CEBU, Philippines — First-timer or not, it did not matter—armed with deep faith and determination, early favorite Carcar City reigned supreme in the Sinulog-based category, while the gutsy Bais City dominated the Free Interpretation ritual showdown of Sinulog 2025, held at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
After being absent in previous years, along with other Cebu Province-based local government units that withdrew from the event when it was moved to South Road Properties, Carcar made a powerful comeback, delivering a commanding and impressive performance from the streets down to the ritual showdown at CCSC.
Their performance revolved around two key questions: “What makes us rich? What makes us happy?” with the answer being—“in giving.”
Carcar showcased an exquisite yet powerful blend of tradition and modern elements that secured its third victory in street dancing, the ritual showdown, and musicality.
With three first-place wins, Carcar took home a total cash prize of ?4.1 million—?1 million for winning the street dancing competition, ?3 million for the Sinulog-based ritual showdown, and ?100,000 for best in musicality.
Mandaue City trailed behind Carcar in the ritual showdown, musicality, and also took home the Best in Costume award.
Talisay City finished in third place, while Danao City secured fourth, and Inayawan Talents Guild Cultural Dance Troupe from Cebu City landed in fifth, also claiming fourth place in musicality.
Meanwhile, Bais City, a first-time Sinulog participant, was overjoyed after pulling off an upset against top out-of-town and Cebu contenders, including the multi-titled Lumad Basakanon.
Bais’ team managers, Kurt Constantine Celis and Maria Fara Cui-Silagpo, were in tears when they heard
the announcement late Sunday night.
In an interview with The Freeman, Celis shared that they were only given the go-signal last December by Bais Mayor Luigi Goñi to join the competition after dominating the Buglasan Festival, with support from Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria.
Despite financial challenges and their initial lack of knowledge about Sinulog, the team managed to regroup and even expanded to a 400-strong contingent for the competition.
“It was unexpected!” Celis said in tears during the interview, after Bais clinched ?3.5 million—?3 million for winning the Free Interpretation ritual showdown and ?500,000 for securing third place in street dancing.
“Bitbit lang namo ang pagpangga sa among dakbayan ug pagsalig sa Labawng Makagagahum. Of course, with the support of our leaders, nianhi mig Cebu. Daghan problema—budget, tawo. We are just a small city pero nangandoy mi, bitbit namo among kaisog ug kusog,” Celis said, also expressing gratitude to their choreographer, Sherwin Colina Taneo, for creating such a masterpiece.
Although they were unable to fully maximize the effect of their LED lights since they performed before nightfall, they still wowed the audience.
Their performance started with a somber portrayal of nature’s bounty being abused, but with fervent prayers to Sto. Niño, everything was restored to life.
Vibrant and energetic, their act showcased their resilience, even though many performers experienced exhaustion, dizziness, and hyperventilation due to the humidity and the long hours of street dancing leading up to the ritual showdown.
Unknown to many, Bais’ costumes and props almost didn’t make it.
“Naka blocking 1 hour and 30 mins only…Our props didn’t make it on time. Naglisod mi sa hauling kay dagko kayo. Nasipyat mi kay first time lagi,” Silagpo shared.
Celis said it could be “beginner’s luck,” but Silagpo said it simply is their time to be known and heard.
This victory marks a back-to-back win for Negros Oriental, as last year’s Free Interpretation category was won by Canlaon City, which missed this year’s event due to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.
Another representative from Negros Oriental, Dumaguete’s Sandurot Festival, placed third in musicality and fourth in street dancing.
The City of Kidapawan Performing Arts Guild secured fifth place in street dancing.
In the Free Interpretation ritual showdown, Tribu Masadyaon of Toledo City claimed second place and bagged awards for Best in Costume and Musicality.
Lapu-Lapu City took third place in the Free Interpretation ritual showdown and fourth in musicality.
Despite finishing second in street dancing, Lumad Basakanon settled for fourth place in the ritual showdown. Tribu Malipayon of Consolacion rounded out the top five.
Tribu Isla Camotes may have missed the winners’ circle in both street dancing and the ritual showdown, but they were recognized for being the cleanest, most orderly, disciplined, and well-behaved contingent, followed by guest entries Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival and Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, which placed third.
In the billeting category, Bo. Luz Elementary School was declared the cleanest and most eco-friendly, followed by Guadalupe Elementary School and Bo. Luz Elementary School.
IPI once again won the Best Float Contest, with The Sleep Specialist (Uratex) coming in second, and Bellshayce Foods, Inc. securing third place.
In the Higante Contest, Mangingistorya (Story Teller) won over the Festival Queen entry, while The Worlds Intertwine placed third.
The Puppeteers’ Contest saw the duo of Orly Johnson A. Fuentes and Leo Jumawan clinching the top two spots, while Christine C. Ermac finished in third place. (CEBU NEWS)