Lumad Basakanon confirms grand showdown participation

Tribu Lumad Basakanon of Brgy. Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City has confirmed its participation in the grand showdown of the Sinulog 2024 at the South Road Properties this Sunday, Jan. 21.

Speculations that one of Cebu City’s pride will skip this year’s Sinulog Grand Showdown grew when they skipped the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and opted to join as guest performer in the Sinulog sa Lalawigan instead last Sunday.

The Lumad Basakanon was the only performer from Cebu City during the Sinulog sa Lalawigan. In their Facebook post, the group thanked Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for inviting them to be a guest performer.

Lumad Basakanon though had a representative in the Festival Queen 2024, Jashley Van Hemelen, an artist under Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

On the other hand, after the Sinulog sa Lalawigan, Lumad Basakanon posted practice sessions on their social media page, saying they no longer have time to relax and look forward to seeing all their supporters this Jan. 21.

Last Thursday, the city’s News and Information team announced the confirmation of the decorated contingent, which was started by Barangay Capt. Norman Navarro.

Navarro is also Lumad Basakanon’s head choreographer.

“The Basak San Nicolas barangay captain (Navarro) said they would not miss performing in the Sinulog because doing so is already an oath they made to the Sto.Nino,” part of the announcement read.

Lumad Basakanon also shared the announcement made by the city’s PIO team with a caption, “VIVA PIT SENYOR!!!”.

Last year, Lumad Basakanon fell short for the top spot of the Free Interpretation category to Omega de Salonera of Bucas Grande.

Lumad Basakanon, however, won the best in musicality in the said category plus a second place in street dancing. —