the street frenzy of Sinulog 2009, part 2 (the Sinulog-based contingents)

For the more than 2 million revelers who lined the 5 kilometer carousel route in the heart of Cebu City, the pageantry and performances would be difficult to replicate anywhere else. From a mere city-wide quasi-religious and cultural affair drummed up in 1980, Sinulog has indeed grown to be the biggest street extravaganza in the country, exceeding any other Philippine fiestas and festivals for sheer volume of tourists and spectators and the amount of cash spent by the contingents and dispensed as prizes.

Of the 44 participating dance troupes, less than 20 competed in the Sinulog-based category (actual number is between 16 to 18, depending on the source). Only five were chosen as winners led by the Grand Champion Sinanduloy of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. As a sign of the times, there was only one other out-of-town participant, the Pakol Festival of Sta Catalina, Negros Oriental which managed to garner 5th place as well.

Judging the competition was no easy task and there were several groups who could have barged in the winning circle. So to those who took part in the Sinulog-based competition but lost out this year, this is my photographic tribute.


Pardo National High School

Orange seemed to be the flaming choice of several contingents this year and it is the color sported by Pardo National High School. The group was supported by Pundok Panaghiusa Pardohanan (United Group of Pardohanon) composed of three barangays (Cogon, Poblacion Pardo and Kinasang-an). It also won 3rd in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan (high school division) preliminaries.


Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/250s, f/3.2, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV



Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/125s, f/3.2, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV


Pajo Elementary School

One dance troupe which won the elementary division in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan was the Pajo Elementary School. Always a personal favorite of mine for I lived in Barangay Pajo most of my life, the school improved from its 5th placing last year. For their orange Filipiniana mestiza dresses covered with flouncing anahaw leaf fan trims, they were adjudged Best in Costume in the elimination round.


Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/125s, f/3.2, 100mm, ISO 50, +1.0EV



Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/30s, f/16, 24mm, ISO 400, -1/3EV


Pundok Magrararug of Punta Princesa Elementary School

The kids were so dainty and small and they were carrying tall bamboo props. They were the 3rd placer in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan. I heard one of their accompanying teachers encouraged the kids to carry their bamboos with pride, explaining to them that they may not be as flashy as their rivals but they are unique.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/40s, f/16, 25mm, ISO 400


San Nicolas Elementary School

Dressed in immaculate white Filipiniana dresses with pink and white appliqués, the dancers were trudging heavily after the light rain. They were still all smiles whenever they performed but during rest time, they could not help but pout as they began fixing their props.


Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/320s, f/3.2, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV


Lahug Elementary School

Another 1st Placer in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan preliminaries was Lahug Elementary School for the grade school division. Their costumes depicted seafolks and marine wealth diversity as they carried the theme Bahandi sa Kadagatan Amumahon og Palambuon (Care and Develop the Marine Resources). The contingent got the full backing of Lahug Barangay Captain and former mayoralty aspirant Mary Ann de los Santos who led them in the street parade. The same group only landing fourth place last year.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/15s, f/18, 55mm, ISO 200

Kawayan Elementary School of Dalaguete, Cebu
A second placer in the elementary division of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, the group from Dalaguete flaunted the municipality’s vaunted position as the vegetable basket of Cebu. The girls carried real oversized produce baskets decorated with real fresh chilies, lettuce and cabbages. Their props were also agriculture-themed.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/640s, f/5.6, 18mm, ISO 400, -1/3EV



Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/250s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV


the Sinulog 2009 series includes
the Sinulog Saturday procession and fireworks
Sinulog 2009 grand street parade part 1 (winners),
part 2 (the Sinulog-based contingents)
part 3 (the Free Interpretation contingents), and
the Sinulog beauties