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CEBU CITY, Philippines - A reenactment of a Filipino family reunion and the harvest of clams both won the top prizes in the high school and elementary school divisions of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan competition at the Cebu City Sports Center on Sunday.
The Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School won first place in the event’s high school category for the fifth straight year with their presentation of a Filipino family reunion during the Spanish era.
In the elementary division, the Lahug Elementary School grabbed the top prize with their portrayal of a seashore harvest of giant clams.
The winners will perform in the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18.
The parade of contestants started dancing at the Plaza Independencia toward the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC), which was filled with spectators.
People, who were unable to pay the P30 entrance fee at the CCSC, watched the participants dance their way to the main venue along Osmeña Boulevard and Colon Streets.
Later during the awarding ceremonies, the dancers of Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School erupted in jubilation, along with their choreographers and Labangon barangay (village) officials after the judges declared them the winner in the high school division.
Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., said the judges and audience were awed by the contingent’s sets of a church and vintage Spanish-style ancestral house, as well as their depiction of a baptism and a family reunion.
Angelo Malapsal, the contingent’s choreographer for nine years, said the baptism concept was a sequel of last year’s presentation, which depicted a Catholic wedding.
Ballesteros said their flawless presentation and clear storyline made them the favorites to win the division.
Malapsal credited their win to their dedication to give their best to the Sto. Niño.
Meanwhile, the Lahug Elementary School’s dance presentation carried the theme “Bahandi sa Kadagatan Amumahon og Palambuon (Resources of the Sea to be Cared for and Developed),” in line with the nature concept of the Sinulog 2009.
Josefina Guillen, president of the Philippine Folk Dance Society and chairperson of the board of judges, said the two groups were the unanimous choices for winners in their divisions.
“The presentation of the Filipino culture and custom was there (for the Don Sergio Sr. Memorial National High School) and the life of the people along the shore was very interesting and there was climax in the presentation (of the Lahug Elementary School),” Guillen said.
Ballesteros said there was greater musical diversity among the participants this year as they employed other instruments aside from the traditional drum and bugle.
Even political differences were set aside for the occasion, as Lahug Barangay Captain and former mayoralty aspirant Mary Ann de los Santos was genial in accepting congratulations from acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.
“Wala gyud to gi haosiao ha (The results were not manipulated),” De los Santos said, prompting Rama to shake his head and smile before shaking De los Santos’ hand.
De los Santos said their barangay was honored to win the division this year after landing in fourth place last year.
“They gave it their best, they practiced everyday. I can’t find the right words to describe how I felt but I am just happy. Frankly, I was nervous because there are other contestants who are also very good,” De los Santos said.
