Talisay City, Tuburan win

CEBU, Philippines - For the third time in a row, Talisay City Central Elementary School emerged as the grand champion in the elementary division of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2015 held yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Tinubdan sa Kauswagan Cultural Troupe from Tuburan, on the other hand, bested three other contingents in the secondary level category before 10,000 spectators based on estimate by Fuente Police Station chief Wildemar Tiu.

Fernando Cabrillas, choreographer of the Tuburan contingent, told reporters that it took them three months to prepare and master the whole routine, which showcased bamboo products.

In a separate interview, Marvi Caño, Talisay City contingent’s head choreographer, said they will improve the performance for the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18.

Talisay City’s performance featured the history of Kaplag, which was reflected on the large images of the Sto. Niño. Caño said that the theme was in line with the city’s celebration of the 540th Kaplag anniversary.

The winning groups will automatically advance to the grand showdown.

There were only 11 dance contingents that participated in the two categories of this year’s showdown.

Other winners composing the top five of the elementary division were Opao Elementary School-Mandaue City Division (second place), City of Bogo Division (third place), Pundok Nagahanon sa Sugbo (fourth place), and Tribu Kandaya-Maya Elementary School in Daanbantayan (fifth place).

In the secondary level, Carcar City Division landed in the second place, Hugpong sa Kulturang Kahumayanon of Danao City garnered the third spot, and Cordova National High School got the fourth spot.

Both Tuburan and Opao Elementary School contingents swept the Best in Costume and Best in Musicality special awards for the secondary and elementary levels, respectively.

The champions went home trophies and P300, 000 each while the second placer to the fifth placer received P150,000, P100,000, P75,000 and P50,000 respectively.

As special awards, a cash prize of P50,000 was each received by Best in Costume awardees and another P50,000 for the Best in Musicality.

The showdown was preceded by street dancing from the Capitol compound to the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday afternoon.

Opao Elementary School bagged the first place for the street dancing in the elementary category; Talisay City Central Elementary School, second place; and Pundok Nagahanon in the City of Naga, third place.

In the secondary level, Carcar City Division won the first place; Tinubdan sa Kauswagan, second; and Hugpong sa Kulturang Kahumayanon, third.

Champions of the street dancing received P50,000, second placers got P30,000, and P20,000 for third placers.  (FREEMAN)