In Minglanilla: Grander Sugat, more touching

CEBU, Philippines — This year's presentation of the “Sugat sa Kabanhawan” in the town of Minglanilla is grander and more meaningful as compared to the previous years, according to Vice Mayor Robert John Selma.

He is also proud that in this year’s presentation, which dramatizes the resurrection of Jesus, all the performers are native of the town.

"Well, karon, nindot. Naa'y scene nga touching gyud kaayo. Unya karon puro ni taga amoa. Wala nami mag-import. Nindot sad kaayo,"he told The FREEMAN.

(The presentation was great and there were scenes that really touched our hearts.  And all the performers are from the here.  The show was very grand.)

The presentation started with a fight scene between the angel and the disciple of Satan, followed by a dance presentation and then the resurrection of Jesus, which lasted at least an hour.

In the reenactment, hundreds of angels were pulled up to 30 feet high.

For next year, Selma is planning to improve the execution of the fight scene to earn more interest from the public.

"Siguro ang fight scene, ma-choreograph og sakto kay duna usaha'y makuwang sa tuyok, dili mag abot," he said.

(We will have a better choreography of the fight scene.)

Even though there are other neighboring towns and cities that have their own presentation of the “Sugat sa Kabanhawan,” Selma said the one in Minglanilla is the most famous.

Artistic director Marvey Caño said there were around 500 angels, actors, and dancers who performed yesterday. He said he decided to add special effects to improve the impact and performance in this year's presentation.

Caño said there was no major change since they just followed what was written in the Holy Bible.

"Among gi-add ron is more on the special effects. Dili ta ka-twist ug dili ta ka add og bisan unsa lang. Magsubay baya gyud ta sa bibliya. Og mo-add man gani ta, careful ta and mananghid ta sa mga pari," he said.

(We only added special effects.  We cannot just modify and twist the plot because we have to follow what is in the bible.)

Caño, who has been the artistic director for five years already, agrees with Selma and added that he lauded the organizing committee for a peaceful and orderly event.

But he is hopeful that next year, the local government of Minglanilla will develop the facility into a grand stand to accommodate more spectators.

Municipal administrator Concordio Mejias said the municipality appropriated P5.3 million for the Sugat Kabanhawan activities, which include the street dancing and ritual showdown.

Mejias admitted that the budget this year is a bit higher compared to the previous year due to the additional special effects.

"Dugay-dugay ang preparation namo ani and pinaka nindot ni siya. Very successful gyud kay wala man sa'y dautang panghitabo, successful ang show," he said.

(We had longer preparations and this year is the best. It’s very successful because there is no untoward incident.

Minglanilla Police Major Verñino Noserale said there are 18,000 individuals who witnessed the Sugat sa Kabanhawan. (FREEMAN)