25 August 2023, Vancouver – The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of British Columbia (UPAABC), in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, organized the Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula at Sayawan (Ikasiyam na Yugto) on 18 August 2023 at Praise International Church in Surrey, British Columbia, in celebration of this year’s Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa.
Consul Ericka Anna Abad delivered the welcome remarks for the Philippine Consulate. The program featured performances by members of Himig Kabataan, an up-and-coming choral group composed of students from the Holy Cross Secondary High School; Friends, Apothic, Music group (FAM), and the PCG Vancouver Dance Group. New to this year’s program is the presentation of the Igorot Dance moves as demonstrated by Mr. Cilff Belgica with the members of the audience participating.
The highlight of the event was the Balagtasan entitled, “Isang Libo’t Isang Salita ng mga Makabagong Makata,” written by Ms. Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua.
About a hundred UP alumni members and guests were in attendance, dressed in their Filipiniana attire. The theme for this year’s Buwan ng Wika is “Filipino and indigenous languages: Language of peace, security, and inclusive implementation of social justice” (“Filipino at mga katutubong wika: Wika ng kapayapaan, seguridad at ingklusibong pagpapatupad ng katarungang panlipunan”). END
