Bais City’s Festival of Harvest dance won the championship in the Ritual Showdown Free Interpretation category of the Sinulog 2025 held Jan. 19 in Cebu City.
The Bais contingent won a cash prize of P3 million, while taking home another P500,000 cash prize for winning 3rd place in the Street Dancing competition.
They bested more than 40 other performing contingents from different parts of the country, which was witnessed by thousands of Cebuanos and tourists.
Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria paid tribute to Bais City Mayor Luigi Goñi and the Bais contingent, saying he couldn’t be prouder over their achievement.
Earlier last week, the Governor led provincial officials in sending off the 400-strong Bais contingent for Cebu City.
“I reminded the group during the send-off that [for me,] they are already champions for having won the championship in the Buglasan Festival last year,” Governor Sagarbarria said.
He also lauded Bais-based choreographer Sherwin Taneo, who was recognized as Best Choreographer.
“As Governor of Negros Oriental, I feel so inspired by the talent and dedication shown by everyone. This truly highlights the vibrant cultural spirit we have in our Region!” he said.
The Dumaguete City Sandurot Festival, meanwhile, placed 4th in the Street Dance category. They went home with a P300,000 cash prize. The Dumaguete contingent also placed 3rd for Musicality in the Free Interpretation category.
Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo said it’s a good year for Bais and Dumaguete cities. He said the teams from both cities were in high spirits from start to finish.
The Dumaguete Mayor congratulated Bais City Mayor Luigi Goñi, the trainers, “and most especially the dancers and the parents, who sacrificed a lot for the presentation”. (AP)
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Photo Caption: The Harvest Festival of Bais City, last year’s champion in the Buglasan Festival of Festivals, brings home the bacon winning P3.3 million in Cebu’s Sinulog Festival for the Free Interpretation Category and for winning third place for Best in Choreography. (Photo by Zasth Meryll Jo)