Ibaloy Festival opens Oct. 1 highlighted by genealogy sharing
The Ibaloy Festival opened last Oct. 1 at the Ibaloy Heritage Garden at Burnham Park heralding a month-long celebration through activities aimed at preserving and nurturing the culture of the Ibaloys who are the original settlers of Baguio City.
Officers and members of the Onjon ni Ivadoy Association led by President Maximo Edwin Bugnay Jr performed the “diyaw” ritual to bless the opening of the celebration followed by the Bendian dance which was participated by the clans and visitors.
One of the highlights of the program was the opening of the genealogy sharing activity dubbed, “Tunton ni Kaafuan: Pansaksahey ni Pamilja” where Ibaloy clans share their descendants traced continuously from their ancestors.
“Tunton, meaning genealogy tracing and that is a process. The idea is to encourage and create a springboard for a discussion—a story booth that is supposed to accommodate and collaborate with the clan members,” program director Lynette Grace Bibal said.
The activity gives the Ibaloys, especially the younger generation the chance to trace their roots or family trees.
A total of 22 clans joined the activity and were assigned their own genealogy booths.
The festival opening program was graced
City Officials led by Acting Mayor Faustino Olowan and Councilors Benny Bomogao, Leandro Yangot and clan members Jose Molintas and Isabelo Cosalan Jr. graced the program.
Ibaloy Festival is an institutionalized activity of the city every October by virtue of Ordinance No. 9-2013
Baguio and Resolution No. 4-2022.
The month-long cultural celebration is held simultaneously with the observance of the Indigenous Peoples Month.
This year, it will feature a variety of upcoming activities and workshops as follows:
*Baru Ni Ivadoy: Ibaloy clothing, design, color and uses, October 5
*Usal Ni Ivadoy: Ibaloy Indigenous Tools and Materials, October 6
*Ibaloy Indigenous Plants, October 7,
*Bangkilay construction: Ibaloy Altar, October 8
*Ibaloy Youth Activities and Workshops, October 9
*Ibaloy Indigenous Bamboo Crafts, October 12
*Bangkilay Construction, October 14
*Esel Ni Ivadoy: Learning the Ibaloy Language, Ibaloy Cultural Dance and Musical Instruments, October 15
*Ibaloy Youth Activities and Workshops, Ibaloy Cultural Dance and Musical Instruments, October 16 *Kansyon ni Ivadoi tan Badiw: Ibaloy Music, October 17
*Tafey tan Binuvudan: Making of Rice wine and the use of Yeast, October 19
*History of Ibaloy People, October 21
*Esel Ni Ivadoy: Learning Ibaloy Language, October 22
*Paasas Showcase of Traditional and Contemporary Ibaloy Attire, October 28.The festival will close on Oct. 29. – Via Alyssa Fronda (PIO Intern)
