the beauties of Sinulog 2009

What is a Sinulog blog without an album of beautiful ladies? Beauty spotting is a photographic sport and there is nothing like the Sinulog to bring in a multitude of Filipinas who bring charm and allure to the festival. Best of all, they are there for the show, willing to be put under the looking glass. For once, we can photograph them with impunity.


Sinulog 2009 Festival Queen and her Court

A relatively new tradition, the Sinulog Festival Queen competition is unique for it is a pageant only for lead dancers of a contingent participating in the street parade. Wearing the most outlandish and humongous of dresses reminiscent of international beauty contest’s National Costumes, the lead dancers are presented in a showdown of dancing prowess and wit. Winning this year’s competition is a a winsome lass from Tangub, Misamis Occidental followed by representatives of Dulag, Leyte and Sta Catalina, Negros Oriental.



Iris Mae Linganay of Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental- Sinulog 2009 Festival Queen
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/160s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +2/3EV



Ariane May Briones of Tribu Karatong, Dulag, Leyte- Sinulgo 2009 Festival Queen 1st Runner-up
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/100s, f/5.6, 55mm, ISO 50, +2/3EV



Alfe Marie Nathaniel Uy of Pakol Festival of Sta Catalina, Negros Oriental and Sinulog 2009 Festival Queen 2nd Runner-up
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/800s, f/5.6, 55mm, ISO 400


more lead dancers of the contingents

I’ve always wondered why is it that the star dancer chosen among a bevy of performers also happen to be not just the most graceful but also the most gorgeous? Does nature automatically grant terpsichorean skill to the beautiful?



the lead dancer of Lumad Basakanon, Cebu City
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/125s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV



the lead dancer of Tribu Kabatok of Tacloban City, Leyte
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/400s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV



the lead dancer of Karasikas Performing Arts Guild of Borongan City, Samar
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/400s, f/5.6, 55mm, ISO 400, +1/3EV



the lead dancer of Tribu Buyogan of Abuyog, Leyte
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/160s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV



the lead dancer of Lanao del Norte
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/400s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +2/3EV



the lead dancer of the Cebu City guest contingent (?)
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/200s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV



the lead dancer of Pajo Elementary School, Lapu-Lapu City
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/50s, f/13, 22mm, ISO 400, -1/3EV



the lead dancer of Lahug Elementary School
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/30s, f/9.0, 18mm, ISO 200



lead dancer of Tribu Magrararug of Punta Princesa Elementary School
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/50s, f/3.2, 100mm, ISO 50, +1/3EV



a lead dancer of one of the contingents
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/400s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +4/3EV


choice dancers

Among the numerous dancers of a contingent, a few also stood out. Charisma, after all, cannot be hidden for long.



a dancer of Kawayan Elementary School of Dalaguete
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/800s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50



a member of the San Diego Dance Company
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/160s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +2/3EV



a member of contingent from the Municipality of Carmen
Canon EOS 5D Digital, 1/160s, f/2.8, 100mm, ISO 50, +2/3EV


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 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

scenes from Sinulog 2007

In a month’s time, Cebu will be celebrating the feast of Sr. Sto Nino. Held every 3rd Sunday of January, which next year is on the 18th, Sinulog 2009 features the usual array of activities: concerts, sale bonanzas, cultural shows, a religious procession on water (fluvial) and on land, two beauty pageants (Miss Cebu and a Festival Queen), a popular photocontest and of course, not just one but three “sinulog” contingent presentations including the grand street parade on Sunday. Sinulog is one big commercial mess which makes sense if you know the propensity of Filipinos for fiestas. But beneath the seeming explosion of superficiality, there is an underlying current of pure spiritual fervor. The celebrations are still designed to honor the Holy Child. All activities are designed to build to a crescendo, starting with the kick off on January 9, which is day 1 of the religious novena as well, until the big day on January 18th, the feast day.

I have not been much of a follower of the Sinulog activities. My participation always had been on the religious procession on Saturday. But I do give in and embrace the grand parade for the photographic opportunities that literally come once in a year.

In anticipation of the big event, here is a retroactive of the kaleidoscope of colors and action of the street party. The year is 2007.


beauties on parade

The Sinulog parade was time in capturing beautiful Cebuanas sashaying and dancing in the streets. There never would be a paucity of beautiful ladies willing to pose for the camera. The best time is always in the morning early in the parade when the dancers are still enthusiastic and fresh.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/400s, f/5, 200 mm, ISO 100


colors that literally bling

Filipinos are not scared of colors. This is demonstrated no more unabashedly by the Pintaflores contingent of San Carlos City . The contingent from nearby Negros Oriental spared no expense in promoting their Pintaflores festival by sending a contingent with the most amazing of costumes. They also had the most charming of a star dancer in Ms. Catherine Bolo, whose sincere smile never seemed to wane.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/40s, f/10, 38mm, ISO 400


behind the scenes

Ever the unsung heroes of any parade, propsmen don’t hog the limelight as much as the dancers. It did not mean though that they would be any less interesting, like those from the Inayawan performing group.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/500s, f/5.6, 48mm, ISO 200, +2/3 EV


the action

The lad below gave his all when his group performed on the streets. I don't think his group won anything in the street mardi gras competition. But it surely was not because of lack of effort. Competition, always, was just too tight. And yes, I think he ran too fast for my camera!)


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/50s, f/10, 55mm, ISO 100


not for the niggardly

In recent years, the typical cost of training, costuming and running a contingent of 40+ dancers is steadily climbing. In year 2007, judging from the dramatic costumes of dance troupes like the one from Inayawan below, the sum was estimated to be between 300,000 pesos ($6,000, at the then exchange rate of 50 pesos/USD) to 500,000 ($10,000). Corporate sponsors always seemed to be aplenty. Sinulog is getting bigger in terms of tourist attendance every year. There are even pre-contests before the Sunday mardi gras as the streets can only take in a limited number of participants.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/4000s, f/5.6, 300mm, ISO 800, +1/3 EV


downtime

There would be moments in the street parade when the contingents received some respite from the dancing. Any form of shade or seat would do for the weary dancers who stay committed to the formation they need to keep on the hot concrete. The shadow here proved to be a welcome break for a dancer of the Duljo Fatima contingent from the stinging sun. Winged, it actually was from a banner held aloft by a propsman. That and her native fans were good company.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/80s, f/6.3, 34mm, ISO 200, +2/3 EV


From the same contingent was the girl below. She was covering herself with the fan. The day was sweltering hot. I focused my camera on her and waited for her to lift her fan up and look my way. Well, soon enough she moved and I caught her in the act of blowing her gum. She actually did not mind and smiled thereafter. Filipinos are so game when it comes to being photographed.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/160s, f/6.3, 55mm, ISO 200, +2/3 EV


the energy

Getting a different take of the frenzy of the street dancing is not easy. The performers always move too fast. That I am partial to shots clean of extraneous elements like the crowd and the ever present photographers angling for the same shots compound the challenge. So when I got a clear shot of the ever flashing hand of the lead dancer, I took it. This, for me, is a representation of grace in action.


Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/800s, f/5.6, 120mm, ISO 100, +1/3 EV