TABUK CITY, Kalinga February 14 – The Provincial Government is attempting to set two (2) Guinness World Record for the Largest Banga Dance and The Largest Gong Ensemble in celebration of the 28th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 4th Bodong festival on Feb. 15 at the Kalinga Sports Complex.
Dubbed “Awong Chi Awong Chi Gangsa, Agtu’n Chi Banga (The Call of a Thousand Gongs, The Dance of a Thousand Pots),” the event is the main highlight of the festival in which dancers and gong players from the municipalities of Tanudan, Tinglayan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Balbalan and the four districts of Tabuk City stage a grand performance showcasing unique elements of Kalinga culture from pottery, textile, music, and dance.
According to Governor James S. Edduba, the event is an opportunity to showcase Kalinga’s unique culture and promote the place as a tourism destination on the international scene while also fostering a closer tie among the different ethno-linguistic communities in the province.
Bishop Prudencio P. Andaya, the Chairperson for the Awong Chi Gangsa, Agtu’n Chi Banga (The Call of a Thousand Gongs, The Dance of a Thousand Pots) said that with two Guinness World Record in sight, this year’s performance is grander with wider participation from all the municipalities compared to previous iterations of the event.
“They expect a wider participation from all the municipalities compared to previous Awong Chi Gangsa events. This year’s event is grander as it is prepared to meet international standards set by Guinness World Record. The event is organized by the government and private sectors. The partnership and collaboration of all sectors in the community are crucial in promoting peace, and in organizing a word class performance,” he said.
Conceptualized as a symbol of peace and unity among the Kalingas, the Awong Chi Gangsa, Agtu’n Chi Banga (The Call of a Thousand Gongs, The Dance of a Thousand Pots) serves as a reminder that there is a deep potential for lasting peace and unity in Kalinga. This yearning for peace which can be achieved with the unity of the hearts and minds of the Kalinga indigenous cultural communities is manifested when they unanimously dance in harmony with the rhythm of a thousand gongs. By Dexter A. See
