Sinulog 2006 Insider's Buzz

The Sinulog festivities successfully wrapped up during its culmination and awarding ceremony at the Abellana Sports Center last Monday (January 16) where this year's set of winners flocked to the arena to present their winning entries.

What amazes this writer are the stories told by participating choreographers and their respective contingent's amazing adventures during preparation.

Perhaps the most well-prepared group was the winning contingent (Sinulog-based Category) from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, who initiated rehearsals as early as October. According to a source, they had to close their gymnasium upon knowing that their neighbor, Ozamis City, was also busy preparing for the Sinulog-based category. The choreographer of Ozamis was a product of Tangub's successive wins, so they had to take extra care so as to prevent duplication.

This year's second placer, trailing only by a matter of points, is Compostela National High School. They had a little less than one week to concoct a winning entry.

Apparently, CNHS had no intention to join this year's Sinulog until they were compelled to join by the DepEd in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Panlalawigan where they only had two days to prepare. Luckily, a group of fifty participated in the SEAGames last November. So, with the addition of ten more, they qualified in the minimum number requirement. Without expecting anything and temporarily abandoned by the resident choreographer who had a three-day rehearsal ordeal for Camotes National High School, another school also compelled by DepEd to join the same contest, emerged second in the Kabataan competition. With the return of their choreographer but with so little time, they managed to make a big win.

Camotes, on the other hand, after deliberation, decided not to participate in the grand parade for lack of sufficient funds. Their presentation was quite interesting which could have been a contender for the SB top five.

Runners-up Lahug (4th) and Zapatera (5th), trained by Venancio Esparaguera and Manuel Caalim, respectively, couldn't be happier than seeing their group emerge as winners with Manuel's group being hailed as best in costume for SB this year.

The Camiguin contingent had just all the luck they deserved, after the fall of Lumad Basakanon who had a twenty-point deduction for violating this year's guidelines. Lumad was leading by ten points but when deduction took place after using a set of wheels on stage, they fell to fifteenth place.

Camiguin's choreography was reminiscent of last year's Surigao entry. It was later found out that the same choreographer, Randel Roaya, did Camiguin this year. Randel was also responsible for Surigao's victory in Mantawi festival last year.

Coming out third in the Free Interpretation category was the contingent from Iligan who was choreographed by Barry Luche of Daanbantayan. Its large hand props and loud visuals remained its distinguishing trademarks.

The other three newcomers from Ilo-ilo, Bohol and Samar also had new choreographers joining the bandwagon of winners.

Wrapping up the Sinulog-based category, Lahug's and Zapatera's Pundok sa Kabataan portrayed celebrations, Ozamis (3rd) had a noteworthy dance choreography devoid of concept, Compostela's wedding-themed presentation was inspired by the Broadway musical "Phantom of the Opera" - experimental, daring, and Tangub's "Sinulog sa Calle Colon" created a spectacle.

For FI, most remarkable was the minimal costumed all-out dance of the Ilo-ilo contingent (2nd) followed by the dancers from Samar (5th). Bohol (3rd) might have done better had they fully utilized the functionality of all their props and had done away with the Daanbantayan entry pattern. Iligan was nothing short of amazing, except that it had less new things to offer to the trained eye.

Devotees might be alarmed as to what these choreographers might think of next, while art and dance maestros and enthusiasts cheer for the creation of something fresh and new. Everything becomes part of a rich cultural history and tradition of the Sinulog as it aims to reach its first fifty years. Viva Sinulog!

Viva Pit Senyor!