Amazing Ibagiw 2023

Dae-bak! as I would say in Korean slang.
The amazing events last Nov. 11 in my opinion were outstanding.
Congratulations to City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Gladys Vergara-de Vera of the Baguio Tourism Council with Ferdie Balanag and Department of Tourism-CAR Director Jovi Ganongan. The shows at the Rose Garden and the Baguio Convention Center were magnificently presented.
The gala opening of Ibagiw 2023 was exceptional. It was truly mesmerizing, with the shadow play “ala El Gamma Penumbra” and the entire performance in front was terrific.
The performance of the child, then the adult, the beating of the drums, the dances, and the annotation of Jo Kapuno were truly enigmatic. And presenting it outside of the Baguio Convention Center was a unique experience.
I have no more superlatives to give. Basta ang galing. Sobrang intense. Nakigtut ak. Parang mapapatayo ka sa upuan mo. Puwede nang isali sa Asia’s Got Talent, ‘di ba? or ipalabas ulit sa Melvin Jones, para mas maraming makakita.
Shows like this are what we should have. The Kalinga performances are getting better and better. They are truly Guinness World Record holders, and their portrayal of the legend of “Sleeping Beauty” was not only educational but nakakamangha. Dapat ulitin at mag-imbita ng maraming kabataan. Kids are really visual. They appreciate their lessons when presented using sight and sound. Congratulations sa lahat ng dancers and performers.
As part of Ibagiw 2023, on Nov. 24 there will be Creative Talks organized by the Books and Press Sector under DADDAT-AT from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baguio Museum. It is entitled “The Power of the Pen to Create, Spark and Inspire Change” featuring speakers who will delve on the impact of writing and storytelling on social change. This is being organized by Maricar Docyogen and Leslie Dulfo.
An archival exhibit will also open, being organized by with Linda Cariño, Teofilo Mata of the General Services Office, Frederick Gabriel Exibia of City Planning, and Daryl Reyes of St. Louis University Architecture Department.
An Urban Kamote and Kopi Festival will support these events, which will commence during the opening of the Urban Kamote Project of Kidlat Tahimik, the Mighty Bhutens (Kabunyan de Guia, Oliver Olivete, and Guiller Lagac) with Randy Bulayo.
This coming December, watch out for the “Handog sa Pasko: Lakbay Banda-Talikuran” to be presented at the Baguio Museum grounds featuring the Baguio City National High School Band under maestra Carmencita Juquiana and the Pasay City Symphony Band under the baton of maestro Herminigildo Ranera of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for the entertainment of the senior citizens of Baguio.