THE CLAMOR OF KALINGA

Panagbenga Festival 2013 Pictures: Awesome Scenes

2013-05-18T04:47:00.002-07:00

These are awesome pictures of the Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City last May 2013. The photographer was Ms. Ma. Rosalina Perrson, who was kind enough to lend me these pictures. There were thousands of visitors, local and foreign, just like Ms. Perrson, who visited the City of Pines just to attend this more than a month long activities. Thanks also to Nats Dalanao and Paul Massilem.I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Majestic Mountains of the Mountain Provinces

2013-03-30T20:19:00.001-07:00

The Mountain Provinces, composed of Benguet, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga and Apayao, are called such because of its majestic, mountain ranges that are not present in the plains of the lowlands. Some portions of Kalinga and Apayao are flatlands and some portions are composed of verdant mountains.

The highest peak is found in Benguet Province, and there were reports of hail rains during wet seasons. Understandably, it is the coldest part of the country.

The flora and fauna are also incredible in these mountains. If a botanist would visit them, he would presumably find exotic plants.

The Kalinga Mountains are known to grow a variety of edible wild fruits. Wild berries, guavas, and bananas abound that one cannot go hungry. Waterfalls, fresh spring waters are also common occurrences.

Here are some pictures of the mountain ranges of the Mountain Provinces.

All pictures are courtesy of Arvie Gaye Trinidad

Ethnic Costumes in Northern Philippines

2013-03-25T06:15:00.004-07:00

Ethnic costumes are usually colorful and durable because they are usually hand woven. Although, there are several ethnic tribes in the Mountain Provinces, the ethnic costumes are still similar in their vivid colors and vibrancy.

The Igorot costumes, Bontoc costumes, Benguet costumes, and Kalinga costumes are made up of an array of bright red, green, and yellow colors. These colors are often designed in wavy patterns or attractive designs that bring out the best of the villages and tribes.

Here are some ethnic costumes found in Northern Philippines. Men in G-strings, and women in ‘ginamat’; the ordinary ‘dresses for the folk.

The DILG Provincial Director with his local counterpart in Tadian

Male Ethnic Costume-G string

Panagbenga, Baguio City

Pictures of DILG’s Provincial Director in Ayyoweng, Tadian

2013-03-08T03:41:00.003-08:00

TADIAN, Mt. Province - These are pictures of DILG’s Provincial Director in Ayyoweng, Tadian. PD was mingling with the local folk. Congratulations, PD and team, for a job well done.

Pictures Panagbenga 2013 Festival, Baguio City - SLU Band and My Niece, Pheith Iena

2013-03-02T18:31:00.001-08:00

All pictures featured here are courtesy of Maria Rosalina Persson and company during the recent Panagbenga Flower Festival.

Ms. Persson is a Filipina from Kalinga, residing presently in Bangkok, Thailand with her family.

The Lead Banner

The Police Escorts

The Military

The Flute and Lyre Band of Lukban Elementary School

My Niece, Pheith Iena, an SLU majorette

Pheith Iena with the SLU Band

The SLU (My Alma Mater) Band- Go Louisians!

The SLU Band performing

The SLU Band

YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH THE YOUTUBE b>VIDEO OF THE KALINGA CONTINGENT HERE.

Pictures of Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, Philippines

2013-02-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

All these pictures are courtesy of Paul Masillem, a civil engineer from Baguio City.

Image credit: Paul Masillem

All Images courtesy of Paul Masillem

Taloctoc, Through the Eye of an Artist

2013-02-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

I just described Taloctoc to this talented artist and he was able to capture the essence of the small village in the heart of the Kalinga mountains.

This was done by Eugene Andrade - a.k.a. suexox05 - an upcoming young artist; he's just 19, and a 3rd year Medical Technology college student. This was in 2010. Now, he is in 3rd year, pursuing medicine.

I know he'll go a long way in his passion. To view more of his work, visit his page at DeviantART

Philippine Ethnic Costumes: Kalinga Costumes

2012-12-28T06:29:00.001-08:00

The Kalinga costumes for males and females are simple but colorful; a mixture of red, green, and yellow colors.

During the past, male costume is composed of only one piece, the “bahag” G-string.

What is the G–string?

The G-string is a one-piece of long short-width rectangular woven clothing made of colorful threads. It is at least 12- 20 feet, depending upon the person’s waist and size.

The G-string can be worn as an upside down necktie, only you have to cover the anus and groin before you tie the knot.

What is a ginamat?

For females, the “tapis” wide woven rectangular clothing is simply tied at the waist is the Kalinga costumes. To cover the lower portion of a woman’s body. In the olden days, men and women were topless.

For children, no clothes are necessary for them, or strips of ginamat were used. Nakedness was not considered rude or indecent.

Nowadays, Kalinga men and women wear city clothing. Only the elderly wear G-strings and tapis or ginamat. The ethnic Kalinga costumes are used only during fiestas and celebrations.

Gorillas Dancing to Kalinga's Salidummay

2012-11-28T15:28:00.002-08:00

This great video was created by Nats Dalanao from Tabuk. Kalinga Gorillas Dancing to “Salidummay” Video credit: Nats Dalanao/YouTube A tribute to the skills of an IT Kalinga expert. Anything can be done!

Philippine Ethnic Costume

2012-11-17T02:25:00.001-08:00

The Kalinga man is wearing the g-string, with the usual head dress. He is dancing taddok in an ethnic wedding celebration.

Beautiful Mountain Provinces: Military Ethnic Wedding Dance

2012-11-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

Panagbenga Festival Baguio City Kalinga Pictures Ethnic Costumes

2012-08-10T10:20:00.002-07:00

Igorot Song: "Isna" By Paul Masillem

2012-07-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Just like Kalinga songs, Igorot songs have a certain quality that touches and warms the hearts. If you have never been to the Mountain Provinces, then it may be time to immerse yourself in the rich ethnic culture of Filipinos. Welcome to the Cordilleras. Below is a YouTube video uploaded by Igorotna at YouTube of Paul Masillem's song "Isna" here). ”Isna”, Igorot Song by Paul Masillem Video credit: Igorotna/YouTube

Native Kalinga Bags

2012-06-26T17:32:00.001-07:00

If you are interested to own one of these spectacular native bags, just leave a message below. Thanks.

Kankanaey Song: Jude "Gawit" Gunan, 8 years Old, from Tadian, Sings “Layad Kon Ina”

2012-06-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Jude "Gawit" Gunan sang this song, “Layad Kon Ina” when he was 8 years old. Jude is from Tadian, and “Layad Kon Ina” has been popularized by this amazing kid, who could sing and strum the guitar, as well. It’s not a Kalinga song but we share the same passion and love for parents that this talented kid does. Below is the YouTube video of Jude "Gawit" Gunan singing “Layad Kon Ina” Jude "Gawit" Gunan with “Layad Kon Ina” Video Credit: dim902 /YouTube

Taloctoc, Kalinga Dishes

2012-05-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

Taloctoc, Kalinga dishes are as simple as the lifestyles of the old folk. I am speaking about the early 70s when I was still a child in Taloctoc.

Of course life has changed nowadays and town life had caught up with the younger folk. When I grew up though, this was how we cooked some dishes:

Vegetables:

Boil water
Cut the vegetables into cubes, and place them all in the pot
Cover until cooked

Meat:

Boil water
Cut meat into cubes, wash and place in boiling water
Cook until desired tenderness

This is generally the method used for all dishes. No condiments are added whatsoever.

Try doing this and you would taste the natural and genuine flavor of what you are cooking.

I, however, prepared salt and pepper mixture, with meat because it is also a blast when you dip the cooked and tender meat in salt and pepper as you eat.

This explains why most people then had longer life spans. The food was our and unadulterated without toxic nitrites and harmful coloring reagents that could make you sick.

Try cooking a dish at home, especially if these are fresh products. Simply boil them and drink the broth; you’ll find out a unique taste you may never have tasted before.

Kalinga Song

2012-04-17T01:04:00.003-07:00

Ay ay,`salidummay,
salidummay diway
Amman tako annosan
Amman tako annosan
Dong dong ay salidummay,
isinali dumma-ay.

Ay ay,`salidummay,
salidummay diway
Mangan tako losan.
Mangan tako losan.
Dong dong ay salidummay,
isinali dumma-ay.

Amazing Bird Sanctuary in Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines (Video))

2012-03-15T20:01:00.005-07:00

A beautiful bird sanctuary is found in Talaca, Tabuk City, Kalinga and is featured here in this video taken by Nats Dalanao and company. Thanks Nats for allowing me to feature this in my blog.

Panagbenga Festival 2012 Pictures

2012-03-07T06:24:00.009-08:00

Igorot Native Costume, Phiippines

2012-03-01T19:18:00.004-08:00

Igorot Costume, Philippines

2012-02-16T03:11:00.003-08:00

The Igorot costume is colorful and simple, but it denotes incredible design and style. This adorable tot here is wearing a g-string, which is sufficient clothing for males in the mountain provinces, especially when the weather is warm.

The Kalingas' (Head Hunters)

2012-02-04T22:36:00.010-08:00

By: Evelyn Trinidad

Kalinga pronounced as kalingga means headhunters. The people of Kalinga are referred to as Ikalinga (meaning, from Kalinga.) The Kalingas are composed of the Tinglayans, the Lubuagans, the Tanudans, the Pasils, the Balbalans, the Pinukpuks, and the Tabuks. All of the people from these places are called Kalingas or ikalinga. They have a distinct culture and body features that are noticeably different from the other tribes of the Cordilleras.

In the olden times, headhunting (kayaw) is a way of life. Tribal war then, was the way to survive. It was tribe against another tribe. The rule then was survival of the fittest tribe. The tribal wars are triggered by almost anything that a certain tribe believes was an affront against his tribe or his culture from the mundane to the most serious errors.

Every tribe has its own sets of leaders (pangats) and brave warriors or head hunters (maingor) that led the tribe into war when needed.

The Kalinga peace pact (bodong) groups are classified according to their ili, or tribes or sub-tribes. The bodong was conceptualized as a means of institutionalizing some basic peace process between tribes. A bodong is established between tribes through the selection of bodong holders from among the leaders (pangats) of each tribe.

The selection is done by each tribe, provided the pangat is willing to be a bodong holder. When holders from each tribe have been identified, the holders will meet to set the time, date, the pledges of each holder for the expenses to be incurred during the rites and venue of the finalization of the bodong.

The sealing of the bodong is done through a ritual where carabaos and pigs are butchered as offering. The bodong serves as a court to amicably settle differences between tribes when crime against a tribe is committed by another tribe for which a peace pact was made. If a tribe was affronted by another tribe in which there was no peace pact forged, then a tribal war may ensue.

That is the time the head hunting is practiced. Head hunting is a noble thing to do and it signifies bravery (ingor). The victory of a tribe during a tribal war is the head of an enemy. Bringing home a head is noble and a symbol of bravery.

The men are expected to become maingors and accepted as belonging to the warrior class that is respected and revered. Being part of the kayaw (headhunting) is a man’s ticket for an opportunity to get the woman of his choice as a wife.

Although ikalingas are known to be head hunters, they are actually peace loving people. They are lovers of merriment and they display all their songs during rituals and rites such as weddings and deaths. They use these songs to express their emotions, such as the salidummay, the dong-dong-ay, the oggayam, the ading, the wasani, the paliwat, the owawi, dandanag and ullalim.

The people of the province of Kalinga are warm and hospitable. They also pride themselves with the many natural beauty spots found in the locality. If you want to experience their warmth and hospitality, visit Kalinga via Tuguegarao, Cagayan or via Bontoc, Mt. Province.

The first place you will reach if you go via Bontoc is Tinglayan, the home of the “sleeping beauty”. If you take the Tuguegarao route, you touch base first with the City of Tabuk.

N.B. Nowadays, headhunting is no longer a common practice in Kalinga. But tribal wars still exist in some parts of the province, and "bodongs" or peace pacts are still observed.

You can read a personal experience of Headhunting here.

For more about (bodong) Peace Pact read the Bodong Experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Evelyn Trinidad is connected to the DILG, Baguio as its City Director.

Evie, as friends call her, is a genuine peacemaker, being a bodong holder and an active participant in the development of the countryside and the City of Baguio.

She continues to pursue her vision of peace and devel0pment for the minority people of the Mountain Provinces.

You can read more about "Local Governance and Administration" in her blog.

Kalinga Native Dance, Taddek

2012-01-27T05:55:00.000-08:00

Kalinga Costumes, Kalinga Dance, Taddok

2012-01-22T23:54:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Igorot Woman in Her Native Costume

2012-01-20T20:57:00.000-08:00