The Kalinga Male Costume, the G-String

Just like so many Igorot costumes, the Kalinga male costume is basically only a G-string.

A G-string is a long strip of woven cloth that a male wears around his waist to cover his manhood.

Tying the woven cloth at the waist will ensure that it won’t fall down. There are no upper shirts or clothing for natives.

For women, ethnic beads are used instead.

Nowadays, however, the Kalinga costumes are now modernized with upper thin fabrics as blouses and undershirts for men.

The Kalinga male costume keeps on evolving as more and more folks are exposed to fashion in the cities and towns.

But the Kalinga ethnic costume will always retain its vivacity in color and style.

Paracelis, Mountain Province; An Undiscovered Paradise

By: Kristel Erica Banasan

Paracelis is the largest town of Mountain Province when it comes to land area. 

It is also located at the easternmost part of Mountain Province in the Cordillera mountains of the Philippines. 

This is not Paracelis but Baguio. Pics of Paracelis will be posted soon. Image credit: Erika Banasan

It is boarded by Isabela to the east, by Ifugao to the south, by Kalinga to the north and by Natonin (another town of Mountain Province) to the West. Paracelis is the hottest part of Mountain Province as it is mostly a valley. 

This is a town yet to be discovered and improved, and I say its people may need to prepare for the time when this town’s tourism boost. 

Paracelis is not without attractions, the town just needs nurturing, tourism wide.

The potential is great. For example, Paracelis has 3 must see water falls. First on the stop is the Canabo Waterfall.  These waterfalls are beauties to behold, with Mother Nature protecting them like children.

Find time to visit Paracelis and enjoy its exotic flora and fauna. You won't regret it!

Kalinga Ethnic Costumes, Igorot Costumes

Kalinga ethnic costumes are colorful and vivid. Among the ethnic Igorot groups, the Kalinga costumes stands out because it combines the beauty of all the other native clothing.


The "bongol" necklace made of rare beads can indicate the standing of a person; the thicker the "bongol" is the more affluent the person is. The quality of the beads denotes also the person's standing in the community.


The beads are made up of rare stones and gems, which may have originated from China, Malaysia and other foreign lands. It was believed that the ancient i-Kalingas traded with foreign people during the olden times.


For Kalinga males, the G-string is the popular ethnic costume.

Here are samples of the Kalinga ethnic costumes.

Bro. Ben in his G-string!

Our beloved, the late Lola Carmen, with her "bongol". Although the dress is not Kalinga, Lola Carmen is a true-blooded Igorot.

Bongol and some native colors

Male and female Kalinga costume

Benguet Igorot costume

Modernized Igorot Costume

Original Igorot Costume

Original Female Kalinga costume courtesy of Nats Dalanao

Various types of bongols (ethnic necklaces)

Benguet native costuume

Kalinga costume with modernized blouse and bongol

Female and male Kalinga costume

Ethnic male Kalinga costume

Modernized Igorot costume

Dance troupe costmes

Female Kalinga costume

Paracelis costume, courtesy of Erika

Kalinga warrior costume dancing tadok