BAGUIO CITY – The first Baguio National Dance Festival officially opened at the Melvin Jones Grandstand with a traditional Cordilleran ritual led by Indigenous community representatives, marking the start of a four-day celebration of Filipino culture, creativity, and talent.
The ritual featured the butchering of a black pig, offered as a prayer for the success of the festival, with Hon. Maximo Hilario Edwin Jr., Baguio City Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, presiding over the ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Hon. John Rey Mananeng, SKF Baguio President, emphasized the festival’s aim to strengthen unity through dance. “Let your every sway, leap, and turn remind us that we dance and we are united beyond geography, generations, and borders,” he said.
Performances followed, including an invigorating routine by the Tanghalang Suhay Dance Company of Tanza National High School – Navotas, whose neo-ethnic style displayed a mix of contemporary, jazz, and ballet influences.
“Ready po kami na lumaban na buo. Dala namin yung tindig namin para sa sarili,” said dancer Danny Jr. Garcia, reflecting their eagerness and pride. Fellow performer Jay D. Garcia added, “This year hindi kami pinalad sa Bayle sa Kalye, but yung first Baguio National Dance Festival, nag-open ng window for us to showcase our talent once more. Nagbibigay ito ng pagkakaisa at pagkakahalubilo, at nagsisimula din na pagtanggap ng bawat kultura.”
Another highlight of the ceremony was a unity dance led by the Binnadang Cultural Dance Troupe which brought performers and audience members together in a vibrant display of talent, reflecting the festival’s theme: Sway to the Summit – Dancing Beyond Borders.
1,500 dancers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are participating in the festival, which runs from April 24-26, 2025. Competitions include dancesport, hip-hop battles, street dance crew showcases, and a cultural dance showdown, that will be held across various venues in Baguio: Baguio Central University Gymnasium (Magsaysay Campus), Baguio Athletic Bowl, Saint Vincent Gymnasium (Naguilian Rd), SM City Baguio Atrium, Bakakeng Central Barangay Multipurpose Hall, and Melvin Jones Grandstand.
In an interview, festival founder Harriet Sakiwat Astodillo revealed that the event was born from passion and a vision of promoting cultural preservation and youth participation. “Alam natin dito sa Baguio, very active tayo sa arts tapos music, kaya nga tayo naturingan na UNESCO creative city. Nag-dedeteriorate na rin ang involvement ng youth sa community. So, through this, we hope na yung participation nila is ma-enhance pa,” she said.
Astodillo, along with her team, secured funding through private sponsors, family contributions, and event registrations. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) also supported the event through the Philippine DanceSport Federation Inc. (PDSFI), by funding the Philippine National Breaking Championship and providing travel and accommodation for international judges. With the help of the Department of Education and various schools including Quezon Elementary School, New Lucban Elementary School, Mabini Elementary School, and Baguio Central School, lodging was arranged for the participating groups.
Astodillo called on Baguio residents to take part: “We are inviting the Baguio citizenry na sana manood or makipag-participate. We have posted a calendar of activities sa Facebook page po ng Baguio Dance Festival. So, we hope to see you all there and watch.” By Julianna Mallari
