“Sinulog sa SRP” launching today

CEBU, Philippines — The newest addition to the Sinulog festivities dubbed as “Sinulog sa SRP” will be officially launched today.

Two events will take place at the vicinity of Il Corso Filinvest Lifestyle malls --- the colorful “Balik Baroto Regatta” in the morning and a fireworks musical competition in the evening.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, who was tasked to oversee the event, said this will also serve as a kick-off to the Sinulog fluvial and grand parade on January 18 and 19, respectively.

“This is something unique that we can offer sa atong mga bisita,” Guardo said.

David “Boy” Odilao Jr., former chair of the Philippine Eagles National Presidents League and founder of Sinulog Festival, said the Regatta competition can accommodate at least 50 participants.

In this competition, there are two categories- the baroto race and the baroto showcase. Only certified fishermen can join the competition which will start and end at Il Corso. Participants are to paddle their way until the vicinity of SM Seaside City before returning to the starting line.

The first place winner in the baroto race will receive P100,000. The second placer will get P75,000 while P50,000 for the third, P30,000 for the fourth place, and P20,000 for the fifth place. Those who will complete the top 10 will receive P10,000 each. Non-winners will get P5,000 each as consolation prize.

Winners for the baroto showcase will get P50,000 for the first prize, P40,000 for the second, P30,000 for the third, P20, 000 for the fourth, and P10, 000 for the fifth place.

Odilao said the sailboats must have relevance to the Sinulog and must have originality.

Meanwhile, Dragon Fireworks vice president for Vismin operations Jonathan Gesalem said the fireworks musical competition is unique because it is a “note to note” musical fireworks.

The sound of the fireworks will accompany the instrumental music that will be used by the participants. Three participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are competing.

After the competition, the Dragon Fireworks will have an exhibition.

“I hope that all the devotees, especially balikbayans, would enjoy,” said Gesalem.

Guardo said there is also a contest among the spectators during the fireworks competition. 

All the spectators have to do is to take a video and share it on their personal Facebook account or on a Facebook page. The video with the most number of likes, shares, and views will get a cash prize ranging from P5,000 to P20,000 for the personal account while P3,000 to P10,000 for the page winners.  FPL (FREEMAN)