DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Despite the difficulties in preparing for the competition with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sindac Anib Performing Ensemble from Bislig, Surigao del Sur defended their title in this year’s Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Open Category.
The group had only two weeks to prepare for their production and was hesitant to join at first because of the changes in class schedule.
“In our practices, we have to consider maximum health protocols and it’s not easy really to dance with a mask. These were the challenges we observed,” said Marc Hingco, the group’s choreographer, in an interview.
In their presentation, Sindac Anib presented a story of unity and courage of the indigenous peoples in Surigao to drive away wild animals and bad elements through chants and indigenous materials. They even brought out an effigy, a 22-foot saltwater crocodile that symbolized ‘Lolong’ the famed longest crocodile in captivity captured in the Agusan Marsh.
The group received a grand prize of P1 million, and also received minor awards for Best in Music, Best Choreographer, and FoodPanda Choice Award while the Best Mask is awarded to Youth OLMAG Performing Arts Guild from Kidapawan City.
The CFCST Palabuniyan Cultural Dance Ensemble won second place in the same category while the Youth OLMAG Performing Arts Guild-Kidapawan City won third place. The fourth and fifth placers were the Samal Island City College-LGU IGACOS and the Sidlakan Performing Ensemble from Malita, Davao Occidental.
In the other category, the Davao School-Based Category, the Benardo D. Carpio National High School (BDCNHS) from Buhangin Performing Ensemble was hailed as this year’s champion. They also bagged awards for Best in Music, Best Mask, and Best Choreographer.
In their presentation, the BDCNHS Performing Ensemble showcased the exploitation and greed against the Manobo tribe and their land. They also highlighted the power of ‘Magbabaya’ through the tribe elders in protecting the people and ensuring peace that brings bounty.
In the same category, the Sta. Ana National School Performing Arts Guild won second place while Doña Carmen National High School got third place. The TESDA RXI and the Mabini National High School won fourth and fifth places, respectively.
This year’s face-to-face celebration resulted in an influx of people, both local and foreign tourists, who were excited to witness the line-up of events. Since the pandemic in 2020, the local government held the Kadayawan activities online.
As early as 6:00 am, people gathered in three judging areas for the presentation of the 10 contingents of the street dancing competition. Spectators braved the scorching heat and even the ongoing threats of COVID-19 just to witness the Indak-Indak, which is one of the major highlights of every Kadayawan celebration.
The authorities have already said that a total of 12,332 personnel from the safety and security sector are deployed in various areas and events for this year’s celebration. Out of this number, 3,889 personnel were assigned to watch over the safety and security of guests and the general public during the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan competition. (davaotoday.com)
