Strong enough

CEBU, Philippines - I was waiting for Jojin Pascual to holler, throw a mono block seat at the dancer whenever she missed out a choreography—or like what Cherie Gil usually does in her movies, burn someone's skin with a cigarette—because, by my own analysis, the third week of December must be crucial for the members of Sinanduloy Cultural Dance Troupe. 

But Pascual was so calm. He was always so put-together, even on this particular day in December, approximately a month before they would defend their title in 2014's Sinulog Grand Parade in Cebu City (January 18): supervising the daily practice inside Tangub City's gymnasium. Every time he gave instructions, he coursed them through the senior choreographers. In fact, he allowed them to interpret the steps according to the concept, to contribute creative dynamism to the goal.

With the accolade that Tangub City gained through the grand slam championship in Sinulog for over 10 years under his helm as artistic director, he could play god, rule over the entire show. However, it had never crossed his mind. He is a man of congeniality: referred to as the city's "manoy" or elder brother. "As director and choreographer, I may have the all the ideas, but I am definitely nothing without my performers. Truly, the Sinulog is for the young," he enthused.

"Most have the right motivation to join the Sinulog. They all seem to have the understanding of the dance as prayer and prayer as dance," Pascual went on. Regular dance routines begin at 8AM and end at 2AM. It requires deeper devotion to the commitment. "Adding to that, the admonitions, the shouts and sometimes even insults that can come from the choreographic team. But they come back every practice and even give up their Christmas vacation in favor of the Sinulog practice."

Last year, Sinanduloy bagged major awards such as Best in Street Dancing (consistent from 2002 to 2011), Best in Musicality, and Best in Costume. Ultimately, the group placed first in the Sinulog-Based Category (also in years 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011), which greatly made Tangub, a sleepy city in Misamis Occidental where the Sinanduloy members hail, the superstar of all festival contingents. He pointed out the secret ingredient: "The main elements that have contributed much to the victory and successes of Sinanduloy include the massive support of the City Government of Tangub. The City Mayor and the City Council are all champions for the Sinanduloy members. The parents and community are also all behind us all the time."

For 2014, Pascual draws inspiration from his social observation, not only referring to the most recent catastrophes but also the struggles fought by our forefathers.

"The entry centers on the series of wars fought in the country in the last centuries and the hopefulness of the Filipinos for the future. Epic in scope, there will be five changes in set props and five sets of costumes. The choreography is very cadence-like, sharp and angular at the onset but will be very graceful and flowing and heartwarming at the end," he described. "Sinanduloy's concept for Sinulog 2014 is all about the struggle of the Filipinos as a nation and the constancy of their Faith and devotion to the Holy Child."

"While our concept is all about man-made challenges and conflicts, it brings to the fore the same strength and resiliency that the Filipinos have demonstrated in the face of natural calamities and disasters."