P1 million lost as repeat performances called off

CEBU, Philippines - The Sinulog Foundation Inc. lost its usual additional earning of up to P1 million with the cancellation of the repeat performances of winning contingents yesterday owing to heavy rains.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña cancelled the event scheduled yesterday afternoon, saying he would not want to risk the safety of contingents and spectators.

SFI Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said there is no other area at the Cebu City Sports Center that can accommodate the huge props of the contingents. Traditionally, the repeat performances take place still at the grand stage at the oval.

"For the first time ni siya kay kon taligsik lang, ok ra, but heavy rains man and there are some areas nga nag flood," Ballesteros told reporters yesterday.

He said the 100 people who purchased tickets before Osmeña ordered the event cancelled will be refunded.

"Lost income for Sinulog Grand Parade. Usually, mapuno gyod ang grand stand, which can accommodate 10,000 people. And, usually, basta repeat performance, mas bigger ang crowd compared to the Sinulog sa Kabataan," Ballesteros said.

He said the proceeds could have helped the foundation for its future expenses.

"The city is only giving us P25 million and the rest of the budgetary requirements will come from the income generating, sponsorships," he said.

While the performances were cancelled, the awarding of winners pushed through at the covered court for badminton games.

There, Osmeña said the contingents have gone through a lot and he could not take seeing them under heavy rains. 

"Mangayo lang ko'g pasaylo nga akong i-cancel ang repeat performance because I don't want them to get sick because if they got sick, they may not come back next year," he said. (FREEMAN)