37 contingents register for Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 37 contingents have registered with the Sinulog Foundation Inc. for the upcoming Sinulog 2025 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown next month.

SFI executive director Elmer “Jojo” Labella said the registration has already closed on December 8. But Labella said Mayor Raymond Garcia may accommodate few more contingents but it should not exceed 40 contingents.

Labella noted that the number of contingents for next year’s Sinulog Festival has doubled from last year’s 18 contingents, including guest performers. This is due to the Cebu Province’s participation now that the venue is back at Cebu City Sports Center.

According to Labella, 34 of the 37 contingents who already registered are competing. There will be three guest performers--Cebu City, Cebu Province, and Maskara Festival of Bacolod City.

SFI started the registration on December 1 until December 8. The registration was opened early to give the city government enough time to process the financial subsidy for the contingents.

Garcia said several other groups have expressed interest to join the Sinulog next year but they have to limit the number of contingents to 40.

"As much as I want to accommodate all, we have to limit it because we do not want the performances to last until midnight after starting early in the morning," Garcia said.

Based on the official list of contingents Labella presented to the media yesterday, 17 are from Cebu City. The list includes Barangay Kamagayan Landonian Tribe; Asian College of Technology International Education Foundation; Banauan Cultural Group; Aktivong Binaliwhanon; Banay San Nicolasnon; Abellana National School; Kalunasan Cultural Dance Troupe; Barrio Basak Pardo; Barangay Zapatera; Inayawan Talents Guild; Maampoong Baniladnon; Hugpong Day Asanon; Tribu Mabolokon; Hugpong Mananayaw ng Bayan - University of the Philippines; Lumad Basakanon; Hugpong Masidlakon, Home of Siomai Festival; and Banay Labangon.

Labella said they are also waiting for feedback from a contingent from Bulacan, which has also expressed interest in participating.

From Cebu Province, the contingents include the City of Talisay; Malipayong Alegrianhon; City of Mandaue; Tribu Masadyaan - Toledo City; Lapu-Lapu City; Tribu Malipayon Consolacion; Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Liloan; and Danao City, which will have its Sinulog debut.

For the out-of-town contingents, the list includes Performing Arts Guild City of Kidapawan, Province of Cotabato; Antipolo Maytime Festival Bukluran Dance Troupe; Bais City Festival of Harvests, Negros Oriental; James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild, Sarangani Province; Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild; Barug Dinagat Foundation, Dinagat Islands; and Baile Filipina Dance Guild Inc. of Dipolog City.

Also included are Kabilin Mindanao, Province of Davao Occidental; Zamboanga Hermosa Festival; Tabaco College - Albay; and Bakhaw Performing Arts Guild, Del Carmen, Siargao.

Labella said that among the first-time out-of-town contingents are those from the town of Antipolo, Rizal. Both Garcia and Labella emphasized that the subsidy for the contingents is expected to be released by the first week of January 2025.  — (FREEMAN)