Hail to still another first for Cebu!A stunning and symbolic 30-foot Sto. Niño crowns the Shrine as the faithful enter Cebu’s Senior Citizens Park near City Hall. This dramatic towering monument and new landmark of Cebu’s fiery Sto. Niño devotion, honors the Holy Child, patron of numerous miracles!Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama proudly said, “We unveil today this grand statue, made possible by Megawide and its subsidiary, Cebu2World (C2W), who are undertaking the Carbon (Market) District Modernization, a joint venture with the Cebu City Government.”Rama, as chairman of the Cebu Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, continued: “Through our discussions with C2W and their consultations with the Church, the figure is faithful to the Sto. Niño Icon as we venerate it, while the chapel design draws from Sinulog influences. This is a true symbol of Cebuano heritage.”This is also a gentle reminder that we are in the culminating stage of the historical celebration of our country’s 500th Year of Christianity, and the completion of this Sto. Niño shrine is made to coincide with this event.C2W director Cristina Angan said: “Faith, especially to the Sto. Niño de Cebu, can uplift spirits, which are necessary now in the face of Typhoon Odette and the ongoing Covid virus. Cebuanos can truly rise again in the midst of adversity.”Visible inland and from the Mactan Channel, the 30-foot Shrine is made of fiberglass resin. The Senior Citizens Chapel covers an area of 300 square meters while the park surrounding occupies more than 3,700 square meters. Upon completion, the Chapel can accommodate at least 150 parishioners, while the corridors leading to the park are designed to be an extension of the Chapel’s main seating area for guests as needed.Being Sinulog-inspired, the round-shaped Chapel represents the crown of the Sto. Niño which is venerated during the “fiesta.” The fluidity of the arcs simulates the graceful, flowing motions of the Sinulog dance. The term ”sinulog” is derived from the word ”sulog,” meaning water current movements.Upon entry or exit from the Chapel, one is made to experience serenity and tranquility through a landscaped park where guests can continue prayer and reflection. The park is also envisioned to be a healthy, green open space with a sweeping view of the waterfront and the majestic CCLEX (Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway).Aside from the laid-back ambience of it all, WiFi will be provided as well as food and non-food stalls, and the most basic—clean public toilets!With completion of the entire project by February this year, Cebu City Hall’s focus on faith, culture and heritage will be realized. In addition, the Carbon Modernization Plan is to zero in on Cebu City’s identity while improving the infrastructure of the district.C2W will be coordinating with the Archdiocese of Cebu, for the formal Park inauguration. In the meantime, let us never forget that Cebu (and the Philippines) remains the Cradle of Christianity in the Far East!