Adivay memories

WE huddled around the fire echoing the squeal of the self-appointed chant leader. There were about five or six more bonfires around the BSU oval – each with their own concerts and theatrical exhibitions. It was already midnight and the November chill is piercing our leader jackets, but you cannot really discourage the 18year-olds with booze at their disposal. That night, for them, was simply the best Adivay ever. “Aaaaddiiiivvvaayyy! Huuuu!Huuuu!”

Introduced in 2005, “Adivay”,or the “gathering” of all Benguet’s town at the capital, was originally held at the BSU oval, also called ‘La Trinidad’s playground’ because the town does not have a park (I wish Arch. Daniel Burnham had also planned our town before). The Adivay series of concerts and the bonfires (and broken bottles) which damaged the grounds ala the western ‘Woodstock’ , however, became a concern for the academic institution, hence the transfer to the Benguet Sports Complex for the succeeding Adivays. (Rightfully so, if only to transfer the congestion from the main urban area of Km.5 to Km.6, to the sleepy Wangal village area). That particular Adivay , however, will be remembered by us, teenagers before, as the best Adivay…ever.

This year’s Adivay started yesterday (Nov. 13) and will culminate on November 25. The celebration carries the theme: “Benguet Culture, Our Future: Sustaining Cultural Identity Amidst Global Changes” (since the word “Sustainable” is the most favored word among those who call the shots in Benguet, even at the capital town, hehe). As with the past Adivays, the almost month-long celebration features various events such as; agricultural and industrial fairs, forums, musical and artistic events, sports and exhibitions,and other activities which highlight the beauty of Benguet, its people and its products. The anticipated Canao will be on Novem-