Proper ‘tayo’ dancing were given emphasis during the Kapkapayan di Bimmoble (Performing Arts Competition), one of the events of Gotad ad Ifugao 2023 that was conducted at Ifugao Village, Capitol Plaza, Lagawe, Ifugao on June 14.
The contested events were joined by the municipalities of Asipulo, Aguinaldo, Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lamut, Lagawe, and Tinoc.
Rebecca Bumahi, Secretary of Ancestral Domain in Lagawe and one of the judges for tayo competition, stated that it is important to execute accurately the tayo dances because each step have meanings.
Bumahi also emphasized that proper wearing of Ifugaos’ traditional attires while performing the ‘tayo’ is essential as they carry symbols. There is also a need for a good accompaniment of music because this will affect the performance of the dancers.
“This Gotad is giving an avenue of people to come together, all the expert of our culture teaching the young ones for the continuity in preservation of our culture and cultural patriotism,” Bumahi added.
On the other hand, Martina Labhat, faculty researcher of Ifugao State University, expressed that conducting performing arts competition aims to encourage the youth to appreciate and perform traditional dances.
With this, it will be possible to preserve and promote the Ifugao dances, and not only performed during festivals, but also in other events.
Labhat also shared that cultural promotion and preservation are community affairs where participation among different generations should be ensured to magnify the cause.
She added, “As I observed [the tayo performance among the youths], are purely choreographed and is no longer the original formation which supposed to be in circular formation. There were lines and movements such as facing the males and female in performing the dance which is not the original one.”
The Ifugao elders also demonstrated Hudhud chanting, Liwliwa chanting, and Baltung. Also, contemporary arts-on-the-spot painting took place as part of the competition.
John Butic, one of the chant demonstrators from Lagawe, said that demonstrating Baltung is very important for the youth to see beyond what they already know.
Through this, they will be aware of the differences of their own practices from other municipalities.
Butic also reminded that not all are permitted to perform the Baltung and only the mumbaki is allowed to do so in specific occasions. But for the sake of passing the knowledge to the youths, they chose to demonstrate the various oral traditions in Ifugao as part of the Kapkpayan di Bimmoble activity.
Further, Butic explained that Hudhud chanting is performed during wakes to remember the good deeds of the dead, while Liwliwa chanting involves teasing among men and women that eventually leads to courtship.
Several competitions were also conducted as part of the activity, such as gong beating and creative ethnic ensemble.
After the all the competitions and chant demonstrations, winners were announced.
For the tayo dance competition, Lamut aced the youth category, followed by Hingyon, and Asipulo. While for the adult category, Asipulo garnered first place, Kiangan in 2nd place, and Lagawe in 3rd place.
Further, the gong beating competition has three categories: Dinuyy-a, Bitangnguk, and Bfutage or Hingatut.
Asipulo won in the Dinuyy-a, Hungduan in second place, and Lagawe placed third. For the Bitangnguk, Kiangan and Asipulo ranked first, followed by Banaue, and Hingyon. Lastly, for Bfutage or Hingatut, Banaue placed first, Asipulo in second, and Lamut placed third.
The municipality of Lamut won in first place for the creative ethnic ensemble followed by Aguinaldo then Asipulo.
Meanwhile, the contemporary arts on-the-spot painting demonstration was also held at the Grand Stand, Capitol Plaza. This served as a medium to bring out the artistic sides of the youth and to allow them in expressing themselves through arts.
As Bumahi reiterated, with the advent of technology that created gap disconnecting the youths from the Ifugao culture, Kapkapyan di Bimmoble (Performing Arts Competition) is of great help in maintaining the Ifugaos’ culture by engaging young people to cultural-related activities.
Consolation prizes were given to the non-winning participants, while cash incentives were given to the chant demonstrators at the provincial office. By Kisha Joy I. Coyam-an
