Toledo, Tagbilaran contingents shine in Sinulog

Local

TRIBU Masadyaon of Toledo City and Tagbilaran City of Bohol danced their way into history at the Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown 2026 on Sunday, Jan. 18

One blended political commentary with dazzling choreography, while the other honored centuries-old ritual with the mesmerizing Bolibongkingking dance, yet both claimed top honors in their respective categories.

Tribu Masadyaon excelled in the Free Interpretation (FI) category during the Sinulog last Sunday, delivering a routine that reflected the country’s intense political climate while weaving music and costumes into a cohesive spectacle.

Their performance earned multiple top prizes, including Best in Musicality, Best in Costume, and first place in the Streetdancing Competition, making them the most decorated group in the FI events.

Tagbilaran dominated the Sinulog-Based (SB) category with a traditional performance that celebrated dance as prayer and highlighted the syncretic roots of the Visayas.

Central to their entry was the Bolibongkingking ritual from Loboc, Bohol, a sacred healing dance rooted in pre-colonial animist customs and Spanish Catholic devotion.

Tagbilaran also secured the SB Musicality championship, affirming its top position in traditional Sinulog-based events.

The distinction between the two categories reflects the festival’s balance of tradition and creativity.

The SB category emphasizes adherence to traditional Sinulog rituals, choreography, and cultural storytelling.

Meanwhile, FI encourages contingents to showcase original, contemporary, and innovative interpretations inspired by the festival.

This year’s festival featured a total of 37 contingents across both SB and FI categories, including groups from Albay, Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City, Antipolo City, Cotabato Province, Davao Occidental, and Zamboanga City.

In the SB Grand Ritual Showdown, Dumanjug placed second, Carcar third, Banay Labangon fourth, and Mandaue City fifth.

In the FI Grand Ritual Showdown, Kalivungan Festival of Cotabato ranked second, Hudyaka sa Bais: Festival of Harvests third, Lambo Mabolo fourth, and Tribu Carmenanon fifth.

Other special awards included Banay Labangon winning Best in Costume (SB), while the runners-up in FI music and streetdancing categories were Hudyaka sa Bais, Kalivungan Festival, Tribu Carmenanon, and Lumad Basakanon.

In additional festival segments, Entry No. 3 won the Puppeteers Category, Entry No. 2 by Ryan B. Cuyos placed second, and Entry No. 6 finished third.

In the Higante Category, Entry No. 803 took first place, followed by Entry No. 805 and Entry No. 802. For the Float Category, F01 IPI claimed first place, F11 Bellyshace Foods Inc. second, and F03 Manila Bankers Assurance third.

Medical teams responded to over 100 emergency cases during the festivities, with performers reporting dizziness, foot injuries, and fainting due to sweltering heat or insufficient food and water intake.

Despite the challenges, the festival proceeded smoothly, showcasing the dedication of health responders and volunteers.

Following the weekend celebrations, provincial and city officials suspended classes on Monday, January 19, to allow students to rest and travel safely.(MyTVCebu)