CEBU, Philippines — A week before the much-anticipated return of the Sinulog Festival at the heart of the city, a back-to-back event is set to take place at the Cebu City Sports Center today.
The two events scheduled this afternoon are the brass band competition and the Sinulog sa Dakbayan, also known as the Sinulog sa Kabataan.
In line with these activities, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) said road closures will be implemented today.
Starting 9 a.m., there will be a full road closure along M.J. Cuenco Ave., from the corner of Pope John Paul II Ave. up to Gorordo Ave., P. Del Rosario St. (from the corner of Osmeña Blvd. up to Sikatuna St.), R. Landon St. up to Junquera Extension, as well as Pelaez and D. Jakosalem streets.
Partial road closure will also be implemented on Osmeña Blvd., starting from the corner of P. Del Rosario St. up to R. Landon St. as well as on Imus Ave., from Sikatuna St. up to Gen. Maxilom Ave.
Motorists are advised to take alternative routes to avoid delays.
Before the Sinulog sa Dakbayan’s street dancing, there will be a mass in Barangay Mabolo, said to be the original birthplace of the iconic dance.
From a dozen of participants last year, this year’s Sinulog sa Dakbayan will feature a total of 18 contingents, all from the Cebu City to be led by the defending champion, the Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe.
The Banauanons are expected to work extra harder with the entry of the decorated Lumad Basakanon and unpredictable Banay San Nicolasnon and the Inayawan Talents Guild.
There’s also the the Hugpong Mananayaw ng Bayan – University of the Philippines, which is expected to pull some surprises as well as the Asian College of Technology – International Educational Foundation and the Abellana National School, Lun-as Cultural Dance Troupe.
The other competitors are also hoping for a good finish including Barangay Kamagayan Landonian Tribe, Aktibong Binaliwhanon, Barrio Basak Pardo, Barangay Zapatera, Maampoong Baniladnon, Hugpong Day-Asnon, Lambo Mabolo, Hugpong Masidlakon Home of Siomai Festival, Banay Labangon and the Bag-Ong Tribu: Kasambagan.
Brass band competition
Aside from that, there will also be a brass band competition at the CCSC, which will take place before the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan’s showdown.
Competitors in the battle of the brass bands will have its assembly point at Imus Road going to the CCSC.
Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros is expected to lead the brass band event, while Mayor Raymond Garcia will have his turn in the Sinulog sa Dakbayan.
Vying for supremacy in the brass band competition are the Alroan Marching Band, Banda Dos Kabataan, RNB Youth Symphonic Band, Luciano, Magdalo Band, Saint Florian Marching Band, Richoy Colina’s Brass Band, City of Lapu-Lapu Marching Band and the 560th Air Base Group Marching Band.
The Cebu City Marching Band is also set to showcase their wards today, but only as guest performer.
The brass band competition actually replaces the Sinulog sa Lalawigan which was scrapped this year. — (FREEMAN)