Second placers swear "revenge" next Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines - Grand slam title holder Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe of Tangub City vowed to return next year with a vengeance after they lost their crown to Culturang Placereño of Placer, Masbate, this year.

Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe trainer Emilio Pascual said there is no reason to cry over spilled milk as even before the grand parade when he witnessed the rehearsals of other contingents, he knew it was going to be a tough fight.

“I knew it was going to be a tough fight so what I prayed for is a perfect performance, which did not also happen. I cannot really blame them because most of the dancers are new,” Pascual said.

He said this year has also been a tough year for them because they had several problems including organizational problems.

“Nevertheless, we came prepared. Wala lang gyud mataypi sa judges,” Pascual said.

Tangub City’s entry this year features the history of Sinulog.

They opened with a scene at the old Aduana, thus, the Corregidor Ship that was owned by the Cebu Ports Authority. Pascual said the ship used to be the biggest luxury ship in Cebu.

“There is nothing complex about our concept, everything was historical. If they look closely, they will see that it was the old Aduana, then naabot ang pilgrims and naabot sila sa Magallanes,” he said.

Pascual said that Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe will come back next year as it is already a part of the year-round development of the youth in Tangub. Tangub City has been joining Sinulog for 11 years.

For his part, Barry Luche, choreographer of Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer, Masbate, said that they consider themselves as more than winners though they did not take home the crown in their third year in the Sinulog Free Interpretation category.

Tribu Himag-ulaw was the most applauded contingent last Sunday and even during their repeat performance at the awarding ceremony yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center.

“Kontento nako sa reception sa mga tawo,” Luche said.

He also explained that whatever their concept is based on, it should not matter because they are competing in the Free Interpretation category.

“Ang ako gipagawas kay lahat ng nilalang, water, plants, animals, dili lang kita, worship Sto. Niño,” Luche said.

He said they will come back next year and that the public may expect a lot more.

The winners in all categories were awarded yesterday afternoon before double the number of spectators in the grand stand last Sunday. Winners receives trophies and cash prizes.

Judges advised the choreographers to focus on choreographing the dancers more than the attention they put on choreographing the props. Judges also advised choreographers to think of new moves because moves have become repetitive over the years.  (FREEMAN)