Clean, shaved heads for Sibugay’s male dancers

Three of seven  out-of-town contingents  arrived  in Cebu City to get an early start for Sunday’s Sinulog parade.

All the male dancers from Zamboanga, Sibugay in Mindanao showed up with clean, shaved heads.

That makes it easier for them to put on their feather  headresses, said choreographer, Diosdado Evangelio Jr.

He said they borrowed the idea from the Mayan tribe.

For Samuel Recorte, it was the first time he we went bald.

“It’s uncomfortable,” said the dancer.

His co-dancer Rodrigo Roxas said he too felt uneasy about it but considers it his offering for the  Sto. Niño.

“Lisud gyud kaayo para nako. Pero nisugot nalang ko kay mao man ni akong halad ni Sto. Niño (It was very difficult for me. But I  agreed because this is my offering to the Sto. Niño) he said.

Evangelio said their group drew its inspiration from the Mayan tribe and would feature a rubber tree in their performance  because Zamboanga was proclaimed the rubber capital of the Philippines.

He said they hope to win first place in the Free Interpretation category this time, from their 6th place finish last year.

But more than a competition, joining the Sinulog is a commitment of faith.

The contingent yesterday went to the Basilica del Sto. Niño to light candles and offer prayers yesterday.

“We remind the dancers that this is only 30 percent competition and 70 percent halad (offering)” said Evangelio.

Four other out-of-town contingents are expected to arrive  this week from Alang-alang and Tanauan in Leyte province, Lanao del Norte and Kidapawan City in Cotabato.

Props men from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Placer, Masbate province are already in Cebu City.

Dancers from Placer, Masbate province arrived in the afternoon and were housed at the Cebu City Central School. Those from Tangub are set to arrive today and will be staying at the dormitory of the Cebu City Sports Center.

The whole contingent from Zamboanga, Sibugay in Mindanao arrived last Sunday and are staying at the Guadalupe Elementary School.

They said they came early to avoid possible delays  due to trip cancellations.

The contingent has 100 dancers, 120 props men and 10 choreographers, who traveled by boat and bus. /Patricia Andrea D. Pateña, Correspondent