BANAUE, Ifugao – Banaue’s first founding celebration featured various cultural-related activities amidst the cultural and ethnic activities being reserved for the Imbayah festival’s grand comeback in 2026, as mentioned by Banaue Mayor Joel Bungallon.
Culturally inspired and related activities were showcased from May 2 to 11, 2024 for Banaue’s first founding celebration. May 8 was dedicated for tourism night showcasing a cultural show performed by invited cultural groups of Banaue, performing different native dances and chants such as the Hudhud, with a community dance joined by the Banaueans.
The following night, the Municipal Gymnasium was filled with audiences for the Cultural Fashion Show. Mayor Bungallon led the red carpet walk followed by the jurors. The young models graced the runway while proudly wearing their native attires and the ethnic inspired clothes designed by local designers.
A day before the formal program, the gloomy and rainy weather did not hinder the street dancing competition. During the rain or shine performance, six out of eighteen barangays participated to showcase their entries. Some participants backed out to attend their class since it is an exam week for some schools. Due to the event not yet declared as a municipal holiday until it becomes an ordinance, students are unexcused.
Important points mentioned in the Street Dancing competition guidelines includes the performances to be a free interpretation of the theme, “Honoring Roots, Celebrating Heritage, Embracing Change for Sustainable Progress” and to incorporate ethnic music that can be a fusion of modern and traditional instruments.
Councilor Wilson A. Balungay, who is also a member in the Committee on Indigenous People expressed his appreciation to street dancing. He said that he appreciates the activity because it shows how the young people show and support their learning from the elders. And it is also a concrete expression of their beliefs and feelings
In relation to the Street Dancing competition and the theme, Balungay further underscored the importance of incorporating the ethnic and cultural aspect in the criteria.
“It is important to incorporate ethnic in street dancing because it reminds the old and young ones, the connection between the old practices and the modern practices. It balances; and you can see your past, you can see your present, you can see your future”.
Public feedback regarding the results of the competition highlights the importance of a clearly defined criteria and to contextualize the concept of “street dancing” in a Cordilleran context.
During the last day and formal program of the founding celebration, the Hinggatut and Chinuyyah Native Dances were performed. The Chinuyyah native dance by the Tuwali tribe was performed by the children of Barangay Kinakin. While the Hinggatut native dance by the Ayangan tribe was performed by the adults of Barangay Ducligan.
In addition to the difference of gong beat and movement wherein the Hinggatut is faster, Balungay stated that originally, the dances also represent the difference in social standing between the two tribes. Whereas, the Tuwali tribe was regarded as superior over the Ayangan.
As the town is filled with the dominant colors of red,black and white from the community’s native attire, Balungay noted the essential part of wearing native attire properly. Because it reflects their identity as people and as a tribe. He also said that properly wearing it is part of preserving their cultural heritage.
“In the past, we learned how to use them but as time goes by, we are slowly diminishing the proper use. It is important to educate generation to generation to maintain and sustain the proper use of our costume and native attire.”
In every festival in Banaue, one of the most awaited activities is the wooden scooter exhibit presented by the men from Barangay Viewpoint, where the wooden scooter originated. The men will ride their wooden scooters from the Main Viewpoint towards the public market.
Men in g-string also played and competed in volleyball and guyyudan or tug of war wherein foreign tourists participated. Some groups in these competitions were halted due to unexpected heavy rains.
Connecting tradition and cultural activities, Councilor Roberto M. Immotna, the Committee on Tourism Chairman said, “we need to cherish our traditions that connect us to the past and save our future”.
He also stated that various activities are in line and proposed. One of the currently proposed festivals is the Tinawon Festival. While Banaue is known for its Rice Terraces together with the Tinawon heirloom rice, Immotna stated that Tinawon products should be given attention and priority which also has the potential to be Banaue’s One Town,One Product.
According to Immotna, the planning of the Tinawon festival is still underway but can be expected to be launched as early as next year if approved. He added that the possible highlights of the said festival will be the farmers working in the fields with the traditional rituals associated with the planting cycle. And the festival will feature different Tinawon products.
“It’s nice to have different festivals”, Immotna said in hopes that the different planned activities every year will attract tourists while waiting for the ‘Grand Imbayah Festival’. Preparing the budget is also necessary for the Imbayah festival since it will be a grand festival, he said.
To overcome some of the weaknesses of the town when it comes to activities and festivals, Immotna gave a gentle reminder to the public.
“ We really need cooperation, understanding, and openness. Magagaling tayo pero kung minsan kulang tayo sa unity, kulang tayo sa concern. If you have good ideas and opinions, the concern comes in. You talk to proper persons so that your opinion will be shared and embedded once accepted.” By Peachy Clarisse L. Tillay
