CEBU, Philippines — Dinagat Island under the Caraga Region in Mindanao felt every inch a winner in their first time in the Sinulog Festival 2024.
Dinagat Island’s Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild landed first runner-up in the ritual showdown’s Free Interpretation category.
They may have missed the grand prize to another visiting entry, the Pasayaw Festival winner, Tribu Canlaon of Negros Oriental, but Dinagat still felt victorious to have beaten the internationally-known Lumad Basakanon of Cebu City and other veteran contingents.
Dinagat also got the silver for best in musicality and fourth in street dancing amidst the scorching heat of the sun.
Representative Alan 1 Ecleo earlier said that even before the actual battle, they already felt a winner just to be able to share their story of "unity and resilience."
"We defeated one of the biggest storms in our history by being united. And by being united, we will defeat poverty, isolation, and negativity," Ecleo said.
Tribu Kamanting showcased their founding festival’s Bugkosan, which means "coming together."
Their performance is based on the four elements--how faith in God and unity (Bugkosan) amid diversity has helped the Province stand strong despite the challenges of disaster, and continue to live in harmony with nature.
“Tribu Kamanting’s performance is a testament to our Islands’ ability to unite…Dinagat Island is full of people from all backgrounds and walks of life, we are all united by our love for our Province, our culture, and our heritage," Rep. Ecleo said.
With yells of "Pit Señior” and “Barug Dinagat,” the performance also tells the Dinagat Island's history, culture, and the role of faith in fostering unity and resilience among its people.
"Dinagat Island is here to show the rest of the country and the rest of the world that we can rise up," Rep. Ecleo said.
Unlike last year’s big winner, the Omega de Saloneran of Bucas Grande, Dinagat Island’s participation was not so much publicized and their performance came as a surprise.
“We are immensely proud of our performers and the team supporting them after spending more than a month working night and day in order to deliver the best performance they can give,” said Rep. Ecleo, who mobilized support from different organizations in Dinagat Island to help Tribu Kamanting reached the Sinulog stage.
Dinagat Island's Tribu Kamanting, consists of over 450 performers, including dancers, stage hands, and musicians.
The Freeman learned that performers were chosen from all over the Province.
“They had to learn to work together with people from different places and backgrounds, united only by our faith and determination to show what Dinagat Island has to offer,” added Ecleo.
Aside from that, the contingent also includes artists who worked on the props and costumes, teachers who acted as guardians for the student performers, members of the Municipality of San Jose LGU, Congressional Office of Dinagat Island, and volunteers from other Dinagat-based organizations.
“These young people represented the best of us: our unity and our faith,” said Rep. Ecleo.
“This presentation is about giving thanks to God for carrying us through disasters. Winning is just another blessing from His goodness,” stressed Ecleo.
After a very memorable debut, Dinagat Island looks forward to seeing action again in the next Sinulog.
“This is only our first time competing in the Sinulog stage, and it will not be our last…Dinagat Island has so much to show and offer the country, as shown by Tribu Kamanting,” ended Ecleo. — (FREEMAN)