BAUKO, Mountain Province – Students from various schools in Bauko graced the Regional Evacuation Center grounds with vibrant dance performances as part of the Begnas Di Bauko 2025 festivities.
Ten secondary schools competed in the Street Dancing Competition while nine elementary schools participated in the Cheerdance / Cheerleading Competition. Additionally, another nine elementary schools took part in the Dancercise Competition and a remarkable 18 elementary schools performed in the Folk Dance Competition, leaving a total of 46 group contestants in all categories.
The activities took place throughout the day in non-stop succession which featured a mix of both traditional, classic and contemporary songs and dance numbers. All performances reflected the festival’s theme, “ASENSO Bauko: Celebrating Progress, Unity and Culture.”
Special performances were also witnessed from Bauko Central School Drum and Lyre, Mountain Province State University students of Bauko, Tawid Cultural Group, and the Folk Dance Competition Hall of Fame awardee, Soyosoc Elementary School.
Large crowds flocked in and around the venue to enjoy the performances. “Yung festival ng Bauko, parang siya ang nag-u-unite ng mga taga-Bauko. At tignan mo naman yung mga audience, talagang hindi namin ini-expect na ganyan karami ang audience namin ngayon,” said Bauko Mayor Randolf Awisan, emphasizing on the cooperation of the 22 Bauko barangays that contribute to the success of the occasion. This echoed the sentiment of the event’s Guest of Honor, Regional Director Dr. Ferdinand Benbenen, who earlier stated, “Wada unity taku.”
Winners of the Begnas di Bauko 2025: Day 2 competitions were announced the following day. In the Contemporary Street Dancing Competition, Mount Data National High School bagged first place. Bauko Catholic School Incorporated and Otucan-Bila National High School tied at second place. Banao and Bagnen National High Schools shared third place.
In the Cheerdance/ Cheerleading Competition, Lebao Primary School secured first place. Pangao Elementary School placed second, while Sadsadan Trail Elementary School and Guinzadan Elementary School tied at third place.
Letang Elementary School landed first place in the Dancercise Competition. Pactil Elementary School grabbed second place, while Bebe Elementary School finished at third.
In the Folk Dance Competition, Guinzadan Elementary School claimed first place with their Karatong performance. Second place goes to Bauko Central School with their take on Sagudsod de Mano, and third place goes to Talban Bitayan Elementary School for performing La Jota Moncadeña.
The event concluded with an awarding ceremony for the previous day’s contests, which also paved the way for the Battle of the Bands Competition that followed in the evening. By Aiyra Marzan
