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JUDGES for the Sinulog festivities will be stricter about safety in this year’s grand parade even as they encourage participants to expand their range of musical instruments.
“We want contingents to improve on their production at the same time ensure that everyone is safe,” said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI).
Stunts that require leaps of more than 12 feet high will be prohibited in stage performances.
Also, children below three years old are banned from any performance. Those who violate this rule will be given a five-point deduction in the judging.
“Have pity on the children. They might get rained on, then exposed to the sun while dancing,” said Ballesteros.
Contingents are encouraged to emulate the Camarines Sur group in Sinulog 2008 which used a live band and a singer.
Typically, Sinulog contingents only use percussion and wind instruments.
“We encourage them to innovate, to create new concepts for their musicality,” said Ballesteros.
Those seated at the grandstand of the Cebu City Sports Center will be treated to a grand sight, Ballesteros said.
A nature-themed stage, which was 55 percent complete as of yesterday, will be the biggest ever constructed for a Sinulog celebration, and will feature a water formation.
The Sinulog festival will formally open on Jan. 9 with a street parade, street party and fireworks display. WITH CORRESPONDENT JULLY VENUS CUIZON
