30 August 2024, Surrey – In celebration of Buwan ng Wika, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of British Columbia (UPAABC), in partnership with Vancouver PCG, once again organized the Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula at Sayawan (Ikasampung Yugto) on 30 August 2024 at Praise International Church. More than 100 alumni members and guests attended the event. Mayor Brenda Locke of Surrey represented the BC government at the occasion.
In her remarks, Consul General Arlene Magno highlighted the theme of this year’s Buwan ng Wika entitled, Filipino: Wikang Mapagpalaya, where she emphasized the important role of the Filipino language as an instrument of freedom and progress. She added that through the writings of important historical figures such as Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, the Filipino language became an inspiration to Filipinos to fight for self-determination and freedom for our country.
The event commenced with a musical performance from Himig Kabataan, followed by renditions of several classic kundiman and harana numbers by Ms. Charen Cusi, Mr. Danny Bernabe, Mr. Fred Gutierrez, Ms. Buena Chua. Ms. Erie Maestro followed with an oral interpretation of two poems in Filipino, one of which was written by OFW Mary Jane Veloso. A tribute to former UBAABC presidents was also presented to celebrate their contributions to the organization and the Filipino community.
The Philippine Consulate General Dance Troupe also showcased Tiklos, a traditional dance from Leyte, as well as a dance performance to the tune of the popular Filipino folk song Leron Leron Sinta.
The theme of this milestone year’s Balgatasan is “Sampung Taon Kahapon ang Bawat Pahina ng Ating Libro sa Ngayon – Aling karanasan ang mas maganda – Ang nakaraan o ang kasalukuyan?” written by current UPAABC President Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua. Ms. Rosette Correa and Ms. Lei Ann Quinquilleria were the featured debaters representing the two sides while Juville Hipol was the lakambini who moderated the traditional Filipino debate in verse.
The program concluded with the community singing of the UP Anthem, UP Naming Mahal, and a performance by Friends, Apothic, and Music (FAM) that brought the audience to their feet.
August is declared Buwan ng Wika under Proclamation No. 1041 signed in 1997 to promote the significance of the Filipino language as a tool for communication, understanding, unity and prosperity. END
