26 AND COUNTING: 2025 Sinulog attracts a bevy of early bird signups

Local

THE Sinulog Festival 2025 is gearing up for a grander celebration as 26 confirmed participants from across the country have already signed up for one of the country’s biggest religious and cultural events.

With a mix of 12 out-of-town and 14 contingents from Cebu City, the festival promises to be bigger and more vibrant, showcasing the diverse cultural and artistic expressions from different regions.

Elmer “Jojo” Labella, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), confirmed the growing number of participants through a post on Cebu City’s public information office Facebook page.

The festival is expected to draw even more attention as the Sinulog Foundation awaits final approval from Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on the confirmation of provincial local government units also joining the event.

Among the out-of-town contingents, groups from Luzon, including Tabaco College from Albay, the Antipolo Maytime Festival winner, and Sorsogon province, have confirmed their participation.

The Visayas will be represented by the municipalities of Abuyog, Javier, and Alangalang from Leyte, while Del Carmen from Siargao in Mindanao completes the confirmed out-of-town entries.

Cebu City will feature 14 confirmed contingents, including the Guadalupe Banauan Cultural Group, Apas, San Nicolas, Banilad, Labangon, Kalunasan, Landonian Tribe, University of the Philippines, Basak Pardo, Abellana National School, and Zapatera.

In addition, Barangay Biga from Toledo City in Cebu province will also take part in the festival.

Labella noted that the SFI executive committee and Cebu City officials continue to hold regular meetings to brainstorm new ideas and ensure that this year's festival meets high expectations.

Although final preparations are still underway, Labella said the festival's dances will emphasize both the veneration of the Santo Niño in the Sinulog-based category and creative, engaging storylines in the Free Interpretation category.

Reflecting on past events, Labella mentioned that 17 contingents participated in the grand competition in 2024, while 16 groups joined in 2023. With 26 confirmed groups this year, Sinulog 2025 is expected to be the largest edition yet.

Earlier, City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced increases in subsidies for the participating contingents. Out-of-town contingents will now receive P1.5 million in subsidies, up from P800,000 in 2024.

Contingents from Cebu City and Cebu province will also see their subsidies increase to P1 million, compared to the previous P700,000.

The prize pool for the puppeteers and higantes categories has also been raised. First-place winners will receive P100,000, up from P75,000; second-place winners will earn P75,000, compared to the previous P50,000; and third-place winners will take home P50,000, an increase from P30,000.

Meanwhile, the prize distribution for the dancing contingents remains unchanged, with the grand champion set to receive P3 million, second place P2 million, third place P1.5 million, fourth place P1 million, and fifth place P750,000.(MyTVCebu)

Garcia also announced that the registration fee for the puppeteers and higantes categories will be waived for the first time in Sinulog’s history. Typically, participants in these categories are required to pay a P1,000 registration fee, but this year the City Government will cover the cost.

Additionally, government agencies participating in the float competition will be able to enter the venue free of charge, allowing them to promote their respective initiatives and increase public awareness.(MyTVCebu)