WHILE most goodbyes mean an end, theirs was a promise of a beginning.
Since joining the Sinulog grand parade 20 years ago, the Sinanduloys have won 11 ritual showdowns in the Sinulog-based category, making a name for themselves and a place in the hearts of spectators. (They won their 12th grand prize last night.)
However, the very thing that drew the Sinanduloys to Cebu has become more of a party through the years, instead of a pilgrimage.
Although disheartened, the Tangub City Government decided to take a break from the competition and bring their pilgrimage to other venues where they could experience once more the solemnity that drew them to Cebu, where thousands are devoted to the Señor Sto. Nino.
“The crowds were too rowdy, causing the loss of the essence of the pilgrimage. We came here to offer our prayers, and yet drunk revelers are throwing cups at dancers. It was becoming too much for the children of Tangub,” said Tangub City Vice Mayor Jennifer Tan.
With revelers becoming rowdier by the year, the Sinanduloys have decided to take a three-year break from the grand parade.
Tan, who is also the founder of the cultural troupe, said instead of the streets, they are taking their pilgrimage to a safer venue, a mall perhaps.
With yesterday’s performance being their last, the Sinanduloys’ matriarch shed tears during the street dance competition, as Cebuano revelers expressed awe and gratitude to the out-of-town contingents for adding color to the Sinulog festivities.
More tears were shed a few hours later, not only by Tan, but by the entire team as the Sinanduloys were hailed grand champions of the Sinulog-based category, besting 11 other contingents who were all from Cebu. The troupe also won second place in both the street dancing and musicality awards for the same category.
For their last stage performance, the Sinanduloys centered on a man and the obstacles that stood on his way to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino. The challenges he had to face only made his devotion for the Holy Child Jesus stronger. The performance, unlike others, did not feature a festival queen.
“It’s about the Sto. Nino. The attention has been going to the queen, but there should be no one of greater importance other than Him,” Tan said.
Like the man in their presentation, Tan said they, too, had to face several obstacles before making it to Cebu.
The troupe had to take separate trips, some by land, air and sea to pay homage and pilgrimage as their trip began just as tropical depression Auring approached.
Asked if their victory will stop the planned hiatus, Tangub City Mayor Philip Tan said, “Nothing is ever final.”
He also commended Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña for making good on his word to keep the Sinulog this year “better, safer and more peaceful.” As to their temporary farewell, he said: “We will be back next year, but this time, in a different way. We’re just starting,” he said.