CEBU, Philippines - Despite being hit by successive typhoons which caused much destruction to their city, Catbalogan, Samar proves their strong devotion for the Señor Sto. Niño as they send in a contingent to represent, for the first time, their city in the Sinulog grand parade.
Tribu Katbalaugan, which consists of 463 individuals, including props men, choir, dancers, among others, arrived in Cebu yesterday evening.
“It (the storm) won’t stop us from proving our faith,” said Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan.
Tan said the dancers, who are mostly scholars, are from five different schools in Catbalogan City.
Tribu Katbalaugan, which was organized last year between June and July will participate in the Free Interpretation category.
Mayor Tan shared though that while their determination stands strong, the journey has not been easy, especially for the participants.
Tan recounted that they lost four of their members who died during the onslaught of typhoon Seniang.
Three of their dancers, who were from Barangay Mercedes, died in a landslide due to the heavy rains brought by typhoon Seniang last December 29. One of their choral vocalists also died in a separate incident.
Some of the contingent’s practices were also cancelled due to the strong winds and heavy rain last month.
However, Tan said that the obstacles made the members of the group more determined to join the Sinulog.
“Mas nisamot ang pasyon sa mga bata nga motambong sa maong kalihokan.”
She said that as they cope from the destruction caused by the typhoon, the contingent is still one in prayer.
“We fervently pray for forgiveness, guidance and protection,” Tan said.
“This is the right time to offer our dance as our thanksgiving to Sto. Niño, who provided us wisdom and strength after the past storms passed our city,” Tan added.
The mayor also lauded the commitment of the participants and choreographers in pushing through with their performance.
“As what I have told them, please don’t take this as a competition. You are to perform not to win rather to appeal your prayers as you offer your dance,” she said.
The mayor, together with the performers, attended a departure mass in Catbalogan City before they sailed to Cebu. (FREEMAN)