More contingents join Sinulog 2015

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 43 contingents for both Sinulog-Based and Free-Interpretation categories will compete in the much-awaited Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Ricky Ballesteros said they are satisfied with the number of dancing contingents this year as it increased to 43 from last year’s 36.

The number of out-of-town contingents also increased to nine from last year’s seven. “I believe it increased because of the popularity it gained aside from the fact that the cash prizes are augmented,” Ballesteros said.  

The official performers for the Sinulog Based Category are Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City; AMA Computer College, Mabolo Cebu Campus; Panglao, Bohol; Provincial Government of Cebu; Pundok Lungsoranon, Liloan town; San Diego Dance Company; Bulacao Community School; Talisay City Central Elementary School; Cebu City Don Carlos A. Gothong Memorial National High School;

Cebu City Banay Talambanon, Barangay Talamban; Tuburan National High School; Tribu Basurero, Zapatera Elementary School; Abellana National School; Carcar City Division; Pundok Nagahanon, Naga City; Apas National High School; Lahug Night High School; Kulturang Placereño, Placer Masbate; Cebu City Central School and Barrio Luz National High School.

The contingents for the Free-Interpretation category are Tribu Lingganay, Alang-alang, Leyte; Tribu Katbalaugan, Catbalogan City, Samar; Southwestern University South Campus; Lumad Basakanon, Basak San Nicolas; Province of Cotabato; Tribu Kinaiyahan, Brgy San Nicolas Proper; The Buyoganon Festival, Abuyog Leyte; The Land of Beauty and Bounty, Province of Lanao del Norte;

Pasil Night High School; Maya, Daanbantayan; Tribu Ginatilan; Opao, Mandaue; Carreta Elementary School; Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School; Hugpong sa Kulturang Cahumayanon, Danao City; Tribu Malambuon, Danao City; Bogo City; Cordova National High School; Labangon Elementary School; Don Vicente Rama Elementary School; Tribu Mabolokon, Mabolo, Cebu City; Tribu Himag-ulaw; Placer Masbate; and Landonian Tribe, Cebu.

Other contingents have until Friday to register, said Ballesteros.

School-based contingents are qualified to receive the P150,000 cash assistance to subsidize some of their expenses. Ballesteros said they might increase the subsidy to P200,000 next year.

“After we increased the grand prizes this year, we will focus and study on the augmentation of subsidy para makabawi pud gamay ang mga contingents sa ilang expenses next year knowing that each contingent’s expenses ballooned to P3 to 5 million,” he said.

The first place winners in the Sinulog-Based, Free Interpretation, and street dancing categories will receive P1 million each; second place, P700,000;  third place, P500,000; fourth place, P300,000; and fifth place, P200,000.

Winners of special awards like Best in Costume and Best in Musicality will receive P100,000.  —(FREEMAN)