Sinulog hopes to attract more Korean spectators

CEBU, Philippines — The Sinulog sa Sugbu-Philippines 2024 gets an added boost as top performers in this year’s edition, headed by the Omega de Salonera of Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte, reigning supreme in the Powerful Daegu Festival in South Korea Sunday night.

Omega de Salonera may not have the amazing props it used during this year’s Sinulog 2023, but they showed it all with their performers' energy and creativity in honor of Sto. Nino is powerful enough to capture the hearts of the Koreans.

The “lean but mean” Omega de Salonera sustained all eight performances in two days to rule the international division and pocketed 10,000,000 Korean won.

The Salonera’s victory in Korea made a back-to-back victory for the Philippines, more particularly for Sinulog in Cebu of sorts, after it was won by Lumad Basakanon last year.

Bailes de Luces of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, a veteran in Korean festivals and also one of the top performers in this year’s Sinulog, ended with the silver award behind the Saloneras.

Carcar's Kabkaban festival, on the other hand, wound up the third spot. They were the Sinulog sa Kabataan in Cebu City and Sinulog sa Carmen champion.

Sinulog Foundation’s Executive Director Jojo Labella welcomes this latest development.

Labella said Sinulog is gaining more popularity worldwide and sweeping the Daegu Festival is expected to bring in more Koreans to Cebu City during the Sinulog 2024.

“That’s a big honor, especially that Sinulog is becoming a global destination for festival…In almost every Sinulog that we have, Korea is sending contingents…With this, we are hoping to gain more popularity abroad,” said Labella.

Labella also recognized the former Sinulog Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros for his efforts and the one that established the link to Korea that opened the doors to Filipino performers, including those that performed in the Sinulog.

Labella said preparations are now underway for the Sinulog 2024, which would still be staged at the South Road Properties.

A grander and more memorable outing is expected in the next Sinulog as Mayor Rama also involves the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP)  where he is the  national president in the event. — (FREEMAN)