“Grander” Sinulog stage this year

CEBU, Philippines - Estimated to cost around P2 million, this year's stage at the Cebu City Sports Center would be "grander" with more designs inclined to faith.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said the huge stage that is now being constructed at its usual spot facing the grandstand inside the sports center would cost P1.7 million to P2 million.

As of yesterday, the stage was 80 percent already done.

"Ang ato na lang problema ang pagsige'g uwan. I just hope next week, we'll have a good weather, although in the past Sinulog festivals, mag-uwan man sad. Rain or shine man ning event nato," he said.

Ballesteros said that in the morning of January 19, during the Sinulog Grand Parade, the stage will be adorned with a monochromatic blue hue.

"Para mo-complement siya sa mga contingents and mosumpay sa panganod, a touch of nature actually," described the SFI executive director.

By night, an image of the Basilica Minor del Sto. Niño will be constructed at the center of the stage, with seven LED TV screens and two other LCD screens fixed alongside with it, he added.

"Mag-present ta og video highlighting the two major calamities na nahitabo, including the earthquake. Then ipakita nato sad nato na matumba ang belfry sa Sto. Niño tungod sa linog, then mobarug ra pud depicting the strong faith of the Cebuanos as grand finale," he said.

A similar presentation, Ballesteros shared, was done during the Sinulog Grand Parade nine years ago and will be revived this year.

The SFI, he said, shouldered the expenses for the construction of the stage, where some 30 to 35 contingents from all over Visayas will be dancing during the Grand Parade.

SFI will also shell out P300,000 for the million-worth fireworks display that will culminate the Grand Parade.

Ballesteros said they anticipate that more devotees and tourists, both local and international, to flock the sports complex to witness the Grand Parade. With this, he said they will hold another event, which spectators will also consider watching on the same day.

A concert of some 10 bands from Luzon will be held at the South Road Properties and will start at 5 pm until 2 am, he said.

Ballesteros further said that the Cebu South Bus Terminal will also be temporarily relocated at the SRP near the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel to ease traffic congestion in downtown area.

Yesterday, contingents from Baybay City arrived and will perform during the Sinulog sa Kabataan-Lalawigan tomorrow. The contingents are elementary students from Barangay Uling, in Baybay City, where typhoon Yolanda also wreaked havoc last November 8.

The stage has been reserved for the practice of contingents outside Cebu next week, while contingents from Cebu have been practicing this week, Ballesteros said. (FREEMAN)