Contingents promise tougher competition

CEBU, Philippines - The defending champs of Sinulog Grand Parade will face a tough competition today as previous champions are coming back with a promise of vengeance.

Tangub City’s Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe which is on their 13th year of Sinulog participation is back with fresh ideas and surprises.

Edgar Acapulco, one of 20 Sinanduloy trainers, said that they prepared this year to face Kulturang Placereño which they consider their fiercest competitor.

“We prepare to beat the defending champion. Every year, we come here with a goal to win. But that’s not what we are entirely here for. We are primarily here as an offering to the Sto. Niño,” Acapulco said.

With over 200 members including their instrumentalists, Tangub arrived in Cebu a week ago and has been practicing in preparation for today’s grand showdown.

Tangub City which still holds the record of contingent with the most number of wins will be featuring the history of the Basilica del Sto. Niño, from its first structure until the present.

The 10-time Sinulog Based category champion is choreographed by Emilio Pascual. They are composed of scholars of the Tangub City Government.

Defending Champion of SB category Kulturang Placereño of Placer, Masbate, also said they came prepared to keep the crown.

This is the second year of Kulturang Placereño and they want to keep their concept this year classified until they perform tonight.

Tribu Himag-ulaw, Placer’s contingent for the Free Interpretation Category, choreographed by Frenil Palang, just told the media that every sub part of their production deserves a wow. He hints, though, that they will be featuring marine diversity.

Kulturang Placereño, as the defending champion in the SB category, will be one of last performers. It has over 300 members including propsmen and  instrumentalists. Himag-ulaw has more of less the same number of performers.

Mayor Loreto Yu of Alang-alang Leyte, personally supervises Tribu Lingganay that is set to defend its title of being champion in the FI category last year. They want to prove that last year was not only a

beginner’s luck. Their victory is because of their students’ talents, that’s what they want to show.

“Of course, we are ready to defend our title.  Kung nag-andam sila, mas nag-andam mi,” Mayor Yu said. (If they come prepared, I’d say we have prepared more.)

Tribu Lingganay placed third in last year’s Aliwan Festival in Manila. They also seek to get against this year the special awards on Best in Costume and Best in Musicality in the FI category just like they did last year.

Lanao del Norte, which is now choreographed by Cebuano renowned choreographer Barry Luche, is also among the most awaited contingents this year.

Luche was Placer’s choreographer for four years and this year decided to train Lanao del Norte. He said he enjoys exploring different festivals across the country.

Lanao del Norte will be featuring the Sarimanok Festival. It is a festival in Lanao del Norte to celebrate peace and unity between two dominant

cultures in the place.

Luche said they want to depict in their performance the story of Sarimanok, which relates how Christianity has reached the place known now as the “Land of Beauty and Bounty.”

The Grand Parade will kick-off with a Mass at the Basilica at 7 a.m. The parade will start at 9 a.m. and is targeted to finish at 7 p.m.

Champions in both categories and champion in the Street Dancing gets P1 million as cash prize.

Right after the showdown will be the much-awaited Grand Finale and the Pyromusical Display. — /JPM (FREEMAN)