Surprises expected from Sinulog stage

CEBU - Despite the financial constraints, the Sinulog stage at the Cebu City Sports Center for the grand Mardi Gras on January 18 promises a lot of surprises, said Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros.

For one, the stage this year is reportedly bigger than that of the previous years and will embody a nature theme complete with mountains and waterfalls, Ballesteros said.

“There will be more elements of surprises this year as far as the stage and the theme are concerned,” he said. Engr. Jules Villordon of the foundation’s creative theme was the one who came up with this year’s concept.

But Ballesteros emphasized that despite the grand concept, the cost for the stage this year is practically similar to that in the past years, which is P1.5 million.

A bulk of the amount reportedly went to new plywood because the ones used before have already seen wear and tear.

Ballesteros said the nature theme is also very fitting for the finale number because the production would be Polynesian-inspired to show to Cebuanos and visitors alike that the Sinulog can be danced in many creative ways.

Up to 250 performers from various dance groups and different schools in Cebu are expected to participate in the grand finale.

Ballesteros said several out-of-town groups have already confirmed participation in the Grand Mardi Gras, including the much-anticipated Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe of Tangub City.

However, another loyal out-of-town participant, San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, would not be able to join this year.

Still, many first time participants from outside Cebu are reportedly joining. Up to 50 contingents are expected to join the Grand Mardi Gras.

In yesterday’s “Kapihan sa PIA,” Ballesteros reassured Cebuanos that it’s all systems go for Sinulog 2009.

Ballesteros said one example is a lawyer who donated P4,000 “para lang gyud madayun lang ang sinulog.”

Sinulog Foundation Budget Director Dolores Suzara stated that “a year without the Sinulog is just like a year without Christmas.”

Suzara, who has been a part of the foundation since 1981, said it is difficult to cancel the Sinulog, as it has already been a part of the lives of Cebuanos and even Filipinos in general. — AJ de la Torre, CIT MassCom Intern/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)