Igorot in The Heart of Cainta

Philippines is evidently rich in customs, beliefs and traditions. Different ethnic groups are also present in the country which distinguishes one culture to the other. Igorot is one of the largest groups in the country and has a rich culture which they preserve and practice up to the present. “Igorot” is derived from the Tagalog term for “mountain people”. They originated in Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon which dwells by six provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province. They are known to be industrious in nature. The Banaue Rice Terraces is one of the greatest evidence how hardworking Igorots are. This was built by hands and today is now referred to as the “Eight Wonders of the World”. Also, agriculture is the primary source of income of the people that’s why they are inspired to work on with it. Igorots have their own land and they are the one responsible to cultivate it because they believed that for them to survive, they should work hard. Early 1950’s-1980’s, Igorots explore and tried their luck. They moved into the city in order to support their living aside from agriculture. They took risks in order to try something new. Who says that you need to go in the Cordillera to reach our dear Igorot ancestors? Today, we can see them in Cainta, Rizal and they are living in a village named after them, “Igorot Village”. Join me in my journey and unforgettable experience with the Igorots.Igorots in Cainta primarily came from Sagada, Mountain Province. Mr. Virgilio Bucat, the former President of the Village says that, the main reason why and how the village was built is because, Igorots like other people tried to look for their luck like most of us believe that going and working in the city is much better than staying in the province. Igorots are hard-working and that’s the reason why most Igorots are successful. They work in order to survive and support their living.

HOW DOES IGOROT VILLAGE STARTED?

Twenty-five years ago, Igorot Village was officially opened in public. The village is situated within the residential area of Valley Golf which is sloping downward the hill. It covers one and a half hectares, one-hundred thirty families’ households, ninety lots and more than ninety housings. The village has a combination of semi-modern houses covered by iron roofs but there are still houses in the area which has the touch of original Igorot housing strains. The Igorot Village provides tourists a glimpse of the culture and life ways of the Cordillera people. According to Mr. Bucat, before, it’s a simple village wherein there are few Igorots living in the area and generation after generation, they multiply. The time when some Igorot settlers owned the land, they come up with an idea to name it “Igorot Village” supported by the local government and it is the rise of their annual festivity called “Lambak Festival”.

LAMBAK FESTIVAL

Butchered pig should not be eliminated during the festivity for it has been part of their tradition which they offer to God and a way of thanksgiving. The pig is then cooked and is served for everyone. Other Igorot delicacies were present during the event such as Rice wine or Tapey, lemon pie, carrot cake and yoghurt. After the grand dine, different parlor games were prepared not just for kids but for all ages such as Bring Me, Marathon and others. The elders in the tribe also received gifts.

Lambak Festival is a celebration of Igorot’s culture and tradition which they still practice up to the present. This year, they are celebrating their 25th annual anniversary with the theme: “Preserving One Culture and Tradition” led by the Igorot Homeowners Association, Inc. The festivity started with a mass held at their Chapel. Mr. Bucat says that, “Episcopal Church ang tawag sa chapel namin na dala ng Anglican Missionaries year 1901. Dito, pwdeng mag-asawa ang mga pari at sumasamba kami sa Diyos”.After the mass, the grand Igorot parade follows. Igorot men and women even kids join the procession wearing their traditional costumes. Bahag, which were usually in a bright color such as red and was used to show the Igorot's ability to remain unfazed by Spanish colonization, Sarong and headdresses were the most awaited part of the parade. After the parade, the people will meet at their Village Hall where a grand dine was served for everyone.

WHAT MADE IGOROT INTERESTING?

Mr. Bucat says, “Igorots have unique culture”. They still practice their culture and beliefs that made Igorot group interesting. Bayanihan or communal unity still exists. They value education and respect to elders still practice. Kankana-ey is their language but some Igorot in the village used Hiligaynon or often referred as Ilonggo as their means of communication. Igorots are better in English than in Filipino so if you cannot speak Kankana-ey or Hiligaynon, you can still communicate to them in English. Igorot marriage is also exceptional. Mrs. Flores Mariano, also a former President and Secretary of the Association, shared with me that the wedding ceremony starts with storytelling with the elders of the tribe discussing the consequences of married life. During death ceremony, unlike other tribes, they don’t use gongs because they believed that gongs are for special and happy occasions and not during mourn. According to Mr. Bucat, there’s no really great difference between the Igorot from Mountain Province comparative to the Igorot in Cainta. They still practice their traditions and follow rules. Respect to elders never neglected, they have curfew in the place and it is discreet because all the people cooperate. They also have a way of selecting leaders in their village. People should select 12 candidates which should be deliberated by the people. Whoever got the highest votes should take the position. Two years is the maximum period of the term of the winning President of the village and before he/she take the position, an induction should follow.

Igorots have rich culture and tradition. They can be one of the ethnic groups in the country but as I talked to them, I felt that they are really accommodating to share their culture and beliefs and they spoke from their heart. They may not be in their original town, but the love and respect remain in their heart forever even though many years passed.