitol.
33:42So, these are the things nga nakaingon ko sa akong kaugalingon traveling abroad and even just here locally nakaingon ko
33:50nga,
33:50ha?
33:51We are the oldest city in the Philippines?
33:54The first capital for a few months in the Philippines?
33:58And we don't have a law regulating or protecting our heritage district, which is downtown Cebu.
34:05So, I want to mention that this ordinance is creating the Cebu City Heritage District, essentially protecting, conserving and preserving
34:14it.
34:14And instituting a Cebu City Heritage Council that would make up of individuals from the private sector.
34:25That would...
34:26Ang usahan ni Raffi yun, no?
34:27Kung gina yung number one.
34:28I would always say, ang kalang Raffi hulog ng langit.
34:31What they're doing for heritage is really hulog ng langit.
34:33Private initiative.
34:34So, they are part also of the council, the heritage council, and they are there to create policies, no?
34:44I used to say nga, uug motukud gali ka, uug jallibee or makdo in vegan or in Ramuros.
34:53Dili pwede siyaking pink, siyaking yellow, siyaking red, no?
34:57They have to conform with the surroundings, no?
35:01So, these are one of the policies that they also have to make.
35:04So, during my time, na instituta na ito, na anay council, we were already making and crafting the policies for
35:10the heritage district in order to preserve and conserve it.
35:14Pero, I don't know what's happening na now.
35:16I hope that the current administration is doing something about arts and culture and is also doing something about our
35:23heritage.
35:24I hope, I hope.
35:25If not, narang mag itapir, may din nga mutabang.
35:28I'm just a phone call or text away.
35:31And for people who are actually just as passionate as you are ba, or leaders as passionate as you are,
35:39I always notice that there is a hugot around it ba?
35:43So, specifically to the downtown area or the heritage area, what was a particular memory that you fondly still remember
35:54until now?
35:56Since my dad was really an advocate of the arts, culture and heritage, just like me, which I got from
36:03him,
36:04One of his, I would say, major projects in that regard was the creation of the heritage monument in Parian.
36:13So, if you remember, it was during my dad together with the Catholic Church.
36:18In fact, ang nag-inaugurate was Cardinal Vidal and my dad during his time.
36:27And also during my time as mayor, I tried to clean it up and put lights to put a guard
36:35to protect it.
36:37But I don't know what's happening now.
36:39So, I hope that until now, our heritage structures are being protected by the government.
36:46Because, you know, you don't have to rely on people.
36:50It has to be, you have to rely on the residents rather.
36:53But you have to rely on government and you have to rely on the barangays in order for them to
36:58maintain our heritage structure.
37:00So, to answer your question on my fondest memory, it's really the heritage monument.
37:05Because every time I pass there, I always remember my father and his project.
37:11And it was done by a national artist, Ed Castrillo.
37:16And hopefully, they will take care of it as well.
37:19So, I remember when my daughter who was still studying in St. Benedict's had a field trip
37:26and their boss passed the monument together with her classmates,
37:35the announcer, the host,
37:37on your left is the heritage monument of Cebu City.
37:40This was done by former mayor Alvin Garcia.
37:44And they all looked up to her.
37:46Oh, you're the grandfather.
37:48So, you know, it's a legacy.
37:49It's something that we can't erase here in Cebu.
37:53And it's actually, the heritage monument actually tells the story of Cebu in the past 400 years.
38:01That's why it depicts different pictures because of that.
38:06So, yeah, that's a memory that I will never forget.
38:09And you've touched a little bit about this earlier in the conversation.
38:15But in the context of the heritage district and the council,
38:20what are your thoughts also about preserving heritage, but at the same time, pushing for economic development?
38:30Exactly.
38:31Sige.
38:31Sige.
38:31Sige.
38:33Just like in other countries in the world, they always have an area for heritage.
38:40And then, it's on the outskirts of the buildings, the modern vibe, the modern life.
38:49And I think that we should also do that here in Cebu.
38:52We should really protect our heritage district.
38:54And that is why during my time, because City Hall is situated in the heritage district,
39:03there was a proposal by Mayor Mike Sauna to transfer City Hall and SRP, which I also supported, but not
39:11immediately.
39:12Maybe when we have already public transportation going to the SRP and it is more developed, more facilities, then perhaps
39:23we can transfer it there.
39:25I mean, Mandawe is also transferring and then Lapulapo is also transferring.
39:28What they're doing, which was my idea before, but it's not that materialized because of what it is.
39:35What Mandawe and even the capital, if you look at it, the capital, Mandawe and Lapulapo, they're all transferring.
39:43They're all building new buildings for their City Hall.
39:46They're going away from their traditional places that are congested.
39:51And they're putting it in some areas that are hamugaway, that's a big area.
39:56So that it's easier for people to go in and out and the new building, etc.
40:00And you know what they do to their old building?
40:02They make it into a museum.
40:04So that is something what I want to do, Unta.
40:08Maybe in a few years' time when SRP has enough facilities, enough public transportation, it's easier to commute and to
40:15travel to the SRP, then we can really transfer the City Hall there.
40:20Together with the other government agencies.
40:22Because if you have the court, you can take the SRP.
40:26Because they have a lot there.
40:28Can you imagine all the government agencies here in the SRP?
40:32So that's the idea.
40:33So that's the idea.
40:36There will be better parking.
40:38There will be better parking.
40:40So that's the idea.
40:40Parking is the most important thing, right?
40:42You know, it's just mass transportation.
40:45So, you know, transferring it maybe in a few years, maybe five, maybe even ten years when we are ready.
40:51But I'm just telling you that, you know, the capital is already going to Balamban.
40:55I don't know if there are still others.
40:57And then the City Hall of Mondawai is also transferring.
41:01The City Hall of Palapu is also transferring.
41:04Precisely because they really want to get away already from the center.
41:08That's something what we should do.
41:10It also brings the development.
41:11Yes, it also brings the development there.
41:14So that is something which, you know, the future administrations should really think about and plan for it.
41:22I mean, I know that I planned it during my time.
41:26But of course, implementation can be much, much, much later when our transportation, public transportation would allow it.
41:34But can you imagine?
41:35Capitol will become now a museum.
41:38And then City Hall will also become a museum.
41:41And then also City Hall of Lapu, City Hall of Ganon.
41:44It will really promote our heritage.
41:47So now let's move towards the economic side of arts, culture, and heritage.
41:56What also are your thoughts about this as part of the economic drivers of the city, for example?
42:05We are talking about arts, culture, heritage.
42:08Well, I already mentioned the creative entertainment district, which will be a hub.
42:21And that's something we should really look out for.
42:24Especially when it comes to, I think there are three main.
42:28Okay.
42:29One is film.
42:31So can you imagine if you have a film studio here?
42:33This was done by Bigfoot a long, long time ago.
42:36We are not going to pursue it.
42:38But I think if we have something like this here, it would be, I mean, if it was really supported,
42:45private and public, then for me, it would really do a great service to the Cebuano people.
42:52Because I always say this, during my time, a Hollywood produced film was shot or was filmed in Cebu.
43:03And it was called Almost Paradise.
43:05Oh, okay.
43:06There were two or three seasons.
43:10They were here in Sunstar.
43:11Two or three seasons already.
43:13And they were filmed here in Cebu.
43:16Mm-hmm.
43:17And you know how much it would cost to film something like that?
43:20Easily in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
43:23Mm-hmm.
43:24Okay.
43:24So, when I went to, because they leased, they rented out Bigfoot, no?
43:34When I went there, I saw 10 vans parked.
43:38They were standing by.
43:39So, I said, you know, anong ng-park mo ng vans?
43:42Sir.
43:42What do you mean sir?
43:43Service me sa...
43:44The artists, the makeup artists.
43:47The crew.
43:48The crew, etc.
43:48I said, wow.
43:50Imagine, they employed 10 vans.
43:53And then, you have props men.
43:55Mm-hmm.
43:55You have mga doubles.
43:56You have mga...
43:57You have makeup artists.
43:59Extras.
44:00All extras.
44:01They were hiring Cebuanos.
44:03Mm-hmm.
44:04So, can you imagine how the economy, how much $100 million dollars..
44:09Because if it is spent here in Cebu, how it will, the trickle down effect to the economy is enormous.
44:19Because they're in a hotel, they're in a hotel, they're in a hotel, they're in a restaurant, they're in a
44:26taxi or a grab.
44:27So, once they're able to benefit, they're in a subpo.
44:30So, one is a film.
44:32It also generates tourism.
44:34It generates tourism as well.
44:36Correct.
44:36Because all of these foreigners, they bring their families.
44:41They recommend the place.
44:43Exactly.
44:43So, they don't only eat in restaurants, they go to the whale sharks in Oslo.
44:47Correct.
44:47They can even go to Bukol or anywhere.
44:51So, it's a lot of tourism.
44:52Correct.
44:53So, if we develop this, I'm only talking about one film.
44:58What if several filmmakers, Hollywood, come to the Philippines and say,
45:04Yes, we will shoot also here.
45:06It's just a lot of soundstage.
45:08It's just a lot of venue.
45:10You know, there are facilities.
45:11Can you imagine?
45:13A hundred million?
45:14Let's say ten of them will come here.
45:16That's one billion dollars for the economy of Cebu City.
45:20And then, the trickle down effect is enormous.
45:22And I think another area for artists is also animation.
45:29Yeah.
45:30True.
45:30It's very funny nga, kanang, inigtan nao bitaw ni Mug, kanang mga Pixar, mga whatever it is, no?
45:39And then, nabitaw na yung credits after.
45:42Ah.
45:42Makakita ka mga Filipino names.
45:44Mm-hmm.
45:45Huh?
45:46So, can you imagine if these animators, or not animators, but these animation studios,
45:53they say,
45:54Locate in Cebu,
45:55Na ay facility.
45:56Correct.
45:56Na ang talent.
45:58May pinaka-importante.
46:00Na dito ang talent.
46:01So, instead of the Cebuanos going to Japan or the United States,
46:05getting hired,
46:06let's bring the entire Pixar here over to Cebu.
46:09The industry here.
46:10The industry here.
46:11Mm-hmm.
46:11Then they will invest their money.
46:13Mm-hmm.
46:13They will put,
46:14can you imagine?
46:15And we have that talent here.
46:16They don't have to,
46:17they don't have to import anymore.
46:19Mm-hmm.
46:19And number three is game development.
46:20But, you know,
46:22ang kanang naghimu anay mong karate-karate ng a game,
46:24diya,
46:25wakakibaw,
46:25Subuano de ito.
46:26Or Filipino de ito.
46:28Mm-hmm.
46:28That was developed here in Cebu or in the Philippines,
46:31but exported there, no?
46:32So, bring them all here.
46:34Mm-hmm.
46:35Just like how we brought all the BPO's.
46:37Correct.
46:38To Cebu.
46:39Mm-hmm.
46:39During the time of my dad.
46:41Mm-hmm.
46:41Let's bring all of these animation studios,
46:44soundstage,
46:45let's bring them all here.
46:46Mm-hmm.
46:47No?
46:47And then we create another 200,000 jobs.
46:49Mm-hmm.
46:50I'm actually,
46:51now that you're talking,
46:52I'm now excited, no?
46:53About the possibility and the future,
46:56and I hope that we'll get to really see that, no?
46:59Yeah.
46:59In Cebu.
47:00So now on the sentimental side,
47:03is there a culture,
47:05Cebuano culture,
47:06or heritage, no?
47:08that you think is or are at risk, no?
47:14That the younger generations might forget?
47:18That's what I'm,
47:19that's what I was saying,
47:20that we are not,
47:25our students are not taught
47:27about the rich history and culture
47:30of the Subu Anun.
47:32Mm-hmm.
47:33Mm-hmm.
47:33And that's why,
47:34as I was saying earlier,
47:35we know who Cesar Isal is,
47:37Andres Bonifacio,
47:40but sometimes,
47:41when we talk of Lapu-Lapu,
47:43he is a fish.
47:45Diba?
47:46Sadly.
47:46Or, you know,
47:47ingo na na ba?
47:48So, I think,
47:50that aspect of Cebuano history
47:52should be instilled with our youth.
47:55And if it's not taught in schools,
47:57then let's have venues,
47:59let's have museums,
48:01no?
48:01Let's have walks,
48:03no?
48:03To visit the different sites.
48:05Let's have field trips,
48:07diba?
48:07For our young,
48:08so that they will know
48:09what Cebu is all about.
48:11They don't even know
48:11that the oldest fort is here in Cebu.
48:13Fort San Pedro.
48:16Diba?
48:17They don't even know that
48:19the oldest relic,
48:20probably in Asia,
48:22is in Cebu,
48:23the Santo Nino.
48:24The oldest,
48:25I would say,
48:26Christian relic
48:28is here in Cebu,
48:29which is the Señor Santo Nino.
48:31I mean,
48:32they don't know
48:33these things.
48:34What is the history
48:34of the Basilica del Santo Nino?
48:36The history,
48:38the rich history
48:38is here in Cebu
48:39and our youth.
48:40They don't know it
48:41because they're not taught that
48:43in school.
48:43But if we make it available
48:45here in the city,
48:47the government initiates
48:49field trips
48:50or walks,
48:51no?
48:52Or build more museums
48:54to see.
48:55They're the only
48:55Leon Kilat.
48:56They're the only
48:57local heroes,
48:58no?
49:00Maybe
49:00they will not anymore
49:02forget
49:02where they came from,
49:04who they are.
49:05Because the environment
49:06is reinforcing.
49:08Yes,
49:08because the environment,
49:09not necessarily school,
49:10but their environment
49:12is reinforcing
49:14what they should remember.
49:16What they should remember.
49:17That's why it's very important.
49:19And then my final question,
49:21and I hope you will
49:22change your mind,
49:23but
49:23it's okay.
49:24if you are to choose
49:26one Cebuano song,
49:28one Cebuano song
49:29to introduce
49:31to the younger generation
49:33or
49:33to reinforce
49:34to the younger generation,
49:38what will be
49:39that song?
49:43Okay,
49:44you talk of
49:45popular songs
49:46that perhaps
49:47younger generation
49:48didn't know
49:49but very popular
49:50Cebuano songs.
49:51You have
49:51Usahay.
49:53You have
49:53Matudnila.
49:55Diba?
49:56I don't know
49:57what the songs
49:58are in Cebuanon.
50:00Okay?
50:02Even
50:02novelty songs
50:03of
50:04Yoyoy Villami.
50:05Oh, yeah.
50:06Like
50:06March 16,
50:0715,
50:07121.
50:09Diba?
50:09Diba?
50:10It's history
50:11pero novelty song na.
50:12Diba?
50:13And reinforce
50:14through songs.
50:15Yes.
50:17Although not
50:18Cebuano,
50:18but it's done
50:19by a Bojolano
50:19or a Cebuano.
50:22These are things
50:23na people
50:24already forget.
50:25But
50:26Naaguy
50:27koan ba?
50:28Naaguy
50:29it brings back
50:30so much memories
50:31and some of them
50:32like Matudnila
50:33and Sahay
50:35na ay
50:35although
50:36love song siya
50:37but you know
50:38it is also
50:39something
50:39for us
50:40to learn.
50:41Diba?
50:41And remember.
50:43And remember.
50:43So I would say
50:44those two songs
50:44maybe.
50:45But the
50:46Cebuano songs
50:47ka ron
50:47mga bagong
50:48mga nintot pa ya?
50:49No, like
50:50the latest hit
50:51was Hasula
50:52one of the
50:52a few years back.
50:53Unn?
50:54Unn?
50:55Unn?
50:55Unn?
50:56Unn?
50:58Unn?
50:59Unn?
50:59Unn?
50:59Unn?
51:00Unn?
51:00Unn?
51:01Unn?
51:02Unn?
51:02Unn?
51:03Unn?
51:05Unn?
51:05Yeah, so
51:06so I think
51:07yeah, those
51:07are the songs
51:08tingaling
51:09kinanglang yun na to
51:10nga ibalik balik
51:11pa ba
51:11for our young.
51:12So I wish
51:13we have
51:14more time
51:15but
51:16there will be
51:17because you
51:17were here
51:17also before
51:18so this
51:18is going
51:19to be
51:19parts
51:20of a series
51:21moving forward
51:22but
51:22I was here
51:23as a public
51:23official
51:24pa as mayor.
51:24Yes.
51:25Now
51:25I'd love
51:26to come back
51:26and talk
51:27about
51:27our
51:28interest
51:28I mean
51:29this is
51:29a very
51:30interesting
51:30topic
51:31about
51:31history
51:31about
51:32culture
51:33and the
51:33arts
51:33maybe
51:34we can
51:34come back
51:35for my
51:35other
51:38advocacy
51:39like
51:40animal
51:40welfare
51:41so
51:43animal
51:43welfare
51:44is
51:44I was
51:45also
51:46the
51:46author
51:46of
51:47the
51:47animal
51:48welfare
51:48ordinance
51:49in
51:49Cebu
51:50City
51:50which
51:50we
51:51created
51:51the
51:51animal
51:52welfare
51:52council
51:52probably
51:53the
51:54first
51:54in
51:54the
51:54entire
51:54Philippines
51:55so
51:55we
51:55can
51:56also
51:56talk
51:56about
51:56that
51:56Oh
51:57yes
51:57now
51:58you're
51:58giving
51:58me
51:58another
51:59idea
51:59and
52:00this
52:00conversation
52:01for
52:01me
52:01is
52:02not
52:03only
52:03about
52:04originally
52:05that was
52:05how
52:06it was
52:06intended
52:07remembering
52:07our
52:08past
52:08through
52:09our
52:09arts
52:09culture
52:10and
52:11heritage
52:11but
52:11you
52:12also
52:12highlighted
52:13a lot
52:14of
52:14possibilities
52:14that we
52:16can
52:16actually
52:16explore
52:17so
52:17for
52:17this
52:17conversation
52:18and
52:18more
52:18we
52:19are
52:19thankful
52:19for
52:20making
52:20time
52:21for
52:21Beyond
52:21the
52:21headlines
52:22thank
52:22you
52:23very
52:23much
52:23for
52:23inviting
52:23me
52:23looking
52:24forward
52:24to
52:24the
52:25next
52:25invite
52:26oh
52:26yes
52:27so
52:28Cebu's
52:29identity
52:29is not
52:30only
52:30found
52:31in
52:31our
52:31past
52:32but
52:32our
52:33identity
52:33can
52:34also
52:34be
52:34remembered
52:35and
52:36preserved
52:36even
52:37until
52:38the
52:38future
52:39because
52:39preserving
52:40the
52:40past
52:41helps
52:41us
52:41understand
52:42our
52:42history
52:43and
52:43talking
52:44about
52:44the
52:44future
52:45paves
52:45the
52:46way
52:46also
52:46for
52:46us
52:47to
52:47create
52:47these
52:48possibilities
52:49so
52:49I'm
52:50DJ
52:50Moises
52:51this has
52:51been
52:51Beyond
52:52the
52:52Headlines
52:52Thank
52:53you
52:53to
52:53Coffee
52:54First
52:54for
52:54supporting
52:55conversations
52:55that
52:56matter
52:56Let's
52:57continue
52:57to
52:57look
52:57deeper
52:58and
52:58think
52:59better
52:59Have
52:59a
53:00good
53:00afternoon
53:05It
53:06starts
53:07with
53:07a
53:07fresh
53:07shot
53:08of
53:08espresso
53:09Bold
53:10rich
53:11bold
53:12just
53:13right
53:15Then
53:16comes
53:16the
53:16milk
53:17steamed
53:18smooth
53:18creamy
53:19and
53:19balanced
53:20the
53:21perfect
53:21latte
53:22is
53:22not
53:22brushed
53:23it
53:24is
53:24crafted
53:24one
53:25cup
53:26at
53:26a
53:26time
53:27Your
53:28perfect
53:28latte
53:28is
53:29ready
53:29Coffee
53:30first
53:31then
53:32everything
53:33else
53:33is
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