Fund woes hold Basakanon back

CEBU, Philippines - In its 25th year as a performing group, hometown favorite Lumad Basakanon ironically missed the championship trophy in Free Interpretation category of the Sinulog Grand Parade.

Lumad Basakanon managed to make a fifth place finish amid strong performances from several out-of-town contingents eager to make comeback victory this year.

Choreographer Norman Navarro agreed with the judges’ decision, although he said it’s the budget constraints that were holding them back from pulling off more surprises in their routine.

“Okay ra, wala’y problema kay nindot man gyud tuod ang performance sa mga winners. Medyo expected man sab kay di man gyud mi kaapas sa ilang production ug equipment, given our much lesser budget,” Navarro said.

He said unlike other contingents that were fully supported by their respective local government units, Basakanon got funding only from their barangay and a handful sponsors.

Barangay Basak-San Nicolas could only allocate P1 million for them this year as it also had to prioritize addressing the more pressing local issues.

In comparison, Tribu Buyuganon of Abuyog, Leyte, which got the first prize in FI category, spent more or less P3 million for their whole production.

Navarro said the amount they received from the barangay was only good for costumes. “Pero di ra man costumes ang gastuhan. Naa pa’y props, drums, meals ug transportation,” he explained. 

In Sunday’s ritual showdown at the Cebu City Sports Center, Lumad Basakanon presented in their dance a story of a child saved by Sr. Sto. Niño after being accidentally hit by a native hunter’s spear.

The group banked on its trademark dance steps, as well as precise, synchronized movements, and smooth transitions.

Judge Chris Millado found “nothing wrong” with the presentation, but he said trendsetters, such as Lumad Basakanon and its counterpart in the Sinulog-based category Tribu Sinanduloy of Tangub City, are expected to find it hard to surpass their previous performances “because they were (once) the best.”

The challenge for these contingents is for them to come up with fresh ideas everytime they are out to perform and not to “rest on their laurels,” said Millado, artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, despite the slip to fifth spot, Lumad was able to defend its title this year as the Best in Street Dancing.

Navarro said this was a welcome development for them, knowing that they won P1 million for the category.

Including their prize from the ritual showdown, the group bagged a total of P1.2 million from this year’s festival.

Lumad Basakanon championed in the Sinulog Grand Parade six times, the latest being last year. It also topped Aliwan Festival four times, including a three-peat win in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and a fresh comeback victory in 2014.  (FREEMAN)