Chief photographer wins in Sinulog tilt

SUN.STAR Cebu chief photographer Alex Badayos won in three categories of this year’s Sinulog photo contest.

At least four entries of Badayos, also known as “Chief” in the newsroom, landed spots in three categories in the contest that was participated in by 1,800 photographers who submitted 14,000 entries.

In the festival queen category, Badayos got the second and sixth place. His entry grabbed the second spot in the higante/float/puppeteers category and another picture took the 10th place in the contingent category.

Badayos’ wins earned for him a trophy and P22,000 in cash.

“Nalipay ko kay maski daghan nang maayo, makasud gihapon ako’ng mga entries pirmi (I’m happy because even though there are many good photographers, I still get to win some every time),” said Badayos when asked about his victory.

On Saturday, Badayos together with 62 other winners will be recognized in an awarding ceremony at SM City’s Cinema 1.

City Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., however, considers the photographers who participate in the Sinulog photo contest as part of the problem authorities face when maintaining order during the grand parade.

He said the number of photographers allowed to enter the grand parade should be regulated.

Jesus Laureno, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) 7 director, recommended that judging stations be moved further inward to give contingents more space to perform and exit with more ease.

More policemen

The NTC authorized 500 communicators during the Sinulog grand parade.

Cebu City Police Office Director Ramon Buenafe said more police personnel are needed during the parade.

He said the ideal number of police personnel is one to 500 people, to ensure peace and order during the parade. This year, the ratio was one policeman for every 1,000 people.

Buenafe asked SFI to request more police personnel from the Cebu Provincial Police Office and the Police Regional Office 7.

Meanwhile, a juror who has been judging the Sinulog parade for 15 years said the artistic quality of Sinulog has “reached a plateau” in the past three years.

Performance

Nestor Jarden, former president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), has expressed concern on the level of performance of contingents during the grand parade.

“What is a big concern for me is the quality of performance and the quality of contingents. Through the years, the artistic quality has improved but I think for the past three years, it has reached a plateau,” he said.

During the Sinulog’s debriefing session yesterday, Jarden told the Sinulog organizers to improve the level of performance of the participants.

“If we don’t, it will endanger the attraction of the Sinulog celebration. It is a challenge to SFI (Sinulog Foundation Inc.) to increase the contingent’s level of excellence,” he said.

Although the grand parade this year has improved, “I have seen better times for the Sinulog,” said Jarden.

Choreographers

SFI executive director Ricky Ballesteros welcomed the feedback made by Jarden but he said the challenge is more on the part of choreographers.

“They have to strive hard and do a lot of research. Their concept must be something new to the judges kay kung tan-aw gani nila na balik-balik ra, mapildi gyud (If judges see nothing new, they will lose),” he said.

He said SFI will continue to hold workshops and training to improve choreographers’ dance routine, production and even the costumes.

Jarden suggested that SFI conduct an extensive evaluation with the choreographers.

He said the judges, who have been judging the Sinulog for years, are also willing to help the choreographers.

“The judges can also give them feedback on how they can capture the essence of Sinulog, which is basically a religious celebration and not just dancing,” he said.

To improve crowd control and order during the grand parade, Pe said bleachers should not be allowed on the Gen. Maxilom Ave. sidewalk.

The bleachers should be restricted to the Fuente Osmeña rotunda where people can have a better view of the parade, he added. PDF/SWU intern Maximillah Matoke