Sinulog sa Kabataan 2016

One of the most exciting events during the whole Sinulog season is the Sinulog sa Kabataan (Sinulog of the Youth) competitions. Divided into two events, the Sinulog sa Kabataan is held the weekend before the actual Sinulog Grand Parade. The first event, which usually takes place on the second Saturday of the month is the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan. Lalawigan means province. The next day, the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan (city) is held. Each competition is participated in by elementary and secondary public school students from the province and city of Cebu. The top 5 winners of each competition (10 student contingents in all) get to perform during the actual Sinulog Grand Parade. For this year, the Sinulog sa Kabataan competitions were held on January 9 and 10. A total of 19 contingents took part in this year’s contests. Entrance fee was PhP 75 each. Despite the pretty expensive fee, the grandstand was already filled to the rafters by 11:30 am.

As usual, I watched the two competitions. However, unlike in previous years, I had to sit at the grandstand as I wasn’t able to get a Sinulog ID. The ID gives photographers access to the photographers’ area. The ID is a bit pricey this year. And honestly, I couldn’t afford it right now. Haha. So, I’m guessing I also won’t be able to take photos of the actual grand parade as it would be impossible to take proper photos without an ID.

Anyways, here are some photos from the event. They’re all wide shots because I couldn’t go near the stage and I do not have a zoom lens. Well, I guess it’s the effort that counts. Hehe. Enjoy the photos, ya’ll! 🙂

Although the program is usually scheduled to start at 2 pm, live performers begin to entertain the crowd as early as 1 pm. See, before entering the Cebu City Sports Center, contingents are required to dance on the streets. This is how the Best in Streetdancing winners are picked. The street parade starts at 1 pm. It starts at the Cebu Provincial Capitol (for the Lalawigan contest) and Plaza Independencia (for the Dakbayan contest) and ends at the sports center where the contingents perform their ritual routine or their main performance.

A hip-hop dance group finalist performs for the crowd.

The Apas National High School contingent delivered a pretty clean and powerful number. They placed second overall this year.

Naga Central School placed second in their division. They also bagged the Best in Costume award.

The number of spectators this year is just crazy. One of the biggest crowds I’ve seen in recent years.

Look at that! Full house!

More performance photos:

Contingents eagerly await the announcement of winners.