The coconut as the “tree of life” was the theme around which the Tuburan National High School danced their way to first place in yesterday’s Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, showcasing public schools in Cebu province.
On stage, boys performed “maglalatik”, striking coconut shells tied on their bodies as other dancers used props made from coconut like brooms, “puso” (hanging rice), “lampaso” (husk scrubbers), and the fruit itself or “butong”.
“Our dance is one thanking the Senor Santo Niño for blessings given to Tuburan,” said choreographer, Fernando Cabrillas.
The cast of 100 dancers and 278 propsmen chose to highlight “life and recovery” through the coconut, he said.
The first place finish came with a P300,000 cash prize with P10,000 for the choreographer. Tuburan’s national high school also won Best in Musicality.
Tuburan was badly hit by typhoon Yolanda, but Mayor Democrito Diamante said it was worth spending P4 million to mount the performance as the town’s offering to God.
Heavy rain late in the morning threatened to drown out the parade but the skies cleared by 1:30 p.m. before the parade began.
Uling National High School of Naga City won second place with their joyful Christmas concept with reindeer props, a Christmas tree and a Sto. Niño given as a gift to their festival queen.
The school won Best in Costume with a cash prize of P50,000.
Sabang National High School of Danao City won third place with a P100,000 cash prize followed by La Paz National High School from Bogo City in fourth place with a P75,000 prize.
In the Elementary Division, Talisay Central School won first prize and side awards for Best in Costume and Best in Musicality.
The group drew the loudest cheers from spectators in the Cebu City Sports Center. The performance opened with towering backdrops of local dailies with headlines about recent calamities.
The girls wore royal purple gowns and crowns, while the boys looked dapper in white barong tagalog matched and purple slacks.
“Because of our faith and despite everything bad that happened last year, we remain the Queen City of the South with enormous faith in the Sto. Niño,” said Marvie Canola, the choreographer.
Mandaue City Central School took second place while Ginatilan Elementary School won the third spot. Taytay Elementary School of Danao City came in fourth place.
Today is the turn of public schools in Cebu City to hold a parade and competition in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan.
Teaser for Jan. 19
The weekend parades are a teaser for the grand Sunday parade on January 19, said Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricky Ballesteros.
“Even though it rained, it was very organized. I’m just happy that some of the participants had rubber soles in their shoes as a precaution with the slippery stage,” said Ballesteros.
Gov. Hilario Davide III told the crowd at the sports center that he thought the parade would not push through because of the downpour “but I was wrong because we Cebuanos are dearly loved by the Holy Child Jesus.”
Heavy rain fell an hour before the kick-off but weakened to a drizzel and stopped just when the parade was ready to begin.
“The heavens were pleased with us today because our gathering here is a reminder of our strong faith in the Holy Child,” Davide said./Correspondents Michelle L. Padayhag, Apple M. Ta-as and Peter L. Romanillos