‘Adivay’: From clan gathering to Benguet feast
8:04 pm | Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
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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.
On Saturday, the province opened the Adivay Festival by offering at least 23 native pigs and two cows to the spirits of their ancestors and native gods in a “canao” (native feast) as thanksgiving. Ibaloi, Kalanguya and Kankanaey from 13 towns gathered in this capital for a day of merrymaking and a celebration of their culture and tradition.
Through the Adivay, the highlight of the province’s 111th founding anniversary, the people of Benguet also celebrated their triumph over manmade and natural calamities through the years.
Itogon Mayor Oscar Camantiles said Ibalois in his town suffered repression and displacement when Spaniards and Americans started exploring and mining gold at the turn of the 20th century.“We lost our identity. There were no safety measures and laws that would protect our people [so they could stay in] their own ancestral lands,” he said.
Many were also displaced when dams were built in the province starting in the 1950s.“Landslides are an aftereffect of decades-old mining in our town … but our direction now is taking care of our environment,” Camantiles said.
Each town put up a tent to showcase local products during the festival held at a sports center in Barangay Wangal here.
“This gathering is an inspiration for all of us. Adivay helps us to move on despite the hardships,” Camantiles said.
Dolores Galunza, 49, an Ibaloi, finds a deep connection to her community through the Adivay, especially when she joins the “tayaw” (dance of celebration).
In the old days, Adivay was more of an intimate gathering of family or clan members, said Guillermo Fianza, provincial environment officer.
“It is easier to invite people today because of modern technology, but in the old times, the tribal leaders would have to assign an emissary or a “mangawit” to go around the villages, who would walk or ride on a horse, to invite people to the adivay,” Fianza said.
Since the horse is an important part of Benguet’s social and economic life, the festival always features horses in its activities, such as parades, races and other games.
“From a family reunion, Adivay was [staged] in a larger scale so all of us can gather for a feast. It makes our connection to each other deeper and more meaningful,” said Gov. Nestor Fongwan. Desiree Caluza, Inquirer Northern Luzon
Benguet celebrates 112th founding anniversary thru Adivay Festival
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The lined-up activities for the month-long celebration include: On November 9, an environment forum involving solid waste management and pre-pageant search for Mr. and Miss Benguet.
The next day will be an ethnic competition and fashion show at SM City in Baguio. Pageant proper will be on Nov. 17.
A trade fair showcasing entrepreneurial products will be held from Nov. 13-24 at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal.
Mass wedding for couples of this town and Mankayan will be held Nov. 13 and 14, while for the town of Tuba, it is set on Nov. 16 at the Conversion of St. Paul Parish Church. An ecumenical mass wedding from various religious sector will also be held Nov. 21 at the Ben Palispis Hall.
For job hunters, a two-day job fair will be held Nov. 14-15 at the Ben Palispis Hall.
There will also be medical/surgical outreach activity on Nov. 15 – 16 at the Kapangagn Medicare Community Hospital.
A Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Congress will be held Nov. 16 at the National Irrigation Administration compound in Wangal.
An add on activity will be a film viewing on social concerns to run from Nov. 17 to 22 at the Benguet Sports Center.
The Agro-Industrial Trade Fair will be from November 17 to 24 alongside with the competitions on best booth presentation, landscaping, agri-photo contest, indigenous dish preparation and presentation, indigenous beverage preparation and presentation, nutri-snack competitions, organic fertilizer demonstration and competition, flower arrangements, vegetable and fruit sculpture, basket making, and tapuey tasting and packaging.
The agro-industrial fair also includes skills competitions on automotive servicing, commercial cooking, bartending, and mani-ped and haircutting contest on November 16 at the Benguet Sports Center.
There will be series of activities such as Animalandia Show, Benguet Dance-Drama Cultural Presentation, and souvenir-making contest at the Benguet Sports Center on Nov. 17 .
The Animalandia will feature dog show and competitions on the production of best “kinuday” and “kiniing,” local terms used for indigenous smoked meat.
On Nov. 19 will be environmental-cultural song competition dubbed, “Awit Para sa Kalikasan” at the sports center
A photo exhibit showcasing historical, cultural and tourist vistas will be on display at the Provincial Capitol lobby from Nov. 19-24.
On Nov. 20, there will be an information education drive on climate change adaptation. The province will host on the same day the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development Board meeting.
On Nov. 21, activities include street dancing, drum and lyre and marching band competitions, awards and recognition among national, regional, and achievers in their own fields, and diskwento caravan.
There will also be a health fair through medical and dental consultations. “Salamat Paalam 2012 Retirees” day recognizes the achievements of retirees. The province will host the quarterly en banc meeting of the Regional Development Council.
Other activities for the day are a parade of horses and cowboys followed by acrobatic and magic show and Philippine Military Academy’s silent drill at the Benguet Sports Center.
Dongba ni Kavajo which will feature horse competitions will be on Nov. 24-25.
Nov. 25 is dedicated to small-scale mining activities and an evangelical choral festival.
There will also be a presentation of the provincial disaster communication protocol on November 28 in strengthening the province’s disaster management.
Provincial employees will have their time together on November 29.
The festival also features sports activities which started as early as September and will end until December such as volleyball, basketball, football and indoor activities, body building competitions, shootfest, airsoft, among others. (SCA PIA-CAR)
Benguet Adivay Festival Photos
ADIVAY 