LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Thirteen municipalities from Benguet showcased their cultural heritage in the Adivay 2024 Cultural Dance Performance Competition held at the Benguet Sports Complex. The event captivated the audience with vibrant costumes, energetic performances, and intricate choreography that highlighted the diverse traditions of the province. Dances from various indigenous groups, including the graceful Ibaloi and lively Kankanaey, reflected Benguet’s rich cultural diversity. The participating municipalities and their representatives were: Tublay (Tublay School of Home Industries), Tuba (Evelio Javier National High School), Sablan (Sablan National High School), Mankayan (Lepanto National High School), La Trinidad (Benguet National High School), Kibungan (Kibungan National High School), Kapangan (Gov. Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School), Kabayan (Kamoa National High School), Itogon (Trazon S. Fianza Sr. National High School), Buguias (Buguias National High School), Bokod (Bokod National High School), Bakun (Bakun National High School), and Atok (Camp 10 National High School).
A panel of esteemed judges—Jonathan Baroga, Group General Manager of Newton Plaza Hotel, Travelite Hotel, and Travelite Express Hotel; Regina Elizabeth Mammag, DILG Director; and Jovita Ganongan, DOT-CAR Director—evaluated the performances based on several criteria. For the Best Storyline award, the judges considered authenticity and uniqueness (50%), composition and content (30%), and Imaginary elements (20%). For Best Folkloric Performance, the criteria included cultural impact (50%), choreography and execution (30%), and distinctiveness (20%). In the Best Visual Impact category, judges assessed aesthetic bearing/impact (50%), use of appropriate materials (30%), and color structure/composition (20%).
The overall major awards were determined by a combination of criteria: choreography (30%), originality (30%), cultural impact (20%), and aesthetic impact (20%).
The competition recognized several outstanding performances with special awards: Best in Folkloric Performance was awarded to Tublay, Best Storyline went to Mankayan, and Best in Visual Impact was given to Kapangan. In the final rankings, Mankayan emerged as the champion, winning PhP45,000, while Tublay, the first runner-up, received PhP40,000, and Kapangan secured second runner-up with PhP35,000.
Additionally, all other participating municipalities—Tuba, Bakun, Sablan, Atok, Itogon, Kabayan, Kibungan, Bokod, La Trinidad, and Buguias—received a consolation prize of PhP25,000 each.
The Adivay 2024 Cultural Dance Competition was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of Benguet’s cultural identity. The event showcased the province’s vibrant traditions, fostering a sense of pride and unity among its people. As the curtains fell on this spectacular event, it left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations to carry on the rich cultural legacy of Benguet. By Dana Puspos
