CEBU, Philippines - When the organizers of the Sinulog sa Carmen sent me an invitation to judge the Sinulog 2011, I did not hesitate to confirm.
As expected, Carmen's manner of celebrating Sinulog was as grandiose as the one we have in Cebu City except maybe for the number of contingents joining the competition and the flare of commercialism.
Carmen celebrated its 38th Sinulog anniversary last Sunday January 23 and it was a blast.
Six local contingents from clustered barangays and seven out-of-town contingents vied to win. The prize pot was in the amount of P100,000.00. Contingents were given a subsidy of P50,000.00 to augment and defray necessary expenses.
This year, the productions showcased by the local contingents were as noteworthy as the ones we had during Sinulog (Cebu City). The contingent from Dawis Norte, Tribu San Roque, bested the competition with their soft palette color motif, dynamic dance movement and clever props manipulation. They were followed by second placer Tribu Panaghi-usa, whose festival queen candidate Joji Nasha Malazarte won the crown the night prior to the competition. In third place was Carmen National High School - Cantumog Extension Pundok Kabataan sa Carmen, who would have landed on a much higher position if they had more time to practice.
In the open category/guest contingent category, Talamban Elementary School won first place and was adjudged best in costume. San Roque Elementary School (Talisay-Inasal Festival) landed in second place and Lumad Basakanon in third place. The three contingents bested those from Don Sergio Osmeña Memorial National High School, Sabang Danao High School, an elementary contingent from Danao and Tejero Elementary School. The Danao City contingent won the Mayor's Choice award. Lumad Basakanon won Best in Streetdancing and Congressman's choice award. They only had to contend with strong concepts and energetic performances from the elementary school performers of Talisay and Talamban, whose performances raked in the top positions of the recently concluded Sinulog sa Kabataan Panlalawigan and Dakbayan, respectively.
Sinulog sa Carmen was chaired by Mayor Martin Gerard Villamor, whose power cast crew made the celebration a huge success - Antonio Villamor and Deo Generalao, invitation; Richard Pintoy, decoration and set-up; Engr. Wilkie Reroma, buntings and streamers; Hon. Jover Pisao, lights and sounds; Sofia Rodriguez, accommodation; Leonilo Lopez, fireworks display; Dr. Cartesa Perico, parade in-charge; PSI Milo Dagasdas, traffic and crowd control; Myrla Capuno, solicitation; Hon. Vicente Laping Sr., torch parade; Marichu Maningo, religious activities; Engr. Minerva Sarana, program; Antonio Villamor, DBC and palabas; Hon. Al Silvestre Damiles, transportation and physical arrangement.
Pit Senyor! (FREEMAN)