Barlig Menaliyam Festival set April

By Dionie Chungalan

BARLIG, Mt. Province- “Moving ahead, one tribe, one cultural heritage” is the theme of the 12^thMenaliyam festival at Kadaclan here on April 26.

According to organizers, highlights are cultural performances, ethnic products, street dancing, old-time musical songs competition, rice wine display.

Local folks said considering Kadaclan is one among most visited eco- tourism destinations in the province, visitors are encouraged to stroll breath-taking mountain rice paddies spread in four barangays of Chupac, Kaleo, Lunas and Ogo-ong.

Natives of this remote place now residing at Kadaclan Village in Baguio City, are invited to participate in the costume parade.

The invigorating calm summer weather here, organizers said, is conducive to performing the eagle dance accompanied by beating of   gongs.

The village’s foundation day’s commemoration is April 23-25 wherein the Bontoc- Kadaclan road – a stretch of 50 km would be venue for a  “walk-for-a-cause. “

Marathon lovers and trekkers would experience the ambience of mossy forests alongside the road from start to finish line.

Kadaclan folks, organizers said, are ready to house visitors so they could taste home delicacies and hospitality, like at the Homestay at a cheap price.

While in Kadaklan, learn how their forefathers lived. Visit their burial cave, and take a dip in famous waterfalls Amfitayoc and Monyopoyop. The first is the source of the Sifu River which flowes to Natonin and Paracelis then Isabela.

The latter is accessible by taking a public utility vehicle at Lunas Proper.

Souvenir items shall be available in four native booths for sale, aside from sidewalk vendors selling commercial products.