CEBU, Philippines - Elementary School of Lapu-Lapu City and Tayud National High School of Liloan town bested 15 other contingents in their respective categories in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan held yesterday afternoon at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Last year, also grabbed the top prize while Tayud landed second place.
Judges said that the “mother nature” concept and the clarity of the message for environmental protection made the contingent win.
For the Tayud contingent, making the Santo Niño the central focus of its dance movements made it to garner the top spot.
Sta. Filomena Central School of Alegria town and Silaw Culture Arts of Carcar City National High School, on the other hand, landed second place.
Winning Moment
In elementary category, Toledo City North Central School emerged third; Cambanay Elementary School of Danao City, fourth; and Bogo City Central School, fifth.
In the secondary level, Talisay City National High School garnered the third spot; Toledo City National Vocational School, fourth; and Naga City National High School, fifth.
Dr. Larry Gabao, chairman of the board of judges, said there was only a “.5 point” difference between the and Sta. Filomena.
“Sta Filomena used a technique that was very clear…they have the visuals. But Elementary School has particularly shown the message of their dance clearly,” he said.
contingent’s female dancers were clad in bright orange Maria Clara attire while the boys sported butterfly costume.
March Mandal, choreographer of the group, said that they took inspiration from “kinaiyahan,” which was reflected on the contingent’s big flower props and back drop.
Smooth Presentation
Gabao said that the Tayud contingent, which presented the power of salvation over evil deeds, has shown what the Sinulog Foundation Inc. has been looking for in this year’s competition.
“They presented a back to basic theme of showing the real essence of he dance which is worshipping,” he said.
Shared victory
Oliver Figueroa, choreographer of Tayud contingent, admitted that their production design and performance helped them top over other contingents.
Silveria Arce, the school principal, said that she had to spend some personal money for the contingent as they received their budget only two days before the event.
The win was worth P150,000 each for and Tayud contingents. They also each received a trophy from the Sinulog Foundation Inc.
Second placers went home with P100,000; third, P75,000; fourth, 50,000: and fifth, P25,000. — /LPM (FREEMAN NEWS)