Rama: Basakanon a push for others to perform better

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said Lumad Basakanon should serve as motivation for other Sinulog grand parade contingents to perform better.

He made the statement in response to suggestions for the contingent, which bagged the Dance Grand Price Champion prize in the 2014 Aliwan Festival, to not join the Sinulog anymore to give others a chance.

“Dapat challenge na nila nga paninduton (They should take Lumad Basakanon as a challenge for them to improve theirs). If you don’t think that way, you will always go back to mediocrity,” said Rama.

The mayor said Lumad Basakanon can still join next year’s Sinulog even when it has already gained fame and recognition outside Cebu.

“It was a sterling performance (at the Aliwan Festival). The whole presentation  by them was breathtaking and us being there, we have that indescribable pride, because they (Lumad Basakanon) almost perfected their movements,”  said Rama.

He said he also noticed that the audience gave the most attention to Lumad Basakanon during the street dance competition, which was held in Pasay City last Saturday.

Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Ricky Ballesteros, and some councilors went to Manila to support the group.

Rama said the festival caused a traffic jam, which led him to get on a trisikad just to reach the venue so he could still give the contingent an inspiring message shortly before its turn to dance.

Aside from also bagging the best in musicality and best in costume awards, Lumad Basakanon’s Steffi Aberasturi, the Sinulog festival queen, was also named Reyna ng Aliwan 2014.

Cebu City extended a P1.65-million assistance to the contingent to cover the boat fare, meals, and other expenses of the 300 dancers, propsmen, and support staff.

Basakanon, which failed to join the inter-regional competition due to financial constraints the past few years, was installed in the Aliwan Hall of Fame after winning in three consecutive years (2006 to 2009).

During the contest, the group showcased a free interpretation dance that featured the Cebuano’s faith in the Sto. Niño, which was similar to their performance in this year’s Sinulog. (FREEMAN)