"No million-dollar dance show can ever fathom the depth of the meaning of the dances their ancestors wanted them to execute."

[BANGUED, ABRA, PHILIPPINES] ▬ That great day in Abra came. There was no Hollywood star, no pop icon, no charismatic political figure, no teen superstar but there are simple people. They wrapped themselves with the glory of their heritage, looked good. They wore their best smile. Their colorful clothes shone with greatness. The greatness turns to fire. The fire turns to clarity. The spirit of peace is manifesting. The simple people became timeless treasures themselves!

[BANGUED] ▬ THIS ITNEG TRIBE CARRIES WITH THEM THE KAWAYAN OR BAMBOO

No chart-topping hit song can ever parallel the timelessness of their traditional music. No million-dollar dance show can ever fathom the depth of the meaning of the dances their ancestors wanted them to execute. This day is simply ethereal, divine. This is the province of Abra. Welcome to the cultural paradise!

Although this festival is a big picture of the rich culture of the province of Abra, the creators of this festival made it sure that at least one product shall receive the attention that it deserves. It is the bamboo (kawayan in Ilocano) which gained the prime spot.

[BANGUED] ▬ BAMBOO IS A STAR IN THE POOL OF LOCAL PRODUCTS IN ABRA.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE TRIBE'S MARCHING IN.

The people of Abra have come up with many products made from bamboo. The resiliency of this tall grass reflects the resiliency of the people of Abra too. In spite of the hardships in life some of our brethren in Abra are experiencing, they still survive without sacrificing the values their ancestor taught them. They used bamboo, a natural resource linked to their culture, for them to survive, to create music and to build a community. These bamboos are not simply about the local products that some businessmen are marketing for profit. Bamboo is one big plant that has helped mold the culture of the people.

For the Kawayan Festival, street dancers have with them these bamboos while they dance and sing from the heart. With them are bamboo products that speak deep to the soul. The geometric patterns on their woven baskets made of thin and floppy bamboo sticks signify that their inherent artistry is so alive.

[BANGUED] ▬ THESE STREET DANCERS SMILE FROM THE HEART.

[BANGUED] ▬ HUGE BAMBOOS

[BANGUED] ▬ THE BAMBOO PROPS ARE JUST LOVELY.

[BANGUED] ▬ FORMATION IN FRONT OF THE CAPITOL

[BANGUED] ▬ AND YES, THEY CAN DANCE.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE HUT COMES.

[BANGUED] ▬ PULLING THE HUT

But not everything is bamboo here. If the creators of the festival made it sure to highlight their bamboo products, the universe conspired to equally highlight the culture and heritage that define who they are.

I observed keenly from the heart and I noticed that every move that they make is a passion. It seems like they're not just doing it for a show. I feel like they are doing this because they are obligated to preserve the good traditions that they can be proud of.

From the mountains to the valley, there's an inheritance that can't be touched. However, this inheritance can touch your heart. You can't see it but your can feel it.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE MOVES THEY MAKE IS AN INHERITANCE.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE CHEERFUL HEART EXPRESSED IN HUGE SMILE

[BANGUED] ▬ RAISING THE BIGA-O MADE OF BAMBOO

[BANGUED] ▬ NO HOT WEATHER WAS ABLE TO STOP THEM.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE STREET NEVER BECAME DULL.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE ABRENIAN SMILE!

[BANGUED] ▬ IN FRONT OF THE ABRA CAPITOL IS A VISUAL FEAST OF ARTS.

[BANGUED] ▬ ANOTHER CULTURAL TROUPE RAISING THE BIGA-O AS PROPS

[BANGUED] ▬ LABBA CONTAINING A FABRIC WOVEN IN ABRA

[BANGUED] ▬ THE FESTIVAL FEET

[BANGUED] ▬ FESTIVAL GIRL

[BANGUED] ▬ THE TRIBES ARE COMING.

Kawayan Festival happens on the foundation day of Abra as an independent Philippine province.

The festival features the culture and heritage of every town including the Ilocano people who co-exist with the Itneg tribes. Expect that there is no common dance steps and traditional sounds playing on the street. In fact, it is very diverse. You'll see that each town has an identity to share. Indeed, in Abra, there's unity in diversity.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE SAKUTING DANCERS OF DOLORES TOWN

[BANGUED] ▬ A GIRL FROM THE SAKUTING DANCERS

[BANGUED] ▬ DOLORES IS KNOWN FOR THE SAKUTING DANCE.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE ILOCANOS ARRIVE!

[BANGUED] ▬ THE ILOCANO DANCES HAVE SPACE IN THIS FESTIVAL, IN FACT, HUGE.

After a fulfilling experience, Elric, a friend from Abra and I went straight to the Abra grandstand where the grandest show will happen.

[BANGUED] ▬ SELFIEING WHILE ON THE ROAD TO THE GRANDSTAND

[BANGUED] ▬ GROUFIEING WITH FESTIVAL DANCERS FROM LANGIDEN TOWN

[BANGUED] ▬ THEY'RE HERE FOR THE FINAL GRAND SHOW.

[BANGUED] ▬ THIS IS THE ABRENIAN CHARM.

After the street dancing, all the festival delegates went to the Abra grandstand for the final showdown. It was more like a field demonstration which is as impressive as the street pageantry.

[BANGUED] ▬ THE FIELD DEMONSTRATION

All ended up in the Abra grandstand. They gave their best shot. The grandstand became a kingdom of life, love and unity. ▬ to be continued...

[UP NEXT] ▬ THIS IS THE FESTIVAL FINALE. WHAT'S THIS?

► ABRA MARCH 2015 TRAVEL SERIES

This long series is almost done. So do you want to see the colors of the festival finale? Hang on for Part 9.

___________________________________________________

► FOOTNOTES, DISCLAIMERS, ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ETC

This experience was made possible through Vice Governor Chari Bersamin who invited us to witness the Abra Kawayan Festival. With me is fellow travel blogger Estan Cabigas of langyaw.com.
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