The University of the Cordilleras (UC), through the Center for Creative Productions (CCP), successfully staged Balik Tanaw, a musical concert held on November 21, 2025, at the UC Theater. The concert featured a Matinee Show at 2:00 PM and a Gala Show at 6:00 PM, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and community members in a celebration of Filipino music and identity.
Balik Tanaw, meaning “looking back,” paid tribute to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) by revisiting iconic songs that shaped Filipino values, culture, and collective memory across generations.
The program opened with “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” followed by an energetic opening number. Filipino Portrait 1 featured Musika ang Buhay Ko and Nosi Balasi, performed by the UC Chorale with percussion and orchestra, highlighting music as a form of expression and social commentary.
Filipino Portrait 2 presented Sino ang Baliw, Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi, Anak, and Dakilang Lahi, performed by the UC Dance Company and featured artists with orchestral accompaniment. This segment emphasized themes of family, social awareness, and national pride.
The intermission showcased the Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble through the Kalinga dance, followed by Reggae Nostalgia performed by alumni of the percussion and orchestra.
The final segment, Filipino Portrait 3, featured Wansapanataym, Sineskwela, and Hiraya Manawari, performed by Associate and Featured Artists, evoking nostalgia and reinforcing values of learning, imagination, and hope.
The concert concluded with a Curtain Call featuring Salamat and the Closing Tatak UC, reaffirming the university’s commitment to cultural excellence and national identity.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 4: Quality Education through experiential learning in the arts
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting Filipino cultural heritage
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through inclusive cultural participation
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among students, faculty, alumni, and artists
Alignment with UC Key Result Areas (KRAs)
Sustainability and social responsibility that foster impactful change
Sustaining Filipino Culture Through Performance
The Balik Tanaw Concert 2025 reaffirmed UC’s role in preserving Filipino culture through music and performance. By honoring the past, the concert strengthened cultural appreciation and inspired pride in Filipino identity for future generations.
Author: Rachelle Anne Fortes | CCP Technical Assistant
