WINNING PERFORMANCE. Students of the Lepanto National High School performs the “sangbo” ritual during the cultural dance performances at the Benguet Sports Complex Gymnasium on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) –Youth performers from the 13 municipalities of Benguet celebrated their love for their culture and history through cultural dance performances.
At the Benguet Sports Complex on November 11, 2023, performers showcased the folklores of their respective towns in the Adivay Cultural Dance Performances competition.
The municipality of Mankayan represented by students of the Lepanto National High School performed the “sangbo”, a ritual for any good luck brought about by a strange happening. It was adjudged as the champion with a P40,000 cash prize.
The Buguias National High School students representing municipality of Buguias executed the “Dang-as” highlighting the culture of Ubbo. This was usually observed when building a house or a church and the community come together to help, and receive meat as payment.
The group also portrayed the spirit of “Albubo” (helping each other in times of need) during the time of COVID-19 pandemic as they combat the threat of the virus and celebrate various occasions. The performance clinched second place with P35,000 cash prize.
Students of Gov. Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School representing the municipality of Kapangan presented the “Legend of Pongayan”, the story of Sayod, a beautiful lady with buxom bosoms, daughter of Russel Dogen, a British traveler and Begsey from Kapangan who married Gawgaw, a skilled hunter from Tinek, Ifugao. They received P30,000 cash prize for third place.
2nd Place. Buguias National High School performs the “dang-as” culture during the cultural dance performances at the Benguet Sports Complex Gymnasium on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
All major awardees received plaque a recognition including the Municipality of La Trinidad for Best in Storyline; Itogon for Best in Folk Florist Performance, and Bokod Best for Best in Visual Impact.
The municipalities of Itogon, Bokod, Kibungan, Atok, Kabayan, Bakun, Tublay, Tuba, La Trinidad, and Sablan received a consolation prize of P20,000 each.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism and Arts vice chairperson Board Member Marie Rose Kepes expressed her gratitude to the performers in preserving the cultural identity and strengthening cultural bonds of the community.
“This celebration serves as a reminder of the Philippine’s unique traditions and customs while also providing opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding among the different communities,” she stated.
3rd. Students of Gov. Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School portray the “Legend of Pongayan” during the cultural dance performances at the Benguet Sports Complex Gymnasium on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Governor Melchor Diclas emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural wealth of the province as he thanked all the participants for showcasing Benguet tales in their dance performances.
The Cultural Dance Performances competition was part of the 2023 Adivay celebration with the theme “Benguet: Gateway to unforgettable getaways”. (JDP/DEG with Hanna Honorio & Regel Ferrer-SLU Interns) (Photos: Hanna Honorio, SLU Intern)
