Sinulog, Pasigarbo champs to join Korea’s Daegu Fest

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Lumad Basakanon will not be able to defend its crown in the Powerful Daegu Festival in Daegu, South Korea this month but the Philippines will have four new contenders, including One Cebu Island Sinulog champion Omega de Salonera of Surigao and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo’s grand champion Carcar City.

Ricky Ballesteros, president of the Korea Philippines Festival Cultural Exchange Association (KPFCEA Philippines), told The Freeman that the contingents from Bucas Grande and Carcar City will be representing the country alongside Bailes de Luces of La Castellana in Negros Occidental and another contingent from Bohol.

“They were hand-picked by the organizers,” Ballesteros said.

Lumad Basakon ruled the Powerful Daegu Festival last year but was bested by the Omega de Salonera in the Sinulog 2023 grand showdown prompting the Korean organizers of the Daegu Festival to extend the invitation to the latter instead.

On the other hand, Carcar City deserved a slot in the prestigious festival abroad after winning the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and the Sinulog sa Carmen. The contingents from Bohol and La Castellana were chosen through the close coordination with the local government officials and the officials of Daegu. Ballesteros said he is most excited about the Omega de Salonera as this is their first international event.

The Omega de Salonera whose roots are also from Cebu will be showing a different concept and costumes in Korea. The Saloneras will be showcasing arnis with a Sinulog dance in their performance, Ballesteros said.

Although Carcar City made a last minute decision to join the competition, but Ballesteros is hoping for a solid performance from the Cebuanos. The bets from Negros Occidental, on the other hand, are expected to return to Korea with a more specular display of dancing and light fusion.

The Boholanos will also be displaying their winning moves in the Saulog and Sandugo festival. The Daegu Festival is set on May 12 to 14. — FPL  (FREEMAN)