Local contingents prepare surprises for spectators

CEBU, Philippines — Winners of the recently concluded Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and Lalawigan have more up in their sleeve coming into Sunday’s Sinulog Festival.

Contingents from Barangay Apas, Basak and Talisay vow to wow spectators with their surprises unique from last week’s showdown.

“We are 100 percent ready naa lang gamay nga adjustments but for sure we have several elements of surprises people should be excited about,” said Apas contingent coordinator Rey Suelto.

Their entry will focus on the importance of lighting a candle in the Roman Catholic practice with twists. It will be performed by 100 dancers, 150 props men and 50 instrumentalists.

Among the things people have to watch out for include more aggressive dancers, fluid performance and a more polished choreography.

Joining as a barangay for the first time, Suelto said their two performances have a total budget of P500,000.

Sinulog sa Barangay second placer “Lumad Basakanon” from Barangay Basak, San Nicolas also promised to awe the crowd with their new costumes, dance steps, formation and concept.

Contingent coordinator Norman Navarro said their total production budget is around P1.2 million.

As part of their final preparations, the Basak contingent is now rushing the construction of their props.

“Everything is okay except for the props. We are working hard to finish them on time for the Grand Parade,”   Navarro said.

Also, gearing up for the Grand Parade is the grand champion of this year’s Sinulog sa Lalawigan, Talisay City Elementary School.

Their storyline is inspired from the cacao plantation as an investor is set to build a company in the city.

He added that parents with children during the spiritual showdown would surely want to go up stage as it will be adorned with chocolates.

Talisay Budget Officer Edgar Mabuhay said the city has allocated a budget of more than P6.7 million.

Meanwhile, ‘Kulturang Panglaoanon’ of the premiere tourist destination Panglao Island in Bohol promised to give the crowd never-before-seen concepts as it returns in this year’s Sinulog Grand Parade.

The pride of Bohol Province will highlight a clear and significant storyline in their performance on Sunday. (FREEMAN)