23/01/2026
My Sinulog 2026 thoughts | This is just my honest review to all contingents who made it to top 5 per category guyssss akin lang to HAHAHAHAHA.
DUMANJUG (TRIBU SEPTIMO)
Representing the 7th district of Cebu, that is where there tribe name is derived. Sadly lang kay wala ko kaabot sa performance nila kay na late ko ug abot sa CCSC HAHAHAHAHA! pero ang taw jud sa akong likod kay they cheer up Dumanjug and bet to win even after Carcar performed kay nindot jud daw kuno kaayo and sa Dumanjug. I was totally rooting for Dumanjug hoping that they could nail it -ofcourse for the province and they did! Because dili jud kaayo manimaho ang Dumanjug every PSS with their Bisnok Festival. Highlighting our Lolo and Lola, Tribu Septimo gave crowd a very good narrative story-telling. The costumes and props are all on point. And I also love that their musicality is subtle lang ang pag incorporate sa kanta nga "Senior Citizen by Agressive Audio" and it blends very well with the drums and music instrument and the transition is smooth.
I think of all the Sinulog-Based contingent joining this year is ang Tribu Septimo is I would have to say, pinaka nihakot ug "wow" factor with their presentation. From start to end naay gyuy mga pakulo ug nag baon jud ang Dumanjug ug daghang surprises like every 30 seconds naay pasabog. New props nga first time nako nakita sa Sinulog Grand stage (Ganahan ko sa katong murag window2x nga naporma ug nawng ni Santo Niño ug nahimong Pit Señor). And Yes! sa mga video rako nitan-aw sa ilang full presenation pero nakakita ko sa ilang group performance during Festival Queen basta pareha rana HAHAHAHA! Pero sayang lang kay wala ko kadungog sa shaok sa mga taw nga nanan-aw lol. Anddd ka upat gyud nag change ug costume ang mga dancers! Thats just superb. and something that made me feel upset because I missed it. lol!
Now, Although Talisay City did not join this year pero mura rapod nato ug nakita ang Talisay City Contingent sa Grandstage through Tribu Septimo. But I dont why this type of Dance narrative barely win the Grand prize. Any thoughts?? Not only Tribu Septimo delivered with wow-worthy moments but these group also is the most ambitious contingent this year. So since 2nd placer lang ang Dumanjug is mura pod sila ug na Talisay-zoned! HAHAHAHA. Btw im so curious this type of dance narrative can hardly get the Grand prize ay.
CARCAR CITY
Amongst all contingent, sila gyud ang nag deliver ug timely ug relevant kaayo nga concept. "Fear Not (because) God Is With Us" is the message portrayed by Carcar City. You know what, If you happened to be at CCSC, you would notice the audience barely applauded them -which in most cases, very undestandable because Carcar City's storyline is ambiguous at first. Mao gyud na akong nabantayan sa Carcar ever since na fan ko nila since 2019 HAHAHAHA! As in e replay pa nako ang performance nila before ko ka gets sa message. But once you capture what they truly meant, thats when you would really appreciate their performance even more. Carcar perfectly showcased the style sought in Sinulog and captured the essence of the dance through the years. No wonder they clinched championship every year since 2019 except in 2020 and since then, they have been the "standard" gyud for what Sinulog-Based is. PANG KOPYAHON NA GUD SA UBAN ANG MGA STEPPINGS UG STYLE SA DELIVERY NILA HAHAHAHA! But sadly for this year, its not for them. Not because ni bahar ang Carcar, but because their competitors levelled-up their presentation or maybe Carcar should change the way they deliver their message na, kay nakulang ta ug audience impact da!! HAHAHAHAHA. Kung sayaw lang ug musicality ug walay gamit props and everything, way siguro CARCAR gihapon. Duyugan pa gyud sa ilang stepping nga tuyok pinaluhod (twice) which implicates kung unsa gyud ka maayo mo mugna ang mga taga Carcar. Dili lang sila lami motimpla ug bokarilyo ug ampao, lami pod sila motimpla ug steppings! HAHAHAHA. Anyways, for their Sinulog 2026 presentation, well, as expected from this team, a very astonishing presentation. As what I have said here, timely and very revelant. Yes! Pia Wurtzbach ang atake! Carcar gave us a concept that is binge-worthy. Kung e internalize nato tanang materials nga gigamit sa Carcar kay mura gyud ka ug nagtan-aw ug movie nga makahilak. Their chosen scene perfectly complinents the overall presentation, the musicality is also on-point as if kung maminaw ka ma feel jud nimo ang pain nga gi portray sa mga dancers/actors on stage. and kidding aside, ang Dogs howl jud ang nagdala HAHAHUHUHU! We can associate their presentation sa current issue here in the country and its nice to see that they uses their talent to tell the message.
During entrance, dancers crying and worn different colors of sarong (signifying people from different walks of life) minutes after, followed by a woman nga nagkupot sa sundang ug natalaw sa mga Buaya, so a man took the bolo ug sya ang isog kaayo nga nakigbatok sa mga Buaya. At first, confusing kaayo ang mga props nga Buaya. mura lang siya ug simple lang nga props but in carries a deeper meaning. Base on my personal interpretation, The "crocodiles" represents greedy people. and minutes after their presentation ends, nigawas ang props nga "eagle" which can mean, for me, "Hope" (or basin naa silay taw nga gipasabot sa eagle) and seconds before they exit.. The Santo Niño props appeared. So to summarize, "Do not be scared with greedy people because Hope is coming through Santo Niño." Now if there is one thing that I see as a losing factor with Carcar this year is maybe ang props lang gyud. They could have make the dove birds much bigger para mas lively tan-awon. nagligas ra gyud siguro sa gamay kaayo nga points ang top 3. Maybe, pakusganay lang gyud siguro ug Audience impact karon nga year. Just saying 🙂
PS: Gi test jud ang dedication sa Carcar karong tuiga. They have encountered multiple challenges gyud gikan sa pag abot hangtud sa pag uli. Laban Carcar Sidlak gihapon Carcar.
TAGBILARAN CITY
First time contingent in Sinulog and won!! Honestly I did not see it coming but I think naa gyud siguroy nakita ang mga judges nga wala nakita sa uban hahahahaha! Anyways, In their presentation, TAGBILARAN City truly captured and masterfully executed the concept of overcoming the challenges brought by LA NIÑA through their unwavering devotion to Señor Santo Niño. Tagbilaran contingents highlights what is there is Bohol. They took advantage to promote their culture in national stage by incorporating their presentation with their own BOLIBONGKINGKING as one of their dance element for their Sinulog presentation which is also a tradional and cultural dance sa Bohol (I assume those steps kay mao ang main steps sa Bolibongkingking) -In which too risky for them because this is SINULOG -A celebratory of Cebu's traditional dance. Well to my surprise I guess it works because they clinched the championship. Besides, kever na siguro oi kay na appreciate man sad sa mga judges hahahahha! But I think just like any other, we also need to adapt other aspects to make it more inclusive for everyone because after all, Sinulog is for the whole country. Their presentation also highlights the theme "SUGBOHOL" emphasizing the friendship between Cebu and Bohol during the Sinulog celebration towards the end of their presentation which is a nice because it feels like they came here to unite with everyone. Speaking of something new, Bago sad gyud ko nasayod nga ang Tarsier kay blue diay ug mata. Baka Avatarsier yarn 😀 Over-all production is laban gyud kaayo.
BANAY LABANGON -BARANGAY LABANGON
Another barangay contingent nga worthy kaayo atangan. Banay Labangon! Labangon's performance is more on Abstract Presentation nga nikaon ug roughly 3 minutes ang part nga Adversity sa ilang Sinulog. But nevertheless, it was very compelling and eye-catching due to their synchronicity and very nice choreography and well executed movements. Plus their musicality! You know it's a good move for Barangay Labangon nga wagtangon ang katong pa whistle2x nila last Sinulog sa Kabataan as part of their musicality kay for me its unnecessary then usa sad, kay sakit kaayo sya sa dunggan hahahaha Basin mao toy hinungdan dili sila maka place sa best in Musicality hinuon. Their concept this year is of the ussual nga we see sa Grandstage but Of all Sinulog contingents nga nag theme ug "Depression and Self Doubt" in the past, Banay Labangon nailed it most and they really stick to the main message that they wanted to portray. The costume perfectly compliments sa theme and No wonder why they bagged the Best in Costume award. (Sila pod akong bet sa best in costume)
MANDAUE CITY
Ambot lang ha but each time maglantaw ko sa Mandaue City ng contingent maka remember gyud ko sa Sinanduloy HAHAHAHAHA the beat the music the move and about everything lol. But anyways Mandaue City is not a surprise making it to the top 5 for me. This contingent highlight what is there is the City of Mandaue particualarly the "Mantawi vine" which was shown sa ilang props katong green nga background, The "bibingka" which is popular delicacy sa Mandaue City (Lami jud bitaw na ilang bibingka diha) And their very own Festival, The Panagtagbo Festival and what this Festival is really all about. Their presentation is simply showing that "Sa dili pa mag pista Señor, is magtagbo sa gyud ang Sagrada Familia dinhi sa among syudad" which plays a very important role sa Sinulog Celebration. And I think in that sense, that secures them a top 5 placement but still not a podium win because dancing in should meant to entertain and not to educate. I think Mandaue fails to nail that wow factor and leaning to a boring show. Nagkulangan lang siguro ko sa ka bongga sa mga props. I dont even see a Bingka when their choir chants "Bingka mo diha Bingkaaaaa" hahahaha! I think what Mandaue have done this year is such a very nice concept considering their deep relevance with Sinulog Celebration but there is a huge room for improvement.
TRIBU MASADYAON -TOLEDO
Showcasing their element, street-style dance, wowed audience! Hoo!! Toledo is indeed, redefining the free-interpration in Sinulog. It was an uncoventional performance delivered by Tribu Masadyaon. But the message is very clear.. "UNITY". Sa first segment pa lang daan, associating their musicality with jingles from various political groups, Its easy for us know what there presentation is all about. But Toledo is Toledo. They did not come to play! They did not give audience a predictable show. Really working on their element! Plus, fit pa gyud kaayo ang theme sa Sinulog karon nga "In Santo Niño: We Are One" which I'd say, if this is exactly what the judges have seen, that could be their winning factor. despite the critism, Toledo stood firm to what they believe is justly for this category. Free Interpretation ngani?? hahahaha and yes they surely know how to stun the crowd with their moves and is able to pull off that hugyaw factor. The pressure is always high with Toledo because every year, there is new stepping nga dapat gyud atngan hahahahaha. I remember back in 2025 katong dapa nga pina kapa2x, hugyaw kaayo lol. Now, they re-imagined the Sinulog beat step. Im sure if you are a Toledo fan, you know which part what I mean. HEHEHEHE! If the Sinulog organization was impressed by what Toledo presented in 2026, just imagine the caliber of performance Tribu Masadyaon can showcase considering their remarkable ability in the years to come right?? Exciting!! Tribu Masadyaon has evolved through the years since they first joined Sinulog. Of all contingents in the history of Sinulog, Sila jud akong nakitaan ug significant kaayo nga evolution. Toledo has really found their identity sa Sinulog nga when people heard their name, People would know who this group is and what they are capable to do. I think its safe to say that now, Tribu Masadyaon etched their name in Sinulog.
TRIBU KALIVUNGAN, COTABATO
Bisan asa ka nga angle motan-aw from props to their musicality and to their beautiful costumes, they truly represent the Mindanao and carried the pride of community. I really love this group so much hopefully mo join pa sila next year with their level up pa gyud nga performance and hopefully mag Champion na gyud. I have seen a lot of reels about this contingent and seeing how much they enjoyed their visit in Cebu and how satisfied they are with their performance is maka happy 🙂 Anyways for their Sinulog presenation, One thing I observe is that smiling gihapon kaayo ang mga dancers nila despite sa kakapoy ug sa ka init gikan pa sa Street dancing. Well trained and well behaved during their performance. Their propsmen also contributes sa kaanindot sa ilang pasundayag kay mga lagsik kaayo mo bali2x sa props nga standee. second 1 tuyok, second 1 bali nasad, second 1 tuyok, second 1 another bali. 8X. Kahangak! Speaking of props nga standee, funny lang kaayo ang Santo Niño nga standee kay murag si Twirlie hahahaha joke.
But surprisingly, they did not win as the Best In Costume. I am not sure unsay ranking sa Best in Costume sa FI but the chance is high nga naa ra jud sila sa top 2 or top 3. Nevertheless, Toledo also deserved the award. But Tribu Kalivungan's Manobo inspired costume really represents so much not only to match their Mindanao'won routines but it just represents where they are coming from and so much more symbolism. Tribu Kalivungan's last Sinulog entry was back in 2019 but now this 2026, They really come to slay!
HUDYAKA SA BAIS -BAIS CITY
Defending champion and first time competing back in 2025. Hudyaka sa Bais or Festival of Harvest stunned people last year and they did it once again 2X the astonishment!!
Bais showcased a stage-packed visuals ug busog kaayo ang imong mata kung magtan-aw ka sa ilang performance labi na kung live audience ka tungod sa colorful sa presentation. Partida udtong tutok pa sila nakasayaw ug walay lights but they executed their presentation very well. Lagsik pa jud kaayo manayaw ang mga dancer despite the heat!
So they go with the traditional route kanang literal nga tribu2x but they did not disappoint. They super duper nailed it TWICE compared sa performance nila last 2025. As in ang 5 minutes nila nga performance is mura rag 30 seconds kay dili ka ganahan mamilok while watching them and while nag goosebumps ka. HAHAHAHA! It was really such a roller coaster performance from Bais City. I also like their musicality, Very smooth kaayo ang transition sa "Under The Sea" to the "Sinulog Theme Song" mura na nuon sya ug live adaptation sa Disney's Little Mermaid ahahahaha. This Free Interpretation performance by far, is the most visually pleasing sa tanang nag concept ug dagat2x in the history of Sinulog.
LAMBO MABOLO -BARANGAY MABOLO
Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026 Grand Champion made it to the top 5 during Grand Parade and its not surprising to me kay pasok sad gyud sila sa akong radar HAHAHAHA! Unlike during Sinulog sa Kabataan, makabungog gyud ang ka hugyaw sa Lambo Mabolo but apparently, during Grand Parade they somehow lost that momentum pero kever na kay at least pasok sa top 5. I think one factor that affects that is that naunhan na sila sila Bais ug Tribu Kalivungan and we know, these two delivered spectacular performances ug medyo nalubong gyud ang Lambo Mabolo in terms of audience impact when they performed because people were already expecting more -more than what Bais and Tribu Kalivungan gave. Pero wala nagpakabog ang Mabolo, they have shown who they were. Apparently, maybe due to the lack of time Mabolo stick to their original routine, Correct me if im wrong but there were no changes made during Grand Parade which is payts raman pod. Mabolo truly deserves the top 4 placement. Super!!
TRIBU CARMENANON -MUNICIPALITY OF CARMEN
Highlighting SAFARI (Cebus first man made forest) Carmen gave an Animal Kingdon vibe during their presentation. It was really a hope of mine that they will showcase what Municipality of Carmen has and its their Safari (Bitaw wala pako naka anha hahahahaha) and Im so happy to see seeing them on stage. However, medyo nakulangan lang siguro ko sa Hataw factor which really disappoints my excitement. Bcause I was expecting more of a "Madagascar kind of theme" but something if off when they associate their dance with human-tribal concept. The goal of highlighting the safari theme was somewhat overshadowed by their human tribe concept.
And hopefully, Carmen could really find their identity in next years Sinulog. Since PSS Carmen is really struggling the find their identity sa Sinulog or maybe its just their own tactic to shift from Snulog-base to Free Interpretation or maybe they are still in the process of figuring out who and what Carmen is in terms sa Sinulog. Kay Sinulog pod raba ta diha sa Carmen nuh?? HAHAHAHHA. Mao rato ang akong comment ani nga group hahahhahahaha
Sayang kaayo wala naka join ang Talisay this year. Best in audience impact gyud raba sila always HAHAHAHAHA! They could have won their very first Championship sa Sinulog Grand Parade in my opinion. Gisungog lang gyud sila sa panahon. Also Im quite shocked with MOALBOAL leaning Sinulog-Base, I was expecting them to go for Free Interpretation ug atbangan ang Bais sa ilang "Under the Sea" nga theme. Asturias on the other hand also did not make it, and Im so sorry for them. Pero Bawi man kaayo sa Festival Queen. Also with Luzon contingents, I was really hoping for Luzon contingents nga mamugas sila this year because 2025 is very kolelat kaayo ang mga performances nila but I guess for "Halad" lang gyud siguro ila ug walay plano makig tigi sa mga other contingents which is good. Theres so much to mention but these really catched my attention. So these are just my pure and honest opinion with Sinulog Festival 2026!! Im so happy with Sinulog this year as to how organized the event was. Nakabalik gud ko ug sadsad kay 6pm nahoman na ug sayaw tanan! HAHAHAHA. Im hoping everyone have a great time during Sinulog 2026. Pit Señor!!
