Repainting The Igorot Freedom Park Monument

The monument is majestically placed at the Igorot Freedom Park which is more known as Igorot Garden. It depicts the five major tribes of the Cordilerans - Kankanaey, Ibaloi, I-Bontok, Kalinga and Apayao - in their traditional customs and in their valiant fight for their land.

At day...


... and at night

(Photo from http://ticzticz.blogspot.com)

the monument is a site to behold.


And now... some of the locals wanted to have their mark in this imposing edifice. Little by little, they are repainting the base of the monument using mixture of:

1. Areca/Betel nut
2. Betel leaf (ikmo or buyo)
3. Lime powder (apog)
4. SALIVA!

You heard it right guys! Here's how the on-going repainting work looks like.

Anyone who enjoys betel nut chewing are free to join in this repainting project. Just bring your own concoction. You may also participate in the chess tournaments in the park while doing this endeavor.

On a more serious note...
May we request the park managers or the city officials to do something about this? How about a signages of "Maiparit ti Agtupra Ditoy" or "Itugot Yo Pagtupraan Yo"?

I don't want to deprive others in enjoying their "nganga" while relaxing in the park. However, our kailians should be responsible where they spit. I saw some using bottle of mineral water to contain their spittle and maybe others should emulate them for a start. It is yukky but much more hygienic than spitting all around the monument.

Ala ngarud! Ken dakayo ay kakailian ay men memmema, no mabalin, adi tako koma aramiden ay pagtubbaan nan monumento ay naisaad ay mangipaila esnan kina-taraki tako. Awet to kanan nan tapin di ipugao ay maid ubpay pangisakit takos nan kina-Igorot tako.

I'm Human, I'm Not An Igorot...

... statue!

Look at the pic again? Do I look one? Tao po talaga ako! (I'm a real person!)

Alright, I'm human. But do I still look like Igorot even without my wanes (G-string)?

Most of my acquaintances got this "are-you-serious look" plastered on their face whenever I told them the first time that I am an Igorot. A real FBI - Full Blooded Igorot. In short, a GI - Genuine Igorot. After asking a few what they think an Igorot looks like, I really don't want to prod some more for they almost gave same desription - Igorots are short people, dark skinned, with curly hair and thick lips. Worst, they seem perplexed when I gently told them that they have just described an Aeta or an Ati.

But, there are also some first time acquaintances who can immediately tell that I am from the Cordillera. All of them have visited an Igorot town or have known other Igorots before. Getting this type of reaction from lots of people tells me that even if I am speaking fluently in other language and am not wearing my wanes, I am still distinctly Igorot.

How about you? Can others still distinguish your ethnic root?

Igorots Forgive Candy

I feel proud when many Igorots stood up and corrected (some are even in combative mood) Candy Pangilinan's racial slur during her show in Baguio City last May, 2009. Such reactions proved once again that the Igorot community, as it has been doing ever since, knows how to assert its rights and will not take ethnic insults lightly. But, I am proud all the more and with great joy when many Igorots individually, and eventually as a group, extended their understanding and forgiveness when Candy profusely apologized publicly. The move of the Baguio City council to scrap the resolution calling the comedienne "unwanted person" and deciding not to pursue any case with regards to this incident are nothing but proofs that Igorots are human and humane. (Click here to read the news.)

To Candy, your sincerity and courage is admirable. You owned your mistakes, you never tried to make excuses. Much more, you reached out and with humility let your apologies be heard. Umad-adu pay koma nan ka-tribum! (May your tribe increase!)

To fellow Igorots who in a way helped others find forgiveness in their hearts, way to go guys! With so much hatred today, the world needs more peace makers like you. Matago-tago kayo! (May you live long!)