Carcar wins big

CEBU, Philippines — Carcar City bagged the first prize in yesterday’s Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, besting 15 other contingents from Cebu Province.

With unique concept of crab mentality and how it affects the community, Carcar City was able to win the hearts of the judges and the audience and will be going home with P3.5 million both from the Capitol and the Cebu City government, which is the biggest prize so far for the Sinulog sa Lalawigan.

Apart from that, Carcar city also bagged the two special awards, which were Best Musical Ensemble and Best in Costume.

Second prize for the Ritual Showdown went to Tribu Talisaynon of Talisay City who will be receiving P2.4 million; and third place is Tribu Dagitabnun of Naga City with P1.8 million.

Mandaue City and Tribu Masadyaon of Toledo City bagged the fourth placer and fifth place, with P1.2 million and P900,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Street Dancing Competition winners were the Municipality of Samboan in first place (P1 million), Carcar City got second place (P750,000), and Talisay City bagged the third place (P500,000).

The best introduction video award went to Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas (P100,000), followed by Poro Mayor Gary Rama (P50,000), and third place to Samboan Mayor Tito Calderon (P30,000)

Sinulog sa Lalawigan Festival Queen also went to Carcar City, while first runner up went to Consolacion and second runner up went to Mandaue City. The Best Festival Queen costume went to the town of Consolacion.

The famous Tribu Lumad Basakanon of Cebu City was first to present as a guest contingent, while Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and other Capitol and Cebu City officials danced with the Sugat sa Kabanhawan Festival troupe from Minglanilla town, who won the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2023.

The event ended with a Sinulog dance tribute to Sr. Sto Niño with all the contingents, led by Gov Garcia, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Capitol Provincial Board members and department heads, Cebu congressmen, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama and Vice Mayor Alvin Garcia and Councilor Joy Pesquera, and mayors of other towns and cities in the Province.

National officials also graced the event yesterday, including Senators Bong Go, Bong Revilla and Francis Tolentino and Mark Villar.

Senator Villar in his speech was all praises for the Sinulog performance. “Wow, napakagaling nang nga Cebuano!”

Senators Go, Revilla and dela Rosa thanked the Cebuanos for their continued support and will continue to support Cebu in any way they can.

Contingents for the grand showdown

Winners of the Sinulog sa Lalawigan, as per previous years, automatically are qualified to compete in the Grand Showdown, along with contingents from the Sinulog sa Dakbayan, and out of town performers.

However, Gov. Garcia said that it is up to the mayors to decide whether they will join the Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown this year, as they have concerns on their dancers’ safety at the South Road Properties.

Mayor Rama said yesterday he is not closing his doors on the possibility that the contingents for the Sinulog sa Lalawigan will change their minds and join the final showdown.

Further, Rama showed up at the CCSC yesterday to show support to Garcia and the Cebu Province contingents.

“I’m a Christian leader, I don’t bear any hatred to anyone,” Mayor Rama said.

Meanwhile, after initially hinting that more contingents from the Sinulog sa Dakbayan may present in the Grand Showdown apart from the winners, Mayor Rama announced yesterday that all 12 contingents will be competing on Jan. 21.

Rama, last week, said that he and the Sinulog Foundation Inc. may decide to have more contingents compete, based on the outcome of the presentations.

Yesterday, Rama shared how pleased he was with all 12 presentations, mostly from Cebu City and a first-timer from a school in Talisay City.

Last Saturday, Brgy. Guadalupe emerged as the champion in the ritual showdown, followed by Brgy. San Nicolas in second place, and Brgy. Inayawan in third place. Barangays Labangon and Mabolo took home the fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Mayor Rama stressed that the dozen performers are not fillers for the lack of entry but deserve a spot in the final showdown.

The contingents, in return, have promised to do better in their performances on Jan.21.

Meanwhile, Cebu City councilor Jerry Guardo, the city council’s Chairman on the Committee on Infrastructure told The Freeman that Dakay Construction is now on its final stretch in setting up the amphitheater and stage at the SRP grounds.

Guardo said that contrary to what others have commented, this year’s preparation at the SRP is way better and easier than last year. He said the weather is also more favorable this year that workers do not have to work 24/7.(CEBU NEWS)