5th Sinulog sa Bansalan (Update : Photos by dehr)

On the dawn of January 27, 2012 the weather was not so good. But it did not hinder the people in Bansalan ,especially the devotees to the Infant Jesus, to go out and participate on the annual celebration in honor to the Sto. Nino. The thanksgiving mass was officiated by Rev. Cris Violon, DCD the assistant Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish of Bansalan. Fr. Cris cited on his homily that Sinulog should not only be centered on entertainment but should focus on the love Jesus to his people. Sinulog is a thanksgiving to the infant Jesus thru dancing and music. After the mass, which was celebrated infront of the municipal hall, Fr.Cris led the Sinulog dancing despite the rain. Mayor Edwin Reyes, a devotee to the Sto. Nino, rendered thanksgiving and led the Sinulog Dancing. It can be recalled that Mayor Reyes had first introduced Sinulog festival in Bansalan during his first term as mayor.

At around 9:00 in the morning, the street dancing competition started despite the rain. Some suggested that the activity would be held in the ABC Gym instead of making it in the streets of Bansalan. But after a short meeting with the trainors , principals and the dancers, the majority had decided to make it outside the gym. So, there we go..dancing and singing, offering thanksgiving under the rain. God really worked in mysterious ways because the rain had subsided as the main celebration started. Thousands of people from the different barangays and neighboring towns joined the affair. The Hon. Congressman of the 1st District of Davao del Sur in the person of Marc Cagas was also present.

There were eight (8) participating teams from the different public and private schools who rendered their numbers on the open Sinulog Street Dancing contest. The dancers from Managa National High School got the 3rd place while the group from Nazareth High School bagged the second place. The Bansalan Central Elementary School Sinulog Dancers was declared grand champion, retaining their crown and honor because last 2011 Sinulog Dancing Competition they also won the first prize.

In the afternoon, the Bansalan Sinulog Basketball Tournament was held at the ABC Gym and was immediately followed with a free concert at the Viacrusis Park in the evening. Indeed, the celebration of Sinulog sa Bansalan was successful. The whole event was covered live by 91.1 Bansalan FM. To God be the Glory!