Sinukwan 2008... Some of the events

Last November 30 to December 6, people of Pampanga celebrated Sinukwan. One of the most celebrated festival in Central Luzon, Philippines. I remembered when my students and I joined the street dancing and cultural presentation night way back 2004. As I have mentioned, we didn't won but the recognition trophy that we received and the experience and excitement is enough for all of us. Unfortunately, I was not able to bring with me the thropy home when I left the school in 2005 and moved on to another career. Trophy is really cool. It's like the oscars trophy but instead of oscar as the man standing on the trophy, it is Aring Sinukwan. Thus, the legend begins...



Many are wondering what is Sinukwan. Let me give you the legend of Sinukwan.



A long, long time ago there lived a noble, gigantic being named Siku. He was the first inhabitant of Pampanga. He ruled over the creatures that later populated the region. Up there in his lush abode that was Mt. Arayat, he held lavish banquets. He became known for his unbridled feasts, serving only the most elegant silverware.


Like Siku, his Capampangan subjects were very hard workings. They planted the strongest trees in the kingdom. One day, the taga-ilugs, people who lived along the banks of “Ilug Maragul”, cut down these big trees to build baneas, without Siku’s permission.


The Capampangans learned about this and became very angry. They chased the taga-ilugs until they reached Siku’s kingdom, were they faced Siku’s wrath. Furious, the taga-ilugs threatened to return with their queen, Mariang Makiling. Deep into the night, thousands of boats stealthily came to Siku’s kingdom to seek revenge.



Alerted of the attack Siku’s bravely faced the taga-ilugs. He brought two giant rocks and together with his people, fearlessly jumped into the river. The water rose so high that the entire river overflowed. Overcome by the great tidal force, the taga-ilugs were helplessly driven back.



Makiling acknowledge her defeat and surrender to Siku, thus the name Sinukwan, which means “SOMEONE TO WHOM OTHERS SUBMIT”. Struck by Makiling’s unparallel beauty and extraordinary strength, King Sinukwan fell in love with the goddess, and asked her hand in marriage.



They had three daughters, Malagu (Beautiful), Mahinhin (Modest), and Matimtiman (Charming), all named after the traits they inherited from their mother. But much to the displeasure of the kings and queens, their three daughters fell in love with mortal men, Masikan (Strong), Matapang (Brave), and Masipag (Industrious). In time, these men prove their love to sinukwan’s daughters. Moved by their determination and loyalty, the king finally conceded, and allowed his daughters to marry the mortals.



King Sinukwan continued to rule over Pampanga for a very, very long time. In a place where the courage, wisdom, faithfulness and loved prevailed, his kingdom became a reflection of Siku’s legendary greatness.



That is the legend of Sinukwan. I was not able to attend the main event of Sinukwan which is the street dancing and cultural night where in Capampangans showcase their talents in the various competitions of the said event. Plus, there are exhibits from Capampangan artist in the field of arts (photography and painting) and fashion.I was only able to attend the fashion event and I was late to arrive at the venue Robinson's Starmills San Fernando, Pampanga. I was just able to get a photo of the dresses made by our Capampangan couturiers on exhibit. I'll post them on my next blog.


Here is the video of the schools and other organizations who joined the Sinukwan street dance and cultural night competition.


Here are the list of participants of the competition on the video above.


ELEMENTARY:
1. San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies and Schools (from City of San Fernando) 2. San Jose Panlumacan Elementary School (from City of San Fernando) 3. Anderson Elementary School (from Arayat) 4. San Agustin Elementary School (from City of San Fernando) 5. San Fernando Elementary School (from City of San Fernando)

HIGH SCHOOL / SECONDARY CATEGORY
1. Tribo Apalitenos (from Apalit) 2. Jose C. Feliciano College (from Mabalacat) 3. University of the Assumption (from City of San Fernando) 4. (participants on this number did not came) 5. Game Master Tribe (from Apalit) 6. Don Honorio Ventura College (from Bacolor) 7. San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies and Schools (City of San Fernando)

The presentations of the Elementary Level are the most that caught the eyes of the viewers at the Robinson's Starmills Event Center. They have showcased their talent and everything they got on this event. I bet your wondering who won on the competition. Here are the list of the winners and what category they had won.

Winners for the Sinukwan Festival 2008:

ELEMENTARY

-Best in Group Headdress
1st Prize: San Lorenzo Ruiz CSS
2nd Prize: San Fernando Elem Sch
3rd Prize: San Jose Panlumacan Elem Sch

-Best in Group Costume
1st Prize: San Lorenzo Ruiz CSS
2nd Prize: San Jose Panlumacan Elem Sch
3rd Prize: Anderson Elem Sch

-Street Dancing/Free Interpretation (Combined)
1st Place: Anderson Elem Sch
2nd Place: San Jose Panlumacan Elem Sch
3rd Place: San Lorenzo Ruiz CSS

OVER-ALL CHAMPION: Anderson Elem Sch

HIGH SCHOOL

-Best in Group Headdress
1st Prize: University of the Assumption
2nd Prize: San Lorenzo Ruiz CSS
3rd Prize: Jose C. Feliciano College

-Best in Group Costume
1st Prize: San Lorenzo Ruiz CSS
2nd Prize: University of the Assumption
3rd Prize: Jose C. Feliciano College

-Street Dancing Competition:
1st Place: Don Honorio Ventura College
2nd Place: University of the Assumption
3rd Place: San Lorenzo Ruiz CSS

-Free Interpretative Competition
1st Place: University of the Assumption
2nd Place: San Lorenzo Ruiz CSS
3rd Place: Don Honorio Ventura College


OVER-ALL CHAMPION: University of the Assumption

P.S. Thank you to SinukwanFestival2008 and Nosyajam for the video and list of winners and participants