INQUIRER Global Nation

IMAGINE a “volcano” with Samoan fire dancers on the main stage of the Sinulog grandstand on Jan. 18.

As part of the Polynesian theme of the parade’s grand finale, the elements of earth, air, fire, and water will come into play, said choreographer Victor Cuenco.

A cast of 280 dancers – 50 of them bearing torches – in a 10-minute performance will cost about P2 million to produce.

The earth element will be represented by the artificial volcano.

“The islands of Polynesia were created by volcanoes. (An icon of) the Sto. Niño will be raised and illuminated by the volcano,” Cuenco said.

Water will flow from rocks, while the element of air will be seen from the spaciousness of the stage. Plants and other greenery will complement the set’s theme colors of violet and yellow.

Spectators will be watching out for Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry, the finale’s lead dancer.

Previous Sinulog finales were led by Cebu City first lady Margot Osmeña, who cannot perform this year because she’s in the US with Mayor Tomas Osmeña who is being treated for bladder cancer.