STREET DANCE COMPETITION: Kalinga schools showcase thrilling performances; contest highlights local stories and vibrant culture

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Various schools from the different municipalities and city in Kalinga came together in a battle of energy, intense movements, and storytelling during the 6th Bodong Festival Street Dance competition on February 13, 2025.

The participating schools include Lubuagan National High School Poblacion Extension and Senior High School, New Tanglag National High School of Tabuk City, BIGA National High School, Tanudan; Batong Buhay National High School, Pasil; Sumadel National High School, Tinglayan; and Eastern Balbalan National High School of Balbalan. 

After giving a glimpse of their performance in front of St. William’s Cathedral, the participants proceeded to the Kalinga Sports Complex and unleashed their synchronized movements, stunning the audience with their unique performances. 

For Lubuagan, participants highlighted the importance of weaving in their culture and the stories of resiliency and unity of the people, while for the students of Tabuk City, they showcased their MATAGOAN Festival which means "The City of Life" or "Zone of Life".

Meantime, Tanudan dancers emphasized the significant meaning of their KAPE festival, unveiling the traditional dances, rituals, and abundant harvest in their performance; while for Pasil, their movements expressed the rich Kalinga identity, showcasing preserved culture and their products like heirloom rice, coffee, and pottery.

Further, for the performance of Tinglayan, they demonstrated their festival called UNOY festival, portraying the procedure of planting and harvesting unoy rice which is described to be the foundation of life, symbolizing prosperity in both agriculture and marriage. 

Moving on to Balbalan, also known as ‘Kaanusan un Guimpong’ or the community of good-hearted, the students highlighted the strength of their agricultural workers whom they called ‘The Heroes of Balbalan.’

The street dance contest is part of the 30th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 6th Boding Festival. The competion was won by the Lubuagan team.