Benguet AdivayFestival on; ‘magic show’ slated

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – From a simple gathering of family members, the “Adivay” (an Ibaloi term meaning coming together) has become the bond that continues to forge unity and cooperation among the tribes of Benguet.

The Adivay Festival is on in this capital town with people from all walks of life and a number of tourists attending events which showcase the province’s resources, culture and heritage.

            

Today (Nov. 24) activities include Acrobatics and Magic Show, Silent Drill by the Philippine Military Academy, Christmas Choral Contest dubbed, “Christmas Voices” and closing and awarding of the Agro-Industrial Tourism Fair. 

Taekwondo open sparring and form events will be on Nov. 30 while the Gov. Nestor Fongwan Invitational Tournament will be Nov. 30 up to Dec. 1.

Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Reyes Jimenez, Jr  graced the 2103 Adivay Festival with this  year’s theme: “Benguet: Rose of the Northern Mountain, A Haven for Investment and Tourism.”

The month-long celebrations kicked-off on Nov. 4 through an ecumenical service followed by a program at the provincial capitol, selection of the Mr. & Miss Benguet 2013 Darling of the Press  and a gathering late in the afternoon tagged Man-ookob among provincial and municipal officials, employees and former officials.

Gov. Fongwan said the province hosted the National Vegetable Congress from Nov. 21-23 which he said, was intended to prepare not only the province but the whole country for implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement by 2015 which will have a great impact on the vegetable industry.

Stakeholders across the country came up with measures in order to compete in the global market, Fongwan said.  The province produces 50 percent of temperate vegetables nationwide.

Other activities included painting exhibit  at the provincial capitol from Nov. 5 to 24 and  a jobs fair for local at the capitol from Nov. 6 to 7. 

A trade fair showcasing the province’s products will run from Nov. 8-24 at the Benguet Sports Center in Wangal.

Also a part of the month long activities was turn-over of hospital facilities by the Department of Health to the Benguet General Hospital on Nov. 7 while a photo exhibit and video presentation was presented by SN Aboitiz Power-BenguetInc from Nov. 7 to 24..

The pre-pageant for the Search for Mr. and Miss Benguet 2013 and Mr. Benguet body building competitions was earlier held on Nov. 8 with pageant held on Nov. 17.

For dog pet lovers, a dog show took place Nov. 9 while Livestock Farmers Day was held in the afternoon.

An innovation introduced among young people was a 5 km Zombie Run early morning of Nov. 10.

An institutionalized activity for couples was a series of mass weddings in Itogon on Nov. 13, Buguias on Nov. 14 and the capital town on Nov. 15.

Still on Nov. 15 was the closing and awarding of the inter-local government unit tournament closing and awarding for winners in the Battle of the Bands.

Also a yearly activity was an environment forum through  information education drive on ecological solid waste management along major thoroughfares like Halsema Highway and Benguet-Vizcaya Road, Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, Naguilian Road, and Kapangan-Kibungan Roads.

            

On Nov. 16 a dance competition was held dubbed, “Got to Dance” and other similar competitions.

Dongbani Kavajo which showcased a horse parade and games took place simultaneously with the airsoft invitational competition on Nov. 16-17 at the Sports Center.

The Agro-Industrial Tourism Fair and the Tourism Artscape Competition took place Nov. 18-24 at the Sports Center.

The Artscape Competitions was an innovation depicting the landmarks of each of the 13 municipalities. On Nov. 18 was a health fair where free medical and dental check-up and consultation were done  at the Sports Center.

A one-day Indigenous Fair on Nov. 20 features food, wine and sports at the Sports Center.

Individuals and organizations who have contributed to the development and who brought honor to the province will also be awarded and given recognition on Nov. 22.

On the same day, drum and lyre competitions and cultural performance competitions coined “Benguet Dance-Drama” will also take place.

A Diskwento Caravan  was also held Nov. 22 and 23 at the Sports Center.

A parade participated in by delegates from  the 13 towns, institutions, government and private sector and civil society was held yesterday morning (Nov. 23.)

A cañao,  a thanksgiving offer  is an occasion to gather or “Adivay” in the native term.