The organizers of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., being no stranger to the venture, pursued its latest rounds of ocular inspection within Cebu province. Their visits included numerous participating contingents/schools extending from Borbon National High School in the north and key areas in the south.
The inspection, considered to be the last of the few considerations of festival management, proved vital to check for major or minor production mistakes, whether overlooked or intentional, the use of wheels for stage presentation, bulky props, costuming, musicality, performance, choreography and concept. Basically, all the abovementioned are in the 2007 Sinulog guidelines but checked for accuracy.
By now, contestants are fully geared towards the grand competition which will take place two weeks hence. However, local schools will compete for the Sinulog sa Kabataan next Saturday and Sunday. Traditionally, the first five winning entries will be compelled to register for the grand parade competition.
Sinulog sa Kabataan Panlalawigan will prove to be interesting like their city school counterparts. Take for example Borbon National High School, a newcomer sponsored by Coastal Bank of Borbon. Sources conclude a staggering four hundred thousand pesos worth of costumes to exclude labor and shoes. Veteran Compostela National High School, Mantawi festival dancers and Opon are joining the bandwagon this year. Danao and Consolacion also have entries for the Kabataan.
Being an active Sinulog choreographer, this writer foresees a uniquely fresh caravan of entries set to present "something new" for the spectators. Defending champs Tangub City went to Malaysia in order to purchase costume materials. San Carlos City initially predetermined their entry status - Sinulog-Based category. More surprises are in store as the list of entries fill in the blanks.
With Sinulog '07 fast approaching and poised just beyond the corner, we can expect more great things to happen. Especially from the locals who would want to be at par with their visiting counterparts. Thanks to the ocular inspections of SFI organizers Dolores Suzara and Miguela Cuizon who contributed much for the betterment of our Sinulog presentations. Kudos, Mesdames.