The beat of drums and the rhythm of prayers filled the Cebu City Sports Center on Sunday as Governor Pamela Baricuatro joined Danao City’s Karansa Festival dancers in a halad (offering) dance, asking for protection from earthquakes and typhoons this year.
“I prayed to the Sto. Niño, hoping that no earthquakes or typhoons will hit us this year,” Baricuatro said backstage before performing.
The Karansa Festival dancers initially decided not to compete in this year’s Sinulog Ritual Showdown and Grand Parade but returned as special guests.
Their performance carried added significance following Danao City’s November floods and the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Cebu last September.
Baricuatro performed alongside department heads from the Capitol and staff from her office, describing the experience as both exciting and meaningful.
Her administration continues to prioritize recovery and rebuilding efforts across Cebu while maintaining ongoing development programs.
In December, she highlighted initiatives aimed at boosting provincial investments and growth.
Baricuatro also expressed gratitude for joining the Sinulog opening alongside Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival after the morning mass.
“There is unity in the province of Cebu and Cebu City, so I am really delighted I got invited because after all it is the event of Cebu City. Sinulog is Cebu City,” she said.
Since winning the gubernatorial race in 2025, Baricuatro had indicated she would dance in Sinulog if invited by the Cebu City mayor, continuing a tradition set by former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
Archival, together with Danao City Mayor Nito Durano III, joined her performance on Sunday.
Archival noted minor challenges during the parade, including bottlenecks caused by celebrities stopping floats for photos and some contingents performing outside judging areas.
Despite this, he described the festival as orderly and successful. Competitive performances ended around 6 p.m., followed by a closing show with a 20-minute fireworks display and judges’ deliberation.
Tribu Masadyaon of Toledo City and Tagbilaran City of Bohol were standout performers.
Tribu Masadyaon’s Free Interpretation routine, reflecting the country’s political climate, earned Best in Musicality, Best in Costume, and first place in Streetdancing.
Tagbilaran City led the Sinulog-Based category, featuring the Bolibongkingking ritual from Loboc, Bohol, and also won Best in Musicality.
A total of 37 contingents from across the Philippines, including Albay, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Antipolo, Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Zamboanga, participated in the festival, highlighting the nationwide appeal of Sinulog.
Photo by Edward Charles Tinga/PBB Photographer
