Towns wow crowd in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo

A DOWNPOUR at 4:30 p.m. failed to dampen the spirit of dance contingents in the 2012 Pasigarbo sa Sugbo yesterday.

Festival dancers from 31 towns and cities of Cebu province joined the parade through streets of  Mandaue City ending with a dance showdown at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

“Nindot kaayo ang mga festivals in Cebu (The festivals in Cebu are great),” said Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño to the crowd.

“We thank Cebu for teaching us how to appreciate beauty and showing it to Filipinos.” Other guests were South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy his  Vice Gov. Elmo Toloso and members of the provincial board.

A crowd favorite was the performance of Tabuelan town’s Ani-anihan Festival.

Props of corn and green bananas wowed the crowd, along with quick dance steps of troupe members in gold and green costumes.

First-time participant Katubhan Festival of Medellen town depicted the town’s role as “sugar bowl” of Cebu.

Descending angels were a highlight in the Sugat Kabanhawan of Festival of Minglanilla.

The Kabkaban Festival of Carcar City in the south won the 2011 Pasigarbo competition.

Judge Gener Caringal, a director of the Philippine Ballet Theater, said the huge musical notes “flying” in the air while dancers performed added impact./ Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus