Benguet Society of British Columbia: Adivay
The Benguet Society of British Columbia: Adivay!
A celebration of the various peoples within the Province of Benguet from the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Northern Philippines held at the Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC.
“Adivay” is an Ibaloi word that means “coming together”
A cultural celebration that brings together entire villages, communities and people, even if we are abroad.
This event culminates a celebration of unity and resilience within the peoples whom trace their roots to the province of Benguet, both Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Kalanguya and other indigenous and residence from which we call our ancestral home.The Adivay had displays of the 13 municipalities that make up the province of Benguet. Each of the displays featured the various features and significances of each corresponding municipality. These are: Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay. La Trinidad being the Capital City of Benguet whereas Baguio, beign a chartered city is not included despite being within the province.
Shown are also the various ritual and cultural dances of the Ibaloi and the Kankanaey whom are the people that reside in the province. The dances are the Bendian, Tayaw, Takik, Tallak and more. These dances are significant and special to the Igorots of the province and are rooted in much culture and history not unlike the rest of the celebrations and ritual dances of the other Igorots from the other provinces. Bruce Ganase kicked off the event with his speak following the singing of the national anthems. Amongst the other speakers were - Albert Martin, Vice President of BIBAK BC; Joel Castillo, President of UFCABC; and PBG Jimmy Almora Catanes.
This year’s BSBC theme is “moving forward with hope and resilience” a Theme in which was displayed if not expressed by the whole community in spite the more than one years presence of the global pandemic and the effects it may have had within the Benguet community of BC. Hope and resilience both for the future, a frame of reference of our actions in the past, the legacy of our ancestors, and the progress for our future.
Owag! Adivay!
-JM
