Gloom, Blooms, Boom!

The float of Baguio City depicts its well-known landmark, a giant lion’s head

Typhoon Crising had reached Manila by the time we boarded the bus for Baguio City. It seemed an inauspicious start for a trip. Eventually, the typhoon would flood several areas in Metro Manila and leave four people dead. A few hours earlier, a bus carrying students and teachers from Marinduque on an educational trip had collided with a truck along Marcos Highway in Badiwan, Tuba, Benguet, a few kilometers from Baguio, with seven fatalities and many injured. A couple of days after, someone tossed a grenade inside an office under the Melvin Jones Grandstand at Burnham Park, just before the grand float parade started at the historical core of Baguio City. There were pickpockets and petty criminals descending on the festival crowd, but the people would not be discouraged. Likely they were incognizant of the unfortunate events. They flocked to Baguio City to enjoy its famous nippy air and the Panagbenga: Baguio Flower Festival, the highlight of which transpired in the last weekend of February. The gloom turned to blooms, a myriad of multicolored blooms.

According to Baguio congressman Bernardo Vergara, the police estimated visitors to be 2.2 million this year, the highest attendance in the festival’s 18-year history. Attendance is steadily increasing about 10 percent every year, said businessman Freddie Alquiros, chairman of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation (BFFFI), which operates, organizes and manages the Panagbenga festival. This, despite the mishaps and this year’s coincidental celebration of the similarly pictographic Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Baguio City, about 250 kilometers north of Manila, has always been a favorite getaway, particularly in Luzon. Because of its elevation, it enjoys a cool climate attracting people who want to escape the tropical heat. Visitors would go to the city’s different tourist spots and shop for now iconic Baguio items such as grass brooms (which is actually made outside Baguio), strawberries, jams and fresh vegetables. Despite emerging destinations in the Philippines, Baguio, with its American colonial look, remains a romantic and sentimental place for many people. Baguio is also the educational and commercial hub of the Cordillera region. The Panagbenga gives people another reason to visit the City of Pines.

Long-time Baguio City mayor Mauricio Domogan said, “When it (Panagbenga) was founded, there were four major reasons. (Until now) it is an occasion for us to thank the Lord, especially for the trees, the flowers, the natural environment. It is an opportunity for the people of Baguio, as well as of the Cordilleras, to gather and work together and have fun. It is also an opportunity to show our unique cultural heritage. That’s why there is a Cordillera motif in many aspects of the festival. We are also doing this to sustain our tourism industry.”

Country maidens romanticizing the harvest of rice on the float of the Department of Agrarian Reform

Hall of famer M Lhuillier’s float carries pop star Gary Valenciano, one of the several celebrities who grace the festival

 The float of Northern Luzon Expressway Corp. which won second prize

The Panagbenga: Baguio Flower Festival was created by lawyer Damaso Bangaoet Jr., then managing director of Camp John Hay, formerly an American military recreation facility, of the John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation in 1996. During this time, many places in the country were developing festivals for merry gathering, as well as promotion. The flower was chosen as focal point because it is the most visible and attractive feature of Baguio. Indeed, the city has many pocket gardens, and parks are usually abloom. With support from the local government and communities, the festival blossomed. Its unique feature, at least compared to other festivals in the country, is the parade of floats, which are covered in flowers, inspired by the century-old American New Year’s Day celebration Tournament of Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Filipinos are fond of stretching festive occasions. The Panagbenga is actually celebrated for a whole month with activities such as expos, fairs, shows and competitions. Every year, they introduce new features. This year, they had the carpet of flowers at the Athletic Bowl.

While the Panagbenga is spectacular, some have considered it an “artificial” festival, not rooted in tradition and commercial in its conception. But in 2007, Oscar Palabyab, then Undersecretary for Tourism Services and Regional Offices of the Department of Tourism (DoT), expressed that Panagbenga’s being a “product of the imagination” (as opposed to tradition) and “purely an invention” as a manifestation of creativity. Sometimes we have to create something, Palabyab said, mentioning that Malaysia built the Petronas Towers, which has become a tourist draw and a distinction of said country. He said we should do something similar in some places in our country, where there isn’t much tradition, heritage and natural resources from which to draw attractions. The Panagbenga is man-made, but, he said, it is “related to what they have right now” — the flowers.

Over the years, the Panagbenga has been trying to incorporate the indigenous cultures of the Cordilleras, home of many ethnic groups such as the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Isneg and Bontoc. 

 Cordillera boys carrying huge butterflies on poles

 A breakfast of corned beef, fried rice and eggs made of flowers on the float of corned beef brand Argentina

 The floral float of Baguio Country Club, a perennial winner

 A fluttering butterfly made of flowers from the float of Baguio Country Club

Flower strawberries from the float of La Trinidad, Benguet

 

The name Panagbenga was adopted in late 1996, a Kankanaey term meaning “a time of flowering” or “blossoming season.” The name was suggested by Ike Picpican, an archivist and curator of the Saint Louis University Museum. Lately, Cordilleran cultures have been featured more and more. This was evident during the street dancing parade organized by the Baguio Cultural Society. The organization was created three years ago to inject more culture into the festival, particularly in the street dancing event, fulfilling BFFFI's aim of strengthening the cultural aspect of the festival, related Alquiros. Thus, one can see culture in the street dancing and flowers on the floats, the two biggest aspects of the festival, said Anthony de Leon, Baguio Country Club general manager and BFFFI co-chairman.

"The quality of the street dancing and the floats has surpassed those from previous years," revealed De Leon.

The street dancing, which happened on Feb. 23, was participated in by 13 groups from Baguio and nearby communities. They paraded together with the elementary school drum and lyre groups around the city's historical core. Each group depicted local folklore, legend or tradition. Traditional clothes were worn. Many had bright costumes to stand out, sometimes creating an incongruous mix of indigenous textiles and modern materials and colors.

Last year's winner, the Kabayan Youth Cultural Dance Troupe of Kamora National High School in Kabayan, Benguet, is also this year's winner in the street dancing open category. They brought their Adivay Festival, a celebration of good harvest, and told the story of Gadate, who helped save the town and the harvest of kintoman, a sweet variety of rice said to be from Bugan, goddess of grains.

"It is also Bugan who sent the snake when the people forgot to do the cañao as thanksgiving," they stated. "In Gadate's dream, the snake told him to ask his people to perform the cañao and offer liver and tapuey, a rice wine. When he followed as instructed, the snake left Kabayan but went to Kapangan. The people of Kapangan sought the help a mambunong, a local priest from Kabayan. The mambunong made the snake sleep and was able to slay the snake. As reward, he was given carabaos and pigs. He brought the head of the snake to Kabayan and celebrated the conquest, shouting 'Adivay!' with the dancing of the cañao and bindiyan. The gods were pleased, and so Kabunyan rewarded them with good harvest and flowering sceneries as a sign of goodwill."

The Litangfan Cultural Group from Bontoc, Mountain Province, won the second prize with their Te-er si Saray-at, the eight-day rest period observed after the planting activity. The rituals and traditions of each of the eight days were depicted.

The third place winner, Apayao Ipasindayaw from the province of Apayao, depicted the kabinnulig, explained as "the strong relationship between a farmer and his carabao."

Their narrative read like a tender love story: "Early in the day of a planting season, this kind of companionship starts with the farmer preparing the carabao for a long day of work in planting caravasa seeds. After three months, the field turns into a haven of caravasa flowers, signifying the hopes of both farmer and carabao. As the flowers turn into young squash, the friendship between farmer and carabao is sealed and promises a bright future for both of them. The abundance of flowers and squash signifies the deities' blessings to the people of Apayao. As a form of thanksgiving, the people perform the taddo and talip in rich and colorful Apayao regalia. The feasting and merrymaking are highlighted by the kabinnulig's haul of ripe squash in the karison, or wooden cart, which marks the farmer's role of returning the favor for a carabao's job well done by taking care of the animal-friend until the next planting season."

 Giant flowers enliven a street dance

 Litangfan Cultural Group of Bontoc, Mountain Province

 Sakusak Traditional Ensemble of Pinsao National High School  

The rest of the participants also showcased their own traditions and stories. The Tanghalang Teatro Pino of Pines City National High School depicted the hulin, a ritual in Bokiawan, Hungduan, Ifugao. Baguio City National High School's Teatro Mi Pengantaay Pagey told the story of Iowak, the hero of a Benguet folktale from Itogon. The Bampkabia Cultural Dance Troupe of Baguio City Academy Colleges showed the traditional wedding feast of Bontoc called chono. The Philexian from St. Louis High School Philex depicted the Kankanaey thanksgiving ritual.

The Tabuk Matagoan from Tabuk City, Kalinga, showed their abuyog, the practice of helping each other "on rotation basis." Also from Tabuk, Saint Theresita's School of Tabuk's Bumabanga Ti Kalinga extolled the traditional pottery of the town of Pasil. Tsinakhon Cultural Ensemble of Saint Louis University Laboratory High School depicted the practices of planting rice during the tsakhon, the dry season. The Sakusak Traditional Ensemble of Pines City National High School Annex displayed the insalay rain ritual from Abra. Saint Louis University's Cordillera Cultural Performing Group told the story of the tikgi bird of the Tingguian of Abra. The Tribu Ari-tau from Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, showed the Benguet's ngayow, the victory ritual.

The following day, the float parade drew more people. Because it is expensive to make a float of flowers, the parade is participated in mostly by companies, which find it a colorful way to advertise. With the election season a few months away, politicians are known to take advantage of festivals to campaign. Festival organizers decided to discourage them from campaigning. They said that political candidates can join the event by riding on their floats, but distributing campaign materials, as well as going to the crowd were discouraged. Violators will be banned. Soap brand Placenta remains banned for disrupting the parade when its celebrity endorser Melanie Marquez and her companions threw product samples at the crowd. 

Vergara boasted that Panagbenga is the most organized, the most peaceful and cleanest this year.

The floats followed the guideline that 95 percent of their floats should be covered with flowers. Although there is no restriction on where participants get their flowers, all of them sourced their flowers from farms in the Cordillera region, particularly in La Trinidad, Tublay, Tuba and Sablan in Benguet, boosting the local cut flower industry.

Celebrities such as Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla, Rhian Ramos, Daniel Matsunaga and Gary Valenciano rode on some of the floats, exciting the crowd.

The Le Monet Hotel float clinched the first prize this year followed by the floats of the Department of Agrarian Reform and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). There were a total of 19 floats, including the ones from the city of Baguio, the Baguio Country Club, SM City Baguio, Psalmstre, Creworks Asia, Smart Communications, Jollibee Foods Corp., Taloy Norte Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative, GMA Network, ABS-CBN Network, International Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Miguel Brewery, the town of La Trinidad in Benguet and M Lhuillier.  

That day, Session Road in Bloom, also a crowd drawer, opened transforming the historic street into a colorful market of native products and of course flowers.

Vergara is optimistic that next year's festival would be bigger especially with the extension of the Nlex up to Rosario, La Union, dramatically shortening the traveling time from Manila to Baguio, which usually takes about eight hours.

Many Baguio-based companies are supportive of the Pangabenga. Among the biggest are The Manor at Camp John Hay and The Forest Lodge, promoting the festival, providing guests with lovely accommodations and delectable dishes from its restaurant whose chef is the renowned Billy King at the helm, and ensuring that they experience the festival as a downpour of merriment, a collision of colors and an explosion of excitement.

St. Louis University’s Cordillera Cultural Performing Group tells the Tingguian story of birds called “Say-ang” in its street dance

 The ethnic and the tawdry mix during the street dance parade

  Tanghalang Teatro Pino of Pine City National High School

Rocking Hard Pays Off at the Muziklaban

 2012 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban grand champion, A Music Theory

 2012 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban grand champion, A Music Theory, raises a toast

 

The crowd enjoying themselves as they watch the performances at the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban

  The main stage of the 2012 RedHorse Pambansang Muziklaban

 

 Years of diligence and learning paid off for a Metro Manila band as they were hailed as the champion of the 2012 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge grand finals held last Feb. 2 at the reclaimed field at the corner of Edsa and Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
A Music Theory (AMT), formed in 2008 by four college students of the De La Salle University, took home P500,000 cash prize, an exclusive recording contract and a big shot at Filipino rock superstardom.
“When our band was announced the grand champion, it felt magical,” described lead vocalist and band leader Jaime Miguel “Cholo” Pabalan. “It was the kind of happiness kids feel when they walk through the gates of Disneyland for the first time whilst an instrumental version of ‘A Whole New World’ is playing in the background. It was just pure, unadulterated happiness. After over four years as a band playing gig after gig after gig around the metro, it felt as if the hard work finally paid off. Also, we felt honored to be given the chance to hold the Red Horse banner just like the industry’s finest bands do.”
This was the third time AMT joined Muziklaban.
“We got booted at eliminations back in 2009 and 2010. We decided not to join in 2011 to concentrate on band growth. Luckily, the third time was the charm in 2012,” Pabalan related.
AMT traces its beginnings in 2006 when Pabalan, JC Santos (lead guitar/backup vocals), Lorce Manaois (bass guitar), John Jo Presingular (drums/backup vocals) and other classmates made a music video project for their Filipino class, calling themselves Sevensticks. After the project, they thought of starting a real band. The group fizzled out with the remaining members calling themselves as BFKAS (Band Formerly Known as Sevensticks). Manaois met Santos again in a philosophy class and revived their intent of forming a band, now calling it A Music Theory, officially born on Oct. 24, 2008 at the JNJ Studio in Malate, Manila.
AMT started doing gigs and eventually joining Muziklaban.
“The Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban is the premier amateur band competition in the country. We saw it as an opportunity to break into an industry we love to get a chance to get to do what we all love doing. We want the songs we play to be heard so that people would be able to appreciate it and feel all the emotions it holds just like we do. Also, we would like to someday be able to contribute to our country’s rich history of music,” Pabalan said.
Now on its 14th year, the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge, an annual rock band competition to promote the strong beer brand of San Miguel Brewery, the Philippines’ leading beer maker, has become an influential force in the music industry, discovering new talents and establishing itself as a major rock event in the country.
Pabalan explained: “The opportunity Muziklaban brings to an amateur band is golden and opportunities like that do not come often in the indie band scene. And being a Muziklaban champion is really something to be proud of. It’s a title that a band will carry forever. Winning at Muziklaban is possibly the best opportunity that any aspiring amateur band can get.”
Past winners include 3rd Degree (2001), 18th Issue (2002), Fuseboxx (2003), Hardboiledeggz (2006), Mayonnaise (2004), Sunflower Day Camp (2005), Gayuma (2007), Even (2008), Hatankaru (2009), Light of Luna (2010) and David vs. Goliath (2011).
Months of elimination rounds conducted around the country precedes each Muziklaban grand finals. This year, Red Horse Beer came up with five bands to represent the different regions — A Music Theory for Metro Manila, Memoronnie for Mindanao, Fidortchi for southern Luzon, Diesngage for the Visayas and Katulad for northern Luzon.
Based in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, in northeastern Mindanao, Memoronnie plays indie/alternative rock with four members — Rosaire (lead vocals), Philip (drums), Jfoi (guitar) and Dancapz (bass guitar). The band is named in memory of a deceased member, Ronnie. On the other hand, Disengage, based in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, in Central Visayas, plays hardcore and Death Metal rock. Formed in 2011, it is composed of Julius Mananquil (vocals), Jesse Antiquiera (guitar), Kim Nochefranca (bass), Matthew Lee (guitar) and Joseph Corleone (drums). 
The northern Luzon band Katulad is from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, and was formed in 2011. Its members — Dave Gualberto (vocals), Allan Teneza  (bass), Andrew Sardillo (guitar), Paul Tumaliuan (guitar), Dan Calling  (percussion), Gudo Dela Cruz (percussion), Gideon Reyes (drums) — were formerly members of other bands. With Pinikpikan, Kalayo, Francis Magalona and Eraserheads as influences, Katulad fuses ethnic and modern music to form what they call “malayang musika” (literally, free music).
Fidortchi hails from Naga City in the Bicol Region and is composed of Rommel Sandagon (vocals), Alvin Bautista (drums), Mario Bulao (bass), Mark Owen Mendez (guitars) and Nong Legacion Jr. (guitars). Formed on October 2010, the band has been visible in the Bicol music scene, as well as numerous band competitions.
Hosted by Francis Brew Reyes and model Phoemela Barranda, the grand finals attracted hundreds rock enthusiasts, beer drinkers and anyone in between. Aside from the performances at the main stage, there were many things going on. The Pinoy Ink Tent featured tattoo demonstration and exhibit by Chris Garcia, notable tattoo artist in Hollywood and brother of Slapshock’s lead singer. The Extreme Sports Zone had BMX and skateboard stunt riders. The Horsepower Zone highlighted amateur bands poised to join next year’s Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge. There were also wall climbing activities, ring toss games, etc.
At the main stage, guest performers included band ambassadors Slapshock, Kjwan, Wilabaliw, Greyhoundz and Razorback as well as past champs Mayonnaise, Gayuma, Even, Hatankaru and Light of Luna. Pepe Smith and his band Juna dela Cruz and Ely Buendia with his band Pupil provided the highlights. The event also unveiled the Red Horse Beer motorbike customized by Hardcore Brothers, which boasts of an original Red Horse airbrush paint finish, bobber fender, Vance and Hines exhaust, Cobra Chrome Pwerflo Air Intake custom rev meter, fuel cap, handle bars, solo saddle, tail lights, deuce-style signal lights and Kuryakin grips. This was raffled off to patrons.
In between the established bands, the contenders performed like no tomorrow. This year, they performed original songs as well as covers. AMT’s songs caught the attention of judges and audience.
“The two original songs we played during the finals were ‘Anthem’ and ‘Endgame,’” Pabalan said. “‘Anthem’ is a song about feeling your way through life and not just living by so-called rules and norms dictated by society. Endgame, on the other hand, is sort of an emotional love song based on certain personal experiences by the band’s bassist.”
Pabalan related their journey: “The semi-finals (which was also Rakrakan Series XVII) and the grand finals of the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban were the first two times wherein we got to play on a huge stage in front of a huge crowd. We learned that bar gigs are so much different. The nervousness comes at a different level on a big stage with thousands of people watching as compared to a bar with dozens. Also, we learned the true meaning of perseverance.”
He further said: “In preparation for the RHB Muziklaban Grand Finals, we rehearsed for two hours, two to three times a week. We also took a couple of gigs to help us prepare for the finals. Also, we tried our best to eat right and stay healthy to avoid any and all kinds of illnesses that could come upon us. Murphy’s Law was on the back of our minds so we took extra precaution in almost everything. However, it didn’t hurt to have a little fun. We still went out and chilled as usual to keep the vibe warm and happy.”
AMT’s win followed the victories of National Capital Region bets Mayonnaise in 2004 and Hatankaru in 2009.
“We will be touring with the industry’s finest bands, learning from them every step of the way. And we’ll also be starting on our first album very soon. Hopefully, it all rolls on the right direction from there,” Pabalan said.
With a Muziklaban feather in their cap, Pabalan revealed the band’s dreams: “Because we love what we do, we’d love to tour and play around the country and even abroad if given the chance. We’d also like to release an album or two so that our music would be heard. And who knows? Maybe we could even become a successful, international band someday which harbors national pride and serves as an influence to others to achieve greatness and be conferred upon the Order of Lakandula. Dream big, right?”

A BMX stunt rider showing his moves at the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Extreme Sports Zone

 

 A Music Theory's lead singer, Jaime Miguel de Guia Pabalan

 

A graffiti wall turns into a work of art at the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban graffiti wall competition

 

Slapshock's high intensity performance

For more information, visit www.redhorsebeer.com.

Daragang Magayon Revitalized

 

Mount Mayon is not only an icon of tourism in the province of Albay, but of the whole Philippines. The splendor of the 8,077-foot active volcano, known for its almost perfect symmetry, inspires awe among visitors and is a constant companion of Albayanos living under its shadow, becoming an integral part of their culture.

There is a popular folklore about the origin of Mount Mayon that Albayanos often tell.

Once there was a princess named Magayon (literally meaning “beautiful”), daughter of Makusog, who was the most beautiful and the most modest in Kabikolan. Among her many suitors was the wealthy and wicked Pagtuga, but Magayon disliked him. When Magayon was about to take a bath at the river, she slipped and was carried away by the currents. A handsome stranger, Panganoron or Ulap (cloud), from Katagalogan saved Magayon’s life. They fell in love. Magayon told this to his father, who remained open-minded despite his disappointment. Pagtuga kidnapped Makusog and threathened to kill him unless Magayon agreed to marry him. To save her father’s life, Magayon consented. On the day of the wedding, Ulap arrived, having heard of the news, with his trusted guide Amihan and several men ready to rescue Magayon. Fighting ensued. Pagtuga was killed by Ulap. Magayon ran to her lover, but was hit by an arrow. As she died in his arms, Ulap was stabbed at the back. The lovers were laid to rest. Magayon was buried with Pagtuga’s gift of diamonds, pearls, gold and other precious stones. A mound appeared on Magayon’s grave the next day, and it grew bigger and bigger until it became a mountain. Occasionally, quakes were felt by the people coming from the mountain. Sometimes, thick clouds would form around the top. It is said that the spirit of Pagtuga, which the help of Linog (earthquake), tries to exhume Magayon’s grave to get the gifts he had given her. It is also said that the clouds forming around the mountain is Ulap, shielding Magayon from the sun, sending raindrops and kissing her.   

Mount Mayon and its story have inspired many artists. The legend was retold in an epic in English and Filipino by Albayano writer Merlinda Bobis, Cantata of the Warrior Woman Daragang Magayon/Kantada ng Babaing Mandirigma Daragang Magayon, published in 1993. Bobis would do a dramatic reading of her epic.

An experimental theatrical piece was staged at the ramp of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) based on the epic. Noted musicologist and composer Dr. Ramon Santos, who was involved in the production, recalled that a young ballet dancer, choreographer and teacher, Gerald Mercado, liked it and wanted to revive it. 

With the help of the provincial government of Albay, the multi-media dance production Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon is to be staged by the 10-year-old group of young independent artists, E-Dance Theater Performing Lab, on Feb. 8, 2013, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.).

Mercado related: “Tinatrato kong anak ang Daragang Magayon. Para kong dinaanan ang panganganak at pagpapalaki ng anak mag-isa (I treated Daragang Magayon like my own child. It was like going through giving birth and raising a child by myself). Its inception — when I had to look at the story and read it again, and research deeper into Bicol folklore — took several years in the making. Pinaikot-ikot ko ang mundo ni Magayon ng paulit-ulit sa imahinasyon ko, hanggang sa finally nabuo rin ang puzzle, at ito ang kinalabasan (I made the world of Magayon revolve inside my imagination again and again until finally the puzzle was solved, and this is the outcome). The choreography, which up until now is still in the process, is for me a process of creating and recreating movement, inventing and reinventing myself.”

“The artistic team intended Daragang Magayon to be a breakthrough for the Philippine art scene — that is the first-ever Filipino multi-media production in quite literally epic proportions,” Mercado said. “And to do this meant bringing together the best that literature and music have.”

Several important artists were gathered for this endeavor. Most notable are Dr. Santos, who created new music for the production, and National Artist for literature Virgilio Almario, whose poetry is featured.

The dramaturgy is by Abdon Balde Jr., who was a civil engineer who turned to writing and literature upon retirement. The award-winning and prodigious Bikolano fictionist and poet was recently appointed as the first poet laureate of Albay by its provincial government. Film is incorporated into the work by filmmaker Chuck Escasa with script by Aimee Escasa and Boni Ilagan, cinematography by Henry Posadas and animation by Niko Salazar. The set design is created by Leo Abaya, while costume design is by Carlo Pagunaling and lights design by John Batalla. Mercado does the direction and choreography.

The cast of dancers, actors and singers include Ea Torrado as Magayon, Victor Maguad as Ulap, Francis Cascaño as Pagtuga, Pamela Josef as Usa, Marcus Tolentino as Makusog, Roduardo Ma and Earvin Guillermo as Linog, Ronnie Lazaro as Gugurang, Pontri Bernardo as Aswang, soprano Stephanie Quintin, tenor Jay-El Viteño, bass Jonak del Fierro, the University of the Philippines Rondalla and the Novo Concertante.

“This rendition of the legend of Mount Mayon is unique in two ways — the incorporation of Bicolano deities in the myth and the particular emphasis of Magayon as a warrior princess,” wrote Mercado. “I decided to merge the different facets of Bicolano folklore into one cohesive story. The gods Gugurang and Aswang, and the goddess Calayo are usually credited for the creation of the world and the fire that made it possible for humankind to survive. The love story of Ulap and Magayon tells the tale of the Mount Mayon. For me, these two stories are in essence, mirror images of each other. It is the same story of the war of two powers, of fire and the triumph of love.”

Santos, who was selected as National Artist for music in 2009 but was dropped by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in favor of her choices, said he created innovations for this production. Notable is his creation of a score for rondalla, the plucked string music.

“Maraming magagaling na rondalista sa Bikol (There are many good rondalla players in Bicol),” Santos said.

Rondalla music has always been used as intermissions in programs, as welcome to visitors during important occasions and as accompaniment to celebrations but according to Santos, “rondalla has never been used in a ‘serious’ production.” His composition “proved to be challenging even for the players,” but is haunting and unique.

The local government of the province of Albay is supporting the production as part of its revitalized tourism program.

“Ang pagtatampok ng Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon sa Cultural Center of the Philippines…ay ang pagdadala ng liwanag sa mga taong nasa karimlan ng kawalang-alam sa mga tradisyong Albayano (The staging of Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon at the Cultural Center of the Philippines…is [like] bringing light to those who are in the dark about Albay tradition),” said the governor of Albay Joey Sarte Salceda. “Mahalaga ito sa amin na maibahagi ang kagandahan ng aming kultura sa mga taga-ibang rehiyon ng ating bansa. Napapanahon nang makita nila ang kagandahan ng aming probinsiya, ang kariktan ng aming mga dilag, at ang yaman ng aming kultura. Sa ganitong paraan, hangad namin na katulad ni ulap, maakit kayo na dalawin ang Albay, umibig sa Albayana at makibahagi sa aming pagdiriwang.” (It is important for us to share the beauty of our culture to other regions of our country. It is already time for them to see the beauty of our province, the loveliness of our maidens and the richness of our culture. This way, we wish that like ulap you will be enticed to visit albay, to fall in love with albay women and to take part in our celebration.)

Salceda is said to be supportive of arts and culture, and his projects included regular exhibits at the provincial capitol building, the commissioning of local sculptors to create statues of historical figures of Albay, the staging of the opera in Bikol Dance of the Three Mountains by Balde during the 2012 Magayon Festival, and the creation of the Office of the Poet Laureate. This latest endeavor is a way to showcase Bicolano culture for the whole country to see, and the legend of Daragang Magayon is an apt avenue.

Salceda said: “Ang alamat ni Daragang Magayon ay paulit-ulit na ipinagdiriwang n gaming probinsiya sa mga dula, sayaw, awit at tugtog dahil ito ay naglalarawan ng aming pinagmulan. Ito ay naglalarawan ng pinakamaganda sa amin sa ugali, anyo, pag-ibig, pakikipagkapwa-tao at ang aking kaligiran. Pinayayaman nito an gaming buhay. Pinahahalagahan nito ang aming mga kaugalian.” (The legend of Daragang Magayon is frequently celebrated in our province in plays, dance, songs and music because it showcases our roots. It displays the best in us—in conduct, form, love, camaraderie and surroundings. It enriches our lives. It honors our traditions.) 

“Ang alamat ni Daragang Magayon na sa kamatayan ay naging isang napakagandang bulkan ay naglalarawan ng anyo at kaluluwa ng aming probinsiya, ng mga Albayano. Sumasalamin ito sa aming kultura (The legend of Daragang Magayon, who in death becomes a very beautiful volcano, represents the image and soul of our province, of the Albayanos. It is a glimpse into our culture),” he explained. “Una sa lahat, ang paggalang sa Diyos — na katulad ni Gugurang — at ang pag-alay ng atang kung may biyayang dumating sa aming buhay (First of all, the respect for God — like Gugurang’s — and the thanksgiving if there are blessings in our life).”

“Ang paggalang sa magulang, lalo sa ama ng tahanan. Handa si Magayon na isakripisyo ang sariling kaligayan para lamang sa kaligtasan ng kanyang ama (The respect for parents, especially for the father of the house. Magayon is ready to sacrifice her own happiness for the safety of her father),” he added. “Ang likas na ganda ng paligid na tampok ang Bulkang Mayon ay ipinagdiriwang at pinahahalagahan namin bilang biyaya ng Diyos at ng kalikasan. (The innate beauty of the environment featuring Mayon Volcano is being celebrated and valued as a blessing from God and from nature) ”

“At bakit naming ilalarawan ang aming kultura sa pamamagitan ng isang makabagong ballet sa Cultural Center? Sapagkat hangad namin na madali ninyo kaming maunawaan sa pamamagitan ng sining. Magiging madali para sa atin ang magkaunawaan. Madali ang pag-ambag ng kaalaman. Nagiging isang komunidad tayo sa magkahawig na kultura. At higit sa lahat, ito ay masayang pagtitipon. (And why are we showcasing our culture through a modern ballet at the Cultural Center? Because it is our wish that you would easily understand us through art. It would easier to understand one another. It is easy for the transfer of knowledge. We become one community with the with the similarities in our cultures. And best of all, it is a fun gathering.)” he concluded. 

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon will be shown on Feb. 8, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, call 425-0509, 0920-9266387 and 832-1125 local 1116. For ticket inquiries, call 829-3591, 0906-2735400, 0922-8477639 and 0933-4372744. Call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Literature Goes to Market in Dumaguete City

Overlooking Mindanao Sea and with a laidback vibe, Rizal Boulevard is perhaps Dumaguete’s most famous landmark 

Despite the whirlwind nature of the event, Dumaguete City had the ability to calm one down. I got to revisit the capital of Negros Oriental recently for the press conference of the Taboan 2013: Philippine Writers’ Festival, an annual gathering of writers all over the country to trade ideas and stories on culture, history and the literary arts.

The press conference was held at the Bethel Guest House. Despite its “antiseptic” ambiance, the small hotel is efficient and popular because of its location — along the city’s Rizal Boulevard. The boulevard is perhaps the most famous place there because it is picturesque and laidback. At one side is the Mindanao Sea, and at another a row of hotels, bars and restaurants, where many expats and students gather, talk and chill out. Some of the establishments used to be mansions, which lined the boulevard in the olden days. Old trees line the narrow strip of park beside the boulevard, a popular place to jog and exercise at as the sun rises and a nice promenade during sunsets. There is a monument to the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres on the spot where they first landed in the Philippines. It was in 1904 when they opened the first Paulinian school in the country in Dumaguete City. 

The boulevard is a popular dining strip. Over the years, many good restaurants have popped up in the area. One of the most popular is Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries, which is always full. It offers the best sans rival cakes and silvanas in the city. A few steps away is Jo’s Chicken Inato, famous for Visayan-style grilled chicken, perhaps Visayas’s most famous dish. 

Nearby are major Dumaguete landmarks, the Aquino Freedom Park, the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria and beside it the Campañario de Dumaguete, said to be one of the oldest heritage landmarks in Central Visayas. Also along the boulevard is Silliman University, the city’s leading educational institution, the country’s first Protestant university and the first American private university in Asia. There are a number of educational institutions in the city, making it an educational center in the region. Hosting about 30,000 students, Dumaguete is known as a “university town” with young and educated people contributing to the vibrancy of the city.

Dumaguete’s Rizal Boulevard is lined with trees, hotels, bars and restaurant

 The centuries-old belfry beside the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria was used to warn people of the coming of marauding Moro pirates, who “snatched” (daggit in local term) people away, thus the name of Dumaguete City

Also, Dumaguete likes to call itself the “City of Gentle People” most likely because of the blithe nature of the Dumagueteños and the carefree atmosphere of the city. The recent visit enabled me to experience that, as well as reconnect with one of my literary mentors when I was a fellow at the Second Iligan National Writers Workshop, poet and teacher Christine Godinez-Ortega, who is the vice head of the National Committee on Literary Arts (NCLA) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). She is the festival director of Taboan 2013 and is responsible for bringing Taboan to Dumaguete City, where she was born and nurtured as a writer before going and working in Iligan City in Mindanao.

Taboan was conceptualized as the flagship project of the NCLA for the Philippine Arts Festival (PAF), which is NCCA’s contribution to the celebration of National Arts Month happening for the whole month of February. Taboan is the Visayan word for “market,” and it is purported to be a venue for writers, as well as readers, students, teachers and scholars to interact with one another and discuss writing and literature. It mostly consists of conferences, seminars, talks and panel discussions, usually happening simultaneously. An attendee can thus hop from one discussion to another.

Taboan is held in different regions in the country. The first one in 2009 was held in Metro Manila, then it moved to Cebu in 2010, Davao City in 2011 and at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga last year.

According to Ma’am Christine, it is but apt that the Taboan is being held in Dumaguete City.

Not in favor of the tag “City of Gentle People,” she wants the city to be known as the “City of Literature.” It has, in fact, produced a good number of writers and is home to the country’s oldest and most prestigious writers’ workshop, founded in 1962 by National Artist for literature Edith Tiempo and her husband, fictionist Edilberto Tiempo. The Silliman National Writers Workshop has nurtured many Filipino writers. Most of my writer-friends have attended the workshop and come back gushing with romantic tales about it, including falling in love with Dumaguete.

Ma’am Christine said that Taboan in Dumaguete is like a coming home of sorts for her, as well as for many participating writers. To be held from February 7 to 9, Taboan 2013 will be hosted by different schools in the city including Silliman University, St. Paul University of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental State University, College of St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Joseph Seminary College and Foundation University. It will highlight Dumaguete City’s and the region’s writers, literature and literary traditions.

With the help of the city government of Dumaguete, Taboan for the first time will be having an opening parade, which will start at 8 a.m. on February 7 with a pahili, a ritual to augur luck, by a cultural group from the Negros Oriental State University. There will be performances by the Handuraw Dance Troupe of St. Paul University of Dumaguete and a rondalla group of the municipality of Dauin. During the opening ceremony, Resil  Mojares will deliver his keynote address titled “The Nation in the Visayan Imagination,” and a plenary session, “Your Place at the Writers’ Table,” will be held with National Artist for literature Bienvenido Lumbera, Mojares, Leoncio Deriada and Isagani Cruz as speakers. Different panel sessions will immediately begin on the same day. 

A book fair is one of the exciting events of the Taboan 2013

“Inscribing the Past” (1 to 2:45 p.m., Joshua Room 1 of Bethel Guest House) will have Lumbera as keynote speaker, and Rev. Msgr. Agustin Velez Ancajas, Erlita Pangilinan Mendoza, Elmer Ordonez, Merlie Alunan and Maria Rosario Cruz-Lucero as panelists. “Bypassing the Center” (1 to 2:45 p.m., Joshua Room 2 of Bethel Guest House) will have Fr. Rey Villanoy Jr., Herminigildo Sanchez, Richard Madrilejos, Neyo Mario Valdez and Phil Harold Mercurio as panelists. “Imagining the Indigene” (1 to 2:45 p.m., Agape Room of Bethel Guest House) will have Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ, as keynote speaker, and Norman Darap, Richard Kinnud, Jayson Eduria Parba and Christine Godinez-Ortega as panelists. “Translating Texts, Texts in Translation” (3 to 4:45 p.m., Joshua Room 1 of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Ma. Luisa Torres Reyes and panelists Francis “Butch” Macansantos, Junley Lazaga, Noel Tuazon, Hope Sabanpan-Yu and  Juliet Mallari. “Experimenting with Genres” (3 to 4:45 p.m., Joshua Room 2 of Bethel Guest House) will have panelists Fr. Jose Ronnie Cao, Almuzrin Jubair, Santiago Villafania, Shirley Lua and Jhoanna Lyn Cruz. “Vision and Revision” (3 to 4:45 p.m., Agape Room of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Leoncio Deriada and panelists Jenny Talaver, Allan Alberto Derain, Roilingel Calilung, Roberto Klemente Timonera and Haidee Emmie Palapar.

On February 8, “Writing Chinoy, Chinoy Writing” (8 to 9:45 a.m., Jordan Room 1 of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Shirley Lua and panelists Rowena Rose Lee, Mark Benedict Lim, Hope Sabanpan Yu and Carlo Arejola. “Writing for the Ebook Market” (8 to 9:45 a.m., Jordan Room 2 of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Isagani Cruz and panelists Gil Montinola, Reuel Molina Aguila, Sonny Villafania and Jose “Butch” Dalisay. “Gender Factor” (8 to 9:45 a.m., Agape Room of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Jhoanna Lyn Cruz and panelists Diandra-Ditma Macarambon, Sherma Benosa, Paul Randy Gumanao, Paolo Manalo and Ma. Carmen Sarmiento. “The Space Between” (10 to 11:45 a.m., Jordan Room 1 of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Elsa Victoria Martinez Coscolluela and panelists Merlita Lorena Tariman, Isabela Banzon, Martin Villanueva and Priscilla  Macansantos. “Chronicling Disasters” (10 to 11:45 a.m., Jordan Room 2 of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Elmer Ordoñez and panelists Jim Domingo, Marion Guerrero, Carlo Arejola, Jondy Arpilleda and Elizabeth Raquel. “Networking Among Writers” (10 to 11:45 a.m., Agape Room  of Bethel Guest House) will have keynote speaker Butch Dalisay and panelists Jane Camens, Isagani Cruz, Merlie Alunan and Juliet Mallari.

At the Negros Oriental State University’s gym, the discussion on performance poetry will have keynote speaker Steven Patrick Fernandez with panelists Chuckberry Pascual, Lumbera, Nemesio Baldesco Jr., Joycie Dorado Alegre and Rosemarie Teves Pinili (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.). A reading/discussion of the works of Edilberto Tiempo and Edith Tiempo will be held at the Silliman Hall of Silliman University from 4 to 6 p.m. with keynote speaker Merlie Alunan and panelists Leoncio Deriada, Christine Godinez Ortega, Ralph Semino Galan, Dominique Cimafranca and Karlo Anthonio Galay David.

“Mga Hinandum: Siday, Balak, Balitao of the Winners of the Negros Oriental Balak/Balitao Competition,” a performance poetry and concert featuring traditional Visayan literary froims, will be held on February 8 at 7 p.m. as well as the launching of Alunan’s book Pagdakopsa Bulalakaw and a performance by the St. Paul University of Dumaguete Orchestra.

Literary discussions will continue on February 9 with a reading/discussion of Artemio Tadena’s works at the James Herring Audio-Visual Room of Foundation University with keynote speaker Myrna Peña Reyes and panelists Cesar Ruiz Aquino, Francis “Butch” Macansantos and Priscilla Macansantos (8 to 10 a.m.). A reading/discussion of the works of Elsa Victoria Martinez Coscolluela and Bobby Flores Villasis will happen at the Fr. Louis Chavet Hall of St. Paul University of Dumaguete (10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) with panelists Erlinda Kintanar Alburo, Leoncio Deriada,  Tichie Ann Baena, Priscilla Cielo and Victor Sugbo. “On Publishing Modern Catholic Writing” will have keynote speaker Joselito Zulueta and panelists Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ., Rev. Mgsr. Agustin Velez Ancajas, Fr. Rey Villanoy Jr., Fr. Jose Ronnie Cao, Fr. Enrico Silab and Georgette Ann Gonzales at the COSCA Multi-media Center of the College of St. Catherine of Alexandria, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

NCLA vice head Christine Godinez-Ortega (middle) is this year’s Taboan festival director. Last year, she moderated the discussion on writers’ workshops together with Aida Rivera Ford (left) and Elsa Martinez Coscolluela (right)

For the closing ceremonies of Taboan 2013, the Tanjay City Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert at the Essencia Hotel at 6 p.m. on February 9. This will be followed by “Suga-Tula (Crossing Poetry)” by the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, under the direction of Steven Patrick Fernandez.

Taboan 2013 Literary Awards, which was started in 2010, will also be bestowed, honoring the contributions of significant Visayan writers. This year’s awardees are Erma Cuizon, Marjorie Evasco, Lamberto Ceballos, Ernesto Lariosa and Cesar Ruiz Aquino from Central Visayas; Alice Tan Gonzales, Maria Rosario Cruz Lucero, Maria Luisa Defante and Victorio Sugbo from Western Visayas; and Fray Paolo Maria Diosdado Casurao from Eastern Visayas.

New this year is the Taboan Lifetime Achievement Award which will be given to Bienvenido Lumbera, poet Cirilo Bautista, critic Isagani Cruz, fictionist Elmer Ordonez and fictionist Leoncio Deriada.

With Taboan 2013, both residents and visitors of Dumaguete City will be treated to the soulful and mystical side of the city. Hopefully, the Taboan can conjure a spellbinding effect on the participants the way the Silliman National Writers Workshop has enraptured its fellows.

National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera, Virgilio Almario and F. Sionil Jose attended last year’s Taboan and are expected to grace this year’s event

Planting the Right Seeds: EDC Gathers Youth Leaders for New Perspectives on Environmental Issues

Fifty-eight college students from all over the country have learned their important greening mission in EDC’s first Binhi Youth Conference 

Zephanie Marie Danieles, a 19-year-old business administration student of St. Paul University of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, was already active in environmental causes. Hailing from Siaton, she said Dumaguete and the province in general, hailed by many tourists as a favorable rustic destination, has many environmental problems such as improper waste disposal. When it floods in the city, trash is everywhere. Air pollution is also a problem, which is why they encourage walking and biking in this city said to have the most motorbikes in the country. Outside Dumaguete, there is a lot of mining, she said. Wanting to disprove the belief that they are the apathetic generation, she called on people to “act now.” “Time is not our ally,” she said.

Danieles was one of the 58 student leaders from universities and colleges all over the Philippines who participated in the first Binhi Youth Conference (BYC), organized by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a company in the Lopez ground involved in developing geothermal and other renewable energy sources. It was held from November 15 to 17, 2012, at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo City, Rizal.

With the Binhi conference, Danieles was able to connect with fellow students who share her passion, and gain more knowledge and new perspective on environmental issues. She and other students resolved to do more for the environment.

“Initially, I will educate the people around me on the importance of biodiversity. Being a biology student of UPVTC, I would like to serve my purpose and also let my purpose serve me” stated Carlito Cabo Jr. from the University of the Philippines in Tacloban City, Leyte.

On the other hand, Kristina Vade Santos of Ateneo de Davao said, “As a student, it’s the simplest way I can influence others to protect the environment. I will be a good leader and role model first in my classroom, then in my division, to the whole school, and to the community. This may be simple but I believe that simple things can have great impact on a wider scale if we start doing it now.”

Rolan Ben Lorono from Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete City said he will lead fellow students in reforestation, while Jonathan Bayaton, also from Dumaguete City, said he has already started collecting and planting endemic and indigenous tree species.

“I will promote waste segregation and impart to my schoolmates the value of restoring premium native species in preserving biodiversity, to encourage all of us to be united in protecting Mother Earth,” said Rhoel Marcelo from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. 

Jonathan King Janer of Sorsogon State College pledged to implement Binhi in their organization, the Philippine Society Mechanical Engineers.

“Now, that I have found my career path, I will make a positive change by helping to fulfill the conference’s mission of nurturing a wealthy and healthy environment not only for my own generation but even for our children’s children,” said Mary Chris Nierves, an environmental management student of the Visayas State University.

The conference was also a venue where EDC, the leading geothermal energy company in the Philippines with five sites around the country, was able to make known one of its primary corporate responsibilities (CSR), which is environmental conservation. According to botanist Agnes de Jesus of EDC, EDC, formerly the Philippine National Oil Company, began its CSR in 1987 with community relations in their sites. In 2005, the CSR expanded to include health, education, livelihood and eventually environment programs. Environment remains to be a flagship cause for EDC. Launched in 2008, Binhi is a nationwide 10-year reforestation and biodiversity restoration project of the Lopez group, pledging 1,000 hectares of forests every year. It specifically aims to “restore the Philippine forest diversity and gene pool of the premium tree species; enhance the country’s ecological diversity; and support livelihood of the host communities.” The conference is part of the “Binhi movement” which aims to encourage the youth to initiate and sustain environmental awareness and protection projects within their own schools and communities. It gathered the best students from schools around and near their sites. 

The first day of the conference was dedicated to lectures with Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Annaliza Teh explaining the National Greening Program, which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of degraded and denuded forestlands in six years; and Climate Change Commissioner Naderev Saño talking about climate change issues and trends. 

An important lecture was given by Dr. Perry Ong, a professor from the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Biology. He revealed that the deforestation and exploitation of resources were rapid in the past century, after the country gained independence. The amount of deforestation and exploitation are much higher than during the Spanish and American periods combined. He also deplored the fact that the youth are ignorant about the country’s native and endemic flora and fauna.

Ong also emphasized knowledge in environmental efforts. “Hindi porket green, maganda na,” he said. 

The popular activity of tree-planting can be harmful to the environment if one doesn’t have knowledge of trees. It is imperative to plant native and endemic trees rather than foreign species that can wreck havoc on native ecology.

Aside from the lectures, participants went through a workshop on leadership and public speaking, conducted by management consultant Rodolfo de los Reyes. They also participated in tree-planting and team-building activities. EDC’s resident foresters gave them instructions and tips on proper tree planting methods. Seedlings, which were purely premium endangered Philippine species such as apitong, dao, ipil, kamagong, molave and yakal-saplungan, were planted by the delegates at the Eugenio Lopez Center. They also made project proposals, from which the best was picked, judged based on their compatibility with Binhi, viability, strategic content, and replicability. The best proposal was made by the team from the University of Southeastern Philippines, a regional state university in Davao City, receiving cash prizes and a project support grant from EDC in the form of budgetary provision and technical assistance from the CSR and watershed management departments for the implementation of its program. Their proposal is to design, produce and market T-shirts made from recycled materials. Each T-shirt will come with a packet of seeds of a Binhi tree that the buyer can plant. Proceeds from the shirt sales will be for the construction and maintenance of an on-campus greenhouse for students of their university to be able to study and culture rare and endangered native tree species.

Runners-up were St. Paul University of Dumaguete and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City. The top three projects will see implementation this year and will be showcased at road shows that EDC will conduct for the 2013 Binhi Youth Conference.

The participants still keep touch with each other through the BYC Facebook page and by following EDC’s Twitter account (@edcenergy), where they discuss environmental issues, share their activities, and inspire families and friends to care for the environment.  

Leadership and public speaking workshop conducted by management consultant Rodolfo de los Reyes

 Carlito Cabo Jr. (middle) of UP Tacloban committed to help promote rainforestation to save native flora and fauna. His schoolmates Daniel Licayan and Norlyn Marmita also pledged to participate in various greening programs to promote Binhi

 

 This tire lift challenge was one of the most difficult stages in the Binhi Amazing Race as it required the participants’ team work and shrewdness to lift the tire without touching the pole