Dancers of the Looc Norte National High School of Asturias town adopt the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) theme for their performance in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan’s secondary division. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Damaged props and long practice hours didn’t deter the Looc Norte National High School of Asturias town from winning the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan event.
The group’s choreographer promised Cebu City residents and visitors a special performance during next Sunday’s Sinulog Grand Parade.
“Kun na-wow sila sa among performance pag Sinulog sa Kabataan, dili pud magmahay ang mga taw nga mo-cheer namo karong Dominggo (If they were wowed by our performance at the Sinulog sa Kabataan last Saturday, we won’t disappoint those who will cheer for us this Sunday),” Walter Betito, choreographer of Looc Norte National High School, said.
The school, which topped the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan last Saturday, are doubling their efforts and preparations, Betito said.
Betito said what made their victory last Saturday special was that they won even when their props were destroyed two days before the event.
“Ang mga bata naluoy mi kay samtang nag-ayo sila sa ilang props, naghilak (We sympathized with the kids, who are first timers, as they cried while fixing the props),” Betito said.
Betito also encouraged the students in the city to be like the students in Asturias who are very interested and willing to join the Sinulog.
“Most of the kids live in the upland barangays while others had to walk two hours crossing rivers and passing through cemeteries just to attend the practices,” Betito said.
He said the group only had three weeks to prepare and practice for the competition.
They started their practice during the Christmas vacation.
“I’m proud of them. Even if they were beginners, they still won,” Betito said.
The group’s performance was inspired by the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. Students dressed as nuns and priests went on stage waving the flags of different nations.
Betito said Asturias residents also contributed to the contingent’s budget, with some giving fish, vegetables, chicken in lieu of cash.
Asturias Vice Mayor Joel Dumdum clarified in yesterday’s press conference that the P388,515 budget requested by the school contingent was not approved because there was no program of works or breakdown of expenses attached by the tourism office to the request letter.