Inaugural theme song launched during CARAA Meet 2024 kick-off

Luna, Apayao - The spirit of sportsmanship filled the air of the Apayao Sports Complex in Luna during the grand kick-off of the 2024 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet as the official theme song of the largest sporting event in the region was first sung live during the event.

"Tara na Cordillera, Maglaro at Magkaisa" was officially launched on Monday, April 15, and was composed by an elementary school principal in the province, Dr. Sherry Ann Baria.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, the musician-principal disclosed that she was surprised when initially told to become the lyricist of the song.

"I didn't expect na ganoon yong trust ng PLGU-Apayao and SDO Apayao sa akin," Baria conveyed.

As she had a love for music, she accepted the challenge and started generating the lyrics. Given her innate talent, Baria said she was able to finish the song’s lyrics within a day.

It was later endorsed by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Irene S. Angway, with Governor Elias Bulut Jr. giving the final nod.

Meantime, for its musical arrangement, Baria said it was a masterpiece of Raul Roy Lee.

For the recording of the song, Baria teamed up with teachers blessed with singing prowess - Esther Bunuen and Meah Joy Aguon. She shared they already knew each other prior to the making of the song and even had a group name, Tres Bonitas of DepEd-Apayao.

These singing teachers were also the ones who serenaded thousands of delegates representing the eight provinces and cities of the region during the kick-off ceremony.

When asked where she drew inspiration in making the song, she disclosed that she observed how such competitions created gaps among participants, thus she focused on creating lyrics that would cultivate the sense of unity, belongingness, discipline, and sportsmanship among delegations.

With this in mind, she expressed hope that the song would serve as an inspiration to Cordilleran athletes in bringing their best to represent the region at upcoming national and even international athletic events.