In a victory that resonated with deep cultural significance, the contingent Lambo Mabolo from Barangay Mabolo was declared champion of the Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026 ritual showdown. The event was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Cebu City Sports Center.
A Triumphant Return to Cultural Origins
For Barangay Mabolo, this win transcended a typical festival competition. It represented the return of the foundational beat to its recognized birthplace. The community is historically acknowledged as the cradle of the traditional sinug rhythm, the dance-prayer that forms the core of the modern Sinulog festival.
Barangay Captain Daniel Francis Arguedo emphasized that the victory symbolizes their enduring role as guardians of Sinulog's authentic roots. "Mabolo has long been identified as the source of the Sinulog beat keepers," Arguedo stated, framing the 2026 triumph as a powerful homecoming for the tradition.
Preserving a Living Legacy Beyond the Stage
The commitment in Mabolo to preserving the sinug extends far beyond the annual festival spotlight. The barangay actively supports groups that faithfully follow the traditional rhythm passed down from the lineage of Estelita 'Nang Titang' Diola, revered as the original keeper of the beat.
Arguedo shared a poignant example of this living tradition. After a 6.9-magnitude earthquake damaged a church in Daanbantayan on September 30, 2025, children from Mabolo performed the sinug there as a form of prayer and offering. "It's maintained. It's like Christmas caroling — going to every house, performing the sinug," he described.
He stressed that authenticity is paramount, outweighing spectacle. "Useless is your all-out support, preparation, all efforts if your people are not authentic," Arguedo explained, noting the barangay only backs groups adhering to the true traditional beat.
Evolution and Core Identity of Sinulog Dance
While Mabolo's win highlights tradition, veteran choreographer Jojin Pascual, with 36 years of Sinulog experience, provided context on the festival's evolution. He explained that Sinulog-based dance, existing since 1980, is anchored on its defining movement: two steps forward and one step backward.
The introduction of the Free Interpretation category around 1990-1991 marked a shift, allowing for broader creative expression with modern elements. However, Pascual clarified that judges still seek the traditional step as the core requirement. "The two steps forward and one step backward may be footwork, but choreographers are challenged to decide what to do with the rest of the body," he said.
Lambo Mabolo's winning performance also carried a relevant social message, tackling issues like mendicancy and illegal drugs. Choreographer Barry Luche framed the concept around the Señor Sto. Niño as Savior, merging faith with contemporary realities.
The victory of Lambo Mabolo underscores a vital narrative for the Sinulog: as the festival grows in scale and creativity on the grand stage, communities like Mabolo remain the heartbeat, ensuring the rhythm endures as prayer, culture, and collective memory.
