2 out-of-town groups dominate Sinulog dance contest

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Two out-of-town groups bested 48 other dance contingents in the Sinulog Grand Parade held here Sunday.

Tribu Lingganay of Alang-Alang town in  Leyte won in the Free Interpretation (FI) category and received P1 million cash prize.

In the Sinulog-based category, Culturang Placereño with Masbate Dance Company of Placer, Masbate bagged the top prize and also received P1 million.

Nestor Jardin, FI chairman of the board of judges, said Tribu Lingganay’s performance was fast paced and unpredictable. He also credited the group’s exciting presentation of colors and dance for winning the top prize.

The contingent from Alang-Alang town, Leyte utilized bright colors in their props but used neutral colors in their costumes, which helped deliver an outstanding performance, said Jardin, former president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Tribu Himag-ulaw, also from Placer, Masbate emerged second in the FI category followed by Karatong Festival of Dulag town in Leyte, third; Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak-San Nicolas in Cebu City, fourth and Toledo National High Vocational School of Cebu, fifth.

Placer’s fresh concept of venerating the Holy Child Jesus was the main factor for grabbing the top prize in the SB category, said head judge, Larry Gabao.

“We saw the emotions of the dancers and how they are [in relation] to the entire production,” said Gabao, president of the Philippine Folk Dance Society.

Culturang Placereño’s win spoiled the attempt of Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental to grab the championship crown for three straight years.

Sinanduloy, however, emerged second in the SB category followed by City of Carcar, third; Sta. Catalina town in Negros Oriental, fourth; and Abellana National High School in Cebu City, fifth.

Culturang Placereño also won two special awards: best in costume and best in musicality.

Fifty contingents battled for the top prizes in last Sunday’s Grand Parade–23 in SB and 27 in FI.

In the meantime, Carcar City won first place in the street dancing category for their consistent energy from beginning to end, said Danny Marshall, associate artistic director of Douglas Nierras Powerdance.

Like Placer and Alang-Alang, Carcar won P1 million cash prize.

Second place in the street dancing category was Sinanduloy City while the third place went to Culturang Placereño.