Barangay Mabolo’s pride, Lambo Mabolo, rose above the rest as it clinched the championship in the Ritual Showdown of Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026, capping off a strong and multi-awarded performance in this year’s festivities.
Outshining 16 other barangay contingents, Lambo Mabolo delivered a powerful and polished presentation that earned them the top honor in the highly anticipated showdown held at the Cebu City Sports Center on Saturday, January 10.
The Mabolo contingent also proved its versatility in the Street Dance competition, finishing as first runner-up.
Lumad Basakanon successfully defended its title in the category.
Adding to its winning streak, Lambo Mabolo dominated the special awards, taking home the Best in Costume plum and placing first runner-up in Best in Musicality.
This has cemented its reputation as one of this year’s most formidable contenders.
Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026 featured multiple competition segments, including Street Dance, Ritual Showdown, and the Marching Band or Brass Band competition.
Digos City National High School emerged as champion in the Brass Band category, followed by Silliman University and St. Paul University–Dumaguete.
List of Winners
Marching Band / Brass Band Competition
• Champion: Digos City National High School
• 1st Runner-Up: Silliman University
• 2nd Runner-Up: St. Paul University–Dumaguete
Street Dance Competition
• Champion: Lumad Basakanon
• 1st Runner-Up: Lambo Mabolo
• 2nd Runner-Up: Tugbok Tejero Kultura Ensemble
Best in Musicality
• Champion: Lambo Mabolo
• 1st Runner-Up: Lumad Basakanon
• 2nd Runner-Up: Banay Labangon
• 3rd Runner-Up: Banay San Nicolasnon
• 4th Runner-Up: Barangay Babag
Best in Costume
• Winner: Lambo Mabolo
Ritual Showdown
• Champion: Lambo Mabolo
• 1st Runner-Up: Lumad Basakanon
• 2nd Runner-Up: Banay San Nicolasnon
• 3rd Runner-Up: Banay Labangon
• 4th Runner-Up: Tribu Bulaknon of Barangay Babag
• 5th Runner-Up: Tugbok Tejero Kultura Ensemble
• 6th Runner-Up: Sinag San Roqueño Performing Arts
Despite the conclusion of the Sinulog sa Dakbayan competitions, the celebration is far from over for the participating groups.
Winning and non-winning contingents alike are set to return to the streets as part of the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18, where they will join around 40 contingents in bringing the vibrant devotion, rhythm, and storytelling of Sinulog to thousands of spectators across Cebu City. (LLP)
