On May 23, 2024, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) officially kicked off its annual celebration, the Cordilleran Festival in May—CordeMayo—at UC Gate 1. This vibrant festival spans four days and features a variety of activities, including an opening ceremony, an arts festival, seminars and workshops, and the newly introduced Torch Parade.
Opening Ceremony and Food Festival
The festival commenced with an exciting opening ceremony that included a Food Festival, showcasing an array of cuisines presented by students from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) and the Technical Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) program. The culinary offerings featured innovative fusions that delighted attendees. Additionally, a photo exhibit displayed traditional attire from the six provinces of the Cordillera Region, as modeled by the students. The opening also featured captivating performances from six different groups of the UC Center for Creative Productions, setting a lively tone for the festivities.
Arts Festival
The second day of CordeMayo was dedicated to the Arts Festival, where various groups from the Center for Creative Productions presented traditional dance and music representative of the Cordillera Region. Featured artists performed pieces such as “Babanam Kevalam,” “Asin Medley,” “Idjay,” “Sabong Ed Bahong,” “I-Cordillera,” and “Nabanol ay Layad.” The Saeng ya Kasay group showcased the rich cultural heritage of the six provinces through their dance and music. The UC Chorale performed “Chua-ay,” “Three Kalinga Chants,” “Ollonno,” and “Iddemdem Mallida,” while the Dance Company and Dance Squad brought life to songs like “Montañosa,” “Danum,” and “Malasmas” with their dynamic choreography. The Percussion and Orchestra ensemble concluded the day with performances of “Soyosoy Di Dagem,” “Danum de Cordillera,” and an original composition by Maestro Paul Louie Serrano.
Seminar and Workshop
On the third day, the Center for Creative Productions organized a seminar and workshop led by Mr. Jason D. Domling, a cultural worker and skilled rattan weaver. His expertise in large-scale sculptures and installations enriched the experience for participants. Open to the public, the seminar attracted students from various schools around Baguio. Attendees learned how to play music using traditional bamboo instruments, enhancing their appreciation for Cordilleran culture.
The Torch Parade
The festival culminated on the final day with a revival of the torch parade tradition, which once represented the Baguio Colleges and Baguio Colleges Foundation. This collaborative event involved students, faculty, and staff from different colleges and departments within the university. The parade aimed to showcase the unique traditions of the Cordillera while highlighting UC’s achievements. Representatives from each province portrayed distinct characters, adding a rich narrative to the event. Despite inclement weather, the parade was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on the UC community.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals
CordeMayo 2024 aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students. It also supports SDG 11.4, which emphasizes the importance of protecting and safeguarding cultural and natural heritage worldwide. Through these initiatives, students gain personal growth and cultivate a broader global awareness.
Furthermore, CordeMayo aligns with the Center for Creative Productions’ KRA 1 Goal 2, which aims to maintain active participation in internal and external activities that promote the culture of the University of the Cordilleras. It also supports KRA 2 Goal 1, which seeks to enhance collaborative ideas, techniques, and strategies in performance.
In conclusion, CordeMayo 2024 successfully celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera region through a diverse array of activities, from the arts festival to seminars, workshops, and the Torch Parade. The University of the Cordilleras demonstrated its commitment to preserving local traditions while fostering educational growth, aligning with the UN’s SDGs. This vibrant celebration not only highlighted the creativity and unity of the UC community but also left a lasting impact by promoting cultural awareness and educational collaboration. CordeMayo 2024 truly embodied the spirit of the Cordillera, making it an unforgettable event.
Author: Jasmine Pacia | CCP Assistant Director
