First sinulog sa barangay: Labangon wins big, clinches two trophies

CEBU, Philippines - A performance inspired by the choreographer's family struggles clinched Barangay Labangon's two major wins in yesterday's Sinulog sa Barangay, besting eight other barangays in Cebu City.

Labangon was named Best in Ritual Showdown and Best in Musicality and placed second in street dancing. Barangay Basak San Nicolas was named Best in Street Dancing.

Labangon's concept, the judges thought, was a fresh take on a Sinulog performance.

The choreographer, Angelo Manapsal, said he dedicated the win to his parents who have since passed away, as well as to the Child Jesus.

Manapsal, a choreographer in the Sinulog since 1991, said it was his mother who told him and his siblings that "kung naa'y kalagot, naa'y love."

"Bisan kung wala na sila, mao na nakuan nako ang concept nga important ang pamilya. Whatever happens, naa gyod na ang love," Manapsal said.

He said that because the Santo Niño has been his family's source of inspiration and the reason why everyone in his family showed forgiveness and acceptance.

Manapsal has been behind the winning performances of Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School but the win with Banay Labangon is his first since 2009.

The Cebu City barangays that participated yesterday were Labangon, Basak San Nicolas, San Nicolas Proper, Inayawan, Sambag 1, Sapangdaku, Guadalupe, Pahina San Nicolas, and Cambinocot.

Ronnie Mirabuena, chairman of the board of judges, said Labangon's concept was simple but the group was able to execute it effectively.

"The advantage of the champion, although they chose a very simple concept, a universal concept, but the success of the group is that they are able to transform that concept effectively," he told reporters.

He said Labangon's presentation had all the elements the judges were looking for, including costume, set-up, storyline, unique concept.

Winners

Labangon received P350,000 for winning the ritual showdown with Manapsal getting P30,000.

The second best in virtual showdown, Basak San Nicolas, received P200,000 while its choreographer received P20,000. Third place winner, Guadalupe, received P150,000 and its choreographer received P15,000. Fourth place winner, San Nicolas Proper, received P125,000 and P10,000 for its choreographer while fifth place winner, Sapangdaku, received P100,000 and P5,000 for its choreographer. 

For winning best in musicality, Labangon got P50 000 while second place winner, Basak San Nicolas, got P30,000. The third place winner, San Nicolas Proper, got P20,000 while fourth place winner, Guadalupe, got P15,000. The fifth place winner, Sambag 1, received P10,000.

In the street dancing category, winner Basak San Nicolas got P50,000 while Labangon, the second place winner, got P30,000. Third place winner, San Nicolas Proper, received P20,000.

Basak San Nicolas received an additional P50,000 for being best in costume.

Focus

Manapsal said they have set their eyes on winning the ritual showdown. The other awards were but a consolation. He said their biggest threat was Lumad Basakanon of Basak San Nicolas, which has won in the Sinulog several times in the past.

The group's costume designer, Jayvy Manayong, said one of their challenges was gathering dancers, considering Mayor Tomas Osmeña's directive not to disrupt students from their classes. In the end, they were able to gather 96 performers composed of students and alumni of Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School and even out of school youth.

One of the dancers, Christian Sagano, said they were very overwhelmed and could not believe they actually defeated Basak San Nicolas.

Satisfied

Yesterday was the first time the city's part in the Sinulog contest was participated by barangays. In the past, it was named Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and was participated by different schools.

It can be said yesterday's contest was a test run and despite persistent showers, Sinulog Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said he was satisfied with the outcome - in general and the contingents' performances.  

"I was so happy for the first time nga gwapo kaayo tan -awn and I think the winner had a new touching concept and, of course, gwapo ang Basakanon. I think it was a very close fight between the two. As I always mention, it is about the concept, new concept that will stands out, so especially natuhog niya ba from start to finish," Ballesteros said.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña was also satisfied with the outcome and told the crowd at the Cebu City Sports Center that he wants all nine barangays to join the Sinulog Grand Parade this Sunday, January 15. (FREEMAN)