Tangub City confident to win

CEBU, Philippines - While they only had less than a month to practice, last year's defending champion for the Sinulog-Based category is still confident in keeping the crown.

Tangub City has been sending a contingent to compete in the Sinulog for over a decade now. But this year, they have more to offer, said Noriel Erap, the contingent's music director.

"Watch out kay grabe ang changes. Throughout the country karon pa ni mahitabo," Erap revealed.

He admitted though that coming up with unique surprises was a challenge for them due to time constraints. While they started practicing last October, Erap said they only came up with the actual dance steps on January 2.

However, he assured of a one-of-a-kind performance.

The group first joined in the year 2000 under the Free Interpretation (FI) category where they emerged as champions for two straight years. But the following year, they shifted to the Sinulog-Based (SB) category and took home either the first or second prize for the succeeding years. 

The group's concept this year, explained Erap, will focus on how the Philippines survived the colonial rule. "In terms sa kabug-aton, sa dancers, lihok and of course concept, molabaw mi sa uban," he said. 

There are 36 participating contingents during Sunday's Grand Sinulog presentation; 15 for the SB category and 21 for the FI category. Seven of which are out-of-town contingents which include two groups from Placer; one from Masbate; one from the Municipality of Panglao, Bohol; another from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental; and one from the province of Lanao del Norte.  (FREEMAN)