ANOTHER needy community in the Cordillera will be given aid after the successful presentation of the Adivay Festival in Vienna Austria, a place where many Cordillerans live and continue to promote the unique culture and tradition of the region.
Marjorie Guidangen–Akistoy one of the advisers of Igorot Austria, the organization that organized the event said the preservation of the Cordilleran culture and practices through the celebration of the regions’ festivals is one of the main goals of their group.
“Igorot Austria aims to continue to uphold and preserve the uniqueness of the Igorot heritage in an annual event highlighting the ceremonies of the different province of the Cordillera,” she said.
This year they featured the celebration of Adivay Austria 2018 which was held lately at Ada Christen gasse 2b Halle where Cordillerans convened for a night of cultural dances, chants and beating of the gongs as celebrations.
One of the highlights of the occasion includes the presentation of Bakdiw, a prayer song thanking the Almighty for all the blessings they continue to receive.
Another is the performance of Tayaw and Bendian dance choreographed by Cristina Malani Suanding and Benguet pride Dr. Ryan Guinaran who served as the guest of honor and speaker.
The event was attended by Council of Filipino Association-Austria President Elmer Blanco, CFAA Vice President Dingboy Ortiz, Babaylan Austria Vice President Carmen Pacaigue, and Efren Alican of the Association of Pangasinanances of Austria.
According to Igorot Austria President Hilaria Banban Garcia beyond this gathering, the activity also serves as a dap-ay and one way to generate funds for projects that will help the municipalities in the Cordillera.
Igorot Austria’s celebration of Begnas of Mountain Province in 2017 paved the way for the generation of an amount needed to fund the basic sterile area for the natal delivery of Kabayan Benguet. This was received by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Felix Mangaltag.
Patrick Bounggick Sr. served as the first president of the group which was organized in 1999. They aim to continue helping the needy community in the region.
Despite living miles away from home members of Igorot Austria continue to embrace their own beautiful culture. They gather together to celebrate success which means also giving back to their roots.
May their noble works continue and inspire more groups to join the bandwagon.
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