KALANGUYA INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

by: Atok Community Service Center

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PROFILE CTB

Picture for the 2-page spread: (*Photo to be replaced)

Figure 1. Kalanguya IPs of Pito, Bokod. Photo by Siegfred B. Chanfing.

PROFILE WRITE-UP:

Originating from “Bah-il” meaning from the other side of the mountain which is geographically in
Tinoc, Ifugao, some Kalanguya left for other places by reasons of “bungkellew” (plague) and “ngayew”
(head hunting activities), eventually establishing the Kalanguya area composed of the municipalities
of Tinoc and Asipolo of Ifugao Province; the municipalities of Ambaguio, Kayapa, Santa Fe, and Aritao
of Nueva Vizcaya; portions of the municipalities of Buguias, Kabayan and Bokod of Benguet Province;
a portion of the municipality of San Nicolas, Pangasinan; and a portion of the municipality of
Caranglan, Nueva Ecija. Kalanguya also refers to the people’s language. The Kalanguya believe in a
supernatural being called “Kabunian” (also called “Agmattebew”) (SOURCE: Manuscript on Kalanguya
 Cultural Communities by Gaspar C. Cayat, Executive Director III of the CEB-CAR and President of the
Kalanguya Tribe Organization, Inc. Northern Luzon). They engaged in cattle, pig & chicken raising and
farming, with women known for planting camote, and men for farm works.

As of 2010, Kalanguya
population in Benguet is about 16,
470 distributed in the different
Ancestral Domains which are the
following: In Buguias AD: all sitios
(Bisocol, Guiweng, Apunan, Tonglo,
Damang, Kimpit & Toplac) of
Barangay Amlimay; 5 sitios (Naybo,
Tokdo, Cayabyab, Kapangngan &
Nilawitan) of Barangay Poblacion; 3
sitios (Ambanglo, Sookan, &
Manhoyohoy) of Barangay Catlubong.
Ansipsip, Kayapa; Barangays of
Ballay, Tawangan, Lusod in Kabayan
AD & Pito of Bokod AD.

Kalanguya IPs, are one of the not so

documented ethnographic tribes
because of the outrageously sloppy
scholarship of some western
historians who simply did never
happened to visit them, but with their
unity and endeavor, they were finally
recognized as an independent tribe in
the Philippines. They are also known
to have a great sense of humor.

Figure 2. Map showing the Kalanguya

settlements in Benguet (in orange shade).
Map by Engr. Bruno H. Almora Jr.
RECOMMENDED TOP
12 CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS
1. Kubal & Aten/
Oleh/Lakbah
(Picture by Engr. Allan Allatis)
2. Musical Instruments: Gangha
Brief Description and Identify
Possible Key Informant/s for each.
Kalanguya men wear long strips of
handwoven loin cloth called
"Kubal" while women wear a kind
of wrap-around skirt called
"Aten/Oleh/Lakbah "
Key Informant:
1. IPMR Ricardo Tumayan
One of their musical instrument is
a four-piece-set gong which
includes the “gangha”, “pinhak”,
“katlo” and “kap-at”, which are
often played during big feasts and
If also present in the other
Benguet IPs, how is it
different to this IP Group?
The cultural attire of the
Kalanguya tribe is almost
the same with the other
tribes in Benguet except
that:
For men, the dominant
color of the vest is green
but they also have the red,
black & white combination;
the "Kubal" or G-strings are
ornamented with tassels at
the ends & colors can be
pure red; combination of
red, green & black; and/or
red, white & black.
For women, the “Aten” is
composed by a pair of
blouse and wrap around
skirt which can be a
combination of black &
white and/or red, black,
green & yellow.
It is different with other IP
groups since they only have
3-pc-set which includes the
“gangha”, “pinhak” and
“takik”.

Left: Katlo, Right: Pinhak
(Picture by Gloria Badua)
3. Kalanguya as dialect
4. The Antique Jars of Buguias -
Padaco and Tokotok
celebrations like “padit”, “bayyog”
and “kiyad”. You can distinguish
each by their sounds but the
gangha has the widest diameter.
Key Informant:
1. Benjamin Palbusa
Kalanguya IPs generally speak the
Kalanguya dialect but it also has
varieties. The “Kib-al” variety is
retained in Lusod, Tawangan,
Nabukot and Upper Ballay in the
Municipality of Kabayan; in Camp
3, Ligay and Twin Peaks in the
Municipality of Tuba; sitio
Ansipsip in Barangay Kayapa of
Nueva Vicaya, and sitios
Ambanglo, Manhoyohoy and
Sookan of Barangay Catlubong of
the Municipality of Buguias.
The “Mangalaykay” sub-variety of
“Kib-al” is used in Palanza, Pito
and Mangagew in the
Municipality of Bokod while
the “Dek-ey” sub-variety of kib-al
is spoken in Lower Ballay,
Kabayan; Barangay Amlimay,
Buguias, sitios Naybo, Tokdo,
Cayabyad and Kapangngan of
Barangay Poblacion, Buguias, and
in Beckel, La Trinidad. With the
exception of nouns, most words
or lexemes (as semanticists call
them) and one language cannot
be translated exactly in another
language. 
https://www.kalanguya.com/en/l
anguage-issues
Key Informants:
1. Comm. Gaspar A. Cayat
2. Margie Lumawan
The antique jars of Buguias are big Apparently, the fermented
jars preserved by couple Padaco rice wine from these jars
and Tokotok. These jars were tasted best from among
used to be filled with rice or other jars. Then Governor
tapey, served during Padaco`s Ben Palispis also claimed
cañaos and later functioned as he’d become vigorously
their coffins. The bigger jar that strong and rejuvenated
contained the remains of Tokotok after drinking his share of
is in custody of the Philippine wine from the Tokotok jar.
Tourism Authority (PTA) and
Barangay officials of Amlimay,
Buguias. These jars were believed
to be carried by the semi-illiterate
Malayan immigrants to the
 country via the Lingayen Gulf who
came up to the mountains
following the Agno River
upstream.

Key Informant:
1. Gonda Contada Catanes
of Baculongan Sur

The dance that originated from

Payantak, Lusod, Kabayan is
distinct to the Kalanguya IPs of
Benguet. Stories tell that long
5. Tayaw ni Tadaw (The time ago, a family in Payantak,
Monkey Dance) Lusod took care of a monkey,
(*Photo to be replaced) treated it as part of the family,
trained to do household chores
and even accompanies the family
in the fields to work.
Unfortunately, the monkey died
from drowning while they were
crossing their way home at the
overflowing river due to strong
rain. The family buried the
monkey`s body without any burial
ritual done, days passed, and
suddenly the head of the family
got ill. All home remedy medicine
didn`t cure him until they
consulted a “manhib-ok”
(synonymous to a faith healer)
and the “manhib-ok” told them,
“apet manayaw kuno hota
aki/tadaw” (a dance ritual for the
dead monkey must be done) and
so, during the dance ritual, the
performers mimicked the facial
expressions and actions of a
monkey, therefore calling it as
“tayaw ni tadaw” (monkey
dance). (Gayudan, n.d.).

Key Informant:
1. Mr. Cortes Ebas, A
teacher at Kamora
National High School in
Kabayan.

6. Bahliw/Day-eng It is a poetic dialogue between

elders and other leaders being
chanted and answered by group
of women and men with chanted
verses. Rice wine is served
throughout the ritual to add the
merrymaking. It also refers to
joyful chanting of blessings
received in life, or may be a sign
of welcome, for visitors to be
blessed and to enjoy the stay in
the community. It does not
require butchering of native
animals but sometimes “tapey” or
rice wine is needed to perk the
spirit of the participants. (Cycle

7. Habeng
(Picture by Engr. Allan Allatis)
8. Pinikpikan w/ tapey
(Picture by Engr. Allan Allatis)
9. Gipah (Sarcandra glabra)
(Picture by Andrelyn Salero)
(Source:
http://lusodkabayan.weebly.com/liveli
hood.html)
Ritual)
Key Informant:
1. Benjamin Palbusa
Habeng is a traditional food of the
Kalanguya IPs. It is the fermented
liquid leftover from boiling sweet
potato. It is filled into a jar and
placed near the
“depengan”/cooking area to
process. Habeng is usually added
to “sinabawan” dishes like
“pinikpikan” but is best with the
boiled “jojo” or mudfish. It has
"soury" taste and aroma, believed
to cure stomach ache. It is the
sinigang mix of the Kalanguya IPs
in the olden days.
Key Informant:
1. IPMR Ricardo Tumayan
A traditional chicken delicacy in Pinikpikan is a common dish
the Cordilleras but distinct to the of the Cordillera IP groups,
Kalanguya IPs, is the adding of but for others, instead of
“tapey” (rice wine). The tapey (for the Kalanguya),
process involves a live chicken they add “etag” (smoked
beaten with a stick prior to meat).
cooking. The coagulated blood,
burned feathers and skin actually
provide the flavor of the dish.
Vegetables may also be added.
Sometimes the dish is used as part
of rituals.
Key Informant:
1. Joseph Molitas of
Tawangan, Kabayan
Gipah, scientifically known as Gipah naturally grows in
Sarcandra labra is an endemic mossy forests where other
shrub that naturally grows in the IP Communities have
mossy forest of Mount Pulag and settled, however, the
its surrounding forests utilized by Kalanguyas of Lusod,
the indigenous people of the Kabayan are the first to
Cordillera Region as tea and an pack it as an herbal tea and
alternative medicine for various are offering it for sale. It
ailments. It is the main ingredient now serves as one of their
of the Gipah Herbal Tea, sources of income.
commercially produced by the
Lusod Agrarian Reform Multi-
Purpose Cooperative (LARCMPC).
Key Informant:
1. IPMR Ambrocio Agcio

10. ‘Obu-an’/ Ubbo
(Taken at Poblacion, Buguias,
Benguet by Engr. Allan Allatis)
11. Apo Anno
(*Photo to be replaced)
This is synonymous to the Filipino Obbo is a traditional
tradition, Bayanihan. This form of practice of the Kalanguya
labor exchange is intended to IPs in helping one another,
accomplish one's task on hand wherein neighbors of the
easily and speedily. This is bereaved will automatically
observed during especial help in doing the works and
occasions such as weddings and also attends to the bereave
cañaos (thanks giving) and when d’s visitors, while other IP
someone dies. Automatically, men groups would hire
will go out and gather pinewoods carpenters to do the work
to use for cooking, some who for example.
have skills in carpentry will make
the coffin, and others will make
sure the tomb is ready before the
burial. Women, on the other hand
help in cooking and serving food
to the people gathered during the
wake.
Key Informant:
1. Delfin Bastian of Brgy.
Amlimay, Buguias
Apo Anno is the legendary son of
Amtac a.k.a. Togtogaka from the
headwaters of the Agno River (or
probably Anno River) and a mortal
from Palatang, and Kuyapon, (a
Tomongao- Mt. Spirit) from
Nabalicong, Buguias, Benguet
(Picpican, I. 2003). The preserved
body of Apo Anno disappeared
(stolen) in 1918 and was finally
returned in 1998 to its original
resting place in Buguias. Believed
as one of the ancestors of the
Kalanguya IPs.
Key Informant:
1. IPMR Pepito Santiban
12. Gen-gen (Indigenous
Agricultural Practice)
Taken at Lam-ayan, Bangao, Buguias,
Benguet.
This traditional method
showcases the Kalanguya’s
ingenuity in utilizing sloping areas
for agricultural purposes. This
system involves making horizontal
parallel ridges from top to bottom
of a sloping area, resembling
several layers of steps. The ridges
serve as traps for small amounts
of surface soil that are prone to
erosion.
Key Informant:
2. IPMR Ricardo Tumayan

Taken at Amgaleyguey, Buguias, Benguet

(Pictures by Engr. Allan Allatis)

OTHER CULTURAL REPRESENTATION THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED: (This may be more than 10)
Kalon.
If a young man wants to marry a young woman, he
would go to the village elders who in turn will tell the
young man and his parents what needs to be prepared;
usually, a chicken and a liter of “tapey” (homemade rice
wine). Also, they will schedule a day on which they
would accompany the young man to the house of the
parents of the young woman. When the day comes, the
elders, the young man and his parents will go to the
girl’s house taking with them the chicken and the rice
wine. The woman is not expected to say anything
during a “kalon” but once she speaks, it is a signal that
she is saying no to the man who is proposing.
Kalanguyas are not verbally expressive so much so that
the emotional aspects of love between young men and
women are seldom expressed or demonstrated visibly
but that does not mean that it does not exist. One
reason and function of the Kalon practice is to ensure
that no one is marrying within his or her blood relatives
Kaihing
Second type of arrangement is an agreement between
the parents. They can have an agreement as early as
pregnancy to marry off their children if one comes out
as a boy and the other, a girl. In these types of
arrangement, the woman has the prerogative to refuse
if she wants to. In the past, physical appearance does
not seem to matter.
Hodhod
It is when someone changed his/her mind
on a marriage arrangement previously
agreed upon by both parties. An example is
when parents of both parties agreed that
their children will marry in the future, but
either the man or the woman won’t want
to marry. Then we say “hinodhodan to”
[he/she changed his/her mind and said no,
and broke the ‘tulagan’ (agreement)]. And
the same with other laws, or agreements, if
broken, there are consequences which can
be to butcher pigs for the community’s
consumption, making it known to the
public that he/she broke the agreement
and his/her punishment depends on what
was agreed upon by the parents and
community elders.
https://tidbits.video.blog/2018/10/23/hod
hod-ay-apaw-numan/
Kiyyew-wan.
This is a forest area, either communal or
private, which is maintained because it
serves as watershed for the irrigation of
the rice fields. It also serves as a source of
fuel and other forest products like honey
and rattan.

Ken-ken Danga
These are fire lines established on forest perimeters to This labor sharing is usually done when
protect trees from fires building a house. A family prepares the
building materials like wood and pal-ot and
sets a date to put up the structure then
announces it to the neighborhood. The
community comes to help build the hut
free of charge. Free lunch is served.
Mambunong(Mandek-ey)/Mambaki(Kalanguya) Ewoy or rattan
One who performs the ritual prescribed by the This indigenous vine is used for making
“mankutom” as dictated by circumstances. chicken coops. Its fruit is edible and is a
good source of vitamin C.

Key Informant:
1. IPMR Ambrocio Agcio
Tayaw ni bukaw (Black crow dance) Killom (Dance of the Pigs)

Watwat
It is commonly described as a slice/es of boiled pork
that is distributed or shared as part of the meal of an
Igorot feast. But it can also be any type of meat served
during the occasion.
Kini-ing
It is a salted meat preserved through
smoking using pine wood. The meat is
hanged over the fire or the “shepengan”
for at least three days until it lasts.

FESTIVALS AND RITUALS PROFILE CTB

Picture for the 2-page spread: Tayaw ni Tadaw (*Photo to be replaced)

FESTIVALS AND RITUALS WRITE-UP:

Indigenous festivals and rituals form part and parcel of the lives and cultural tradition of
Indigenous Peoples. It has been an expressive way to celebrate glorious heritage, culture and
traditions.
Three subsequent Kalanguya Congresses have been held in three-year intervals since the first one
in 1993. Each gathering has resulted in additional affirmations of the decision in favor of the
Kalanguya name. With the matter of the group name still unsettled, the First Kalanguya Tribal
Congress was held in Loo Valley, Benguet province later in 1993. This gathering attracted more than
500 community leaders, elders and young people from traditional Kalanguya areas. With a majority
vote these delegates decided that Kalanguya is the proper name of their culture group.
Kalanguya IPs united and endeavored to be recognized as an independent ethnic tribe knowing
that although some of their practices and celebrations are somewhat similar to their neighboring
tribes, they have their distinct, unique characteristics, practices and rituals that are innately known
only to them. And at present, they are able to share to the world how unique and amazing these
things are through festivals and the practice of their rituals.
 RECOMMENDED TOP
12 IP FESTIVALS AND RITUALS
1. Kalanguya Day
2. Mammayya/ Tayaw ni
bu’bo’ loh Festival
3. People’s Day and Hagigi Di
Pito
4. Obi Festival
Brief Description PLUS If also present in
FESTIVAL: What is its IP significance? the other Benguet
RITUAL: What is the purpose? IPs, how is it
and Identify Possible Key Informant/s for different with this
each. IP Group?
The “Ulnoh ni Kalanguya” adopted Nov. 22
of every year as Kalanguya Day to show
case authentic Kalanguya dances like the
“tayaw ni tadaw” (monkey dance), “tayaw
ni bu’bo’loh” (butterfly dance), “tayaw ni
bukaw” (black crow dance) and other
Kalanguya festive dances. The organization
aimed to discover, to preserve and to
enrich the ethno-linguistic group’s history
as well as the indigenous knowledge
systems and practices. It sought to protect
and to promote its collective interests and
aspirations through lawful means. Most of
all, the organization sought to pursue the
recognition of their rights as an indigenous
people as provided for under the Philippine
Constitution, the Local Government Code,
the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and
other related laws of the land.
Key Informant:
1. Mr. Recto Alawas, Tawang, La
Trinidad, Benguet
2. Captain Pelino Bugnay, Ballay
Barangay
It is celebrated at Tawangan, Kabayan,
Benguet which is a Kalanguya IP
settlement. The festival aims to gather the
Kalanguya People from Benguet including
those who have migrated in other towns
and abroad and to feature performances of
waning ethnic dances such as
“Mammayya” (Dance of the Butterflies),
“Tayaw ni Tadaw” (Monkey Dance), and
“Killom” (Dance of the pigs). Other
activities during the festival includes: 1)
Crowning of Mr. And Ms. Tawangan, 2) The
Battle of the Bands (performing original
songs in Kalanguya), and 3) Climb at Mt.
Pulag via the Tawangan Trail.
Key Informant:
1. Mr. Sapino Molitas
It is a celebration to honor Barangay Pito’s
Foundation Day which is March 7. Added to
the celebration is the dancing of “Hagigi”, a
mass dance which plays a vital role on the
cultural identity of the Benguet Kalanguyas
in Barangay Pito, Bokod.
Key Informant:
1. IPMR Arthuro J. Caluscos
It is conducted every third week of April at
Barangay Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet as part
of the barangay foundation day. The
significance of the festival are as follows: 1)
To recall how the people survived during
 the World War II by just eating sweet
potato or “obi”, 2) How to plant the
different varieties of “obi”, and 3) How to
cook different recipes out of “obi”, for a
healthy and long life.

Key Informant:
1. Barangay Captain Pelino Bugnay

5. Padit (reunion of tribes/ Padit is an eight-day feast. It involves

thanksgiving). butchering of pigs through the process of
“uwik”, playing gongs, and then the
dancing of “tayaw” which is initiated by the
host for the occasion and the
“hinagawhaw”. “Hinagawhaw” is a victory
dance wherein an imaginary human head
made of a fern tree is put up on a pole and
placed in the middle of the front yard, with
a big jar of rice wine where folks dance
around. An offering of “baki” (prayer) is
also done by the “mambaki”.

Key informant:
1. Barangay Captain Pelino Bugnay

6. Manmanok It is a ritual performed after an amicable

settlement of a case in the barangay or in
the court. Rice is prepared and roasted pig
meats are prayed over. This is done to
prevent or stop bad luck.

Key Informants:
1. Barangay Captain Pelino Bugnay
2. Mr. Benjamin Palbusa

7. Pre-Nuptial, Wedding and Pudung is performed when the “timbal”

Post Wedding Rituals ceremony will take a long time before its
a. Pudong celebration (almost a year or more) and/or
when the man and woman had already
engage to sex. It is a pre-nuptial
arrangement, the male applies “pudung” to
prevent others from courting the lady and
the lady from looking for other guys.

Ngilin is performed during the wedding

ceremony. One pig is butchered at the
front yard and the elders will pronounce
the wedding celebration of the couple. Rice
(Picture by Engr. Allan wine and roasted pigs’ meat will be prayed
Allatis) over and will be offered to the spirits. “bal-
b. Timbal/Wedding iw” or “padto” or prophesy will be done by
ceremony, Ngilin the elders. This is performed for the
c. Sabeng newlywed couple to have a prosperous and
happy life.

Timbal is the formal declaration that the

man and woman are already husband and
wife. This is usually held at the house of the
woman’s parents. The number of pigs to be
butchered will depend on the financial
capability of the man. The “mabaki” offers
the butchered pigs to God and the spirits of
the dead through a prayer, asking good
luck and prosperity for the couple.

8. Anawang (Birth Ritual)
9. Lawit (Burial, Post Burial
Rituals)
10. Pahang/Tomol
11. Hadey/Dew-es
Sabeng is performed after the wedding
ceremony, especially if someone died
during the wedding celebration. One pig is
butchered either at the male or female’s
residence. The ritual is to ward off
untoward incident that may happen to the
newlywed couple or for the couple to have
a harmonious family life.
Key Informant:
1. Ricardo Tumayan, (Amlimay
Barangay IPMR)
2. Jaime Polason of Brgy. Catlubong,
3. Pelino Bugnay (Ballay Barangay
Captain)
When a pregnant woman is having a hard
labor, a chicken will be butchered and at
the same time “maksil” will be performed.
“Maksil” is the beating of a kitchen utensil
“malokong” (bowl). The purpose of this is
to impetrate easy delivery.
Key Informant:
1. Mr. Benjamin Palbusa
A ritual performed by the bereaved family
members after burial ceremony. Example is
when a father died, all of his children are
required to do this which will begin from
the first child down to the last. This ritual is
believed to give good luck from the dead to
his children. “Dinawis/tinangtangan” is
done as a process of mediation.
Key Informant:
1. Jaime Polason of Brgy. Catlubong,
Buguias
This ritual is performed to ensure
continuous blessings from the gods and
prevent evil spirits from harming family
members. For example, when a family
member feels lazy, “pahang” is performed
to ask the gods and good ancestors to take
care of the victim. A matured chicken or
obo-an is required in this ritual. When a
person gets thinner for no apparent reason
“tomol” is performed but before “pahang”
or “tomol” is performed, a peace offering
to the dead ancestors called “emmed” will
be done first. Either chicken, pig or
depends on what is required will be
butchered by the nearest kin, and cooked
meat, clothing and old coins will be offered
to appease the dead.
Source: Internet
Key Informant:
1. Mr. Benjamin Palbusa
A ritual done purposely to stop a tragedy in
the family, a dog is required for the ritual
depending on the history before the
unfortunate event.
 Key Informant:
1. Barangay Captain Pelino Bugnay
2. Mr. Benjamin Palbusa

12. Dahada Families who build houses are required to

perform the “dahada” or modern times,
house blessings. The ritual is performed
before the family occupies a newly
constructed house. A big native pig with
chickens are butchered to be offered to the
gods for blessings unto the house and its
occupants to have material wealth, peace
and harmony. The ritualist would act as the
priest.
Key Informant:
1. Barangay Captain Pelino Bugnay

OTHER FESTIVALS AND RITUALS THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED: (This may be more than 10)
1. Kiyad 10. Honga
This is a big feast done in a day. A pig is Honga is the ritual on death and burial. When a
butchered on the eve to welcome arriving guests person is dying, honga is performed as the last
and the next day is the big day where a carabao resort of the family to request their ancestors to
or water buffalo is butchered but no gongs are make the sick person live, if possible. Pigs and
played, instead prayers or baki are offered by the chickens are butchered as offering to the gods
Mabaki on behalf of the host. On the next and ancestors to make the sick person well.
morning, a medium sized pig is butchered as 11. Ihangdil
Atangway (to balance the day) to serve as a When a rich person dies, a sow is butchered in
departure meal. the evening for the ritual called bah-wat or
ihangdil wherein the corpse on bed will be placed
2. Kalang
on a hadag, a ladder type made of newly
This feast is much smaller compared to Padit & chopped betel nut trunk or wood. The dead
Kiyad. It is not necessary to butcher animals for person will be placed in a sitting position on the
the arrival of guests since it only involves the ladder. Meanwhile, a poor dead person will not
community where the host lives. Gongs are be placed in a hadag but will be made to lie on
played for the whole day and the host family bed with the cheapest blanket, G-string or tapis.
starts the dancing. The day is balanced by
12. Hagawhaw
butchering a regular-sized pig for the following
Dog, as a sign of anger and bravery is butchered
morning. This is called Atangway and as in Kiyad
to return back the curse especially if death in the
serves as departure meal.
family is involved. If dogs are not available, ducks
3. Rice Rituals (Hanga Ni Pagey) are used but not native pigs nor chicken.
The Hanga Ni Pagey of the Kalanguya community
13. Podad 
provide a fresh dimension in agriculture. These
The ritual known as podad is performed to ward
have long been embedded in their agricultural
or drive the evil spirits of ancestors who died by
cycle and traditional farming practices. Rituals are
accidents to allow the mother to have normal
performed during the clearing and preparation of
delivery. Rice wine, chicken, betel nut, and leaf
rice paddies (ipannal), during the planting season
are utilized during the ritual. After delivery, a
(bagam), and during harvesting and post-
stem of the fresh free runo leaves is attached to a
harvesting period (lahinang).
cane or spear which is pegged on the ground in
4. Baknaw front of the house or inserted on the roof as a
The ritual is associated with the Kalanguya sign that no visitors are yet allowed to enter the
concept of forest land use. To the Kalanguya house for eight to ten days. The fresh leaves are
tribe, the forest has four uses: the bel-ew or thick attached to a spear if the baby is boy or cane if
forests; naduntog or forest with people; kallahan girl. Some of the preserved smoked meat will
or forest with all kinds of trees except pine trees; now be boiled with smashed ginger for the viand
and the ibelbel or forest with pine trees. Believing of the mother who has just delivered.
that forestlands are controlled by the agmatibew
14. Hangbo
or unseen, a Kalanguya cannot just occupy a
Dreams serve as indicators for the Kalanguya
forest area. The baknaw ritual is performed to
people and it may influence the direction of their
find out if an individual is allowed to build his
lives. Any member of the family who has dreamt
house in a certain piece of land. An ungot
that a dead ancestor gave him something for
(coconut shell) filled with water is placed inside a
safekeeping performs this ritual to make the
hole within the perimeter of the target area and dream come true. The act of giving during the
if the water in the ungot becomes less the dream indicates protection and material wealth,
following day, he cannot stay in that particular which the family requests through the hangbo.
place. If the level of the water remains the same, Just like the other rituals, the hangbo needs rice
then he can stay. The favor of getting accepted to wine, betel nuts and leaves. Chicken are also
dwell in that area would oblige him to convert offered to seek the support of the gods.
the site into productive use.
Other Social Rituals and Practices
5. Tagibel
Kalanguyas believed on unseen spirit who room a. Balhan
around the forest and act as guardians of the In times of needs and problems, the Kalanguyas
mountains, rivers, minerals and whatever practice balhan which means solicitation. It is
resources found within. When a person gets sick asking help from relatives in the form of cash,
after coming back from gathering firewood or animals, or food. The sense of being concern,
cleaning the kaingin, it is believed that the fairies helping and promoting family closeness are some
or bibiyew have taken hold of his soul. The values that can be extracted from the said
mabaki is sought to perform the tagibel and seek practice.
the fairies’ mercy to release the soul of the
b. Tongtong
person.
The tongtong is the highest arbitration body that
This ritual is also performed when the bones of a
handles civil disputes, petty crimes to the most
deceased person is brought out to be cleaned,
heinous of crimes. The overall decision comes
which may be the cause of sickness in the family.
from the lallakay through consensus that is
The mabaki offers native pigs, clothing, and
usually final. After the tong tong , parties involved
blankets to the spirit of the deceased person so
in the conflict can still maintain good relations
that the sickness will go away.
and camaraderie as compared when legal courts
7. Keleng are involved. Sometimes, amicable settlements
The keleng is a symbol of greatness in the are used as ways to prevent deeper conflicts.
Kalanguya custom. A couple who performs all the Penalty may be imposed to erring parties
ladder-type and level of keleng will be considered depending on the outcome of the tongtong.
among the richest and respected leader and
c. Banat
elder. The keleng is a series of repeated festival
Banat is performed to ask favor from ancestors to
organized according to the level of greatness the
bless the person asking to be victorious during
couple can afford in the Kalanguya custom. It is
settling of disputes, gambling or election
performed in four different levels twice. In the
exercises.
keleng, all relatives, distant and near including
the general public are invited to partake of the d. Awil
feasting. Awil is gift giving of chicken or duck to relatives
who may visit a relative for the first time. This
8. Inagumo
practice is usually for small children who visit
The performance of inagumo is done by a mabaki
relatives or friends. The person visited shows
or ritualist so that the gods will make the
deep gratitude by giving live native chicken to be
pregnant mother healthy and strong in carrying
taken cared and not to be butchered.
the baby for nine months as not to encounter
profuse bleeding during delivery. Before the e. Bultong
inagumo, the household shall prepare the rice It is a body wrestling match that is used to settle
wine in an ungot or made out of coconut shell, disputes especially in land conflicts. Bultong can
betel nut and leaf placed in a giyag or wide also be played as friendly games or sports to
basket made out of rattan. If the materials are promote camaraderie among the youth.
ready, the mabaki would start by holding the f. Liya
native chicken to be offered to the gods and It is played when the shaman (mambaki) blessed
ancestors while reciting his baki or prayer asking the host of the occasion by laying both hands on
the support of the gods to grant the household’s him. The shaman stomps his feet and
petition or wish. After reciting, the chicken is pronounced words of wishes or future blessings.
butchered to check on the goodness of the bile Often he asked the spirit/s that the people might
that may indicate that the gods and ancestors are be able to raise more pigs, experience abundant
guarding and taking care of the mother and the harvests, or gain additional blessings bestowed
baby in the womb. by kabunyan.
9. Inumban/Inuuban
When a family member travels to other places, g. Deggenden
the ritual is performed to ask the gods to ensure This started when a rock rolled over or fell
safe journey and protection from danger. The without someone pushing it. Such occurrences
mabaki  is called to perform the ritual. Rice wine, were often celebrated as omens. Dancers would
betel nuts and leaves are prepared and used often use a style of dancing in a backwards
during the ritual. Usually, pair of chicken is used motion.
as offerings to the gods to seek their protection.

DESTINATIONS CTB
Picture for the 2-page spread: Lake Latep Ngapos (*Photo to be replaced)

DESTINATIONS WRITE-UP:
Man couldn’t live without getting continuous support from nature and that is why our ancestors for a
long time have also been doing many things for nature and people. Kalanguyas are said to be “the people of
the forest”, arousing from the mountainous areas of Ifugao province in northern Luzon then scattered to its
adjacent places in Buguias, Kabayan and Bokod, all within Benguet Ancestral Domain. Visiting this places now
brings you to a nostalgic trip with culture and mystical nature.
 It’s not only rice paddies or fields, forest or woods, lakes, falls or hot springs. Every place has its own
history, from someone’s great grandfather who has been planting or cultivating, or has been gathering
kindling or essential wild "food"/plant like the cosmopolitan weed Bidens pilosa, “diwdiw” tree (Ficus nota),
“besudak” (Embelia philippinensis), patani (Phaseolus lunatus), wild fruits such as guava (Psidium guajava),
“dagway”, “balokok”, “bilih”, “uyok”, “namay”, “calawag”, “buyot”, “batnak”; where men hunt for wild
animals such as deer, wild boar and birds that abound in the surrounding thick forests; where families also
raised cattle, pigs and chickens mainly for their rituals such as “baki”, “kanyaw”, “timbal”, “adamag”,
“padit”  and other traditional rituals and festivities, since time immemorial; where they worshipped are sacred
places and the most beautiful cordilleran ranges and its most isolated and breathtaking boondocks —
places that are even called as the playground of the gods. The landscapes are cultural artifacts, continually
reshaped through the labor of the Kalanguya people as they also wrested their livelihood from the land.
Kalanguya believes that the ‘vast blueness’ is a ‘someone’ rather than a ‘something.’ While they either have
been fighting with nature or gaining its benefits, something good had come from what they did, the way the
places has come to look now, all of this, the interdependence between nature and people, places they called
home are now places for men’s healing and journeys to have a closer relationship with their creator.

RECOMMENDED Location Brief Description

TOP (include pictures in the cells) (IP Connection is a MUST… significance of
DESTINATIONS the place to the IP culture? IP Story? IP
relevance?)and Identify Possible Key
Informant/s for each.
1. Lake Tabeyo The largest lake among the four mystical
lakes located at the foot of Mt. Pulag
(2230 m alt.), about 280 m x 100 m. These
lake, surrounded by pine and mossy
forests and mountains are scenic and
peaceful making it ideal for a relaxing
camping experience with good friends.
The folklore says, a long time ago, when
man and woman were made, there was
work which needed to be completed in 5
or other says 7 days in the mountains. The
woman was to bring the man’s food on
the 5th day, however, for some reasons,
the woman went up to the mountains and
brought the man’s food on the third day.
She disrupted the work or in Kalanguya
term is ”hinuknulan to”. Other version
says that the man then went around with
his guts (intestines) dangling until it
formed the lake, now called Tabayo lake.
https://tidbits.video.blog/2018/11/08/tab
eyo-lake-tales/

Key Informant:
Ballay, Kabayan 1. Maximino Omod Melio
(Pictures by Ms. Amber Wakit)
2. Botel Hot spring One of the three hot springs located in
sitio Kapangngan, Poblacion, Buguias (a
Kalanguya community), emerging as
tourist destination in the AD. It was where
the Japanese soldiers who love hot-spring
baths were then billeted. They even made
salts from it.

Key Informant:
1. Glenn Bigo of Poblacion, Buguias

Poblacion, Buguias
(Picture by Engr. Allan Allatis)
3. The New Declared last February 26, 2019 as the
Highest Point of new highest elevation point of the
the Philippine Philippine Highway System with an
Highway System elevation of H=7,968.07 feet above sea
level or 2,428.66 m. It is situated along the
Kiangan-Tinoc-Buguias Road and/or Bot-
oan Road which has been serving the
Kalanguya people of Tinoc and nearby
villages greater participation in the market
economy. Bot-oan Road was inaugurated
in 1976 and after few years, had become a
Ging-aw, Catlubong, Buguias, Benguet major agricultural and commercial center,
(Picture by Buguias LGU) and the seat of the new barangay of
Catlubong, Buguias (part of which are
Kalanguya communities). It is also dubbed
as the "Philippine Pali"  because of its
resemblance with Hawaii Pali.

Key Informant:
1. Dione Baucas

4. Mt. Pulag Mount Pulag is Luzon’s highest peak at

Brgys. Eddet & Lusod, Kabayan, Benguet
(Picture by Engr. Allan Allatis)
2,926 meters above sea. Locals revere the
mountain for they believe it is where their
ancestors’ spirits roam and is the
“playground of their gods”. Indeed,
beholding the sea of clouds in the
everlasting grassland of Pulag, one cannot
but feel a heavenly, lofty feeling. It is also
home to a giant bushy-tailed cloud rat
(Crateromys schadenbergi), considered
the biggest rat species in the world, the
Luzon pygmy fruit bat (Otopteropus
cartilagonodus) and other outstanding
vegetation and wildlife. By virtue of
Presidential Proclamation No. 75 on
February 20, 1987, Mt. Pulag was
proclaimed National Park covering an area
of 11,550 hectares to protect and
preserve the natural features, heavenly
landscapes and rich biodiversity of the
area.
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007
/10/mt-pulagtawangan-trail-2922.html

Key Informant:
1. Ambrocio Agcio
5. Agno River
Poblacion, Buguias, Benguet
(Picture by Engr. Allan Allatis)
6. Mt. Tabayoc
Ballay, Kabayan
(Pictures by Ms. Amber Wakit)
Agno River, approximately 206 km long,
originates from Buguias in Benguet,
flowing south to Ambuklao, then Binga,
then San Roque in Pangasinan, and finally
exiting at Lingayen Gulf. The Kalanguya
communities practically live within the
headwaters and forest reserves of the
Agno river basin and the Magat river
basin. The river is ideal for all water-based
activities like rafting, fishing, canoeing and
swimming. Tourists may catch tilapia,
carp, eel and other fresh water fishes,
provided fishing is done legally.
Key Informant:
1. Delfin Bastian
It is the second highest mountain in Luzon
and the fifth in the Philippines. The
summit is rather entirely forested with tall
trees covered with moss and rare species
of orchid genera Dendrochilum, filmy
ferns, mosses, etc. and is the habitat of a
number of bird species, many of which are
endemic and endangered. The
neighboring mountains of Pulag and Mt.
Al-al can be seen from the wooden view
deck built for hikers. The mountain got its
name because it looks like a bended tree
from afar or “nayokyok ni kiyew” in
Kalanguya dialect. Another story is, it was
derived from the Kalanguya word
“natabayok” which means ‘accumulated
water’ because of a small body of water
on top of the mountains where animals
drink and served as hunters’ camp long
ago.
Source: Internet
https://tidbits.video.blog/
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007
/10/mt-tabayoc-2842.html
Key Informant:
1. Maximino Omod Melio
7. Lake Incoloh Incoloh (2380 m alt.) is about 200 m x 60
m and still surrounded by forest at the
base of Junior Pulag and drains on its
eastern shore towards a marshy ground
(Jacobs 1972). It is fascinating and unique,
the lake water is covered in dirt, moss,
and grass, step on it and you will slowly
sink. The name means to make the water
flow or to drain the water through a canal.
According to tales, it was dug by hunters
to find out if it was really a scaly gigantic
animal (presumed to be a crocodile) that
stole & ate the intestines of their catch
“mak-wah” (deer) while being washed by
the accused hunter. They finally saw the
animal and threw their spears to it, blood
splattered, and everything it touched died
including the hunters that killed it, except
the accused.
Source: Internet
Ballay, Kabayan https://tidbits.video.blog/2018/11/21/ink
(Pictures by Engr. Allan Allatis) oloh-lake/

Key Informant:
1. Maximino Omod Melio

8. Lake Latep- Latep-ngapoh (2315 m alt.) is the smallest,

ngapoh  more or less triangular in shape, about 60
Ballay, Kabayan
(Picture by Ms. Amber Wakit)
m x 120 m and is completely surrounded
by forest and has no shore vegetation of
herbs (Jacobs 1972). It lived up to its
reputation, the fog and drizzles adds an
enchanting beauty of the place along with
the driftwood and its clear water. The
name was based on a folklore about a
hunter named Ngapoh who
hunted deers driven by his dog onto the
lake as it gets tired to dip its body.
Another tale was, a hunter challenged
himself to see what lived inside the lake
and used a “ngapoh” (a piece of wood
torch) and “limatep” (dove into the
water). The Kalanguya IPs were the first
inhabitants of Barangay Ballay who
discovered the place and gave its name
based on their dialect.
https://tidbits.video.blog/2018/12/02/the
-tales-of-latep-ngapoh-lake/

Key Informant:
1. Maximino Omod Melio

9. Lake Also known as Bula Dacau (2420 m alt.), is

Ambulalakaw approximately 215 m x 50 m and occurs in
a sheltered valley with tall forest around
it. Accordingly, it was named after a
beautiful comet or a “bulalakaw” that was
seen by some locals dancing over the
water whenever there is “kikan”
(gathering/occasion). Others say that it
wasn’t a “bulalakaw” or a shooting star
but a flying eel, locally called “kiwet” that
matured and eventually flew. The lake
 Located between Brgys. Ballay and
Tawangan, Kabayan
(*Photo to be replaced)
10. Junior Pulag
Ging-aw, Catlubong, Buguias
(*Photo to be replaced)
11. Man atong
hotspring
Poblacion, Buguias
(Picture by Engr. Allan Allatis)
was also a mystery to the Kalanguya
people but it was the hunters who
eventually discovered the lake. The water
is so serene and clear, it is a three-time
consecutive winner of the cleanest lake in
the Cordillera under the Gawad Pangulo
sa Kapaligiran, and locals preserve it by
prohibiting swimming or any form of
similar activities in the area.
Source: Internet
http://www.Philippinestogo.com
https://tidbits.video.blog/2018/11/16/ho
w-lake-ambulalakaw-got-its-name/
Key Informant:
1. Maximino Omod Melio
It is a potential natural attraction found in
Catlubong, Buguias, a Kalanguya
community. This mountain close to the
much higher Mt. Pulag offers exciting
trekking, camping and picnic sites. It can
be accessed on the way to Mt. Pulag via
the Buguias-Tinoc road. They would say
that Junior Pulag got its name from the
obvious changes in temperature and air
pressure, which is similar to that of Mt.
Pulag. Source: Internet
http://www.Philippinestogo.com
Key Informant:
1. Dione Baucas
Known for its legend on how it got its
name, there were once a childless couple,
Atong and Manda who lived on the side of
Buguias mountains, they were the richest
people in the place. The man was stone-
hearted and selfish while the woman was
kind and understanding, Atong even dug a
cave on one side of the mountain to kept
everything and to stop his wife for giving
for free. One night, Manda helped a
beggar and again Atong got angry and
drove him out, Manda tried to stop him,
but was also pushed out of the cave and
not long after, there was big earthquake
and the cave was covered, Atong was
buried alive with a burning fire. The
following day, the people found a small
crater where salty hot water was coming
out because of the salt stored inside the
cave and was hot because of the burning
fire, and also there is a stream of cold
water beside it which was believed to be
the tears of Manda when she tried to
appease Atong. Up to this day, people in
the vicinity as well as visitors use the hot
springs as a bathing resort.
Reference: Anonymous. “Legend of
Manatong.” In Folk Tales of Mountain
Province: Retold for Children-Grade
V.  1st ed. Baguio City: n.p., 6-7.

12. Mt. Purgatory
Mangagew, Pito, Bokod
(*Photo to be replaced)
OTHER DESTINATIONS THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED: (This may be more than 10)
1. Tawangan Trail
Tawangan Kabayan
(*Photo to be replaced)
2. Mt. Pinatoan
Ballay, Kabayan
(*Photo to be replaced)
3. Mt. Pack
Key Informant:
1. Benjamin Palbusa
Mt. Purgatory is used to be considered as
part of Mt. Mangisi by the residents
within the vicinities of sitio Mangisi before
the 1960s. The mountain is dominated by
pine trees (pinus kesiya), that attracted
the Benguet Consolidated Inc. to establish
its spar tree (jump pole for tramline) site,
now known as line 7, where cut
logs/timbers are temporarily stored ready
to be trammed to Bobok Sawmill site for
sawing into planks. Mount Purgatory has
an elevation of 2,290 meters above sea
level, giving its very cold temperature
ranging from (-0◦C - 18 ◦C), it is thickly
forested and cloudy w/ no sun making it
dark, and waterless except in the lower
elevation. The difficulties encountered
therein by Mr. Durham Hale Bennett, the
logging superintendent conducting timber
cruising activity in the virgin forest of
Mangisi, prompted him to baptize this
part of Mount Mangisi to Mount
Purgatory.
https://mtpurgatory.weebly.co
m/
Key Informant:
1. Arthuro J. Caluscos
It is one of the routes to Mt. Pulag that
passes though the northern ridge,
considered to be the most comprehensive
and bloody trail to the summit due to
leeches locally called as “baling” or
“matek”. Tawangan trail brag its massive
flora and fauna and bizarre display of
mosses. One could see gorgeous giant
ferns, the delicate prickly plants, wild
strawberries, and wild orchids while
traversing. Tawangan trail may also be
accessed from Hungdungan, Ifugao.
Key Informant:
1. Maximino Omod Melio
 One of the highest mountain in the
Municipality of Bokod with an elevation of
2310 meters above sea level. Its summit

4. Tiking Cave in Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet
Source: Barangay IPMR Ricardo Tumayan
5. Asinan bath house
showcases breathtaking views of its
surroundings such as Barangay Poblacion,
Barangay Ambuklao, Barangay Pito, the
Municipality of Kayapa, Nueva Viscaya and
many more. It also serves as a resting
place for hikers though it is not that wide
since its primary purpose is for viewing.
6. Twin Falls located at Catlubong, Buguias, Benguet
Source: Buguias Vice Mayor Dione Baucas
7. Talangan Cave at Ambanglo, Catlubong

Submitted by:

ENGR. ALLAN W. ALLATIS

CDO III

Reviewed/Noted by:

MS. ESTHER LICNACHAN

Provincial Officer