By Zaldy Comanda
BAGUIO CITY – Twenty-four cultural dancers of the Cordillera showcased their rich culture and rhythmic artistry dance dubbed Rhythm of the Highlands as one of the signature highlights of the 29th Panagbenga Festival at the Melvin Football ground, Burnham Park, Baguio City, onFebruary 15.
With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries,” the sound of gongs echoed as dances of various cultures and traditions were showcased to show the public the importance of the Cordillera tradition.
Rhythm of the Highlands is a traditional event of the Panagbenga Festival, which empowers the rich culture of the Cordillera.
The participants include SLSPI IP Socio-Cultural Dance Troupe, Binnadang Irisan Cultural Performing Group (BICPG/CCDG), Inubuan Cultural Performing Group, Tawid and Salig Cultural Dance Group, Gannay x SLSAH Dance Troupe, Kontad, Dang Dang-ay Cultural Performing Group, Iyaman Cultural Performing Group, Uschong Cultural Ensemble, SJDS Chuwe Me Cultural Dance Group.
Litagwa Cultural Performing Group, Salibi Performing Group of Easter College, Ragsak Cultural Performing Group, Yaman di Gangsa (YDG) Performing Group, Bimaak Cultural Dance Troupe, Saeng Ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble, Dragon Treasure Cultural Performing Group, Gawis Culture and Arts Ensembles Company, Sakusak Musical Ensemble, e-Baguio Indigenous Cultural and the Arts Society Performing Group (e-BICAS Performing Group), Uggayam Cultural Performing Group, Dagdagup Cultural Dance Group (DDCD JSNHS Cultural Performing Group and Gasat Cultural Dance Group).
After their presentations, Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Chairman For Life Atty. Mauricio Domogan announced the champion as Bimaak Cultural Dance Troupe, which received 98% from the judges.
Saeng Ya Kasay was the 1st Runner-up — 96% and 2nd Runner-up Iyaman Cultural Performance Group – 93.33%.
Bimaak Cultural Dance Troupe was also awarded the Special Award for Choreography and Saeng Ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble was awarded the Special Award for Attire and Props.
Awardees will receive P100,000, P70,000, and P50,000 respectively. All other groups that participated will receive P40,000 each, except for one group that did not meet the minimum number of participants.
According to the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI), the winner and selected cultural performance group will be included in the grand street dancing parade on February 22.
