By Zhein Carlo Molina
The University of Baguio Bibak-Ubbun-Kaafuan (UBBUK) Cultural Group graces five (5) events in Baguio City to perform their Cordilleran-pride cultural dance performances with their bright and resonant-sounding gongs, vibrant handwoven fabrics of traditional clothing, and movements with elegance and dynamics.
The John Hay Sunflower Fair
The UBBUK celebrated their day of love in Camp John Hay as they performed a community dance called Bendian and courtship dance called Tayaw during the opening day of the John Hay Sunflower Fair on February 14, 2026, paying tribute to Cordilleran heritage and community.
The group shared that their performance highlights resilience, beginning with the harsh realities of drought to a journey of hope, leading to a beautiful land with trees, animals, and life-giving water. The hard work of planting, as months passed by, had sowed overflowing harvest.
The group also led and performed Unity Pole Dance, where they moved like weaving six cloths representing the six provinces of the Cordillera. The part where the fabrics intertwined embodies the togetherness of the Cordilleran community.
Handog sa Panagbenga 2026
Immediately after the fair, the UBBUK showed their rhythmic and cultured movements to the Baguio community during the Handog sa Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio 2026, held the same day at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds, with their performances of Mountain Province Dances, including Ballangbang, Boggie, Pallakis, and Halep.
School of Law Thanksgiving
Before the day ended on February 14, UBBUK was still on their poise to go along with the beats and sounds of their culture as they once again performed a community circle dance and a symbolic dance of courtship.
Victory Liner’s Launching of VIP Lounge
On February 18, the Cordilleran culture and expression once again entered the spotlight as UBBUK performed at the launching of Victory Liner’s VIP Kalikasan Lab Lounge, painted with a breath of nature and immersion of its biodiversity.
The group opened their performance with a traditional flute, followed by an Uggayam chant, aiming to bless the newly-opened lounge. They also sang Iyaman, and later, presented a community dance—the Tadok of Kalinga.
The 10th Int’l Tourism, Hospitality Studes Convention
The cultural group welcomed the students from different parts of the Philippines, representing their Higher Education Institutions to their 10th International Convention on February 20-21 at the Newtown Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.
UBBUK showed traditional dances of Benguet–Bendian and Tayaw–-and Abra’s Balliwes, a communal dance of the Itneg community, and Lablabaan, a courtship dance that demonstrates the courtship of a cock and a hen.
The cultural group is always welcome to invitations, showing and paying tribute to their Cordilleran roots and the community. Support the UBBUK in exploring arts, culture, and creativity with their movements and grace.
Furthermore, these cultural performances are truehearted to certain Sustainable Development Goals, such as:
- SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities – Strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of the Cordillera Administrative Region;
- SDG 4 Quality Education – Promoting education for cultural diversity through performing various cultural dances from different provinces of the region;
- SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities – Reducing inequalities as they promote the diverse culture and identity of the Cordillerans; and
- SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals – Committing to partnership with the City government and other private institutions for the abovementioned goals.
