Eastern Samar places fifth in Sinulog Fest

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 18, 2006

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  – Once again, Region 8 showed that it is a region to reckon with when it comes to dancing and festival performances.

This was proven when the Sinulog contingent from Eastern Samar, which participated in the Sinulog for the first time this year, won the fifth place in the free interpretation category. As such, the contingent bagged P100,000.00 as cash prize. Most happy and proud is the choreographer of the group, Ms. Jenalyn Arica Avila.

The Eastern Samar contingent, composed of one hundred sixty high school and college students from the Eastern Samar State University, was headed by no less than Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, other provincial officials, the provincial administrator Allan Limbauan and Mr. Toto Cinco, tourism consultant of the Province.

This is not the first time that Eastern Visayas won an award at the Sinulog Festival and in national festival competitions. Years back, the Pintados contingent headed by Mr. Jess de Paz also won a place in the Sinulog Festival. The Pintados Festival choreographed by Mr. Jess de Paz also won third in the Aliwan Festival two years ago.

The Sarakiki Festival of Calbayog City also won an award at the Aliwan Festival four years ago. And three years ago, the much-appaluded primary school children representing the Tanauan, Leyte Pasaka Festival won second place at the Paskuhan Aliwan Festival.

Just as the Philippines may be named a country of many festivals, Region 8 may also be dubbed as the Festival Region considering the numerous municipal and provincial festivals which abounds in the Region.

The Pintados Festival which came after the Sinulog Festival, is the oldest festival in the Region. In fact, it was a member of the Sinulog Foundation which encouraged the Taclobanons to organize the Pintados Foundation after the EDSA revolution.