The Ibagiw 2020 Creative City Festival officially opened today, with a festival Opening Program held at the newly-renovated Baguio Convention Center. Ibagiw 2020 is being presented by the Baguio City government, in partnership with the Council for Baguio Creative City, the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc. (BACCI), and the University of the Philippines – Baguio.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong welcomed local artists and artisans and guests and called on the public to support this year’s staging of the festival. “This year, the Ibagiw Festival is all about showing our resilience as we rise together and overcome the challenges of this pandemic. And part of that rising together is demonstrating our support for our creatives, our artists, artisans and craftsmen. Without them, Baguio would not be a UNESCO Creative City.”
An interfaith invocation, participated in by representatives from different faiths found in the city, followed the mayor’s speech. Former mayor Atty. Mauricio Domogan performed the traditional Oggayam, a Cordilleran chant that is sung during significant events and celebrations, accompanied by Elmo Inso on the bamboo nose flute.
After the Oggayam, officials sipped on specially prepared tapuey or rice wine, which was then distributed to the rest of the audience. Cultural performances from invited local cultural groups not only added color and celebratory vibes but also highlighted the rich heritage of the Cordilleran people when it comes to music and movement. A Unity dance signaled the end of the first part of the opening program.
The second part of the program commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the unveiling of the masterpieces of National Artists Kidlat Tahimik and BenCab. Both artists’ work will be part of the exhibit at the Baguio City Convention Center during the Ibagiw 2020 Festival.
Contemporary dance and music as a form of creative expression took center stage in the last part of the program. Local artist Angelo Aurelio showcased a three-part art performance which is part-tribute to renowned Baguio creatives and a commentary on the COVID19 lockdown.
With health and safety as a continuing priority all throughout the festival, the opening program was live-streamed through social media channels and broadcast through government channel¸PTV4.
The Ibagiw 2020 Creative City Festival will run from November 6 to 30, in multiple venues all over the city. Details about the festival can be found on the Baguio Creative City Facebook page and the festival website: ibagiw.baguioartsandcrafts.org.
Watch the recorded live stream below: https://fb.watch/1CayNkCSpo/
Kapihan sa Baguio Held November 4
On November 4, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) held the Kapihan Press Conference for the Ibagiw 2020 Creative City Festival. Mayor Magalong was on hand to welcome the media and a limited number of guests, along with the Festival Organizing Committee.
Festival Chairperson Maria Venus Q. Tan called the festival a community celebration of creativity, resiliency and innovation amidst the challenges brought on by the pandemic. “Let us breathe new life to our creatives, who have been suffering silently because of the impact of this pandemic on Baguio’s local economy.”
Representatives from regional offices of partner government agencies like the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region and the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera were also on hand to talk about their programs in support of the Ibagiw 2020.