Bucas Grande: A community laden with talent, discipline

CEBU, Philippines —  More than their superior creativity and talent, the Omega de Salonera of Kapihan, Bucas Grande, of Socorro, Surigao del Norte reminded everyone what unity and helping hands can do.

They may be from a faraway sitio from an island in Mindanao, the distance didn't hinder them from bagging the champion's category of the free interpretation of the Sinulog 2023, added with the best in costume and street dancing top prize and second in musicality.

"(A) brave heart, determination, passion, discipline, cooperation, (and) talent made Omega de Salonera win the Grand Prize in Sinulog 2023 Free Interpretation Category," said the former Sinulog Executive Director, Ricky Ballesteros, who invited them to join the event.

Ballesteros who had been to Bucas Grande himself described the place where they come from  a small sitio that was used to be a coffee plantation located on top of the mountain of Bucas Grande.

"When you reach their community, it's guarded. The place is all dirt and rocky road, no asphalted or cemented road. They made the roads themselves," Ballesteros said.

Joan Capistrano, one of the leaders of their creative team, told The FREEMAN that the anticipated "muddy" venue is not enough to stop them from joining.

Capistrano said that even at that time when the asphalting was not completed yet, they still considered it as way better than their practice area.

United Community

There are just about 7,000 plus members in their community and the place is a “no-no” to smoking, alcoholic drinks, and sugary beverages.

The also have the same haircuts – crew cut for men and short hair for women.

Capistrano said having a uniform length of haircut is part of the pack of being united, she said.

They started preparing for the Sinulog grand parade in November of last year by waking up at 3 a.m. to start their daily routine.

Their leader, Jey Rence Quilano, who is known as "Senior Aguila" is only 22 years old.  He is a songwriter, composer, FILSCAP member who can play different musical instruments.

Ballesteros also disclosed that the community has a playground where they practice, a park, a natural swimming pool, cultural center, and a recording music studio.

Pool of talent

They have a choir, dance troupes who can perform different genres, musicians, singers and showbands.

Prior to their battle at the SRP, they even showcased their other talents at the Fuente Osmena circle.

The high-tech props that wowed the crowd were from their own carpenters, artists, painters, costume makers and designers.

Indeed, the spirit of Bayanihan, or Pagtinabangay in their community, is not just a concept but being practiced day after day.

Many couldn’t help but comment that if only the other contingents who complained about the event and then backed out just offered the host city, Cebu City, some help, the event would have been even better and more memorable.

The winning Surigaonons also traced their roots to Cebu, thus their devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño.

For them, winning is just a bonus.  It is to be able to send their message of unity and cooperation across that is more important for them. — GAN (FREEMAN)