AT THE rustic coffee shop perched on the Mt. Kalugong rocks, the Benguet Association of Tourism Officers (Bato) ended the week with an eventful meeting. Among other pressing agendas, the invigorated organization tackled the Benguet Municipalities’ participation for Adivay 2018 next month, the strengthening of the organization, and organizing activities/events that will promote Benguet’s tourism sites and culture.
Bato is on the roll.
Although some quarters believe that pushing through with the Adivay celebrations will drive away the ill spirits of the recent tragedy, the general consensus dictates that Benguet should not “celebrate”. Instead, the organizers should focus on alternative activities that will allow healing and rebuilding – cleansing rituals instead of the grand canyao, outreach activities instead of parades and cultural dance presentations, music fund raisers instead of pure battle of the bands, putting up job fairs and training fairs, rather than commercial trade fairs.
The tourism officers and designates, trained in various cultural sensitivity seminars, are also not keen on holding the Adivay cultural dance presentations, among other events – as they say, it is basic human sensitivity. Most municipal agriculturists seconded; also half-hearted in putting up the traditional Municipal Agri-booths – “What is there to display? The crops were destroyed; it is hypocrisy to show agricultural bounty in a time of calamity...”
A friend from the Provincial government explained that the celebration will be a show of “resiliency” – the ability to endure the challenges of life. Perhaps he has a point. However, one cannot take away the notion that a festivity has always been a celebration of bounty. It will be a rocky situation when pursued (though we shall still support as rank and file workers). But, should we shout “Adivayyy!!!” and make a toast in full view of the displaced families at the Benguet Sports Complex? I hope not.
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The La Trinidad Tourism week will see action on October 22-27, 2018. Though toned down in solidarity with the victims of typhoon Ompong, we nevertheless intend it to become meaningful and geared towards supporting our local tourism industry. There will be product exhibits and meetings, tourism-themed adventure race, photo and digital poster contests, a benefit concert (for the Ompong victims) featuring La Trinidad’s, and Benguet’s most passionate country, and Rock and Roll bands. For more information, please visit our FB Page: La Trinidad Tourism, Culture, and Arts.
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So, it has rolled into this again. The third season in the Philippines is here after the wet and dry seasons. In the coming months, we will not be able to escape from the colorful posters and streamers hanging on muddled electric cables, the scattered flyers on the streets, the fanfare and loud speakers, and the freebies given by campaigners...certainly, the Election season is here, again. Admit it; we have waited our whole lives for this. After the boredom and drudgery of human routine; when we clock in and out, watch movies, catch up with friends, go out of town, attend parties, sleep, and eat, we eventually come to a point of some existential angst: is that all there is to life? Fortunately, the Circus is back!’