This site is about the Province of Kalinga, Philippines; the Kalinga people's culture, customs, dances, songs and many more. Read about various interesting stories of the Kalinga people.
Kalingas went to Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival and they won the Street Dance Contest. After the dance, however, I can no longer identify them as they went back to wearing the street clothes of city people. I was more impressed seeing them in our native costumes. The colorful ginamat and ba-ag looked stunning in their semi-naked bodies. I should have taken a picture of them, but my cam decided to bogged down on that particular time. Next time perhaps.
Up to this day, the bodong still plays an important role in the lives of Kalingas. In the province of Kalinga one of the provinces in the Cordillera Autonomous Region of Northern Luzon, Philippines, the tribes are bound or beholden to each other by a system called the "bodong" (peace pact).
The bodong is similar to the international treaties, in that it has provisions, constitutions, and by-laws that include, territory, people and government which are covered by the terms and conditions of the "bodong".
The provisions also include the following: care, assistance, protection, as well as imposing penalty on cases of violation of these provisions. The "bodong" protects people and visitors from both tribes, especially in emergencies.
The system has an oral constitution and by laws which is called "pagta" (oral statement of the terms and conditions, manner , limitations, ways and means in business, in emergencies in the relationship of all persons within the territories of both agreeing tribes). The penal code is orally given for specific violations. When a problem arises, the leaders of both tribes would convene and would recall the "pagta's" oral provisions relative to the case at bar; and then and there, solve the existing problem.
The bodong is usually established when an individual member of a tribe or barrio has a business relationship with another person from the other tribe. This is a specific example: Mr. Suma-il of Barrio Taloctoc, Tanudan living on the eastern slope of Mt Patokan bought a carabao from Mr. Dumawig of Tanglag, Lubuagan. Dumawig then will barter goods also - a coconut for a cup of beans, etc. - this is called "abbuyog' (sharing).
From there the relationship intensifies; Suma-il now sends a spear or javelin to Dumawig. Dumawig in turn sends a bolo (big knife). This is called "allasio" (the beginning of the peace pact). The People involved may or may not retain the original partners but in most cases, the people retain the original partners out of respect.
During the celebration of the "allasio", the parties may discuss the arrangement for the "inum" the preliminary celebration of the bodong.
When the "inum" is celebrated the discussion on the permanent pact holders may be brought out for deliberation. This maybe the original people involved or their nearest next of kin.
The final selection will be based on the required qualifications of the peace pact holder.
If during the olden times, we can readily recognize a native Kalinga because of his/her costume, nowadays, you can never tell if a person is a Kalinga native or not. If he/she speaks the language , then , you can. But if he /she speaks perfect English and dresses formally, there is no way you can identify him/her.
The Kalingans had acquired urban styles, clothing and speech. There are many inter-tribal marriages that brought forth, beautiful and wonderful people. There are also marriages between the urban or city folk with the natives.
Nowadays, pure Kalinga natives belonging to one tribe exist rarely. Connecting roads and the role of education had broadened the scope of the tribal Kalingan.
Proud of his culture, here is Rene, a Kalinga professional in his native costume. He wears polo shirt to work or coat and tie, but is still proud to wear his Kalinga costume as well. Bravo!
Dresses made of handwoven material are unique and colorful. Here's an example. This one of the products by Narda's, one of the most popular native stores in Baguio.
By the way, this is not a paid post. I just felt that Narda's products are worth the shout out because they're truly good.
