Cebu City’s Lumad Basakanon troupe bagged their fourth championship in the Aliwan Festival held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex in Manila last Saturday evening.
The group won P1 million and also won the Best in Musicality and Best in Costume each of which carried a P10,000 cash prize. Cebuana Steffi Aberasturi also won as Festival Queen as well as bagging the best in swim wear, best in long gown, Miss Unique Smile and Best in Festival costume.
The Basakanon troupe last won three consecutive championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, City Administrator Lucelle Mercado and Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) chairman Rene Mercado and Sinulog Foundation Inc. Director Ricky Ballesteros and some councilors watched the event.
Rama said the contingent’s presentation was “awesome, outstanding and breathtaking.”
“We’re very proud of them as Cebuanos,” Labella said.
He said even Tagalogs cheered for the city contingent. The Basakanon troupe fused their dance concept about the destruction of the forests by fire with birds.