Catbalogan out to prove its worth

CEBU, Philippines - After winning the Aliwan Festival in Pasay City in April last year, Tribu Katbalaugan of Catbalogan City, Samar province is more determined to grab the top spot in this year’s Sinulog Grand Parade ritual showdown.

The contingent has practiced for more than two months for its routine that features its own Manaragat Festival, which gives tribute to the Catbalogan fishermen for sharing their bountiful catch to the locals.

“After bagging the 2015 Aliwan Festival, now we need to prove that we deserve that award… It’s a challenge for us to prove that we deserve being called as the grand champion and hopefully, we will win this year,” said Ador Hurtado, the contingent’s coordinator.

Tribu Katbalaugan placed fourth in the Free Interpretation category of last year’s Sinulog Grand Parade. Its performance last year centered on animal diversity.

For 2016, Hurtado said spectators can expect the group’s concept to feature creatures “under the sea” using varied movements and intricate steps.

“Aside from showing thanks to Santo Niño, our purpose also is to promote our city… Our aim is to highlight our festival which is Manaragat. This year, we will (pay tribute to) our roots by showcasing our own festival,” he said.

To join the annual competition, Hurtado and the rest of the contingent traveled for more than eight hours by boat to Cebu City. 

Hurtado said the entire production cost them “roughly P5 million,” from travelling expenses, talent fees for the artists and food, among others.

The whole production is composed of around 450 individuals: 96 performers; 271 props personnel; 48 instrumentalists; and the rest are medical and support staff.

Hurtado admitted their main challenge was the availability of funds. Although their city allocated budget for the competition, he said they encountered difficulty because of strict government policies.

Sherwin Taneo, the contingent’s choreographer, said they wanted to show their devotion and thanksgiving to the Holy Child Jesus through their dance.

“Our main reason for joining is because we want to serve Señor Santo Niño. We want to honor Him. Our faith has been strengthened as we receive our daily gra-ces from Him. Siya ra gayud ang Balaang Bata sa Sugbo, who is very powerful and miraculous. In a way of dancing, we want to make our dance as our prayer of thanksgiving to Him,” he said.

Taneo used to be the choreographer of Tribu Lingganay of Alang-Alang town in Leyte, which decided to skip this year’s competition.  He now works with the Catbalogan contingent’s official choreographer, Janneil Mainar.

But more than aiming to win, Taneo said they really want to showcase what Catbalogan is and what Catbaloganons can offer.

The Manaragat Festival honors its patron saint, St. Bartholomew, whom the local folks believe to have maintained the richness of Maqueda Bay as the major fishing ground of the province of Samar.

Win or lose, Taneo said they will leave the fate of their performance to their faith and prayers.

“I know nga the city’s patron nga nagpanalipod sa Catbalogan and Sr.Santo Niño will both guide us in our performance on the streets and in the actual presentation. Ang among gigunitan karon ang pag-ampo ug pagsalig Kanila,” he said. — (FREEMAN)