Contingents from the towns of Alcoy and Carmen will concentrate on defending their titles as Sinulog champions in the grand parade on Jan. 18.This means both groups will have to skip this afternoon’s parade of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan. “They said it would be hard for them to join the Sinulog sa Kabataan because doing so might give away the surprises they prepared for the grand parade,” said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI). Also, Alcoy’s contingent, known for its troupe of “black bird” dancers, has a mix of elementary and high school students. The Sinulog sa Kabataan requires separate contingents for elementary and high school. Last year, Alcoy won the grand prize in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan elementary division. Their contingent for the grand parade also won in the Sinulog-Based Category.
The contingent from Carmen took the first runner up spot in the Free Interpretation Category of last year’s grand parade. This afternoon, nine contingents will compete in each division of today’s Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan. Street dancing will start at 1 p.m. from the Cebu Provincial Capitol, down Osmeña Boulevard towards the Cebu City Sports Center. Awarding of winners will follow at the sports center. Sections of Osmeña Boulevard will be closed off to vehicles this afternoon for the parade. Motorists are advised to avoid Osmeña Boulevard or to schedule trips before and after the road is closed. | 
