Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe dancers, all smiles as they were on the streets of Wonju as they were going to dance in the Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival (WDDC)

By Veronica Laranjo

Among one hundred twenty five (125) international dancing groups, the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe (SCT) dancers from Tangub City bagged third place during the Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival (WDDC) 2019 held in Wonju, South Korea, Sept. 3-8.

Two dancing groups from South Korea grabbed the first and second place. Mongolia and Russia grabbed the fourth and fifth place respectively.

“I want to say congratulations to the Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe for making us proud as they represent the Philippines,” Gov. Philip Tan said in an interview. “We got the 3rd rank out of 125 groups which are larger than us and I am so happy for this new achievement we have and of course, our City Mayor Jennifer W. Tan will be much happier and proud of you. Even though we are not the champion but for me, you are still the champion because you danced with faith and love for the country.”

Jennifer W. Tan, Tangub City Mayor, expressed also her happiness when the SCT was announced as included in the top five (5) and became the third placer.

“It’s a great privilege that we are the one who represented our country among other dancing groups from the Philippines”, Mayor Jenny said. “Thank you so much for the dancers because they are doing their best. I am so proud to all of you.”

Meanwhile, one of the dancers, a student of Gov. Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC) encouraged everyone to think positively and to always believe that nothing is impossible.

“I really didn’t expect to be part of the SCT which made a great change to my life,” one of the dancers said. “I am so happy because through my talent and my confidence, I reached the place I have dreamed before, performed in an international arena and conquered it. I am so grateful to God and of course, to the SCT believing my ability.”

The carnival's website described the dance event as various dance forms: modern dance, traditional dance, and ballet, creative choreography, broadcasting dance, hip-hop, martial arts, and marching band perform dances that are possible to do in parades for about five minutes on the streets and the stage.

 The final stage was settled through two preliminary rounds and was only seen on the 120 meter special stage in Wonju, Ttattu Theater. Out of the 125 participants, 12 were chosen after the elimination round. The 12th time Sinulog champion, Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe was among those who were selected after the elimination.

From humble beginnings, the dancers endured discipline and months of rehearsals just so they can go to school through the scholarship offered by Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe. Their earnest desire to finish school coupled with passion for dancing brought them to the stage of Sinulog Festival.