The group bested 13 other contingents coming from Cebu City and Cebu Province during the ritual showdown at the full-packed Cebu City Sports Center.
The 2020 Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan (City) champion Tribu Lumad Basakanon only settled for fourth place this year, but was able to win the Best in Street Dancing title.
In an interview with SunStar Cebu on Monday, Jan. 9, Carcar City choreographer Kathryn Estenzo said their story delivery about “hunger and healing” made their performance stand out from the rest.
Estenzo shared that she had been diagnosed with cancer at the height of the pandemic and getting treatment was very difficult due to the travel restrictions.
The distribution of “ayuda” or aid during the pandemic also struck Estenzo, especially when people who are sick have to fall in line just to receive a bag of rice.
Estenzo also shared that during their practices, some of their dancers and production members were getting sick due to the intermittent weather which posed a challenge to their preparations.
The group had only a month to prepare since they were also busy with their Kabkaban Festival that was held last Nov. 25.
Despite this, Estenzo said they are thankful to the Carcar City Government for the full support it has given such as food and logistic needs.
The contingent is composed of around 700 members and 98 of them are dancers.
Estenzo further said they will try to do their best to give another astounding performance during the One Sinulog Island Festival Grand Parade at the South Road Properties on Sunday, Jan. 15.
“We will just try to do our best and give a very good message to the whole audience… it is not all about the artistry but it is all about how to heal ourselves through prayer,” said Estenzo.
Carcar City also took first place for best in musicality and best in costume, while they settled for third place in street dancing.