Cebu - Close family ties and environmental protection stood out in the performances of yesterday’s winners of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan. From being fourth place last year, barangay Lahug, represented by the Lahug Elementary School, catapulted to first place, besting seven other contingents in the elementary level.
Last year’s winner in the secondary level, Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School, once again placed first this year, representing barangays Labangon and Calamba.
Josefina Guillen, president of the Philippine Folk Dance Society and chairman of the board of judges, said the decision was unanimous.
“After seeing all the performances, we knew right away that they were winners because of the distinctiveness of their dances presenting Filipino culture, devotion and the dancers well projected feelings,” Guillen said.
The winners also displayed fluidity of movement, synchronization and good transition from one movement to another, she said. The first prize winners will receive P40,000 cash and trophy.
Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann de los Santos said she was so grateful and proud that her contingent jumped from fourth place to first.
“I don’t know how to describe how I feel today…I was shouting from the beginning to the end of their performance. Even if gikuyawan ko pero kalmado nako when the names of the rest were already called,” De los Santos said.
She said the effort of choreographer Manuel “Mawe” Caalini in dealing with the children during practice finally paid off.
“Katulo na sya, in fact, nakalabay og microphone because it’s not easy…we dealt with problems on time and stress but it finally paid off,” De los Santos said.
The barangay reportedly spent close to P500,000 for the contingent.
Meanwhile, choreographer Angelo Manapsal of Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School said it was difficult to live up to expectations considering that he also choreographed the group last year. In fact, he was choreographer of both winners in last year’s Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and Dakbayan.
Also in the elementary level, Pasil Elementary School’s fluvial concept won second, Punta Princesa Elementary School’s “Tribu Magrararug” won third, Talamban Elementary School won fourth, and Banawa Elementary School’s “Balay Talambanun” won fifth.
Pasil Elementary School was also named best in costume. The other participants in the elementary level include the San Nicolas, Bulacao and Zapatera Elementary Schools.
In the Secondary level, the Camp Lapu-Lapu National High School won second with their Spanish-inspired costumes and ritualistic concept while the Pardo High School of barangay Basak Pardo won third with their tribal-themed presentation.
Placing fourth was Florencio Urot Memorial National High School’s “Tribu Manunuyod” while Abellana National High School’s African-inspired presentation won fifth.
Other contingents in the secondary level include the Pardo Night High School, Tejero National High School and Mambaling Night High School. The second, third, fourth, and fifth place winners will receive P30,000; P20,000; P15,000 and P10,000 respectively. The best in costume will also receive P20,000.
Owing to the minimal number of registrants, the Sinulog Foundation has extended to Tuesday the registration of participants for the grand parade on January 18. — Ferliza C. Contratista and AJ A. de la Torre (THE FREEMAN)