Banauan to represent Cebu City in Aliwan

CEBU, Philippines — For the first time, the Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe will be representing Cebu City in the Aliwan Festival on June 27 to 29, 2024 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay City.

In a resolution sponsored by Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa, the City Council expressed confidence that the Banauan dance group will be able to represent the city well owing to its dominant performance in the Sinulog-related competitions in Cebu City and Carmen.

The City Council said the Banauan deserves to represent the city in the battle of festivals at the Aliwan. The city government will defray the travel expenses of the group to Manila.

Aliwan’s organizer, MBC president Ruperto Nicdao Jr., already sent a letter to Mayor Michael Rama formally inviting the Sinulog Festival to join the street dance competition.

The Sinulog Foundation has already met with the officials of the Banauans to formalize its representation to the Aliwan.

“Dili masukod ang among kalipay nga mahimong representante sa Cebu City alang sa umaabot nga Aliwan Festival 2024,” said Guadalupe councilman and Banauan’s lead choreographer Cliff Yunson Racuya.

Racuya is also excited to showcase their devotion to Sto. Nino and to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Aliwan.

“Usa pud kini sa pamaagi nga padayon nga mapasiatab sa tibuok nasud ang dakong debosyon sa dakbayan sa Sugbo ngadto sa Balaang Bata nga si Sr. Sto Nino ug sa Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu,” added Racuya.

The group is currently processing the requirements and other supporting documents from the Sinulog Foundation and the city government for their bid in the Aliwan.

“Padayon namo nga gilihok ang insurance sa atong performers pinaagi sa pag-abag sa Sinulog Foundation Inc. alang sa insurance sa atong performers. Siyempre naa usab ang tabang ug suporta sa Cebu City Government,” Racuya said.

Being a first-timer in the event, BCG is also set to meet Tribu Basakanon’s main man, barangay captain Norman Navarro for guidance.

“Ang Lumad Basakanon maoy representante sa Cebu City sa mga nangaging Aliwan, busa gikatakda usab mi nga mag-set og meeting sa kapitan sa Brgy. Basak San Nicolas nga si Kap Norman Navarro kay mangayo mi og guidance nila sa ubang proseso, like example sa pamaagi sa transportasyon ug uban pa,” said Racuya.

The Banauans are also hoping for the rest of the Cebuanos support in their biggest battle yet.

“Ang suporta sa tanang Sugbuanon, maoy maghatag kanamo og kusog alang sa pagsalmot sa Aliwan Festival 2024,” ended Racuya. — (FREEMAN) Sanden Anadia