Ballesteros said that the Mandaue City High School was listed as sixth contingent for the said competition in the secondary division, but learned only yesterday that the school won't be joining the contest anymore. There was no clear reason, yet, given behind the backout.
"They just informed us that they will be backing out. Na-shock gani ko og nganong mo-back out sila nga sige naman na sila og practice," Ballesteros stressed.
A caller who claimed to be a choreographer told The FREEMAN that Mandaue had withdrawn from its participation from the contest, citing that Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano doesn't like to participate anymore because of a "row" with Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
"Mihilak gani ang choreographer ug ang mga estudyante kun nganong mo-back out sa contest nga ila naman untang gipangandaman," the caller said.
The rift, which reportedly began last year, has something to do with the declaration of holidays on the holding of the 12th ASEAN Summit here. This was reportedly followed by the issue on the appointment of new directors to the MCWD board and the looming closure of Yo Latino Restor Bar in Salinas Drive, Lahug for alleged lack of parking area. The establishment is owned by the Ouanos.
Ouano's spokesperson Jonji Gonzales, in a separate interview, denied these issues to be behind the withdrawal. Gonzales clarified that Ouano only wants to use the funds, supposedly for their participation to the Sinulog, for the Mantawi Festival this May.
"Those are just speculations. Mayor Ouano wants to use the funds for the Mantawi festivity," Gonzales said.
Rumors also circulated that contingents from the cities of Talisay, Danao and Lapu-Lapu will be backing out from the contest. "Check it out today kay mo-back out na sila. Seems to me they don't want to support anymore the Sinulog sa Kabataan event because of Mayor Osmeña," an insider of Mandaue City Hall, who asked not to be named, said.
However, Ballesteros said the three cities are already very active in their rehearsals for the Sinulog and that they haven't expressed nor demonstrated yet any intention to withdraw from the contest. "Let us set aside politics here. This is about our devotion to the Sto. Niño and not on our personal interests," Ballesteros said. Garry B. Lao/MEEV-