Cup of Joe declines invitation: ‘Unfortunately, fully booked da idiay dates iti celebration tayo ti Kalinga Day,’ - Concert Committee Co-chair BM Donaal on Bodong Festival updates

Tabuk City, Kalinga – After several attempts, Organizing Committee Co-Chairman and Board Member Christopher Donaal confirmed that the anticipated Baguio-based band Cup of Joe has declined the invitation to perform at the upcoming Kalinga Day celebration, citing a fully booked schedule on the event dates.

As the 31st Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Festival draw near, the four-night concert to be held at the Capitol Park in Bulanao from February 11 to 14 is set to be one of the major highlights of the festivities.

Initially, the OPM band was proposed as a guest performer for the concert. However, Donaal said in an interview that after several attempts to secure the band’s participation—including coordination with the group’s record label—all efforts yielded the same response.

“Regarding diay Cup of Joe, unfortunately ket fully booked da idiay dates iti celebration tayo ti Kalinga Day. We tried to get in touch iti management and diay label da, Viva Records—and uray met ti staff from the Office of the Governor ket they also tried—but unfortunately talaga, adda ti immununa nga bookings dan,” Donaal said.

Despite the setback, Donaal assured the public that the organizing committee is actively exploring alternative performers to maintain the excitement of the annual celebration. While no specific backup artists have been finalized, discussions are ongoing to determine availability.

Meanwhile, the committee is strengthening its focus on local talents, with nearly 32 local artist groups already expressing their intent to perform. Donaal said the performances will be organized by musical eras and genres, including classic hits from the 1960s to the 1980s, as well as a dedicated segment for Original Kalinga Music (OKM).

“…dagitoy met local artists tayo, we already had an initial meeting and there are almost 32 groups nga nag-signify nga kayat da nga ag-perform. Ket mayat daytoy because we are encouraging that all local Kalinga talents be highlighted, nga awan ti labas na,” he said.

In addition to the main guest performers, two Baguio-based bands—Power Puff Corn and Flight of Fancy—are also set to perform during the festivities.

Donaal further emphasized that any special guest performer for the concert will be sponsored by private entities and individuals, clarifying that no provincial government funds will be used for the purpose.

“As of now, awan pay ti specific nga backup performer ngem we are in the process of talking to them. Rest assured nga for this year, just to add to the excitement, adda umay nga agbisita ditoy Kalinga. I also want to emphasize nga daytoy special guest ket haan nga gastusan ti probinsya—this will be sponsored by private entities and individuals. Advance nga pasasalamat ken dagitoy sponsors tayo nga mangkayat met nga mang-contribute iti ragragsak nga maaramid daytoy umay nga Kalinga Day,” he added.

As preparations continue, Donaal said the goal of the celebration goes beyond entertainment, as the province also aims to attract visitors from nearby areas to experience Kalinga’s culture, music, and local products—ultimately benefiting local businesses and farmers.