CORDEMAYO 2024 — The University of the Cordilleras opened anew the school-initiated Cordemayo at the UC grounds on May 23 as it aims to highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage, innovation, and artistry. Mayor Benjamin Magalong and other dignitaries graced the event. — Jenfrey Benafin
The University of Cordilleras opened the festivities for Cordemayo on May 23 which features a photo exhibit, an arts festival, and a food festival that highlight the Cordillera’s cultural heritage, innovation, and artistry.
There was revelry in front of the university as its chorale, featured artists, dance companies, and percussion and orchestra presented high-spirited and culturally-rich performances prepared by the UC Center for Creative Productions.
A food presentation was also prepared by UC’s TVL senior high school students and College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Compared to last year’s Cordilleran-Korean combined dishes, this year’s food variety highlighted Cordilleran-Chinese fusion cuisine.
Some of the dishes are zhuliyebaoze, mianbao, kamochi, shan-ling, and tanghulu, most of which made use of the region’s commonly found fruits, crops, and vegetables like potatoes, strawberries, and taro showing Cordilleran’s creativity and innovation in the culinary world while elevating highland flavors.
A photo exhibit was also installed at Gate 3 of the university by Eros Goze featuring the Saeng Ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble.
The photos display the cultural practices and garments of the different tribes of Cordillera as its centerpiece. Cultural heritage and fabrics of each Cordilleran province were also described in the gallery.
Some of the cultural dances provided are aninit or the fairy dance from Mountain Province, symbolizing resilience and determination; sakpaya from Kalinga, mimicking the flight of birds as symbols of harmony with nature; dinuy-a or dinu-yah of the Ifugaos, a graceful and vibrant ceremonial dance with variants from Kiangan, Lagawe, Hingyon, Banaue, and Hungduan; ginalding from Benguet which symbolizes unity and spiritual connection; talip, a cultural ritual of courtship from Apayao; and insalay, a dance-chant from Abra in request for rain and bountiful harvest.
The activities show only the gist of what the UC has in store as festivities will continue until May 26 where more creative and cultural performances are yet to be offered for the visitors. – Jenfrey Benafin
