THE province of Lanao del Norte, now known as ‘Tribu Sarimanok,’ bagged its fourth win in the recently concluded Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
The province showcased the colorful and culturally-rich Sarimanok Festival of one of its coastal town, Kolambugan.
Tribu Sarimanok won fifth place in the Free Interpretation category with last year’s top winner Tribu Lingganay of Alang-Alang, Leyte securing a back-to-back win.
Tangub City’s Sinanduloy Dance Troupe bested 24 other contingents to get first place in the Sinulog-based category.
“A win is a win. We are thankful that this year we won again in the world- renowned Sinulog Festival,” said Provincial Tourism Head Minda Regis.
Earlier in the week, Tribu Sarimanok’s lead dancer, Caryl Soledad, was declared second runner-up in the search for Festival Queen.
Soledad also won Best Festival Costume while the contingent’s instrumentalists won the Best in Musicality award.
Mark Barry Luchie, the contingent’s head choreographer, designed Soledad’s winning costume.
“We came here in Cebu to promote Lanao del Norte as a beautiful and peaceful province. With the reaction that we’re getting from the crowd in the street dancing competition, we clearly made a good impression,” said Governor Khalid Dimaporo.
Other winning contingents in the Free Interpretation category are Lumad Basakanon (second place), Tribu Himag-Ulaw of Placer, Masbate (third place) and Tribu Three Sixty Pharmacy (fourth place).
Aside from Dimaporo, on hand to show their support are Board member Cashmier Bagul and Marivic Ramos, Mayor Bertrand Lumaque, provincial department heads and municipal officials from Kolambugan. (PIO)