A lowland resident like me will always be fascinated with the vibrant culture and heritage of one of my favorite regions in Luzon – the unique culinary offerings, the transcendental dances, the iconic traditional garbs, and the on-point architecture. The sprawling landlocked 6-province region bordering the mighty Cordillera Mountain Range houses the enduring highland culture that we read among our Civic Society textbooks still evidently steeped in their cultural identity and branding.
With the existing growing potential for cultural and agri-tourism in the region, the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region Office (DOT-CAR) has created a unifying stage to boost the continuing commitment to preserving the colorful heritage and vibrant culture representing the best of each Cordilleran province. This special event also provides a channel for tourists to marvel at the different festival representations in one, thus, sowing interest for future visits and travels in the Cordilleras.
The morning of November 11 filled the main thoroughfares of Baguio City with a colorful entourage of dancing and live music from seven contingents. As soon as the parade began, the main streets came to a standstill and the busy crowd and bystanders were rewarded with this grand cultural spectacle. The live music from traditional gongs kicked alive with each and every magical flick of their hands and energetic prancings of their feet. Under the morning sun cloaked with a cool mountain breeze, the advancing party proudly performed their respective dance representations. It was transcending for me because of my strong interest in listening to traditional Cordilleran gong music, with my ears seemingly isolating every change in rhythm and beat.
Witness a showcase of the following festivals celebrated in the region:
Lapat Festival (Province of Apayao)
One of the newest festivals in the Cordillera region, the Lapat Festival brings forth the message of protection and preservation of existing natural resources by the Isnag people. Donned with the iconic blue and red claddings, the representative of the Apayao province pranced along the streets with the depiction of the Philippine Eagle – proof of the existence of the critically endangered species and ways the locals regulate activities in their natural environment to foster the healing and regeneration of the indigenous flora and fauna.
Panagbenga Festival (Baguio City)
The famed Flower Festival of Baguio proves its prominence in the national arena of festivals evident from the massive exodus of tourists and visitors flocking to the city. Among the most revered is the Flower Float Parade which happens on a Sunday, while a grand street parade on a preceding Saturday. The city center seemingly takes on a standstill as the major activity inches forward and thousands of tourists line up the streets, beginning the wee hours of the night, just to have a good vantage point. The Panagbenga Festival is celebrated every month of February.
Adivay Festival (Province of Benguet)
The month of November signals the beginning of the Adivay Festival in the province of Benguet. The festivities showcase the best of the 13 municipalities with a focal meaning of “coming together” after the Ibaloi Term.
The Agri-Tourism event of the provinces aims to rediscover the ingenuity of the locals and to showcase their indigenous creative pursuits, their flourishing industries, their share in trade, and the colorful history that helped shape of they are now.
Gotad Ad Ifugao (Ifugao Province)
“Large gathering” – the very meaning of the Gotad Ad Ifugao festival to bring together the locals in commemoration of the province’s official establishment. The month of June sparks the commencement of the activities and calls for interesting performances and presentations by the locals showcasing their traditions and heritage.
Matagoan Festival (Province of Kalinga)
With the iconic stacked clay pots balanced on top of women’s heads, the Matagoan Festivals stands as one of the unique in the Cordillera region. Observed every month of February, the people of Tabuk City gather together in honor of their unity and synergy, and most importantly, their traditions and heritage.
Laga Festival (Province of Kalinga)
In honor of the rich weaving culture of Kalinga, the Laga Festival of Lubuagan municipality showcases the love of their indigenous textile industry. Manifested by the intricate design and patterns, the people take pride in their craftsmanship albeit its prerequisite of tedious and laborious preparations before the actual weaving at the loom.
Lang-ay Festival (Mountain Province)
About ten municipalities of the Mountain Province gather annually every first week of April to celebrate the customary living tradition for merry-making. Marvel with the locals wearing their indigenous garbs, wanes for men, and tapis for men, as they participate in the festival activities such as indigenous games, street dances, chanting rituals, and most awaited cultural presentations. The term “Lang Ay” hailed from their language means fostering brotherhood and friendship, also to strengthen family ties.
KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CORDILLERAS
Marveling at the grand parade made me realize how the Cordilleran people truly revere and honor their traditions and heritage. It gave me a deeper realization and understanding of how vast and diverse the indigenous people have been cultivated by the mighty Cordilleran range. Seeing the younger generation partaking in such cultural activities clearly enunciates the passing of the traditions and fostering the longevity of their culture. The textile-based festival, the gathering festival, and the history-based festivals – all together are the must-experience while sauntering around the meandering roads of the Cordillera region.
Apart from the captivating dance showdown, understanding the deeper meanings of each festival speaks of the efforts of all stakeholders to cement the diversity within the region.