AFTER the winners of Sinulog 2014 grand parade were proclaimed, organizers of the festivity are now contemplating on who will be Cebu’s official representative for Aliwan Festival 2014 in Pasay City in April.
Organizers of the Aliwan Festival have asked only one champion to represent Cebu.
Organizers will have to choose between Lumad Basakanon, who won the first place of the free interpretation category, and Kulturang Placereño, of the Province of Masbate, who topped the Sinulog-based category.
Aliwan organizers watched the Sinulog festival last Sunday.
Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said he already informed Lumad Basakanon of the invitation.
Ballesteros wants Lumad Basakanon to represent Cebu City in Aliwan.
“The group would be in the better position to represent Cebu,” he said.
For years, the group has been representing Cebu in the national competition and won.
Aliwan is a festival organized by Manila Broadcasting Co. (MBC). It showcases winners from different festivals in the country.
Aside from the dance contingents, the Sinulog Festival queen will also represent Cebu in the search for Aliwan festival queen.
Ballesteros said it will be now up to Barangay Basak San Nicolas officials to allow their contingent to join Aliwan since they will be the one to spend for it.
“In case Kulturang Placereño wants to join Aliwan, they will be allowed,” Ballesteros said.
Mayor Michael Rama agreed that Lumad Basakanon will be the City’s representative.
Rama said he hopes the Council will allow the City to provide assistance to the group.
Last year, the group was not able to join the festival due to lack of budget.
“I hope the council will consider the executive’s move to extend assistance to Lumad,” said Rama.