PHL Indigenous Dance Showcased at the ASEAN Day Celebration at WIPO HQ in Geneva 

12 October 2017 GENEVA - The Benguet Igorot Association in Geneva (BIAG) led in the presentation of Philippine indigenous dance Bendian at the celebration of ASEAN Day at the World Intellectual Property Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on October 02.

BIAG, which in Igorot language means life, is a Geneva based organization of Filipinos who traces their ethnic heritage to the tribe of Igorots. The Igorots is composed of six (6) ethnolinguistic groups that inhabit the rugged and mountainous terrain of the Cordillera region in northern Philippines.

Bendian is a community dance of the people of Benguet. It is performed for various reasons, including for healing lingering illnesses and for celebration of bountiful harvest. It features one fluid dance performance of indigenous dance with live accompanying indigenous music. 

“I am very happy that the Filipino community in Geneva is actively involved in the celebration of the ASEAN Day. It is a testament of Filipino diaspora being cultural ambassadors also showcase our country’s rich cultural heritage” remarked Consul General Enrico T. Fos after witnessing the remarkable performance of BIAG. END

For more information, visit www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/genevapcg.