Hip-hop, sacred rituals, and a child on stage: the 2026 Sinulog Festival proved that faith, culture, and creativity can collide in unforgettable ways.
Toledo City’s Tribu Masadyaon and Tagbilaran City of Bohol emerged as grand champions, each winning in separate categories while offering performances that fused devotion, culture, and innovation.
Tribu Masadyaon dominated the Free Interpretation (FI) category, sweeping the Sinulog Ritual Showdown, Street Dancing, Best in Costume, and Best in Musicality.
Their performance confronted political division, blending hip-hop choreography with messages of national unity and devotion to the Señor Santo Niño.
Festival organizers noted that the entry was considered risky, as it emphasized loyalty to the country over allegiance to political factions, but the group successfully delivered a compelling narrative that resolved unrest into faith.
Tagbilaran City, participating in the Sinulog-Based (SB) category for the first time, won the SB Grand Ritual Showdown.
Their performance highlighted the Bolibongkingking ritual from Loboc, a sacred healing dance rooted in pre-colonial animist customs and Spanish Catholic devotion.
Organizers said the performance carried the theme “Sugbohol,” symbolizing unity between Cebu and Bohol, and illustrated how faith in the Santo Niño serves as a unifying force across cultures.
A total of 37 contingents from across the Philippines participated, including groups from Albay, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Antipolo, Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Zamboanga City.
In the SB Grand Ritual Showdown, Dumanjug placed second, Carcar third, Banay Labangon fourth, and Mandaue City fifth. Banay Labangon also won Best in Costume for SB, recognized for its elaborate and authentic traditional attire.
In the FI category, Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival placed second, Hudyaka sa Bais: Festival of Harvests third, Lambo Mabolo fourth, and Tribu Carmenanon fifth. Festival officials noted that Hudyaka sa Bais, Kalivungan Festival, and Lumad Basakanon were also commended for musicality and streetdancing.
Other segments highlighted creative excellence in puppetry, giant figures, and floats.
In the Puppeteers Category, Entry No. 3 won first place, followed by Entry No. 2 and Entry No. 6.
The Higante Category was led by Entry No. 803, with Entries No. 805 and No. 802 following.
In the Float Category, F01 IPI secured first place, F11 Bellyshace Foods Inc. second, and F03 Manila Bankers Assurance third.
Following the weekend celebrations, provincial and city officials suspended classes on Monday, January 19, to allow students to rest and travel safely.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed closures for all public schools under provincial jurisdiction and granted a compensatory day off for Capitol employees who worked during the festival.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival also announced suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools.
Photo by Edward Charles Tinga/PBB Photographer
