the street frenzy of Sinulog 2009, part 3 (Free Interpretation contingents)

Every year, the most contested category in the Sinulog grand parade is the Free Interpretation. This year was no exception as about 27 teams vied for the crown. Unlike the Sinulog-based category which requires participating groups to follow traditional beat, music, costumes and dance steps, the Free Interpretation category allows more outlandish costumes and non-standard choreography.

Outside of the top 5 which won this year, numerous contingents nevertheless impressed the crowd with their spectacular motifs, dramatic storylines, lively moves and dedicated intensity. As they say, there is always next year.


Tribu Tostado of Santander

The group has the special distinction of being led by Cebu Provincial Governer Gwen Garcia. As a special non-competing guest, they showcased the town’s well-known tostado biscuit. Their choreography unique featured how the tostado is made with the dancers demonstrating steps such as beating, kneading and baking the cookie mix.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/40s, f/16, 28mm, ISO 400


Hinulawan Dancers of Toledo City, Cebu

West Cebu’s Toledo City, formerly known as Pueblo Hinulawan in the 1800s, sent a contingent to represent its Hinulawan Festival. The festival is fairly new, having been started only last year and features Sinulog-style streetdancing.


Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/200s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +4/3EV


Mantawi of Mandaue City, Cebu

The city of Mandaue is trying to rev up promotions for the Mantawi Festival which was first organized in 2002. The celebration date has been moved several times from being coincided on the city’s charter day to the last week of August and recently to fall on the town fiesta in May. City officials are heavily hyping Mantawi as as a complement to the big fiestas of Sinulog and Kadaugan sa Mactan.


Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/400s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV


Tikyabang of Gen. Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

In the past, the Surigao City troupe of Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw used to lord it over the competition. This year, Surigaonons were represented colorfully by Surigao del Norte’s Tikyabang Festival of General Luna, Siargao Island, also known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Vibrant and different, the contingent had a small army of boys wearing crab costumes. Too bad they did not land a spot.


Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/125s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, -1/3EV



Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/40s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, -1/3EV


Kabatok of Tacloban City, Leyte

The contingent came from Tacloban, Leyte and were actually champions on their own rights having won the Grand Prize in the 1st Sangyaw Festival of Tacloban City last year. Their runnerup in the competition in Leyte was Lumad Basakanon.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/800s, f/6.3, 25mm, ISO 400, -1/3EV


Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer, Masbate

Among the first-time participants in the Sinulog 2009 grand parade was the Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer Masbate. The mayor who led the contingent said that about P2 million was spent to fund the almost 100-strong contingent.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/250s, f/5.6, 55mm, ISO 400


Karasikas Performing Arts Guild of Borongan City, Eastern Samar

A former 5th place winner in the 2006 Sinulog, the Tribu Sinirangan Karasikas, came back this year in stunning avian costumes. Their bird headdresses reminded me a lot of Aztec masks.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/250s, f/5.6, 18mm, ISO 400


other Cebu City contingents

To finish the roundup, here are other dance groups from schools in Cebu City which I was fortunate to catch and photograph.


Tribu Jiboren of Pasil Elementary School, 2nd Place in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan elimination round
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/250s, f/1.8, 50mm, ISO 50, -1/3EV



Tribu Mag-uuma of Zapatera Elementary School
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/40s, f/15, 55mm, ISO 400



Pardo Night High School
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/160s, f/1.8, 50mm, ISO 50, -1/3EV



Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/80s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50

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

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

The street frenzy of Sinulog 2009, part 1 (the winners)

So it has come to pass. Another chapter of the most awaited streetdancing celebration in the Philippines that is the Sinulog is closed. Last Sunday was the grand parade and about 44 contingents took to the streets to show off their over the top costumes, spectacular props and precise choreography. The months of rehearsals, millions of pesos of spending and immeasurable energy of prayers and implorations were distilled in just about 8 hours of streetdancing.

I was only able to shoot some three hours of the parade. I arrived late, shared a protracted lunch with photographer friends and left early. When I arrived home, I checked my pictures and found out that I still got 2/3 of the contingents. However, I did not wait up for most of the contingents to perform and took photos “hit and run” style, as if I was just on a documentation mission. But my enjoyment was thorough and the experience, again, was irreplaceable.

To kick off the Sinulog photojourney, I would start with the dance troupes which won this year’s competitions. Some of these groups are old favorites but there are also new entrants.


Sinulog-based competition (SB)

This is the traditional category which requires contingents to adhere to the Sinulog beat, dance to the Sinulog music and make the Sto. Niño the focus of their presentation.

To no one’s surprise, Tangub City’s Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe snatched the prestigious grand prize of the Sinulog-based contest. It failed to capture its 4th straight Sinulog-based crown last year, but came back with a vengeance. Also, for the 4th consecutive year, it won the street dancing competition. As these were not enough, its lead dancer, the amiable 15-year old Iris Mae Linganay won the coveted festival queen title.


1st Place SB: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/40s, f/25, 33mm, ISO 400


According to reports, their total prize of P1 million does not come close to their estimated expenditure that is upwards of P3 million. The ultimate prize however is publicity and no event pushes you to center stage than Sinulog.


1st Place streetdancing: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/25s, f/36, 45mm, ISO 400


As luck would have it, I was not able to catch the 2nd to 4th place contingents, namely, Don Sergio Sr. National High School, Carcar (Cebu) and Alcoy Siloy Festival of Alcoy (Cebu).
However, I was able to see the fifth placer, Pakol Festival of Sta. Catalina Oriental Negros


5th Place SB: Tribu Pakol of Sta Catalina, Negros Oriental
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/400s, f/5.6, 18mm, ISO 400, +1/3EV


Free interpretation competition (FI)

In the most tightly contested free interpretation category, there was a major upset. The crown was snatched from the perennial winner Lumad Basakanon by the Buyogan Festival of Abuyogan, Leyte, practically a new participant which wowed the crowd with their bee-storyline. However, this is not to say that the Buyogan contingent hasn't have experience. For 2 years in a row, in 2007-2008, it was the Grand Champion of Leyte's province wide Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival competition.


1st Place FI: Buyogan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/400s, f/6.3, 55mm, ISO 400, -1/3EV


While the synchronicity and precision of Lumad Basakanon was recognized as without par by the judges, the presentation of the Buyogan Festival gave a surprising originality and creativity unseen in the past.


2nd Place FI: Lumad Basakanon (Tribu Manananggi) of Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/400s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, -1/3EV



Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/200s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV


Last year’s 2nd placer, the municipality of Carmen, North Cebu garnered 3rd place. Their dancers stood out for their dark brown body makeup and afro hairdo. Most spectators remarked that the dancers all looked the same! They all moved in unison too and snatched the Best Musicality award.


3rd Place (FI) and Best Musicality: Carmen, Cebu
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/200s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV


An old crowd favorite, Lanao de Norte which used to win several times in the 90s, garnered 4th. As in the past years, they also won Best Costume. Their Muslim-inspired costumes managed to outdo the colors, the glitter and ornamentation of the other contingents


4th Place (FI): Lanao del Norte
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/400s, f/5.6, 18mm, ISO 400



Best Costume: Lanao del Norte
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/200s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV

In 5th place is the dance group of Tribu Karatong of Dulag, Leyte. The contingent was noted to have included a multitude of real Sto Niño images in its presentation. Interestingly, Tribu Karatong placed second to Tribu Buyogan in Leyte's Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival last year.


5th Place (FI): Tribu Karatong of Dulag, Leyte
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/320s, f/5.6, 18mm, ISO 400, +1/3EV



Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/320s, f/5.6, 45mm, ISO 400, +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

Sinulog Saturday 2009 is family time

If Sinulog Sunday were meant for the biggest streetdancing of Cebu (and arguably in the Philippines as well), Sinulog Saturday is for family. It is the day devoted for the solemn procession, set apart from the commercialization and revelry of the Sinulog fiesta. Traditions tend to ground us in a world of changes and our family keeps religious observances close to heart.

We skipped the daybreak fluvial parade this year as the early morning schedule was too disruptive for our daughter Cacing. Instead, we headed to the city only during lunch for a mini-reunion with relatives on my mom’s side.


the 2-way MJ Cuenco St was filled with procession-goers along the 5 km circular route
Canon EOS 5D, 1/200s, f/1.8, 50mm, ISO 50


The route this year was quite long. At about 5 kilometers, this was more than double last year’s. Instead of our usual camp-out at the Metropolitan Cebu Cathedral parking area, my aunts found an old house of a relative at the juncture of T. Padilla St and MJ Cuenco. We considered ourselves lucky to have a convenient place to stay as we opted out of the procession this year. Cacing doesn’t really enjoy the stroller and we could not carry her all throughout the procession. Indeed, while the procession started at around 1 PM, it took about 2 hours for the head of procession to pass by us. Some 30 minutes later, at past 3:30, the Sto Niño carroza arrived. The church obviously made it a mission to usher the Sto Niño back to the Basilica early. About a million people was estimated to have joined the procession and it wasn’t until about 5PM when we saw the tailend of the procession.


people waving to the Sto Niño
Canon EOS 5D, 1/200s, f/1.8, 50mm, ISO 50


As reunions go, ties were renewed and tales were swapped. I had idle time with my camera. My nieces and nephews became willing models and I enjoyed photographing them. I am sharing here few of the shots.


Jasmine
Canon EOS 5D, 1/200s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 100




IK
Canon EOS 5D, 1/1250s, f/2.8, 100 mm, ISO 1600




IC
Canon EOS 5D, 1/50s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 640


To cap the day, we proceeded to the SM Mall and had dinner with old flickr friends Maning and Tet. At 8PM, we went up to the SM roof deck to watch the 1st Sinulog Pyrotechnics Competition.


my aunt’s Sto Niño which she brought for the procession
Canon EOS 5D, 1/400s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 3200

As pyrotechnics go, I’ve seen more impressive fireworks but then, I really wasn’t expecting anything grand, what with the current economic crunch. Too bad, I was ready with my tripod as I’ve never photographed fireworks before.


a captive audience before a fireworks-lit night sky
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 2.0s, f/3.5, 18mm, ISO 800


After the presentation of the third contestant, I decided to go home. It was getting late and Cacing already was asleep. We left SM just before traffic turned horrendous and made it home at 9:30 PM.


part of the pyrotechnic display at SM
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 3.2s, f/4, 18mm, ISO 800

My colds were also getting terrible so sleep was much welcomed. The street parade the next day would be big and I wasn’t about to miss that.

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

Sinulug 2006- the fluvial and grand religious processions

For almost two decades now, my family and I have been attending the Sinulog grand religious procession held every third Saturday of January. It is only on this day that the entire city center of Cebu would be closed and for five hours no less. The procession is in honor of the Blessed Child Jesus or the Sto Niño and no one really complains, gridlock and business interruption notwithstanding.


the Mandaue procession at the Ouano wharf (photo by my wife)


In about two weeks from now, it would be that time of the year and in anticipation of the event, let me take you to a pictorial flashback two years ago.

Our day started early at dawn. The afternoon before, on Friday, the holy images of the Lady of Guadalupe, Cebu’s patroness and the Blessed Child Jesus, were brought to the St. Joseph Parish Church in Mandaue City for an overnight vigil. By early morning on Saturday, the two icons were carried in a procession in the streets to the wharf of Ouano for the customary fluvial procession along the Mandaue-Mactan Channel.


the fluvial procession at Mandaue (photo by my wife)


If there were one perk of working in a company located in Ouano compound, this was it, and we had a front-row vantage point of the proceedings. We climbed onto the roof of the office and got close-up shots as the procession came by. While we weren’t able to get into a boat for the fluvial procession, we joined the thick crowd in a send-off at the Ouano wharf. As you could see in the picture, the sea of humanity who joined in the rites was astonishing.


The images being loaded into the boat for the fluvial parade. Note the priest taking photos of the Sto Niño. He is Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA aka prncwr in flickr
Camera: Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/50s, f/5.6, 49mm, ISO 100


The fluvial procession headed off to the port of Cebu and a celebratory parade ushered the images to the Basilica where a reenactment of the christening of the Cebu rajah in 1521 was performed. A holy mass capped off the events in the morning.


the “galleon” boat bearing the images of the Holy Child and Mother, Mandaue City, Cebu, the Philippines (photo by my wife)


Although the grand religious procession started at 1:30PM, as always, we went to the city at 10AM to get a select parking spot. Park spaces are a premium come Sinulog time and we needed a place that was close enough to the Basilica del Sto Niño but just outside the perimeter route of the procession so that we would not get trapped. Our meeting place with friends and family was the nearby Metropolitan Cebu Cathedral. We joined the procession promptly at the start of the parade.


the Metropolitan Cebu Cathedral, Cebu City, the Philippines
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/100s, f/20, 41mm, ISO 100


Hundreds of thousands of faithful attended the religious procession. The participants marked the parade with solemn prayers, hymns and recitations of the holy rosary.


the image of the Holy Child (photo by my wife)


For crowd control, the parade route was roped by students. Distinctly, I still can remember giving such mandatory service during Sinulog time. Today, students still do this as part of their co-curricular military or community training in year 1 and 2 in college. I am pleased that nowadays, female students are required the same chore. This is gender equality. Up to the early 90s, only men get the “honor”.


at the Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City, Cebu, the Philippines
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/160s, f/8, 55mm, ISO 100


The route was circuitous and extended at least 5 kilometers. In one strip in Jakosalem St, parents decided to dress up their kids as angels for the Holy Child. Perched on a makeshift bleacher, they surely enjoyed the attention from procession-goers. With our feet aching, we delighted in taking a respite and I took photographs of the cherubs.


at Jakosalem St, Cebu City, the Philippines
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/100s, f/8, 47mm, ISO 100


It was so wickedly hot that afternoon and I took pity on the children. They were certainly instructed to do their duty to “watch” over the crowd despite the heat. One kid was lucky as she had a parasol to keep up her poise.


at Jakosalem St, Cebu City, the Philippines
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/200s, f/6.3, 49mm, ISO 100


Although the procession started early, the Sto Niño carroza only emerged from the Basilica del Sto Niño past 3PM due to the thickness of the crowds.


the thick crowd participating in the procession (photo by my wife)


As we were with the early pack, we arrived early and had time to attend mass at the nearby Cathedral at 4:30PM. The Metropolitan Cebu Cathedral literally became a haven for procession-goers, weary from the walk around the city.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 4/5s, f/6.3, 18mm, ISO 100
the Metropolitan Cebu Cathedral during the Sinulog procession


Afterwards, we even had an hour to burn before the Sto Niño arrived.


a closer look of the Metropolitan Cebu Cathedral
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 4s, f/22, 18mm, ISO 100


At 6:30PM, the Holy Child finally passed by the Cathedral. Everyone fell to a hush. In prayer, balloons were set free, handkerchiefs were waved in the air and implorations escaped from the lips of the faithful. A feeling of awe and humility fell on everybody.

People became one.