Record-setting 45 performers sign up for Sinulog 2025

Local

NEXT year’s Sinulog Festival has exceeded expectations with 42 competing groups ready to take part in the iconic cultural event.

With three guest contingents also joining, the 2025 Sinulog will have 45 performers, setting a new record for the festival.

Organizers initially set a limit of 35 performers but more groups wanted to participate. Organizers then expanded it to 42 competing teams, reflecting the growing excitement and nationwide interest in the festival.

Jojo Labella, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., highlighted this milestone in an interview with MyTV Cebu, saying that the three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, will be represented by 12 out-of-town contingents.

Competing delegates

Among the delegations that will join Sinulog are the City of Kidapawan Performing Arts Guild from Cotabato, Bukluran Dance Troupe from Antipolo Maytime Festival, and Bais City Festival of Harvests from Negros Oriental.

These groups include the James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild from Sarangani Province, Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild from Camarines Sur, Barug Dinagat Foundation from Dinagat Islands, Baile Filipina Dance Guild from Dipolog City, Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, Tabaco College from Albay, Bakhaw Performing Arts Guild from Del Carmen in Siargao, Dumaguete City Sandurot Festival from Negros Oriental, and Tanglawan Festival from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

Meanwhile, from Cebu Province, 11 contingents will participate, including performers from Talisay, Mandaue, Toledo, and Lapu-Lapu cities, along with towns such as Carmen and Liloan.

Notable entries are Tribu Masadya-an from Toledo and One Enchanting Camotes from Camotes Islands. These groups include the City of Talisay’s Malipayong Alegrianhon, City of Mandaue, Tribu Masadya-an from Toledo City, Lapu-Lapu City, Tribu Malipayon from Consolacion, Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Liloanon from Liloan, One Enchanting Camotes from Camotes Islands, Sinulog sa Carmen from Carmen, Carcar City, and Danao City.

Cebu City will be represented by 18 groups, comprising barangays and school-based contingents.

These include Barangay Kamagayan’s Landonian Tribe, Asian College of Technology, Banauan Cultural Group, Aktibong Binaliwhanon, Banay San Nicolasnon, Abellana National School, Kalunasan Cultural Dance Troupe, Barrio Basak Pardo, Barangay Zapatera, and Inayawan Talents Guild.

Others will also include Maampuong Baniladnon, Hugpong Dayasanon, Lumad Mabolo, Hugpong Mananayaw ng Bayan – University of the Philippines, Lumad Basakanon, Hugpong Masidlakon, Home of Siomai Festival, and Banay Labangon.

Additionally, a delegate from Alpha Kappa Rho is also expected to compete.

Also, three guest contingents, the MassKara Festival from Bacolod City, the Cebu City Government, and the Cebu Provincial Government, will not compete but add flair and excitement to the celebration.

No Lalawigan contest

Meanwhile, Labella, however, said that for the Sinulog Festival next year, there will be no Sinulog sa Lalawigan event for the Cebu Province contingents, but the brass band competition will be held.

He added that Sinulog sa Dakbayan will push through, an avenue for the public to see the performances of the Cebu City-based delegates.

Organizers announced that participating contingents of the Sinulog sa Lalawigan will directly perform in the Sinulog Grand Parade at the Cebu City Sports Center on Jan. 19, 2025.(MyTVCebu)