Make it original, make it moving, dancers advised

A “CLONING” of choreography and concepts among some dancing contingents was noticed by the judges in this year’s Sinulog grand parade.

So, they told those who will be joining next year’s competition to “be unique.”

Nestor Jardin, former president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and a Sinulog judge for the past 20 years, said some of the contingents this year have the same storyline and steps.

“The choreography and concept of those who have won got copied. Unless a new winner emerges, yun na naman ang kokopyahin (that’s what will get copied next),” said Jardin, who chaired the board of judges in the free interpretation (FI) category.

Whether it’s in the FI or Sinulog-based category, all the contingents include a story about a miracle performed by the Sto. Niño: a harvest saved from drought or pests, a child revived from illness or injury, or a community rescued from witches and other supernatural terrors.

This year’s champion in the Sinulog-based category showed something new, a community building a cathedral together. From that new church, red-gowned dancers of Tribu Sinanduloy of Tangub City then streamed out, followed by a carriage bearing the Sto. Niño.

Eighteen contingents competed in the Sinulog-based category this year, and there were a total of 22 contingents for the FI category.

In an interview after Sunday’s grand parade, Jardin advised those who will be joining the Sinulog to show more originality.

“They should be true to the nature and concept of the festival that they will be showcasing, especially in the FI category. Something that will make them unique,” he said.

Jardin also advised them, particularly the choreographers, to use their creativity
more.

“Their designs and movements should reflect their culture,” he added.

Cris Millado, artistic director of the CCP who chaired the judges in the SB category, also noticed the same “cloning”.

He advised contingents to use their creativity and make sure that their rituals will move the crowd watching them.

Emilio “Jojin” Pascual, choreographer of the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe of Tangub City, was among those who said his choreography and movements have been copied by other contingents.

That prompted him to change and create a new combination of movements for Tangub, the most awarded contingent in the history of Sinulog.

Pascual’s move did not fail Tangub, who spent P2 million for their performance, as they emerged as winners in the SB category.

After getting back their title, Pascual assured that they will be participating again in the Sinulog next year.

Alang-alang, Leyte, who successfully defended their title in the FI category, also vowed to join next year, with the hope of getting their first grand slam title.

Leyte and Tangub were awarded by the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) yesterday during the repeat performance and ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center.

In other categories, SFI awarded Lactobiotics Worldwide Corp. for winning first place in the float category. They were followed by Casino Femme Alcohol and Rose Pharmacy Inc.

In the puppeteer category, the top spot went to Elvis-Sinulog Rock while in the higante category, the top spot went to Hershiel.