Archive for the ‘Philian Weygan Allan’ Category
SETTING GUIDELINES ON THE SUNDAY MARKET IN SESSION ROAD IN CELEBRATION OF VARIOUS FESTIVALS
SECTION 2. BASIC POLICIES AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
- It is the policy of the city that pursuant to Sec 21 of the local government code and its implementing rules and regulation, the City of Baguio shall close a road (Session Road) on Sunday for fiesta celebration, agricultural or industrial fairs, flea markets, or shopping areas and where goods, merchandise, foodstuffs, commodities, or articles of commerce may be sold and dispensed to the general public;
- It is the city’s policy to provide venues for micro, small, medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs), local farmers, startup initiatives, organized displaced vendors and overseas workers, new and old entrepreneurs in showcasing their products towards improving living conditions, keeping vibrant local economy and uplifting moral and spiritual wellbeing;
- The city shall adhere to the required business registrations, health protocols, sanitation and environmental regulations while advancing good character, and vehicle mobility around the Central Business District;
- It is the policy of the City that the Session Road Sunday Market is temporary in nature in terms of a)structures which are removed after the activity, b) participation registration is on a Sunday basis, c) and celebrations are on a season, monthly or event period except on occasions where an existing ordinance provides that Session Road be closed for market.
Wulai of Taiwan
Posted on: July 10, 2018
DURING our trip to Taipei, we added a tour to Wulai. It was one of the tours that were offered which was not very far from the city and it takes about 45 minutes car drive. And it a favorite destination because it is one of the cultural village near Taipei.
Our tour guide picked us from the hotel and she started talking about Taipei and places we were passing by. She uses her phone for immediate translation and directions. There was another fellow from Texas, originally from South Africa who was with us in the tour.
Wulai is a small town in New Taipei, Taiwan and derives its name from kirufo ulai which means hot springs of the native language of the Indigenous peoples, the Atayal tribe. They recently completed some rebuilding some structures as they experience great damage from typhoon in August and September 2015.
They are considered the third largest aboriginal group of Taiwan. Along the way we passed by a lot of beetle nut palm plantations, the clear rivers where fisher folks were fishing.
There are many hotels and resorts where visitors pay to take a bath or soak. Since it was hot summer, this was not a suggested activity. The hot springs produce alkaline carbonic acid water at 50 to 80 degrees Celsius.
As soon as we arrived, Eunice our tour guide told us to take the stairs to the push cart where she got our tickets. It was a long steep walk which gives a picturesque view and some Wulai statue where we took some photos.
When we reached the station, there was a long cue at the ticket booth, but we joined the cue for the ride. The push carts were actually mono rail log carts that carry at least ten or more people into the side of the mountain. After our ride we were picked by the car and rushed to the cultural show. To me and my husband this was the highlight of tour.
First, the garments used were woven and colors were red, white, and yellow, black. Some of the vest could pass as one of our Igorot weave.
However, the skirts were either above the knee or long dress not like our tapis which are below the knee.
The dancing steps were a lot of kicking and jumping and they were continually chanting and singing. Sometimes it seems like a cheer rather than a chant. The dancers were young adults and accordingly there was one Filipina dancer who worked there a few years ago. There was a general dancing, a hunting dance, a harvest dance and also a wedding dance.
The wedding dance was first danced by the dancers then they got us to participate. One male dancer got me and the lady dancers got the male guest.
First they gave us leis, head gear and a vest, then the ritual of a drink, kneeling and holding a wooden log with one hallow part in each end, one for groom and one for bride, imitating a drink.
Then a wooden chair woven together by vines was carried by the groom and the bride rides and is carried around. The women come and dance around, while the men were also dancing.
After that we all formed a circle and did a dancing like “digwe” in our native dance, lifting one foot alternately. This was a great experience that an Indigenous People (IP) will enjoy.
The culture dance was in a theatre which also holds a museum a shop and a good view of the waterfalls. My husband bought a vest which cost around $15 and I bought some small items. Then we went out and had photos with the waterfalls in the background. The Wulai waterfall is 80 meter high and about 10 meters width.
We walked to the Museum before visiting the other shops; I bought a sausage which tasted so good. My husband took photos with the carved hunter – a man carrying a deer and a dog at his feet. We have our cordilleran version of this woodcarving. The tour was a good one afternoon, and I wished it was longer.
If given another chance I would want to go back and spend more time in the Wulai village not as a tourist, but a culture learner.
THE DUCK SEASON
Posted on: July 10, 2018
DUCK Season is a name of a famous restaurant and there is also a Duck Season E-game. But duck season is the time my husband had 60 ducklings in two weeks’ time and this is how it started.
A few months ago, a young boy came to the farm and said he will sell ducks because he has to pay his tuition. So they agreed and the boy went home and got his sackful of five ducks. My husband was laughing as he was thinking of one or two for the pot. As it turned out, none of the ducks reached the pot. So one of his helpers got his male duck, a drake and so mating season ensued. Fortunately, two more ducks flew into farm flying above the fence. My husband informed the barangay that if there is someone looking for two ducks, the missing ducks are at his farm. Nothing happened so they have seven ducks and two drakes.
Then one by one the ducks started laying eggs, two beside each other on our east wall and so they had to place a covering and some straw for them. Then two were found in what was the previous chicken coop and one under the chicken coop. Amazingly, the eggs were increasing daily, with one duck sitting on 21 eggs and so my husband transferred some of the eggs to the other duck who was sitting on 15 eggs. And this has been going on for a few weeks, checking the eggs, transferring some and making sure they are within a nest. One day they found two eggs in the garbage dump, one duck laid eggs there and they have to make a nest for them and their laying mother duck.
Hatching is another event; the mother stays near the eggs and watches. When she sees a ducking starting to show its head, then the mother peck the egg shell and help the ducking burst into life. I still have to see that but that is the exciting story of my husband. And in this time there were minimal casualty, meaning all the eggs hatched. And this happened before the rain came. However, when the typhoon came and flooded the fields, one of the nests came underwater; my husband transferred some of the eggs in the nest which were above water. There we had eggs that did not hatch, of the 15 we lost five.
Now we have more than 65 ducklings. There are still wee ducklings that are caged with their mothers – two flocks still in separate cages. While three sets of ducklings are placed in a large pen. Their mother ducks, just stay beside the pens because if they are mixed with the ducklings inside they fight.
Last week the ducklings were allowed to roam the farm and I watched them. A flock would be with three mother ducks, but one mother ducks stands out and leads the flock teaching the ducklings to hunt food, the camote plants, the snails in the fields and other things they find in the water and in the ground.
Then one day as I watched the mother was teaching them how to clean themselves, that took a whole 25 minutes. She first got them away from the camote patch into the shallow waters. Then she surfed above the water to get their attention. When she had that she started her bath or self-cleaning lessons. She would flap her wings in the water and the ducklings followed, then she dips her wings, the ducklings did likewise. And it went on until all were cleaned then the ducklings were led in the edge of the flooded field and they continued cleaning themselves. We do learn something new every day.
Unfortunately, many refuse to learn and change. The City of Baguio just revived the Character city on the air. And the first airing last Wednesday was well responded with text messages coming in while the program was ongoing. This was anchored by Mary Perkins Langpawen with guests Rev. Abe Luis and myself as representative of Baguio Benguet Ecumenical group and Edith Dawaten, the Assistant head of the city’s HRMO. As I watched the mother lead her flock, how I dream of Baguio being led into one concerted effort to change and address our traffic, basura, tourism, market and other problems of our city.
Wish ko lang!
Grass of the field
Posted on: March 9, 2017
Published by Sunstar under Opinion- Sangal di Kultura Feb 20, 2017
Grass of the field
“That is how God cloth the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you… but seek his kingdom, and these will be given to you… for where your treasure is, there your heart be also.” (Luke 12)
By virtue of a City council resolution No 107 of 2003 and Res no 343 of 2009 the City of Baguio became a Character City joining other cities in the Philippines and other countries. Based on the Character Cities organizations, as a city of Character Baguio has declared that it is a city where a) citizens are caring and of good character b) an effective government modeling service and good character to the community c) students understand and practice attentiveness, orderliness and self-control d) Homes and street are safe with a respected law enforcers and form harmonious community relationships. e) Businesses succeed honorably f) families are healthy, harmonious and united g) faith-based support and encourage good character h) media regularly features positive news about citizens and citizens of good character.
I was sharing with my sister and a friend of mine of how unfortunate that the values of our younger years seem no longer the values held by our youth today. And yes, we hear “sabali idi, sabali tatta” “your generation is not this generation.” Indeed, it is no longer. The week passed in review as we stand witness to the church wedding of Dennis and Angeli and be told that they remained pure for each other, making God the center of their courting relationship. On another day, I sat counseling my husband’s nephew to make serious their relationship with the mother of his five year old child. However, when I talked to the nephew’s mother, she does not seem bothered and at the same time telling me that the younger daughter is also pregnant. The contrast of values is evident within the same family; the value of purity comes against the acceptance of premarital sex.
Similarly, within the same family the contrast of church teachings divides the conduct of the burial service of the parents, where the surviving children belong to at least four different churches. Even so, there is ecumenism that should prevail.
We pray that “let there be peace in our time” but ever since President Duterte started blabbering “papatayin kita” and “cursing mothers- putang ina mo” the culture has changed. Social and regular media and daily conversation have highlighted a culture of violence. Someone posted a “car parked in front of a No parking sign” the reaction is “patayin iyan.” A drug user was caught and the reaction is “dapat patayin” the culture of death and a character of violence has been introduced and being propagated. Even faith-based organization have encouraged a culture of revenge and supported the drug trade killings instead of encouraging good character. Instead of supporting the stand of doctors that drug dependency is a disease and not a crime. Past law enforcers I talked with are not really happy with the extra judicial killings. I consider it an abuse of authority when the law enforcer becomes the apprehender, the judge and the executioner. It is pure violence and playing the role of God.
It is not easy during these times where the culture of violence towards women, girls, drug related, etc. is being proliferated by people in authority. By contrast in the US, Japan and other countries when the elected official is being accused of sexual harassment or extra marital relationships, he will resign and bow out of the public service, for no longer does he model acceptable public service. But not in the Philippines, they will be condoned and will blame the other woman as Gen Bato will blame women for the extra marital affairs of the law enforcer. Why not blame the PNP and let them “shape up or get out”. Similarly, I was debating about gambling with government official who espouse legal gambling. For as government personnel they have to abide with the Civil Service ethical standards and as a law enforcer be a “gentleman” or a lady of highest virtue.
We are but grass, temporary in this lifetime. May the Christian virtues be our standards of conduct and not a wishful thinking hope for the future. It is the now- it is the present where Good character is needed, for we are known during times of peace and in times of controversies and difficulties. We must treasure life everlasting with the Creator so we must live a life of character daily. (PLCWA 2-17)
connecting dots
Posted on: March 9, 2017
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/opinion/2017/02/27/alan-connecting-dots-february-528058
Publish at Sunstar. Baguio City last Feb 27, 2017
CONNECTING DOTS OF FEBRUARY
To touch the soul of another is to walk on holy ground- Stephen Covey
This week seems an opportune time to reconnect with people, the past and the future. A time of reflection on one’s purpose on earth, the experiences in the past and connecting with the now and the time to come.
The 29th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Central Philippines was just concluded. Delegates are send back to the local churches inspired to testify to the Gospel of God’s grace. It was renewing friendships and knowing some new people, since it was 5 or so years ago that I have been a delegate to the convention. It is unfortunate that during these conventions those who go don’t attend all the sessions. Do they not realize that by choosing to be the representative of their unit, they deprive the others who would have wanted to be part of the convention? That it is not a personal pride but being a delegate bears with it not only a privilege but carries with it a great duty and a responsibility as a Christian connecting to other member of a congregation and society.
Another dot is the city’s festivities. The Panagbenga celebration will attract people from all over and from all walks of life – the good and the bad- into our already congested place. Prior to the street dancing and the float parade is the Ibaloi Festival. It is one where the Indigenous Peoples of Baguio are given significance and a chance to gather together to strengthen them as a people and as a part of Baguio’s melting pot. They have to assert themselves and refresh a history of the land and from there towards a future where their descendants can appreciate their roots and contributions to the city. How do we connect this with the other dots in our existence as a city?
Adding to the flurry of activities is preparation of several sectors for the celebration of the Women’s month of March. It has to be celebrated as more and more women issues have been raised towards everyone’s awareness. Compared to other countries, the Philippines is more advanced in accepting the role of women as a productive member of society. I have joined international conferences include the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW) for a couple of years and it has made me have close contact with women leaders fighting for the rights and protection of women in countries. Though it is the same issue worldwide, it takes several forms. Human trafficking is a universal issue, but the form it takes in the Philippines is different from that of the Middle East, where women are considered a property.
EDSA Revolution of the 1980s is something to be remembered and celebrated today. This is so because some of our younger generation may not even have any inkling of what it is. I remember it too clearly when the political uprising was so intense but the people power emerged and we have the EDSA Bloodless Revolution. The religious played an important role in turning the tide of leadership and public support. People were urged to pray and remain in sobriety through media that was being strangled but the innovative spirit of the Filipino emerged and the airwaves were able to reach the homes of people. Ordinary people became the power that changed our society in the middle of the 1980s. The people were fearless because the campaign was for Peace in our land and to reject a dictatorship which strangled the democracy in this country. Many lives have been touched, but they are slowly going home to the Creator too.
A dot in history is the EDSA Bloodless revolution recorded as February 22-25, 1986. The revolution gathered more than two million people from all walks of life and came together to oppose a dictatorship. But we know that it was not a three day revolution, it was a series of events until the 25th including the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in August 21, 1983, the snap election where Cory Aquino was pitted against Ferdinand Marcos which resulted in differing counts of the COMELEC and NAMFREL.
In contrast to EDSA bloodless revolution, the present times is a bloody war against drugs and against each other. On one hand are people crying out for the sanctity of life and on the other hand, a strong “Duterte-Bato hero worship” to kill even without due process. How does this really connect with our spirituality and our past? We deserve what we have done, is what others say – but we should not compromise the century old value “all life comes from God, he gives and takest away.”
Sunstar Feb 27
Sangal di kultura -Siloken Clan
Posted on: July 17, 2016
SILOKEN – a reason to take a nostalgic trip
Going home to Besao is a nostalgic trip as it reminds me so much of my mother. She used to tell stories of the life in the village. When I was in elementary grades she sent me to Panabungen for a summer and I stayed with Lolo Weygan. That summer was very memorable as we roamed the mountains, rivers and the valleys. We danced during the church fiesta and when summer was gone, I came back to grade four full of stories to tell. When I was younger, mom and I spent some time with our Lolo Telba and Lomana in Padang an. I remember that at night there were many people in the house and they tell stories which lull me to sleep while I was keeping warm in front of the fire which was kept lighted to keep the house warm. In the morning I would find myself sleeping in the cot, presumably my grandma carried me during the night.
So it was not a surprise to my parents, when I requested that Raquel Haight and I would spend a whole summer in Besao for our practicum. We would work in the Municipal Hall and in the afternoon walk up the hill to Calvary and watch the sunset as we talk of dreams, of challenges and anything that we find worth talking about. I don’t even remember most of them. During the weekend, when we were not doing laundry or otherwise, we would join the babalasang and babalo for a picnic. At one time we joined a big group entered the caves and ended up in Lake Danu. They brought pots, pans, rise and chicken which ended up to be pinikpkan for lunch. For dishes we had talupac (banana stalk) and we kamet (ate with our fingers.) Many other stories come rushing in my mind whenever I remember Besao, where my forefathers came from.
Last May, the Siloken Clan gathered together in St James High School for the reunion. This was through the invitation of the host families led by Roman and Nelie Basilio as well as Modesto Daytec Gaab. So from Baguio together with Aiza and Jan Michael and cousins Lydia Andres and Balusdan we left on a Friday morning assembling in BSBT so that the scheduled 7:00 am became 8:00. Finally, going and taking stops taking photos at the highest point of the Philippine highway system; in Abatan for lunch and purchased vegetables, at the Mountain Province arc, in Sagada and finally Besao. Upon arrival, we went straight to the Municipal hall to settle taxes and other documentary needs before going down to Padangaan. It was a reunion of some sorts, as cousins came and we talk through the night.
The next day was the reunion and it was full of fun, food and stories. A whole bus came from Panabungen led by Aunty Mary the surviving child of the third generation of Siloken. I am considered a fourth generation and my niece Aiza a fifth generation of Siloken. Another jeepful came from Sagada, those who came from Agawa and the other villages arrived much earlier. People came from as far as Patiacan of Ilocos Sur. I do not know most of them, but many seem to know some and it was a time of tonton (trying to trace the families.) Upon arrival people went to the Reading center of the church for food or they went straight to the registration table.
The program started with all the preliminaries until the most important part of introducing the families. There were four siblings Coman, Mimitan, Damgasen and Lapeyas. So they flashed the family trees to show where the families can trace their roots. The biggest number of participants came from MIMITAN. They include the Balangayao-Langgomay; Sayen-Duday; Laayam –Manuel; Weygan- Engway; Weygan-Catimban. The other families were also presented. And yet in the Mimitan family alone, we do not all know each other so it was a lot of photos taken so we can bring home and see our relatives.
Other families includes the Koman-Tandangan; Damgasen-Attondi and Lapiyas-Lagman. Then it was too soon to end the program and we all went for lunch of pancit, pinikpkan and lots of rice and pork. We enjoyed fellowship meal together and time to catch up with each other before everyone went their way before the night falls. It was agreed the next year reunion would be in the farm of Col Ernest Gaab. My niece and nephew decided to go to Sagada and I trekked down to Padangaan for another type of reunion with cousins and kakaanakans.
sangal di kultura-fire and sharing
Posted on: July 17, 2016
SANGAL DI KULTURA
OF FIRE AND SHARING
Last Saturday May 28, 2016, while we were in Manila, I received a text message saying “prayers and help because fire gutted our home and we only have the clothes on our back, everything gone.” So I contacted people in Baguio what it was all about. They said fire from 10 am to 3 pm in Engineer’s Hill DPWH motor pool and affected more than 30 families. So I contacted some people “to collect relief items and we will collect and sort out Monday morning and bring it by the afternoon.”
We came home to Baguio by the Sunday afternoon and the next day sorted our donations from members of Soroptimist International. By mid-day I went to meet members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 124 at Palace Hotel where we picked up boxes and bags of clothes, shoes, bags and kitchen items. We also got donations from BSBT College, St Louis girls’ high batch 1984 and other donors.
The items were sorted out into the 1) Linen and beddings, 2) Men’s department (pants and jeans, shirts and t-shirt, under wears and socks) 3) Children’s Wear, 4) Women’s Department and then the 5) shoes and 6) bags. These were all brought to the Covered basketball court of Engineer’s Hill. We coordinated with the Barangay and the DSWD as they identified the 42 families and 209 individuals who were victims as of 2:00 pm of May 30, 2016. They said this may increase when the students will be identified. We then agreed that they can get as much as they need, but not everything in one category. The barangay kagawad went to call the fire victims and they came to get what they wanted. We were able to dispose to at least 12 families and so we decided to bring home the items and will bring it back on Wednesday morning.
The Soroptimist ladies decided to share breakfast with them after one day. So on June 1 the ladies brought the breakfast and we shared it with the families and barangay officials. . It was a breakfast of bread, eggs, hotdogs, fruits, coffee, and tea. We coordinated with the barangay to provide the hot water. After the breakfast there was more food to spare. The okay ukay part II was conducted where more clothes were picked up. It was a meaningful way to spend the morning from 6:30 to 9:00 before the Soroptimist ladies went to work, do prayer meetings, back to home chores.
On June 3-4 we went back with the members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 124 and Soroptimist International Baguio where we were able to dispose 15 sacks of rice, 5 packs of used kitchen utensils, water jugs, pots, pans and dishes. Three boxes of noodles, 2 boxes of corned beef and ten boxes of juice drinks. These adds up to the previous collected donations for relief as of May 30, 2016 which included 15 blankets, 4 pillows, set of linen; 6 bag for men’ wear; 13 bags for ladies wear; 2 bags for kids clothes; 2 bags shoes; 1 bag of bags ; 19 bottles mineral water (5 liters) and 39 bags personal items (toothbrush, soap, shampoo etc)
These is their story, the fire victims are employees, homeowners, borders and students. One man shared that he lost 10 years of hard earned home, he just got his 19,000 mid year bonus and he lost everything in the fire. A family were out in Asin when it happened, they owned a three story house and they lost everything except the clothes on their back. They were picking ready to wear clothes as they do not have a proper place to wash clothes and they have to go to work.
During our relief operation one man was picking ukay ukay clothes and was able to get two sacks for him, his pregnant wife and three sons. The men who got the beddings were so thankful because they need it so badly. One boy said that it is sad it happened, while picking clothes for his kid sister.
We were able to meet the man who claimed to be the oldest victim, his blood pressure rose so high when it happened seeing his house disappear in the fire. It was good that Rescue 911 was there and he was given catapres and stabilized. He was so sad when he was sharing his experience. Together with his apo they came to get rice and other food items as they were only camping out at someone’s house.
BANA-AO SUMMER, ETCHED IN MEMORY
Posted on: August 17, 2014
BANA-AO SUMMER, ETCHED IN MEMORY
After a month long stay in the US, my husband and I are back to Baguio, the City we love and where we grew up. The month was well spent especially because we had chance to bond with friends living with Ed and Minda in San Diego and with Grace, Royce, Alan and Raquel in Arizona. Arizona was spectacular with the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona experience that further strengthen faith in the Almighty Creator God and the commitment of people to preserve the present for the next generation.
Now, we are back and the past days have been gloomy and rains come easy, very much different from the summers I remember growing up. As a child, summer usually is no school except the Vacation Bible School, more time to play with friends and relatives. As a kid, I spent a summer in Bana-ao with my grandfather Juan Weygan and another summer in Padang-an with my grandmother Pinggay Cuanguey. In high school and college, summer was a lot of activities that included; summer class in BSBT or in college, attending weddings and other community activities with my mom or friends, climbing mountains and following rivers, raising pigs, planting corn and camote in Quirino Hill, and selling sayote in the market.
It was then right after Grade 5 that I spent my summer in Bana-ao. It is an “ili”/community of Besao, Mountain Province sharing boundaries with Tubo, Abra and Ilocos Sur. My parents “paw-it” or send me off with Aunty Bernice (one of our relatives) who was going home to Bana-ao. We took the bus to Besao Central and slept in a relative’s home. At dawn we took the pathway from Kin-iway down to the river and up to Bunga passing the regular foot path that circuitously went through the mountain side underneath the pine trees besides rivers and tall grasses that occasionally wave when the wind passes. I remember we would take short rest to drink water from the brook that runs beside the pathway, look up the fruit trees for snack and take twigs for walking stick. By late afternoon we reached Bana-ao and I was left with my grandfather in his house which is also near the houses of our relatives. It was a new place, new people with a new language. My grandfather’s house was elevated with a wide sala, three bed rooms and a spacious porch with a connective dining room and the kitchen made of wood slabs and GI roof. But I was told that they had cogon roof before it was changed to GI. Underneath is where the chickens and other animals as well as storage were housed. He had a yard, with avocado trees, bamboo and other fruit trees. At the back of the house he had a camote patch lined with camoteng kahoy/cassava plant and soy beans. There was a pipe that brings water comes straight to the kitchen and near the front yard where neighbors also use to come and fetch water.
It was a perfect rustic setting, perfect getaway for a grandchild who was requested for the grandfather to come visit. I do not remember going to the rice fields or the kaingin but I know some of the people go there and sometimes when I wake up in the morning I will see my grandfather coming back home from bringing the carabao and goats to pasture. I remember that I had fun with the kids going to the river, to the church and to different homes. We never lacked food for they grow rice, fruits and vegetables. I can’t remember meat but I remember that fish came from the rivers that we would eat bare fingers (no spoons) and lick our fingers too. Milk came from goats which they add to roasted rice or soya beans for our drink. Coffee was abundant and sometimes I would sneak a sip from grandpa’s cup.
It was also the fiesta/festival of the church and me and my age mates danced to the tune of “Hey Jude” by the Beatles. I cannot remember what we did, but I saw photos in my Aunty Mary’s house which will continue to remind me of that summer in the church. We were in white t-shirts and in maong pants and we danced in front of the church with the community people seated around the yard and in the slopes overlooking the church. During the fiesta we had lots of food – rice, meat, camote, root crops and rice cakes which they said was a tradition in the community and we had visitors from different places who trekked the mountains for the day. The women and men take responsibility in preparing for the activities and the food that everybody enjoyed. Children were carefree and roam the mountains, either for fun or for chores. Then summer was over and I have to come back to Baguio not even able to remember the names of my playmates and their parents.
Memories of Benguet
Posted on: January 25, 2014
Memories of Benguet: How I saw it two decades ago
I was born in Baguio and my first awareness that Baguio is not Benguet was in high school when I was helping my mother in her stall at Hanger Market because most of our neighbors in the market were from Benguet speaking Ibaloi and Kankana-ey. Every weekend I would be in the market if we do not have school activity in UB Science High. I like going there because my mother will give extra money whenever we go and help. This awareness was heightened because one of our closest friends is Florita, a descendant of Suello of Tuba and Asin, and when they have a “canao” we were invited.
After the EDSA revolution and we organized the Association of Young Igorot Professionals (AYIP) our first President was Ruben L Tinda-an of Buguias, Benguet. Precisely he was elected because of his idealism, his clear understanding of the vision and mission of AYIP and he was a Benguet. In the Constitution the board was to be composed of two representatives from each of the provinces of the Cordilleras, highlighting the unity in diversity of the tribes. Being around these Benguet people was a learning experience on their ways, beliefs and practices. By 1987, AYIP organized a farmer’s seminar in Benguet State University and practitioners and teachers met to address concerns of the Mountain Trail vegetable terraces and the diminishing salad bowl of Trinidad.
By 1990, UGBO was also formed with then Baboo Mondonedo, Manny Onalan, Nestor Caoili and the past Fiscal Felix Cabading, and we were commissioned by Philippine Daily Inquirer to write a series on the Cordillera as a background on the Cordillera Autonomy Act. It included a secondary research on the history and lifestyle of the various tribes of the Cordilleras that afforded me to read deeper in the similarities and diversities of the tribes. Our next project then was to send rice and support to a small village Dananao/ Chananaw where Manny came from. Then we went around Benguet assessing the invasion of the potato farms overtaking the mossy forest in Ballay, Kabayan and Cada between Mankayan and Sinto.
One time we went to Mt Pulag and passing a lake we saw various black big hoses tapped on it’s side where the farmers source their water for their gardens. Then further we reached Lake Tabeyo, at that time we were told that the farmers were not even sure how deep the lake was because they cannot see the bottom. I threw a long stick and it slid deep until I cannot see it. The lake was mystical as it was in the middle of the mossy forest and a thick under bush, searching deep we cannot see the bottom as leaves that fell into the lake for ages have rendered it opaque and the stillness of the water also gives an eerie feeling that spirits inhabit the place. Now, with the account of those who went there, the lake is no longer what it was. I read an article which said that portions of Lake Tabeyo have been filled with soil bulldozed when they made the road traversing the village.
In 1991, Fiscal Cabading picked us from Bontoc and we passed by Cada traversed down to Mankayan passing freshly burned mossy mountains giving way to potato forest. At that time we passed a clearing with a grass hut where children were running around bare, it was like a flashback of some olden time and place. I felt that the land was crying, raped from its cover, exposing its secrets. I felt anger on what I perceive is a meaningless abuse of the forest and could not comprehend how people would exchange their natural perfect habitat to an elusive progress in the guise of development.
AYIP did doing numerous medical missions in Benguet as far down to Ansagan, Pimingan, Pula, San Manuel and other sitios of Tuba, Bakun, Buguias and Kibungan. However, one afternoon, out of the ordinary the group trekked to Bingaongao caves of Ambongdolan, Tublay. Honestly, I do not remember how we got there for we were guided by Richard Bawingan and Ruben Tinda-an caring less of the way, but making sure we have a foothold and warding away the tall grass slapping our faces. We camped under the trees, sky and stars for the night after trying to persuade the mini crabs and the mudfish to swim towards us for our dinner. The next day was exploring the cave where we saw coffee beans on the floor processed by the civet cat. Which is now commercialized into one of the most expensive coffee, but come to think of it, how much coffee beans can you gather when there is only a few existing civet cats around. By now, I presume this is no longer the picture you get when you reach Bingaongao.
One of the most daring medical mission we had was going down to the Carino house in Ansagan using the pick-up of then Mayor Akia of Tuba. AYIP and volunteer doctors were loaded in and out of the pick-up traversing the river 21 times to conduct a medical mission. The village folks requested for circumcision for their boys and so that night the doctors set up a table to do just that. We saw some lining up were not boys they were young adults, but because they never had regular medical care it was only then that they had an opportunity to have one. This was also elicited one funny story because after the medical mission, one of the AYIP ladies got married and the joke was that she saw too many and wanted one.
It rained that night, and so a day after when we returned home the river was swollen and they had to tie a big rope across the river so we could cross. The men did well but when we were to cross, one of our doctors Dr. Minda who was then guided by Richard almost got carried away by the strong current. The rest of the ladies where then piggy backed on Mario, the staff of Mayor Akia as we crossed the river, hugging him so tightly fearing for life being snatched ahead its time. After crossing the river and waiting for the others to cross we were oriented on gold panning by those doing mining at the river banks. I remember so well, as I turned and saw the red pick-up swim the river and even today, that river crossing remains vivid as if it was only last month. There are other stories that I will tell my grandchildren about how we explored Benguet by doing medical missions, career guidance, Adult education and community service.
It is indeed a privilege to have seen Benguet before it gets completely changed by environmental abuse and mega projects.
Igorot Diapora – web of culture
Posted on: January 25, 2014
SANGAL DI KULTURA
Encounters with the Igorot Diaspora in Singapore
Christmas approaches with weddings, reunions and church celebrations. By December 23, my nephew Osmen Balokey Jr. and wife Lingwan will celebrate their wedded life the Besao tradition. The family now resides in Singapore for the past couple of years and decided to come home to celebrate Christmas and have a church blessing of their civil marriage. I have known JayR as he is commonly known when I frequented Besao during my stint in the Mountain Province from 1989 to 1995 and he was one time the Sangguniang Secretary. This time we will be going home to Besao for their wedding.
My first travel overseas was when I went with my dad to the Asian Convention of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship (FGBMFI) in Singapore in 1990. This trip happened after we relocated to Bontoc, Mountain Province while managing the community BSBT Foundation technical vocational school and leading the community education training of Upland Development Institute. In that first trip to Singapore, we were with the Philippine delegation and we met others from the different countries in Asia. The convention included a tour and we were able to visit Sentosa where we watched the dancing musical fountain, the dolphins and experience the man-made tropical forest. The aviary and safari was also fascinating to me at that time. (Later, it paled after I saw India, Indonesia and Australia)
After the convention we visited Fr. Alexander Paatan, who was then the rector of St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Katong Area. This was a church founded in 1934 and frequented by those living around the area which were mostly of Chinese descent. The church is described as sacramental, evangelical and charismatic church. We attended the English service celebrated by Fr. Paatan who hails from Sagada, Mountain Province. He also brought us to the St Andrew’s Cathedral, which is a landmark being the Cathedral of the Anglican Church in Singapore and a mother church of more than 26 churches and more than 55 congregations. It was established in 1856 and they celebrated their 150th year in 2006. It was in St Andrew’s Cathedral that we met more Igorots from the different provinces of the Cordillera who were serving in the business establishments as well as domestic helpers. They also brought us to the shopping mall where more Igorots where milling around. Some of them have been in Singapore for ages.
While based in Nepal as a Christian Missionary and development worker from 1996 to 2000, Singapore was my frequent stop over. It was at this time that I had more chance to see the Igorots. They were not organized but on Sundays, most would converge in St Andrew’s Cathedral where some would attend the sacramental service in the morning where the Holy Communion or Eucharist is part of the service. Some of them will attend the afternoon Charismatic service, and usually they continue the fellowship after the service, sometimes to welcome new comers of visiting fellow Igorots. In one of my stops, I attended a Wednesday evening prayer meeting and I was glad to meet one Filipino. And in the later years, I met some nurses, doctors, teachers, other professionals and skilled workers who are now working in Singapore. During those fellowships after service, most discussions were of the life back home, their children who are studying or refuse to study, the parents who are ailing and preparing for the next life. At times, they would pass the hat around for “abuloy” for a relative who died. Usually, they share a meal after service by going to a restaurant or a potluck which they share in the church grounds, I was blessed because they shared their meal to all, me included.
It is evident that the church becomes a converging place for Igorot Diaspora, unfortunately the church affiliations and doctrines, which are not necessarily Biblically based becomes the points of bitter discussions and disagreements contrary to what our LORD desires towards a unity of all peoples. This is reflected in our Cordillera communities today, that used to have one or two churches but in this generation, churches are more than the clans affiliations in the community. We witness a breakdown in family relations and community unity because of this. But though it is so, we also witness a stronger bonding because of the Igorot identity. When Igorot Diaspora call based on the ethnic lineage, a lot will come together for a feast, support a cause for the suffering or victims of calamities. The Filipino is a strong people, more so , the Igorots. As the social media is maximized for this purpose as it is evident in the Igorot Diaspora of Singapore coming together because of Ethnic affiliations. (Dec 15, 2013)
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