City allots P1.5 million for Zumbalympics

CEBU, Philippines — All Zumba enthusiasts are encouraged to join the Inter-Barangay Zumbalympics competition of the Cebu City Government.

The office of Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. began accepting registrants for the said contest since last March 18.

In an interview, Gabuya said all barangays are welcome to join the contest since it is an event intended for those individuals who are Zumba dancers.

“We already started the registration and we are still accepting,” Gabuya told The FREEMAN.

He organized the Zumba contest after he received suggestions from the enthusiasts to hold such event.

At present, there are already nine barangays that showed interest to join the competition.  These include Barangays Labangon, Mambaling, Guadalupe, Inayawan, Quiot Pardo, Tagba-o, Buhisan, Day-as and T. Padilla.

“In order pag inganyo nila nga magpadayon ang ilahang Zumba, mao ning ni-organize ta aning Zumbalympics,” Gabuya said.

His office is willing to accept registrants until the end of the month.

Under the guidelines laid by the city government, the participating dancer must be 18 years old and above; must be physically fit as certified by the barangay physician; and a registered voter.

Every barangay shall have dancers not less than 50.

The contest mechanics are all dancers must wear the prescribed singlet during the competition, no props will be allowed and performances are limited to five minutes only, among others.

Criteria for judging are 30 percent for the choreography, 30 percent for creativity and originality, 20 percent for stage presence, execution and synchronicity, 10 percent for costume, and 10 percent for audience impact.

Gabuya said there will be four elimination rounds.

Those who will be eliminated in the first round will receive P10,000.

Those booted out in the second round will get P12,000; P15,000 for the third round and P20,000 for the fourth round.

The prizes for the final round will be P50,000 for the champion, P40,000 for the 1st runner-up, P35,000 for the 2nd runner-up, and P30,000 for the 3rd runner-up.

The City has allotted P1.5 million for the Zumbalympics. The amount will be charged under Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) funds. – GAN (FREEMAN)