‘Our dance is a prayer’

A “joyous, light fun” celebration of Cebuano history and faith is the theme of the returning champions Tribu Sinanduloy’s performance in today’s Sinulog Grand Parade.

Jonji Pascual, one of the group’s choreographers and a history professor of the University of San Carlos, said the contingent from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, will “go back” to what Sinanduloy is known for, namely the portrayal of historical Cebu, “of course, with the Sto. Niño as the main inspiration and guide of Cebuanos.”

Tribu Sinanduloy has won the grand prize in the Sinulog-based category of the competition for two years.

Pascual said the stage will be transformed to a pre-war Cebu setting, showing “hardworking Cebuanos whose business acumen and entrepreneurial skills became one of the reasons it achieved its current status.”

Tribu Sinanduloy was the champion in the Sinulog-based  category from 2002 to last year, losing only in 2004 and 2008. It was the grand winner in the Free Interpretation category in 2000 and 2001.

Chelo Gripo, senior trainer, said their confidence comes from their relationship with one another and their disciplined practice sessions.

“We are not just dancing for the sake of dancing or winning. Our dance is a prayer. You could see our dancers even crying while they dance,” said Gripo.

“This year’s performance will be much better, but we wukk make sure  the ritual dance is preserved,” Gripo added.

Milpa Gilbolingo, another senior trainer, said they held a retreat before the period of rehearsals and their arrival to Cebu.

They also organized a Mass where their dancers and their costumes are blessed.

“It is important for us that the dancers not just learn the dance but also take to heart what it means to their faith as young Catholics,” Gripo said.

It took three months for the Tribu Sinanduloy to prepare for this year’s performance—starting with a screening in October, weekend practices from November to Dec. 18 and in-house daily rehearsals that started Dec. 19.

Almost half of the 100 dancers of the contingent comprised of high school and college students are first-timers who are unfazed by the competition and the many intangible factors that could disrupt their performance.

“We are a bit tired, but the fun company we have makes everything all right,” said 19-year-old Van Alan Buhisan, a first-timer.

Nieva Jane Roxas agreed, saying they are working hard to top last year’s performance.

“I found some steps difficult, but the trainers were very patient in making us learn,” said the 15-year-old Roxas.

The contingent’s instrumentalists and house parents arrived last Monday.

Elvie Gabonada said she feels “very nervous” but “still enjoys the experience of being in Sinulog.”

She said she is excited to perform, for the first time, in front of the thousands of people that will be flocking to Cebu for the Sinulog.

Fellow dancer Jessie Jhun Veloso said their trainers even organized games during rehearsal breaks.