Dayaw 2012, the biggest gathering of Philippines’ indigenous cultures by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), was successfully opened last November 27 at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.

The opening ceremony was attended by former Sen. Jamby Madrigal in behalf of President Benigno Simeon Aquino 3rd, Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado of Bulacan, NCCA Chairman Felipe de Leon, Jr., NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts (SCCTA) Commissioner Joycie Dorado-Alegre, Dayaw Festival Director Sonny Cristobal, Al Anwar Anzar of the NCCA National Committee on Southern Cultural Communities, Francis Degay of the NCCA National Committee on Northern Cultural Communities and hundreds of participants from different cultural communities of the country.

The celebration of different indigenous culture also showcased numerous cultural activities such as performances from different groups, cooking demonstrations, traditional games, weaving and interactions between the audience and participants.

Different students from Bulacan flocked the Malolos’ mini forest and exhibit to witness and experience the ways of living of the indigenous Filipinos. Different groups also gathered to talk about issues concerning education and tourism. Aside from those activities, films from award-winning directors such as Aureus Solito and Mes De Guzman, among others, were screened during the festival.

The festival ended on November 20 with the recognition of the 21 Cultural Masters of NCCA’s School of Living Traditions.