Basakanon troupe waits for P3M aid

Will the bird dancers of Lumad Basakanon get to compete in this year’s Aliwan Festival?

The award-winning Sinulog dance troupe of barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City, which won second place in the 2013 Sinulog Festival, is aiming for the championship in the contest of the best cultural festivals of the country to be held in Manila.

But their travel will depend on whether the city government shells out P3 million as financial assistance.

“We are dependent on City Hall for financial help,” said Basakanon choreographer Dennis Navarro.

It’s up to the budget committee headed by Councilor Margot Osmeña after the City Council referred the request to her last Wednesday.

Councilor Jose Daluz III asked for  P3.1 million for the 300-member group.

The cast has 100 dancers, 100 propsmen, 60 instrumentalists and 40 support staffers. The budget includes P1 million for boat fare, P1 million for meals during their five-day stay in Manila and P1.1 million for rental of three airconditioned buses and a van for their props.

The Basakanons, a crowd favorite in the Sinulog, are known for vigorous,synchronized choreography and dramatic costumes. They were grand champions in the Aliwan Festival in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

This year’s Aliwan festival will show contingents from 16 regions at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from April 11 to 13.Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac