Baggak Choir at Arirang Festival

MANILA, Philippines - The Bauang Baggak Choir recently performed at the Arirang Festival in Jeongseon County, South Korea. The prestigious Arirang Festival, declared as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, was participated in by different performing groups from the Kazakhstan, China and Japan.

The choir rendered popular Korean folk songs like Arirang, Nodle Kangbyon, Ilocano songs Manang Biday and Ilocana, and Tagalog songs Kalesa, Paru-Paro and Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi. Its performance garnered applauses and cheers from the Koreans and other participants.

Performing for the second time in South Korea, the choir was invited by the Taebaek City Government last year to grace the 32nd Taebaek City National Choir Competition. The active exchange of cultural performances between Bauang and the different South Korean groups was part of the friendship city relationship forged between Taebaek City and Bauang.

Meanwhile, the Arirang performers of Jeongseon County were special guests during the festival showcasing their culture through songs and dances during the Rabii ti Pammadayaw event.

Apart from the 11-member choir, another local talent Angela Noveno from Calumbaya, also graced the event. The Philippine delegates were led by Mayor Martin de Guzman III.

The Bauang Baggak Choir is composed of municipal employees led by Leah Dumuk-Bontogon, renowned conductor Regie Bontogon and Jude Bautista. 

Since the group was formed in 2005, it has been invited to perform in various national, religious and cultural events, including invitational performances in Hong Kong by the Bauang Overseas Workers Association (BOWA-HK).