South Korean contingent wants to join Sinulog 2019

For the first time in Sinulog history, a foreign group is expected to perform as guest contingent during the Sinulog Grand Parade next year.

Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, chairman of Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI)— Executive Committee, said Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival in Korea expressed its intent to present and share its performance to Cebuanos.

“We want to show good Korean traditional performance to audiences of Sinulog and contribute to the success of Sinulog 2019,” read portion of Junhyung Ha’s letter to SFI.

Ha said Wonju has been active in cultural exchange with Sinulog for the past five years, adding that three groups from Cebu City were even invited to perform in Korea.

Tumulak said the South Korean contingent is composed of 17 guests and they will be paying for their own plane tickets.

However, Tumulak said the group is asking the SFI if it could shoulder the expenses for their meals, transportation, and accommodation during their stay from January 16 to January 21.

He said the SFI’s Board of Trustees will decide on the request within the week.

“This is the first time nga dunay foreign contingent nga moapil sa Sinulog 2019 for the purpose nga ila sang mapakita ang Korean culture sa atong umaabot nga Sinulog,” he said.

The inclusion of foreign contingent in next year’s grand parade would be in line with the new slogan, “One Beat, One Dance for the world,” said Tumulak.

Also, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will join the Sinulog sa Barangay sa Dakbayan, Sinulog sa Lalawigan, and Sinulog Grand Parade for the first time.

However, it’s not certain yet whether the PNP will have a float or join as a guest contingent.

At present, only two out-of-town contingents have confirmed to join the Grand Parade next year. These are Murcia, Negros Occidental and Placer, Surigao del Norte.

The municipality of Daanbantayan, Cebu and Toledo City, Cebu will also perform during the Grand Parade.

Tumulak said only five contingents will compete during the Sinulog sa Lalawigan. These are Carcar City, Ginatilan, Consolacion, Bogo City, and Talisay City.

As for the Sinulog sa Barangay, Sapangdaku, San Nicolas Proper, Mambaling, Talamban, Basak San Nicolas, Mabolo, Suba, Sawang Calero, Cambinucot, Cogon Pardo, Inayawan, Bulacao, Labangon, and Guadalupe will compete for the title.

Among the changes that will be implemented next year is the criteria for judging during the grand parade. SFI has slashed the criterion for judging props to five from 10, while the performance is increased to 30 percent from 25.

Other criteria include theme and concept (10 percent), choreography (25 percent), musicality (10 percent), and costume (20 percent).

Several activities are lined up for next year’s celebration at Fuente Osmeña Circle, Plaza Independencia, and South Road Properties.

Tumulak said all 80 barangays will showcase their delicacies at Fuente Circle, while nightly activities and food stalls will be at Plaza Independencia. Concerts and big events, on the other hand, will be held at the South Road Properties. —