Gala Night and Cultural Presentations by Irish and Igorots

 by Caridad B. Fiar-od

The emcees during the Gala Night on May 19, 2007 were Arnel Kidpalos and Gracia Kibad. Adding color to the affair were the Mc ilHatton Band of Irish songs and the presentations by the Philippine Chorale Ensemble - to the amusement of everyone - including the Honorary Consul of Philippine Embassy in Ireland, John Ferris.

Gracia Kibad presented an overview of the profile of Cordillera, which was lifted from the power point presentation during the first day.

The Igorot cultural presentation was opened with the supposed Igorot kayew with the young boy, Cristobal Agnaonao and young girl, Marivonne Cuyob carrying the jar of tapey to the patpatayan. Patrick Bounggick acted as the elder-leader. As usual, the Igorots clad in their colorful ethnic attire exhibited each one’s skillful dance steps identical of all the different provinces of Cordillera such as the takik of Mountain Province in its choreographed lady dancers’ formation led by Carmen Malidom-Umayat, the boogie of Bontoc by Henry Foken and Fely Bongalos, the Benguet tayaw by Rhino Oblas, the Ifugao dance led by Ric and Alice Cuyob followed by Anna Liza Anton and Peter Agnaonao, the Eagle dance of eastern Mountain Province led by Frederick Baldo and Mark Calawen, the Sadanga pattongby everybody.

Ballroom dancing was of interest to the other Filipinos but no other CD available so the line dancing with the gongs prevailed.  

If there was anyone who never lifted her feet, she was Susan Kilakil who concentrated on taking video of every movement.