Apas-BMO wins Sinulog sa Barangay sa Dakbayan

CEBU, Philippines — The controversial contingent from Barangay Apas-Barangay Mayor’s Office is this year’s Sinulog sa Barangay sa Dakbayan's grand champion.

A performance depicting the Cebuanos’ devotion to Señor Sto. Niño, Apas-BMO contingent dethroned the defending champion, Barangay Labangon. Apas was named best in ritual showdown and ranked 3rd in musicality. Their concept was a realistic take on how Cebuanos show their devotion to the Holy Child.

Choreographer George Villamor said he chose to emphasize the importance of candles when Roman Catholic individuals go to church during fiesta celebrations.

“Regarding sa unsa ka importante ang pagpanagkot, unsa ka importante ang pagpasalamat ug pasaylo, ang kandila importante kaayo sa katawhan,” he said.

Apas-BMO contingent had been controversial after Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman divulged the alleged illegal solicitation made by the officials of the contingent. In fact, the controversy has led to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña terminating one of the BMO staffers.

Rodel Fronda, chairman of the board of judges, said Apas-BMO’s performance was felt in the heart due to their realistic concept.

“They have the transition of the tradition of the Sinulog, you can feel it by heart, you can see it in their performance, their projection…the meaning of what they are doing, hindi siya malayo. The movement pattern was clear, the concept was clear,” he said.

Apas-BMO contingent received P 350,000 for winning the ritual showdown and P20,000 as third best in musicality. The choreographer also received P30,000.

Basak San Nicolas placed second in the ritual showdown with P300,000 and P20,000 for choreographer. Mabolo bagged third place with P250,000 and P15,000 for the choreographer; fourth place was Guadalupe,(P200,000) and P10,000 for its choreographer ; and Labangon settled for fifth place with P150,000 and P5,000 for its choreographer.

For winning best in musicality, Basak San Nicolas received an additional P50,000.  Mabolo was adjudged second best in musicality with P30,000. The fourth place went to  Labangon ( P15, 000) while Tisa-BMO got the fifth place with P10,000.

In the street dancing category, Basak San Nicolas bested all the contingents and got the P50,000 cash prize. Labangon placed second (P30, 000); and Pasil ranked third (P20,000). Labangon received an additional P50, 000 for being best in costume.

Dr. Corazon Agustin, one of the judges, said the top five winners have the four important factors that they are looking for in a Sinulog performance, which includes clear presentation of concept, smooth transition and memorization, appropriateness of movement, and synchronization of movements.

She said there were two factors that brought the other contingents down-- lack of mastery and projection. (FREEMAN)