Sumalinog brothers win Sinulog ‘baroto’ race

CEBU, Philippines – Brothers Lyndon and Ricardo Sumalinog of Talisay City once again paddled their way in perfect harmony to rule the Sinulog 2015 "Balik Baroto Regatta" starting and ending at the shores of Baywalk near the Cebu City Senior Citizen's Park.

The noble undertaking was spearheaded by the Balik Baroto Movement behind the efforts of former Customs District collector David "Kuya Boy" S. Odilao, Jr. in association with the Bisdak Group (Bisayang Daku), of which he is also the founding chairman, and the city government of Cebu under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Mike Rama.

The movement was conceived by Odilao two years ago to highlight the efforts, sacrifices, skills and capabilities of the marginal Cebuano fishermen while traversing the seas using their 'Barotos (boat)' and 'Layag (sail)' as means of transportation. Aside from supporting the cause of the local fisherfolk, it also promotes gasoline-free travel by sea.

"Our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Mayor Mike Rama and the city government of Cebu for their unwavering support towards the realization of this noble activity," said Odilao, who is also acknowledged as the 'Father of Sinulog' having started the annual festival in 1980. "With its resounding success, we're planning to hold another event of such kind to coincide with Cebu City's charter anniversary next month," he added.

The Sumalinogs finished the race covering over five nautical miles with the fastest time of 38 minutes and 32.61 seconds. They were 21 seconds ahead of fellow Talisaynons Arnold Cabalda and Mario Canton, while the tandem of Jonathan Lopez and Jimmy Pillonez from Tuburan timed 40 minutes and 42.84 seconds, good for third place.

It was nearly a clean sweep by the Talisaynon as Marion Abinez and Charlie Abapo wound up fourth with the time of 41:23.96 followed by Gilbert Obrero and Virgilio Jumao-as in 42:58.64.

Rounding up the top 10 cast were Reynante Demecillo/Fernando Lopez (44:28.21), Allan Obrero/Jr. Torrejas (46:11.93), Jerome Demecillo/Leonardo Pelones (47:23.88), Edwin Candia/Rafael Canon (47:45.70), and the Malinao siblings Jimmy and Jendel, who clocked in 48:19.87.— EBV (FREEMAN)