Use of lighting effects for Sinulog performance under scrutiny

Local

SHOULD lighting effects be allowed in Sinulog’s dance and float competitions, or are they giving night performers an unfair edge?

That question is now under review as organizers of the Sinulog Festival 2026 deliberate on whether to limit or ban the use of lighting in performances and floats to ensure a level playing field among contingents.

The proposal was discussed during the first Executive Committee (Execom) meeting of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) for next year’s festivities held on October 9, 2025, presided by SFI president and Execom chairman Pericles Dakay.

Minutes from the meeting showed that members raised concerns about how the use of lights could “create an unfair disadvantage for contingents performing in broad daylight compared to those scheduled at night.”

A motion was raised to prohibit the use of lighting effects entirely, but the Execom deferred a final decision pending a full review by the Contest Cluster.

The deliberation formed part of the committee’s first planning session for Sinulog 2026, which also introduced the official Execom members and their cluster assignments.

Dakay confirmed that Mayor Nestor Archival will serve as the overall chairman of the festival, following long-standing tradition where the sitting city mayor leads preparations.

Under the organizational structure approved by SFI, Vice

Mayor Tomas Osmeña serves as Chairman of the Foundation, with Dakay as its President and concurrent Execom chair.

Other key members include Executive Director Elmer “Jojo” Labella, Victor Cuenco, Councilors David Tumulak, Philipp Zafra, Nyza Archival, and Paul Labra (represented by Arnel Tancinco), as well as Atty. Rico Rey Francis Holganza.

To streamline festival operations, Dakay presented the following cluster heads under the 2026 Execom:

Promotion Cluster: Pericles Dakay

Contest Cluster: Councilor Philipp Zafra

Presentation/Show Cluster: Victor Cuenco

Protocols & Reception Cluster: Councilor Nyza Archival

Social Welfare Cluster: Councilor Paul Labra

Logistics Cluster: Councilor Dave Tumulak

Dakay instructed each cluster head to form sub-clusters and submit staffing lists for the next Execom meeting.

SFI Executive Director Jojo Labella earlier said the 2026 edition may feature fewer contingents, with a proposed cap of 35 to ease congestion and improve crowd management.

He said at least 10 groups from Cebu City, Cebu Province, Luzon, and Mindanao have already signified their intent to join, with invitations sent as early as April to give participants ample time to prepare.

“Last year, we actually planned to limit it to 15 out-of-town, 10 from the city, and 10 from the province — 35 contingents in total,” Labella said in an earlier interview. “But the final number will still depend on what the executive committee decides.”

Commercial floats will also be more strictly regulated after several entries in 2025 exceeded height limits, causing delays and traffic congestion.

“We revisited all the rules and guidelines. If only the guidelines were followed, dili unta to mahitabo nga naay masangit,” Labella said.

Under SFI rules, floats are capped at 12 feet and must submit concept designs ahead of time for inspection and approval.

Sinulog 2026 will once again take place at the Cebu City Sports Center, aligning with Mayor Archival’s plan to restore the festival’s traditional and devotional character by returning it downtown.

“The Sinulog will go back to the original place where it was conceptualized,” Archival earlier said. “Mas daghan ang makatan-aw. Worship ni sa Señor Sto. Niño. Ibalik lang nato kay mas duol sa simbahan.”

Preparations are already underway, with Councilor Tumulak filing resolutions to formalize the participation of city officials and ensure coordination across departments.

Among the proposed side activities are the revival of “Niño, Bisita sa Barangay” and pastoral visits to Cebu City Jail, outreach programs that began in 2016.

Held every third Sunday of January, Sinulog remains the country’s grandest cultural and religious festival, drawing millions of devotees and tourists to honor Señor Santo Niño.(TGP)