BAGUIO CITY — Whenever Cordillerans such as the Ibaloy gather, celebrations are marked by traditional dances, music and, often, country songs that resonate with the crowd.

The 17th Ibaloy Day celebration in Baguio City, held at the Melvin Jones Grandstand in Burnham Park on 23 February 2026, drew a large crowd of participants dressed in traditional attire and cowboy hats. Attendees gathered around tents and the main stage to watch cultural performances and listen to various entertainers.

While the event served as a platform to honor indigenous heritage, one segment of the program drew criticism over the appropriateness of its stage content.

During one portion of the festivities, a male entertainer performing country songs allegedly made several remarks concerning reproductive health and genetics. The performer, who came from the Southern Philippines, reportedly joked about his physical appearance while offering to distribute his sperm to the audience.

He also commented on the practicality of in vitro fertilization as a modern method for ensuring the quality of future generations. Many in the crowd responded with laughter, but some witnesses said the humor was unprofessional and inappropriate for a community celebration.

Critics expressed concern that such remarks undermine the dignity of women and misrepresent medical procedures such as in vitro fertilization. For many couples, IVF is a serious clinical option used to address infertility and build families, rather than a topic for casual stage banter.

Those who voiced their discomfort argued that using a public platform to make degrading comments about women’s roles and reproduction runs contrary to the values of a respectful society.

The singer had earlier drawn attention after a video circulated showing him berating crew members of a fast-food chain.

The incident prompted calls for event organizers to adopt stricter screening processes for invited performers. Observers noted that while community celebrations are meant to be festive and lighthearted, they should not come at the expense of public decency or the empowerment of specific groups.

There is a growing expectation for Baguio City events to align more closely with the city’s image as a character-centered community by ensuring stage content remains respectful and inclusive.