BAGUIO CITY – With music, dance, and heartfelt gratitude, the Hapiyoh Mi Culture and Arts Center, Inc. marked its 25th founding anniversary through a grand homecoming celebration on 7 June 2025 at the Tuscany Hotel.
The event brought together alumni from batches 2000 to 2014 in a stirring tribute to heritage, identity, and community.
What began as a classroom initiative in 2000 has evolved into one of the Philippines’ premier Cordilleran cultural groups, thanks to the unwavering vision and dedication of its founder, Professor Maria “Malaya” Catbagan-Aplaten, now Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region. Her passion and legacy took center stage as former students, performers, and supporters gathered to honor the movement she ignited 25 years ago.
Hapiyoh Mi was born within the Society and Culture class at the University of the Cordilleras (UC) College of Criminology, where Professor Malaya first encouraged students to explore and embody their cultural identities. What began as simple classroom presentations soon transformed into dynamic performances of Cordilleran music, dance, and rituals, bringing tradition to life beyond the classroom.
On February 3, 2000, the group was formally launched during the Cordillera Students’ Forum at UP Baguio. The name Hapiyoh Mi, an Ifugao term meaning “Our Shield,” captured their mission to protect and promote indigenous identity. The group quickly gained local recognition through cultural productions, notably the acclaimed Nan Nataguan Tako staged at the Baguio Convention Center in 2003.
Following the success of this major production, the university formally adopted Hapiyoh Mi as its official performing group. This move was a strategic response to the high dropout rate in the Criminology Department, providing educational support to students through cultural scholarships. What began with just 15 scholarship slots grew to over 50 in later years, empowering talented but financially challenged students to pursue both education and cultural advocacy.
Over the years, Hapiyoh Mi’s reach expanded beyond the region and even the country. From its humble classroom beginnings, the group evolved into an international cultural ambassador, representing the Cordillera in global events and showcasing the richness of its traditions to worldwide audiences.
Despite experiencing a period of dormancy in 2006–2007, Hapiyoh Mi endured. In 2008, Professor Malaya returned and reignited the group through the University’s Center for Creative Productions (CCP), reviving its original name to honor its roots and reaffirm its founding ideals.
During the silver anniversary celebration, participants donned traditional attire for pictorials to be featured in the next edition of the group’s commemorative book, Nan Nataguan Tako. The event featured stirring cultural performances, heartfelt reflections from alumni, and a tribute to Ms. Sonia Daoas, one of UC’s pillars and a staunch advocate for Cordilleran heritage.
Messages of gratitude and inspiration were shared by Paul Malecdan, former trainer of the group; Engr. Aloysius Mapalo, former UC-CCP head; and Professor Malaya herself, who delivered a moving message:
“What an amazing 25th Anniversary for Hapiyoh Mi! My heart is full of gratitude for all of you. A huge thank you to everyone who came, especially those who journeyed from the provinces, your presence truly meant so much to us. And to those who couldn’t make it but sent your love and support, we truly appreciate you. My sincere thanks also go out to the fantastic team who made it all happen: our dedicated leg work team, the organized secretariat, our wonderful emcee, the brilliant photographer, our talented performers, all our special guests, and every single supporter who contributed. Your efforts made this anniversary truly memorable. To God be the glory!”
While a new set of officers was elected, led by Ms. Analyn Blaz, the celebration reminded everyone that Hapiyoh Mi’s true leadership lies not in titles, but in its enduring values and shared commitment to cultural preservation.
From its humble beginnings in a university classroom to national and international recognition, Hapiyoh Mi stands tall, not just as a performing group, but as a living shield for the preservation of Cordilleran heritage. As the group looks ahead, its mission remains steadfast: to safeguard indigenous identity for future generations and ensure that the spirit of their ancestors continues to thrive through music, movement, and meaning. By Mileyvonne Tiamzon
