DANCERS garbed in costumes of various countries and contingents showcasing the different Cebu festivals will usher in Sinulog 2007 Friday.
Following a 2 p.m. mass at the Basilica del Sto. Niño, a parade of dancers, organizers, government officials and guests will proceed towards the Cebu City Sports Center.
There, the contingents will present their dance routines and will cap their performances by simultaneously prancing to a Sinulog “techno-funky†music. They will also dance on the streets on the way to the venue.
The City Traffic Operations Management advised that the stretch on Osmeña Blvd. from the Basilica to the Cebu City Sports Center will be closed during the activity.
They will be reopened once all the contingents have entered the sports center after the short parade.
Ricky Ballesteros, Sinulog Foundation executive director, said this year’s theme is “Global Sinulog,†hence the presentation of dancers donning costumes of different countries, which are not necessarily Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) members.
But Mandaue City’s Mantawi Festival will not be represented, as its contingent pulled out from the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan on Saturday.
Choreographer Oliver Figueroa refused an interview when reached through his cellular phone Thursday afternoon, saying his contingent was busy performing before arriving 12th Asean summit guests at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Ballesteros said the contingent has to refund the P50,000 financial assistance it got from the foundation.
Their departure leaves the parade with only 11 contingents showcasing their respective places’ festivals.
Cordova town’s Dinagat Festival will be represented, as well as Alegria’s Kawayan, Dumanjug’s Sinanggiyaw, Oslob’s Sadsad, Alcoy’s Siloy, Danao City’s Karansa, Lapu-Lapu City’s Halad, Sibonga’s Bonga, Argao’s Pitlagong, Bantayan’s Palawod and Minglanilla’s Kabanhawan.
Mandaue, however, can still join the grand parade on Jan. 21 since the deadline for registration is on Jan. 15 yet, Ballesteros said. (RHM)
