Municipality of Carmen Sinulog 2009 Contingent

As a teacher you will have a thousand of privileges and of course what comes with it are also a thousand of responsibilities. In just a span of eight months, I was able to become a host of different school and community programs, a judge of different socio-cultural contests, contest facilitator, volleyball coach, stage play trainer, show writer/director, quiz master, oration coach, speech choir trainer, and the most recent task is, to be the chaperone of the Sinulog performers of the Municipality of Carmen Contingent for the Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras 2009. But I consider this task more of a privilege than a duty; it is because I was able to witness together with my colleagues how the dancers, the musicians and the props men were improving from the day one of the practice until last night for their dress rehearsal.

I had really witnessed how their choreographer Angelo Manapsal, who was also responsible for making The Carmen National High School Contingent won the Sinulog sa Kabataan 2008, imparted his knowledge, skills and grace to the dancers. Angelo did a marvelous task in demonstrating every steps and actions of the dance, supervising every detail of the costumes and props, creating the music and beat with the drummers and buglers and giving instructions to the props men and other performers. The tasks of the teachers actually were to check the attendance and to distribute the snacks or meals to the performers. It was quiet a simple assignment, but we were proud of our little effort in showing Carmen our love and support.

Last night, the performers were having their dress rehearsal. Fr. Benjamin Cotapay offered a mass and blessed all the costumes. Government officials headed by the energetic Mayor Sonia Q. Pua were present to witness the event. Different government and non-government organizations of Carmen were also there, and of course I should never fail to mention some of the Carmenanons who were very excited and proud to watch for the firs time the dancers in their African inspired costumes. I know Angelo and the performers were all nervous for the high expectations of the Carmenanons. After the practice, I became confident to say that the performers never failed us, we had really seen how they were giving all their best, performing as if it was their last. But of course the best presentation is yet to come, that would be on the Grand Mardi Gras Day, January 18, 2009.

Good luck Carmenanons! And kudos to all, for the unity and cooperation you have showed to the whole Christian world.

Viva Pit Señor!