Previous Sinulog winners ‘ready to claim title again’

CEBU, Philippines - Out-of-town contingents who were winners of previous Sinulog dance competitions are now ready to bring home another trophy as they vowed more surprises for the audience.

“Daghang surprises nga dapat gyud atangan nga makapa-wow sa audience,” said Frenil Palang, choreographer of the contingents from Abuyog, Leyte.

Abuyog’s Tribu Buyoganon bagged the first prize in the free interpretation category of the Sinulog Grand Parade in 2011 and second place in 2009. The damage brought by super typhoon Yolanda prevented them from joining last year’s competition.

With a bigger budget allocation this year, Palang said they made extensive preparation for their dance piece, which makes them confident to bag the championship title again.

Contingents from Lanao del Norte also made their own preparation.

“Mga 90% ready na. Ang among mga props wala pa man gyud nahuman ang mga design, pero overall, okay na,” choreographer Emerito Custodio said.

Last year, the group was awarded best in musicality while in 2013, they won fifth place in the free interpretation category.

Custodio said their performance would be unique as they put focus on their province’s culture while injecting the Sinulog concept.

“We started with Maranao culture as well as our music. We differ from other contingents based from our concepts. We are bringing the culture of Lanao del Norte here in Sinulog,” he elaborated.

Alang-alang, Leyte Mayor Loreto Yu said their contingent, which won first place in 2013 and 2013, is also ready to claim the title this year.

At least eight out-of-town contingents have already arrived in Cebu a week before this Sunday’s Grand Parade. — (FREEMAN)