By I. Inojales | 08:43 AM November 12, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY – The Pentagon Drum and Bugle Corps, Inc. has decided not to join the Tagbilaran City contingent for the Sinulog Festival 2027, citing concerns over rehearsal arrangements and potential conflict of interest.
In a public statement issued on Nov. 11, the group said it had carefully evaluated the proposed arrangements before deciding to decline the invitation to become part of the city’s instrumentalist team.
Pentagon DBC was among the instrumentalist groups that helped Tagbilaran win the championship in the Sinulog-based category of the Ritual Showdown during the 2026 Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
The city government had earlier initiated efforts to consolidate local drum and bugle corps into one contingent to represent Tagbilaran in next year’s festival.
Representatives of three bands initially met on Oct. 31, 2026, at Sweethome Café to discuss the proposed collaboration. The discussions continued during a meeting on Nov. 9 at the Tagbilaran City Tourism Office, where the groups expressed positive responses to the plan.
However, Pentagon DBC announced on Nov. 10 that it would no longer participate in the proposed Tagbilaran Chapter for Sinulog 2027.
“It has been an honor and privilege for Pentagon Drum and Bugle Corps to be considered as part of the instrumentalists representing the Tagbilaran City Contingent for Sinulog 2027 and to have the opportunity to help defend last year’s championship title,” the group said.
It clarified that its decision was not prompted by financial concerns and that it had no problems with the other groups with which it collaborated during the previous festival.
The group described its participation in Sinulog 2026 as a positive experience, saying the championship was achieved through the collective efforts of everyone involved.
It said the withdrawal was a decision to protect the organization’s reputation and ensure the safety, welfare and peace of mind of its members.
“More than contracts, prizes, or recognition, what matters most to us is the joy, the genuine love for music, and the well-being of everyone,” it said.
Despite its decision to withdraw from the Tagbilaran contingent, Pentagon DBC said it remained open to bookings for Sinulog 2027 and welcomed invitations from other contingents seeking an experienced drum and bugle corps.
The city government’s initiative to unite local DBCs, meanwhile, aims to showcase Tagbilaran’s musical talent, discipline and cultural identity through a unified performance at the Cebu festival.
The proposed collaboration is also intended to strengthen cooperation among local music groups and bring the city’s pride to the Sinulog stage.
