Written by Harold Deane Piog, Christi Joy May Basilan, Faye Noreen Pacada, and John Cymon Reyes
The University of Baguio Performing Arts Group (UB PAG) and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) held its 3rd Annual Performing Arts Summit with the theme “SIBOL: PAG-USBONG NG HIMIG AT INDAYOG” held last May 19-21, 2025. During the Summit, the UB PAG officially launched Project UB PAG-ASA or the University of Baguio Performing Arts Group – Acts of Service and Awareness, an annual outreach program of the UB PAG.
About the Summit
The Performing Arts Summit serves as a vital platform for university student-performers to engage in workshops led by world-renowned keynote speakers. This initiative is designed to empower artists, equipping them with the skills and insights needed to transform their talents into valuable assets as they navigate both university life and personal growth.
The theme, “SIBOL: Pag-usbong ng Himig at Indayog,” symbolizes the concepts of blooming and growth. In this context, facilitators and organizers act as gardeners, nurturing and cultivating student-artists so they may fully realize and utilize their creative potential-much like plants bearing fruit through careful tending.
About the Outreach
The University of Baguio Performing Arts Group “Acts of Service and Awareness” (“UB PAG-ASA”) is the first edition of the UB-PAG outreach activity which is aimed to extend a helping hand to the arts community in the City of Baguio. The outreach ensures that the participants are well-equipped to make use of their talents as assets to acquire scholarships, performing engagements, and opportunities to utilize them in the Creative Industries.
About the UN-SDGs being addressed
These activities were anchored according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), specifically the following:
- SDG 4 (Target 4.7): This activity targeted the elevation of culture and arts education as a way to promote a culture of peace and non-violence and appreciation of cultural diversity.
- SDG 8: This target promoted decent work and economic growth, which aligned with the activity as it recognized the Performing Arts Group as part of the Creative Industries.
- SDG 11 (Target 11.4): This target called for the pursuit of strengthening initiatives for the protection and promotion of culture and national heritage.
- SDG 17: The activity aimed to uphold the status of the city as a UNESCO Creative City by creating a Creative Network with different groups.
Diving deeper into the activities
This year, the three-day summit was designed not only to enhance group cooperation and foster stronger bonds but also to serve as an educational outreach initiative. Members of different performing arts groups served as working committees, and also contributed to the realization of the goals established for the summit.
On the first day, the event featured two speakers starting with Ms. Rachelle Anne N. Montoya, MBA of the Baguio Tourism Office who presented a session entitled “Events Management and Production Initiatives”, highlighting the importance of event planning, organization, and execution. She has also showcased the best practices of the City of Baguio in managing events, earning accolades for the city. Following this, Ms. Nicole Anne N. Carmen led another session entitled “Made to Shine” highlighting the acronym S-H-I-N-E for S- Showcase your Art, H- Hold the Moment, I- Inspire Others, N- Nurture Your Craft, E- Express Yourself, inspiring the members of the performing arts that “We are all made to shine.”
The second day of the summit focused more on UB PAG-ASA where students from Pines City National High School – Special Program in the Arts and a local band in the city participated in various workshops, which were led by the five performing arts groups of the university.
The UB Graces Dance Troupe led the first workshop teaching students of the different dance genres, exposing the participants to varying movements that are distinct to each style. At the same time, the UB Plug and Play Band was also conducting their own workshop teaching students of various band instruments, including piano, drums, electric guitars, and bass guitar, further developing the participants’ knowledge in band music.
Afterwards, the UB Bibbak Ubbun Kaafuan (UBBUK) presented various cultural instruments of Kalinga such as Tongatong, Gangsa or Gong, Patatag, Tongali or Nose Flute, and Paldong; in which, they also presented the traditional attire and traditional dance of Kalinga. The final workshop was a choral session led by the University of Baguio Voices Chorale where students were able to learn more about vocal technique, choral music, while learning a piece entitled “Linden Lea” arranged by Arthur Somervell.The second day of the summit concluded with a mini recital showcasing various talents from both the mentors and the mentees.
The third day of the event commenced with an opening speech delivered by President Javier Herminio D. Bautista, empowering members of the Performing Arts Group. Mr. Justin Hernandez then led the third and final session of the event where he shared his insights of what “Excellence” is. This session focused on the importance of continuous improvement, discipline, and purpose which are values that resonated within the performing arts group. Following that, the event included a team-building session with various activities and games that highlighted the value of teamwork.
The event concluded with a dinner gathering for the entire performing arts family, where a tribute was held for the graduating members of each organization highlighting their contributions and their years of service. The five performing arts groups were also recognized with a certificate for their achievements throughout the school year, a testament to the core values of the performing arts group: Kamalayan+Kagalingan=Kagandahan.
The success of the summit is a reflection of the University’s commitment to fostering holistic development and academic excellence, as outlined in its vision and mission. Through various workshops, performances, and collaborative activities, the event showcased the University’s objectives of nurturing talent, promoting cultural awareness, and encouraging continuous personal and collective growth. Through shared meals, informal jam sessions, and collaborative exercises, participants had the invaluable opportunity to break down barriers, forge new friendships, and establish connections. Casual conversations over coffee breaks blossomed into discussions about shared artistic challenges and triumphs. Collaborative performances, where members from the different groups merged their talents, broke down preconceived notions and built bridges of understanding. By engaging students in a wide range of artistic disciplines and values such as teamwork, discipline, and excellence, the 3rd Annual Performing Arts Summit not only celebrated the achievements of the performing arts community but also advanced the university’s mission of shaping well-rounded, socially responsible individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.
