Representing Cebu City: Knapsack dancers bag grand prize in South Korea festival

CEBU, Philippines — One of Cebu’s pride in the dance arena, the Knapsack dancers, bagged the first prize in the foreign category in this year’s Powerful Daegu Festival in Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea.

Led by Cinbeth Orellano, the group went to South Korea almost unnoticed, but had showed its best performance to date, beating other groups from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and other teams from the Philippines, including Halili Cruz Dance Company, Siklab Albay Folkloric group, and Bohol.

From the first round to the final round, the Knapsack dancers wowed the crowd over the weekend with a fusion of cultural and modern dance moves en route to victory.

The Knapsack dancers also did not forget to keep in their performance a touch of Sinulog in honor of Sr.Sto.Niño.

Dancers under the winning squad are Mary Scenic Orellano, Ricky Fernandez, Mary Joyce Montes,

Jeffrey Arnold Lape,Betz Mae Batarilan,  Ellie Karyll Vidad, John Rey Camaymayan, Lucky Ace Canilao,Veronica Oba-ob, Allocate Zoe Villaflor, Larra Jev's Lara, Czarina Dybe Bacalso, Vincent Alisna, Lee Nino Cabudlan, Clyde Sentillas, Jorge Gabriel Anasco, Rhomel Jim Labandero, Mhica Sheen Cabello, and Jean James Cruz.

The powerful voices of Ronna Jenn Lofranco Canete and Cerj Michael also added spice to their performance.

Aside from ruling the foreign category, the Knapsack dancers also got the best in creativity award.

Alongside Orellano as the artistic director was Rogelio Alayre as the technical director/choreographer and Monica Vercide, the director/head choreographer, plus segment choreographers Mark Gil Belonguel, Ricky Gabriel, Jeandan Bitanga, Lyzzah Mae Abarico, Neiah Nadela and Kaye Alfafara and stage managers Ida Quino and Texar Cana Dugaduga.

“We are truly grateful for this honor!” part of Orellano’s post read. “We felt an overwhelming amount of love and support during this cultural exchange event!” Orellano added.

In her post, Orellano also congratulated the organizers, the Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organization of Daegu and Daegu Mayor Hoong Joon-pyo, for another successful event, and also expressed their gratitude to those who trusted their group, including Mayor Mike Rama and first lady Malou Rama.

Orellano, on behalf of the Knapsack dancers, did not forget to pay tribute to the late Sinulog Foundation Inc. head Ricky Ballesteros.

Orellano recounted how Ballesteros encouraged them to join the said contest and finally did it.

“We followed your (Ballesteros) advice and emerged victorious. Thank you,” Orellano said.

In 2022, Tribu Lumad Basakanon, another Cebuano-pride also ruled the said event and was duplicated by another Sinulog champion last year, the Omega de Salonera. — (FREEMAN)