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Sunday, January 20, 2008
Rain or shine, dancers ready for grand parade
By Rene H. Martel
* A total of P4M in prizes at stake in Sinulog parade, which starts at 9 a.m. Sunday
* In competition: 22 Sinulog-based and 29 free interpretation contingents, 42 floats, 26 higante entries and 18 puppeteers
CEBU CITY -- Sinulog organizers and contingents are praying for fine weather on Sunday, as a low-pressure area northeast of Northern Mindanao threatens to rain on this year's grand parade.
The weather phenomenon produced a light drizzle for most of yesterday's Sto. Niño procession, said Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo.
Sun.Star Network Online's coverage of the Sinulog 2008 Festival
"We're expecting light to moderate rains (today)," he said.
But many are hoping their prayers will make a difference.
"I prayed for good weather at the offering (during the Basilica del Sto. Niño mass after the procession). But I also told Sto. Niño, that whatever happens, Thy will be done," said Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama in Cebuano. Rama is Sinulog Foundation Inc.'s overall chairman.
Sinulog project director Dolly Suzara said they had prayed each day and even offered eggs to the Carmelite nuns, as tradition dictates, to help pray for good weather.
But if it does rain, Suzara said, the foundation has prepared for it.
Rain is a concern for the foundation since the stage at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) grandstand gets slippery when wet.
Several dancers during the Sinulog sa Kabataan Saturday and Sunday last week slipped during their presentations because of this problem.
That forced Sinulog executive director Ricky Ballesteros to have succeeding dancers perform at the CCSC rubberized track instead.
Suzara said they prepared extra mops to keep the stage dry as much as possible as the contest must go on, "rain or shine."
The last time it rained hard during the Sinulog was in the '80s, she recalled.
Tangub City, Misamis Occidental Mayor Jennifer Tan said they have also prepared for the rain and that Tribu Sinanduloy will be ready to defend its Sinulog-based crown whatever the weather will be.
"The children are prepared, rain or shine. That's part of the sacrifice. Whatever happens will be God's will," she said in Cebuano.
Lumad Basakanon (Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City) choreographer Dennis Navarro said they also prayed for the sun to shine today, especially since the rain will soak up the foam in their props and weigh down their dancers.
Hilongos, Southern Leyte Municipal Councilor Miguela Gabison, for her part, said that though they would prefer today to be sunny, they will also welcome the rain.
Hilongos, third placer in last year's Aliwan Festival in Manila that Basakanon topped for the past two years, is a Sinulog first-timer.
Basakanon is the defending champion in the Sinulog free interpretation category.
Rama met Saturday morning with the police, traffic officials and representatives of other concerned agencies to straighten out last-minute kinks for Sunday's Sinulog.
Rama said this year has the biggest participants: 22 Sinulog-based and 29 free interpretation contingents, 42 float category entries, 26 higante entries and 18 puppeteers.
The vice mayor especially instructed the City Traffic Operations Management to ensure the safety of people from buses going in and out of the Cebu South Bus Terminal on N. Bacalso Ave., just a stone's throw away from the CCSC.
He advised people to bring umbrellas, and to ensure that their homes are protected against lawless elements before leaving.
He also reminded that all home appliances should be unplugged to prevent fire, and for establishments to be hospitable to all.
"They must also participate in the cleanup, and keep sidewalks clear for the pedestrians' use," Rama said.
Squatters Prevention, Encroachment Elimination Division personnel will also inspect sidewalks and demolish obstructions except those used as improvised bleachers set up by the Cebu Contractors' Association.
Excluding the cash prizes choreographers of winning contingents get, this year's Sinulog dangles a total cash prize of at least P4 million.
First prize winners in the Sinulog-based and free interpretation categories will each receive P500,000; for second price, P400,000; third, P300,000; fourth, P100,000; and fifth, P50,000.
The best in street dancing award comes with a P500,000 cash prize. The second best gets, P300,000; third, P200,000.
The contingent that bags the best in musicality award receives P50,000, while the prize for best in costume is also P50,000.
Winners in the higante, puppet and onsite décor will get P50,000 (first place), P30,000 (second place) and P20,000 (third place).
The most beautiful float will receive P150,000, followed by P100,000 for second and P50,000 for third.
Winning contingents will perform again in tomorrow's awarding ceremony, still at the CCSC. (RHM of Sun.Star Cebu)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (January 20, 2008 issue)
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