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