Cordillera

Administrative
Region
CAR (Cordillera
Administrative Region)
- established on July 15, 1987 through Executive
Order No. 220 issued by President Corazon
Aquino.
- it is the only landlocked region in the country. -
consists of six provinces: Abra, Apayao,
Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain
Province.
- two cities: Baguio (highly urbanized) and
Tabuk (component city).
- homeland of Igorots.
Ethnolinguistic tribes:
• Bontoc
• Ibaloi
• Ifugao
•Kalanguya/Ikalahan
• Isneg
• Itneg/Tingguan
• Kalinga
• Kankanaey
 ABRA
• was created as a politico-
military province in 1846,
prior to which was part of
the old Ilocos Province
and later Ilocos Sur when
Ilocos Region was divided
into two provinces in 1818.
 Culture and its people
The Bamboo Split
Weavers
The Tingguians, also
called Isneg, are engaged in
various crafts. The most
important of which is bamboo
crafts production. It is for this
reason that Abra is
aggressively positioning itself
as the “Bamboo Capital of the
Philippines”
The Natural Dye Makers Norma Agaid
In documenting the production
A Tingguian elder and the sister
of the ‘Father of Philippine
of natural dyes from Natural Dyes’ Luis Agaid,
plants, the team went to explained which plants yield
the Tingguian village of what kinds of colours:
Namarabar in Penarubia, a mahogany for red, jackfruit and
town an hour away from ginger for yellow,
the capital Bangued the malatayum plant for indigo,
the narra tree for brown, among
others.
 Festival
DAPIL
FESTIVAL
Dapil is derived from the word “Panagdapil”, the
traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane.
Sugarcane is one of Abra’s main agricultural products.
“Basi” or wine, vinegar, molasses, and muscovado are
some of the by-products of sugarcane.It is celebrated
from February 20-23.

KAWAYAN
Kawayan FESTIVAL
festival means Bamboo Festival. It is
the fiesta celebration of the provincial
government of Abra. Abra is located at northern
part of the Philippines. Abrenians tagged their
fiesta as Kawayan Festival because of abundancy
of bamboo’s in their region.
 Festival
ARYA ABRA FESTIVAL
Arya Abra Festival, is a week-long
celebration that coincides with the
founding anniversary of the
Province of Abra, held yearly from
March 6-10.

TINGGUIAN
FESTIVAL
Tingguian Festival features rich and
colorful dances, rituals and songs of
the Tingguian tribe. Panagyaman
highlights the joyful celebration of
thanksgiving through the native
dances, rituals, and songs from the
different tribes
 Belief
Kabunian

The Tinguians believe in Kabunian, known as the creator, a friend and a helper
of the poor. Traditionally believed to stay in the adog (a small house) built on
top of the mountain. He is a good spirit who communicates through the
traditional healer where he prescribes healing procedures, protects them from
evil spirits, teaches right living and inspires them to do good and avoid sin.
 Rituals
Courtship and Marriage
Kalon or Child engagement
When a boy is about six to eight years
old he is matched with a girl. His
parents or intermediary visits the
parents of the girl and gives engagement
tree beads signifying the intentions. If
the offer is accepted the beads are tied
around the waist of the girl as a sign of
engagement.
Singlip
Singlip is an engagement ritual for adults
done when the man’s family visit the
woman’s family. The agreements will
include the sabong and the pamauso
which is the gift to the bride’s family.
Tadek is the appropriate dance during this
occasion and a pig is usually butchered for
the meal during the planning of the
marriage.
 Rituals
Courtship and Marriage
Pakalon/Wolwac
This is the engagement ritual where a pig is
butchered when dowry is settled. During the
ceremony the man and woman sit with two
bowls and two beads placed into the bowls
which they are to drink to ensure lifetime
union. Next is the rice ceremony where the
bride and the groom each hold rice formed
into a ball. The groom tosses his ball up the
air, if the ball remains whole when it falls on
the floor then it is good omen, if it breaks or
rolls , they will postpone the wedding. The
bride lets her rice ball fall in between the
bamboo slats of the floor as an offering to the
spirits.
Tugtugaw
In Boliney the courtship ritual is the tugtugaw.
A mediator bulallo assists when the man’s
group goes through the forest and gathers wood
and brings to the house of the woman. If the
family receives them and butchers a pig for the
man’s group then it is a sign that they respect
the intention of the man and his friends. The
acceptance starts a dialogue where they ask the
bulallo which man in the group has intentions.
The pides (bile and liver) of the pig is studied
and if acceptable then the wedding plans are
made, if signs are not favorable then it is
postponed.
 Rituals
Courtship and Marriage
Tinipuy/Kinaiw
the parents of the bride and groom negotiate and
arrange for the wedding. The woman is asked to
bring cooked rice to the man’s home, the next day
the parents and some elders of the woman go to
the man’s house. The family of the man prepare
food and for older men from the village who join
the tinipuy. The wedding is then followed with a
meal and the dancing of the balliwes and the
tadek. The next day the man goes to cut wood and
serves the family of the woman. This is
reciprocated the next day when the woman goes to
the man’s family and serves them. After this, then
the couple can live as a couple.
Eyapdo
The villages of the contracting parties are
invited and two pigs are butchered and the
cost of the celebration is shared by the two
parties. After the meal, balliwes and tadek
are danced by all. The bile and the liver
are studied for signs of good fortune and
should the readings seem unsatisfactory,
the wedding continues but another date of
butchering another pig is scheduled
hoping for a favorable reading. Feasting
includes the dancing of the baliwes and
tadek.
 Rituals
Courtship and Marriage
Danon
Considered the most expensive wedding ceremony
among the Maengs. This is when the woman’s
family demand gifts (something like a dowry) like
land, money, house, animals, fruit trees and others.
At times bargaining of gifts are negotiated. The
agreement is written in burador signed by the
parents of the couple and witnesses from both
parties. It is understood that the items in the
burador are for the couples to start their married
life together. When the auspicious date is
scheduled everyone including guests from other
communities join the celebration.
 THE BODONG, THE PEACE PACT
Sipat
This ritual is where the two agreeing tribes
or community exchange gifts to signify
the peace pact agreement. Designated
representatives from the agreeing parties
are called the peace pact holders. They are
the primary actors in the Sipat. This ritual
comes after observing desirable signs
through birds and natural signs. A pig or
chicken is butchered and eaten by those
present and the bile and liver are observed
that signifies the future of the peace
agreement.
Singlip
This is a festive sacred ritual for at least
two days where the two agreeing tribes
eat, dance and chant the uggayam and
sallidumay. To the Maengs they dance
the takik, the palook or balliwes, the
suklit, pinalaiyan. Initial agreements in
the Pagta are crafted which includes
safe passage, peace maintenance,
territorial boundaries, type of violations,
fine provisions for violations of the
facets of the agreement.
THE BODONG, THE PEACE PACT
Inum
Inum is done after the Singlip to
seal the peace pact, and basi is
drank (inum) by all the
members of the community.
Allatiw or Allasiw
This is feast hosted by the other tribe
to reciprocate the Singlip done by the
other contracting party. The terms of
the Pagta are reviewed, promulgated
and put into effect for all members of
the tribe to adhere. If Sadanga and
Tubo had a peace pact and Singlip is
done in Tubo, the Allasiw is expected
to be done in Sadanga.
 THE BODONG, THE PEACE PACT
Delnat
Delnat is a ritual of the peace pact
known as warming and done after
several years that the peace pact
was in effect. Not that the peace
pact grew cold but the
relationship is celebrated in
festivities to further strengthen the
peace pact specially when broken
for many years.
Bug-oy
Bug-oy means the pact is broken by a
violation of any of the terms in the pagta
by any of the contracting party and could
easily be reconciled. Kepas happens when
peace pact is totally broken and the gifts
given during the sipat is returned to the
contracting party. The palakod (trap) and
fines are given for the protection of the
tribe. Also a payment called baugan is
levied on the person who broke the pact
and burdened the whole tribe.
THE BODONG, THE PEACE PACT
Sipat
This is the next cycle after the
bug-oy and only commences
when the baugan is paid by the
perpetrator. Because of the
bodong, it becomes easier for
communities to settle differences
in terms of territorial conflict,
stealing, killing, environmental
abuse and other violations.
Galigad
The ritual is a feast for transferring
the bodong/peace pact holder. This
happens in the event of death of the
original peace pact holder, when the
peace pact is broken, or at the
decision of the peace pact holder and
the community as well as reasons.
Death and Burial Rites Pabalon
Pagpagada/Palpalubos/ This is the rite done the
Pakpakada day after interment where
the favorite food and
Death is accepted with a belief things valued by the dead
in the afterlife. Palpalubos is are placed on top of the
performed the eve of the tomb. A bonfire is lit to
Kelyas burial. Everyone gathers
signify warming the
around the deceased and enact
This is a ritual performed the rite of the palpalubos
dead.
immediately after the interment or farewell. Members of the
where the ceremony includes immediate family chant
dancing and chanting to their farewell words.
assuage the pain of the Someone is asked to isaop
bereaved. This signifies the (representative) of the dead
releasing the dead to the great person who bids the living
beyond. goodbye.
o Benguet Province became a sub-province of
Mountain Province. Under this Act, the sub-
provinces embraced by Mountain Province were
Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Bontoc, Ifugao,
Kalinga and Lepanto. In the course of time, the
original 19 townships of Benguet as embodied in
Act No. 48 were reduced to 13 municipalities. The
township of Baguio became a chartered city in
1909, creating in its place the township of Tuba. BENGUET
The townships of Ambuklao, Adaoay, Balakbak,
Galiano, Palina and Loo were abolished under
Executive Orders issued by the Governor-General
of the Philippines.
o “Benguet” originally referred to as the lush valley
of La Trinidad, the present capital town of the
province. There are two versions of its origin.
 TWO VERSIONS OF ORIGIN
IBALOI
Once upon a time in La Trinidad, a fertile valley with a central lake, the people thrived on the
abundant resources around them. The lake provided fish, woodcocks, birds, and other wildlife,
while the valley was dotted with buffalo herds. They called their land "Aponan," signifying
convergence, oneness, and plenty.
During the rainy season, the valley was cool and foggy, and in the dry months, the weather was
invigorating. To shield themselves from the cold winds during Angchap (cold season), the
wealthy wore red kerchiefs, while others used "benget," a head covering with a wide opening for
the eyes, made from hides of civet cats called "motit." Those wearing these hides were known as
"nanbengebenget."
When the Spanish expedition led by Commandante Guillermo de Galvey encountered the valley,
they inquired about its name. However, a misunderstanding led to the response "benget."
Without further clarification, the cartographer wrote "benguet," giving the region its European-
sounding name. And so, Benguet, with its rich history and cultural nuances, came to be
 TWO VERSIONS OF ORIGIN
KANKANA-EY
Long ago, the Kankana-ey people from the north journeyed to the south for trade. The region was once a dense
forest, and to reach the lowlands, travelers had to pass through a swampy area, now known as La Trinidad
Valley. This swamp, called "benget" in the local language, was memorable to the northern travelers, who
considered it a sea.
The swamp was made muddy and smelly by animals like pigs, carabaos, and buffalos. To navigate through,
travelers had to follow the edge of the swamp. In the Kankana-ey language, "edge" is "benget." Since people
passed by this place every day, the swamp became known as "benget," and the residents around the lake were
called "Ibenget."
Benguet is home to two major groups, the Kankana-ey and the Ibaloy. The Kankana-ey dominate the northwest
and speak Kakali, a dialect similar to that of the Mountain Province. In the southeast, the Ibaloy people speak
Nabaloy, closer to Pangasinenses. Another group, the Kalanguya, is found along the peripheral areas of Benguet,
Ifugao, and Nueva Viscaya. A smaller enclave group, called Karao, resides in Bokod, the eastern part of Benguet.
Despite differences in language, these ethnic groups share common beliefs and rituals. Their rituals may vary in
execution but serve similar purposes, fostering a sense of unity among the diverse people of Benguet.
 BELIEFS
• The Kankana-ey and Ibaloy, the main ethnic groups in Benguet, share similar belief
systems with slight linguistic differences. They believe in unseen beings from the
Skyworld and underworld, considered spirits with power over humans. These spirits
can be influenced by rituals involving prayers and offerings to gain favor.

• Above all gods and goddesses, there is Adi-Kaila or Mengo-Soschung, the highest in
their faith. The belief system aims to appease malevolent spirits causing harm and
appreciate benevolent ones. Offensive, defensive, and appreciative rituals are
performed to counteract malevolent forces, preventing sickness or harm. The rituals
reflect a deep connection between the Benguet people and their spiritual beliefs,
guiding their way of life for centuries.
 HEALING RITUALS

• This is the administering of prescribed rituals as a healing cure, protection,

purification, sanity, normalize birth and good voyage/journey.
• The spirits are called upon with offerings of animals, wine food and other
desired/prescribed materials for favors received or restored health.
• In any ritual rice wine, ''tapey''/''tafey'' is always used being the traditional
ritual wine. The traditional ritual animal is the pig.
• Traditionally, a sick person who feels ill consults the native priest, ''mansip-
ok. The mansip-ok gathers all information related to the illness then
prescribes the ritual cure. However, the ritual observance is not only limited
to healing the sick. The folks perform it for various purposes
 THANKSGIVING RITUALS
• The Kakading/Kedaring spirits, considered benevolent, receive
elaborate thanksgiving rituals believed to intercede for bountiful
harvests, prolific animals, and good health. To show appreciation,
customary thanksgiving feasts are held, with the grandest called
"pedit/pechit," elevating the host to a wealthy status, "baknang," in
the community.
• The spirits honored include the 12 gods (Kabunyan), such as Pati,
Kabigat, and Lumawig, and the 12 goddesses, like Bangan and
Bugan. The main ritual prayer in significant feasts is a song called
"bay-yog/ba'jog or angba," chanted by elders, while smaller feasts
mention only a few Kabunyan in the song.
 THE RITUAL PRAYER

• Ritual prayers, conveyed by the native priest or Manbunong, express the

celebrating family's message to spirits expected to receive material
sacrifices in the ritual. The prayers may be in various dialects, but it's
believed spirits of different races understand the manbunong's native
dialect.
• The chanting includes the family's names, identifies the addressed spirits,
and concludes with requests for favors. Acting as a medium, the
manbunong communicates between the family and spirits, seeking good
health, protection, and material favors in return. Rituals are performed
with specific prayers, spirits, offerings, sacrificial animals, and
designated times for various purposes.
 MATERIAL OFFERINGS IN RITUALS

Ritual materials are therefore categorized according to

ritual objectives as follows:
a) ritual materials for healing purposes, ''dilus / chilus''
b) ritual materials for thanksgiving feasts, ''pedit / sida''
c) ritual materials for death purposes, ''icoyog di natey;
may-odop''
 Rituals Used To Inflict Harm On Other Persons

• These rituals, rooted in tradition, are also restricted by tradition due to

their potential misuse by those intending harm to innocent individuals.
Knowledge of the prayers for sorcery rituals is prohibited, kept secret by
those who know them. The rituals, such as SAPO, SAGAWSAW,
PAYPAY, PEYED, and PAKAWE, are performed in secluded places by
the Mambunong and the performer alone, with no family or relatives
allowed to witness.
• These rituals aim to harm enemies through sickness, curses, accidents,
misfortune, or death. Used sparingly, they serve as a defense against
hostile intentions or as a deterrent in disputes, sports competitions, or
elections to induce fear and discouragement in opponents.
 The Malignant Touch of A Person
A. Bengat– malignant touch of a person or a person believed to be possessed
of a spirit that gets near him or who touch his belongings.
A person may suffer the bengat in the form of an allergy such as itchy skin,
nose, ears, private skin and the skin itchiness may worsen to a skin disease if
not healed immediately.
B. Sigit– Strange pain by just talking or inhaling the warmth of a person
believed to have been in touch with wild animals – under the care of the
“tomongao”.
A victim of sigit may suffer headache, backache, stomachache usually
accompanied by vomiting. However, the victim could immediately recover if
the hunter who caused the pain touches the person at the same time saying a
short prayer to the spirits.
 KALINGA
• Kalinga is a landlocked province in the northernmost section of
the Cordillera Region. It is bounded by the provinces of
Cagayan and Apayao in the north, Mt. Province in the south,
and Abra in the West. The greater sections of Cagayan and
Isabela are found on its eastern part.
• The municipalities are Pinukpuk, Rizal, Balbalan, Tanudan,
Lubuagan, Pasil, Tinglayan and Tabuk City which is the capital
of the Province of Kalinga.
 KALINGA TRIBE
• The Kalinga tribe, distinguished by their unique cultural identity,
intriguingly lacks a specific tribal name. Instead, they have chosen to
identify themselves with profound simplicity, using the term
"tagukami," meaning 'we are men,' emphasizing a collective sense of
humanity within their community.
• Alternatively, they refer to themselves as "iLutakami," conveying a
deep connection to their land and heritage as 'we are the people of the
earth.' This absence of a formal tribal name reflects the Kalinga's
emphasis on shared humanity and a profound connection to their
ancestral roots in the earth, encapsulating the essence of their cultural
ethos.
CULTURE
• Kalinga people are well-known for their intricate traditional
tattoo designs. Historically, tattoos were used as a symbol of
beauty, bravery, and social status. Both men and women
receive tattoos, which often cover a large portion of their
bodies.

• Apo Whang-Od, known as the "Last Mambabatok," is a

celebrated Filipina tattoo artist from Kalinga, Philippines,
renowned for her mastery of traditional hand-tap tattooing.
Born as Maria Oggay, she learned this skill from her Using
thorns and soot in the hand-tap method, Apo Whang-Od has
become a cultural icon, preserving and promoting Kalinga's
indigenous tattooing tradition. Her contributions have
earned her awards, making her a symbol of Filipino culture,
and her legacy continues to inspire both locally and
globally.
Weaving and Textiles Oral Tradition and Agriculture and Rice
Language Terraces
The Kalinga are skilled Kalinga people have a Agriculture, particularly
weavers, known for rich oral tradition and rice farming, is the
creating intricate and storytelling culture. primary livelihood of
colorful textiles. They They pass down myths, the Kalinga people.
use traditional backstrap legends, and historical They have perfected the
looms and natural dyes accounts through art of building rice
made from tree bark, generations. The terraces to maximize
plants, and insects. The Kalinga language, cultivation on the hilly
textiles are often used called Kalinga or terrain. The rice terraces
for clothing, blankets, Ibatan, is also spoken, are not only functional
and ceremonial preserving their unique but also considered
purposes. linguistic heritage. works of art.
 Belief and Traditions
The iKalingas believe on a supreme deity which they call “Kabuniyan”.
Like the Christian God, iKalingas believe that “Kabuniyan” is the giver
of life, source of blessings, and their protector; and believe in
punishment if they transgress his laws.

The Art of Kalinga's courtship

In the culture of the Kalinga people, courtship is referred to as
"bilin." It is a traditional practice that involves a series of rituals
and customs aimed at establishing a romantic relationship
between a man and a woman
 Honoring the dead
A Kalinga wake or Bagungon is held for a number of days. An animal is
butchered depending on the stature of the deceased: When a parent dies,
the children are often obliged to butcher a carabao, and the meat is
usually distributed to the community.

Language
The primary language spoken is Kalinga, including its dialects of Balangao,
Butbut, Limos, Lower Tanudan, Lubuagan, Mabaka, Madukayang, Southern
Kalingan, and Upper Tanudan. Gaddang, as well as Ilocano, Tagalog, and
English are also spoken in as lingua francas with varying degrees of proficiency.
IFUGAO
• Ifugao is located at the foot of the Cordillera Mountain Ranges. Its
capital is Lagawe. The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and
Banaue Rice Terraces are the main tourist attractions in the province.
These terraces are believed to have been hand-carved into the
mountains 2,000 years ago to plant rice.
• 11 Municipalities of Ifugao- Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Asipulo,
Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, Mayoyao
and Tinoc.
 Unique traits about People in Ifugao
is a sacred oral tradition that has been
passed down through generations
among the Ifugao people of the
Philippines. The Hudhud is a
collection of epic chants and
narratives that recount the creation of
the world, the life of the ancient
Ifugao heroes, and the rich cultural
heritage of the Ifugao people.
Religion
The Ifugao people have an indigenous
religion unique to their traditional
culture, and highly significant to the
preservation of their life ways and
valued traditions. They believe in the
existence of thousands of gods, which
may enter specific sacred objects such
as the bul-ul
 Unique traits about People in Ifugao
is a sacred oral tradition that has been
passed down through generations
among the Ifugao people of the
Philippines. The Hudhud is a
collection of epic chants and
narratives that recount the creation of
the world, the life of the ancient
Ifugao heroes, and the rich cultural
heritage of the Ifugao people.
Religion
The Ifugao people have an indigenous
religion unique to their traditional
culture, and highly significant to the
preservation of their life ways and
valued traditions. They believe in the
existence of thousands of gods, which
may enter specific sacred objects such
as the bul-ul
 Unique traits about People in Ifugao
Social Organization
Ifugao society is organized around
kinship and community ties. They
have a hierarchical structure, with the
village elder or chieftain (known as
mumbaki) holding a position of
authority and respect. Household
clusters called "bados" play an
essential role in community life.
Ifugao courtship
takes place in the girls' houses
( AGAMANG ). Before a wedding,
temporary trial marriages sometimes
occur. Wealthy parents arrange
marriages through intermediaries, and
they make decisions concerning their
children's use and inheritance of
property.
 Unique traits about People in Ifugao

Gogod
is the word for slice in the Ifugao dialect and
is also used to refer to the eve of a
wedding celebration. The use of the term
is probably because there is slicing on
the eve of the wedding relating to food
preparations. Ifugao wedding celebration
would entail pigs. Grander celebrations
would require at least five plus a carabao.
Language
There are four main dialects of
Ifugao: Batad Ifugao,
Amganad Ifugao, Mayoyao
Ifugao and Tuwali Ifugao,
which are considered as
separate languages by some.
 • Mountain province is located in the vast
mountain ranges of the cordillera region in
northern Luzon, although it's capital is
Bontoc, it is just one of the ten
municipalities of mountain province and

Mountain all in all it has 144 barangays. Mountain

Province is most known for its hanging
coffins where mummified remains of the

Province local ancestors are found.

• Ten Municipalities:
Sadanga, Natonin, Paracelis,
Barlig, Bontoc, Besao, Sagada, Bauko,
Tadian, and Sabangan.
• Bontoc – the capital of Mountain Province
 Heritage
• Bontoc Village Museum (Bontoc) - one must see the museum of artifacts
and proto-types while in Bontoc.
• Burial Caves - ancient burial grounds full of coffins. Mostly located in the
municipality of Sagada which is 19 kilometers west of Bontoc.
• Backstrap and Loom Weaving Houses - loom weaving is done in
Sabangan and Sagada. Samoki, a village in Bontoc specialize in backstrap
weaving. Various colorful woven materials like knapsacks, placemats, bags
and purses among other products.
• Ato/Dap-ay - it is a place where the council of elders hold various
ceremonies, meetings and happenings.
• Barlig - a village famous for its basket weaving as a home industry.
 People in Mountain Province
Kankana-ey people
Balangao people (eastern
associated with the Applai areas)
people (western parts).
They practice bilateral Aside from wet terrace
kinship. The Kankanaai farming and their
people of the north believe handicrafts, the Balangao
in many supernatural people have features
beliefs and omens, gods distinguishing them from
and spirits such as anit the neighboring indigenous
(souls of the dead) and groups, including their
spirits of nature. beliefs, dances, rituals, and
songs.
Bontoc people (central &
northern portions)
Bontoc is a group of former
headhunters and lives along the
upper Chico Rover system in
the Central Mountain Province
of northern Luzon. Also known
as the Bontok, Bontoc Igorot,
Guianes, Igorot, they have
traditionally lived by hunting,
fishing and farming.
 THE RITUAL PRAYER

• Ritual prayers, conveyed by the native priest or Manbunong, express the

celebrating family's message to spirits expected to receive material
sacrifices in the ritual. The prayers may be in various dialects, but it's
believed spirits of different races understand the manbunong's native
dialect.
• The chanting includes the family's names, identifies the addressed spirits,
and concludes with requests for favors. Acting as a medium, the
manbunong communicates between the family and spirits, seeking good
health, protection, and material favors in return. Rituals are performed
with specific prayers, spirits, offerings, sacrificial animals, and
designated times for various purposes.
 Cultures
• Music is also important to Bontoc life, and is usually played
during ceremonies. Songs and chants are accompanied by nose
flutes (kalaleng), gongs (gangsa), bamboo mouth organ
(affiliao), and Jew's harp (ab-a-fiw)
• The ritual pasiking of the Bontoc is called the takba, and
represents an ancestor figure, and active participant in begans
rituals.
• Pasiking - is the indigenous basket-backpack
• Tattoos - hree types of tattoos: The chaklag (tattooed chest of the
head taker) pongo (tattooed arms of men and women) fatĕk (for
all other tattoos of both sexes).
 Beliefs and Traditions of Bontoc Tribe
Their belief system centers on a hierarchy of spirits, the highest being a
supreme deity called Intutungcho, whose son, Lumawig, descended from
the sky (chayya), to marry a Bontoc girl.
• Sa-eb or Funyang – from the Ilocano word Bunyag (Baptism)
The Bontoc also believe in the anito (spirits of the dead) who are
omnipresent and must be constantly consoled. Anyone can invoke the anito,
but a seer (insup-ok) intercedes when someone is sick through evil spirits.
 Insup-ok - a seer or medium who can counter the afflictions caused by
evil spirits. through a ritual of prayers (kapya) and animal sacrifices - a
plate of rice topped with a chicken leg or breast offered to the spirits.
 Bontoc Gods
 Intutungcho (Kabunian) – the supreme deity living above
 Lumawig – also referred as the supreme deity and the second son of
Kabunian; an epic hero who taught the Bontoc their five core values for an
egalitarian society

(1) a man must not steal;

(2) one should not gossip;

(3) men and women must not commit adultery;

(4) one must be temperate in eating and in drinking alcoholic drinks;

(5) all people must live simple and industrious lives

 Bontoc Gods

 Chal-chal – the god of the sun whose son's head was cut off by Kabigat
 Kabigat – the goddess of the moon who cut of the head of Chal-chal's son;
her action is the origin of headhunting.
 Son of Chal-chal – his head was cut off by Kabigat; revived by Chal-chal,
who bear no ill will against Kabigat
 Ob-Obanan – a deity whose white hair is inhabited by insects, ants,
centipedes, and all the vermins that bother mankind.
 Chacha – the god of warriors.
 Ked-Yem – the god of blacksmiths who cut off the heads of the two sons of
Chacha’ because they were destroying his work.
Common Language
• Bontok / Finallig language
 Bontoc Tribe Death Rituals

• White lamma (upper garment) and the dark

kinain (wrap-around skirt) associated with
the kachangyan (afuent families in
traditional Bontok society) and was
positioned on a sangachil (death chair).
• Erlek used to inter the corpse in Bontoc
 Chronology of Bontoc Death Rituals

1. Mangmang - Ritual 2. Sukusug - death rituals led by a

prayers and butchering of respected elder in the family or
pigs. from the community.

3. Fernas - ritual lasts from 4. Tukad - Otherwise known

early morning following the as putad (literally means “to
death until the burial. cut”).

5. Alulos - ritual
signals the end of
funeral rites.
APAYAO
• Apayao is a province in the Philippines situated in the Cordillera
Administrative Region occupying the northern-central section of
Luzon. Its capital is the Municipality of Kabugao.
• Seven Municipalities:
Calanasan, Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, Pudtol, and Santa
Marcela
• Kabugao – The capital of Apayao. A 1st class municipality and de jure
capital of the province of Apayao, Philippines.
 The Isnag people (also referred to as the Isneg and
Apayao) are an Austronesian ethnic group native to
People in Apayao Province in the Philippines' Cordillera
Apayao Administrative Region. Their native language is
Isneg (also called Isnag), although most Isnag also
speak Ilokano.

1. Say-am is a feast celebrated by an affluent Isneg

Two important family, usually accompanied by wining, eating,
rituals that bind and dancing.
2. Pildap is celebrated by the poorer members of the
the Isneg tribe when a family transfers to another place or
when someone seeks healing.
 Customs and Traditions

• The Isneg woman traditionally gives birth in a kneeling position,

using a mushroom as a talisman to ensure a successful delivery.
• The formation of the Isneg family begins with the rites of courtship.
The girl’s parents allow this to take place in their house, in their
presence. If the suitor has become acceptable to the girl’s parents and
to her, he may be allowed to sleep with her. This may last for several
nights, and it is likely that a sexual relationship takes place, after which
the boy’s parents discuss the matter of engagement and marriage with
the girl’s parents. The main point of their discussion is the amount of
the tadug (bride-price).
 Beliefs and Practices

The spiritual world of the Isneg is populated by more than 300 anito or spirits who assume
various forms. There are no gods or hierarchical deities in the otherworld of the Isneg,
only good or bad spirits.
• Anlabban – Chief spirit who looks after the general welfare of the people and is
recognized as the special protector of hunters.
• Bago – the spirit of the forest.
• Sirinan – the river spirit.
• Landusan – who is held responsible for some cases of extreme poverty.
• Abad, Aglalannawan, Anat, Binusilan, Dawiliyan, Dekat, Dumingiw, Imbanon,
Gimbanonan, Ginalinan, Sibo – spirits who help the reapers in gathering the harvest.
 Beliefs and Practices

• Alupundan – who causes the reapers’ toes to get sore all over and swell.
• Arurin – who sees to it that the harvest is bad.
• Dagdagamiyan – a female spirit who causes sickness in children for playing in places
where the harvest is being done.
• Darupaypay – who devours the palay stored in the hut before it is transferred to the
granary.
• Ginuudan – who comes to measure the containers of palay and causes it to dwindle.
• Sildado (from soldado or soldier) – who resembles a horse and kills children who play
noisily outside the house.
• Inargay – who kills people during harvest time.
Prayer is recited by the Isneg farmer:
“Iapugko iyaw inargay ta dinaami patpatay” (I offer this betel to you,
Inargay, so that you may not kill us).

Dorarakit or Shaman - She intervenes for the recovery of afflicted

persons, performing suitable rites and appealing to spirits. She also
performs seances or propitiatory rituals, so often necessary to gain the
favor or sympathy of these spirits.

Common Language
• Isnag language
 Rituals and Traditions
• Pusipus - a celebration and thanksgiving of
enduring love and union.
• Atang - act of offering to please the offended
unseen spirit for the sick person to get well.
• Palanos - Tribal marriage celebration.
• Karu - ritual that is being practice if there's an
accident happen to a person
 Apayao Death Rituals

The Apayao wrap the deceased in a mat, and their immediate male
family members carry them on their shoulders. Then, they place items
in the casket that can help the deceased on their afterlife journey, such
as a spear or shield for protection. For the burial, they bury the
deceased under the kitchen of their home or in the family’s burial
location.
 Apayao Death Rituals

Pre-Burial Rites
• Death bath. It is the washing of the corpse with water to cleanse
the body from all dirt.
• Putting on the death attire. The death attire is given the dead to
be recognizable for the ancestral spirits.
• Death announcements. The community is informed about the
death of the neighbor.
• Dangle rites. This is a food offering consisting the sacrificed
animals.
 Apayao Death Rituals

Burial Rites
• Farewell rite. This is the moment where each member
of the family bids farewell to the dead person.
• Food offering. Food consisting of rice and meat is
offered on the burial ground.
• Pag-anido. This is the warning activity for the dead
who may be feeling cold inside the cave.
 Apayao Death Rituals

Post-Burial Rites
• Pebble throwing. The mourners throw stones at the bereaved
family’s house in act of warding off evils.
• Ngilin. The ngilin is the rest day. Close relatives and neighbors
are expected to stay at home in deference of the dead. Ngilin is
demonstrated in the black or white attire of the orphans and the
renting of the garments on the sides.
• Abobat. This is the feats in the honor of the dead usually held
on its first anniversary.
Apayao Death Rituals
 Cordillera's Musical Instruments

GANGSA Gangsa is a single hand-held gong with a

narrow rim, played one per musician in a
set tuned to different notes.
Among the Kalinga, there are two playing
styles:
• "toppaya," where musicians sit and play
the gong surface with their hands, and
• "pattung," where a gangsa is suspended
from the left hand and played with a
padded stick held in the right hand.
Kalaleng or Tongali (nose flute)
A nose flute with a long and narrow internal
diameter. It is played with the extreme forward
edge of the right or left nostril and produce notes
in a range of two and a half octaves.

Tongatong
a bamboo percussion instrument used by the
people of Kalinga to communicate with spirits
during house blessings. It is made of bamboo cut
in various lengths.
 Diwdiw-as
• a native bamboo wind instrument that is a variation of the
well-known pan flute or panpipes. It is made of bamboo,
with one end closed with bamboo nodes. It does not have
finger holes (or tone holes) like other popular aerophones,
such as flutes.

Saggeypo
• a bamboo pipe that is closed on one end by a
node with the open end held against the lower
lip of the player as he blows directly across
the top. The pipe can be played individually
by one person or in ensembles of three or
more
 Folksong of Cordillera
1. Dangdang -ay
Dang-dang-ay si dong-ilay
Dang-dang-ay si dong-ilay
Isinali dumma-ay Isinali dumma-ay
Ading di ka agsangit
Agsubliyak mabiit Ading di ka agdanag
Mabiit a mabayag
Urray innak mabitay
No dik gasat a matay
Kastoy gayam ta ayat
Pangkitaan ti rigat
Anosam kad a bagi
Ta adi ka met nagpadi.
English translation
Insinali dumma-ay Insinali dumma-ay
Dang-dang-ay si dong-ilay
Young sister, don't cry
I'll return in a short while.
Young sister, don't worry
In a short while tho' quite long
Even if I'm to be hanged
If it's not my fate to die.
So, this is love
Myself, be patient
Realization of hardships.
Because you did not get to be a priest.
Literatures in
Cordillera
Administrative
Region
 The Wedding Dance
Amador Daguio (1912–1966)
was a Filipino writer, poet, and teacher. He is best known for
his short story "The Wedding Dance." Daguio's works
often explored themes of Filipino culture, traditions, and
the impact of societal expectations on individuals. Apart
from being a fiction writer, he was also recognized for his
contributions to Philippine literature through his poetry.
 The Wedding Dance
Summary
The story follows Awiyao and Lumnay, married for seven years.
Awiyao, pressured by societal expectations, seeks a second wife to
bear children. During his second wedding feast, Awiyao visits Lumnay,
who is upset. He invites her to join the wedding dance, hoping it will
ease her sorrow. Lumnay, hurt by Awiyao's decision to marry again,
pleads for him to stay, recounting memories. Despite Awiyao's offer of
valuable beads, Lumnay chooses to leave, mourning the end of her
marriage and facing a future without the man she loves.
 The Wedding Dance
Characters: Conflict: The central Climax: occurs when
• Awiyao – the main conflict revolves around Awiyao, decides to
character and husband. the cultural expectation of marry another woman
He needs to produce an bearing children in the
heir. He needs to marry named Madulimay. This
community. Lumnay's decision is driven by
another woman to have a
inability to conceive
child Awiyao's desire to have
becomes a source of
• Lumnay- wife if Awiyao, children, which is a
tension in her marriage,
cannot produce a heir for crucial cultural
Awiyao. leading to Awiyao's
• Madulimay- the woman decision to marry another expectation in their
that Awiyao will marry to woman to fulfill this community.
have a child. societal expectation.
 The Unfinished Bridge
Summary
In the legend of the Unfinished Bridge in Balatoc, a man claiming to
be God (Kabunyan) aims to marry Ipogao and builds a bridge at
Pasil for the community. Despite warnings not to disturb him,
Ipogao's curiosity leads to her witnessing divine flames during
the construction. God, angered by the interruption, destroys the
bridge, leaving it unfinished. He departs, expressing regret.
Ipogao reveals the remnants to the community, who blame her for
disrupting the divine work.
 The Unfinished Bridge
Setting: Characters: Conflict:
The story is set in the • Ipogao: A beautiful The conflict arises
barrio of Balatoc, woman in the barrio, when Ipogao, out of
located at the foot of central to the story. curiosity, interrupts
a high mountain, • God (Kabunyan): A God's work on the
inhabited by mysterious man bridge. This
Tinguians from Abra, claiming to be God disruption leads to
Isnegs from Apayao, who appears to consequences for
and people from Ipogao. both the construction
Dananao. and God's plans.
 Hudhud ni Aliguyon
Characters:
• Aliguyon - main character
• Amtalao - father of Aliguyon/ Setting:
King of Hannanga
• Dumulao - mother of Aliguyon • Hannanga &
• Panga-iwan - mortal enemy of Daligdigan
Amtalao/ King of Daligdigan
• Pumbakhayon - son of Panga-
iwan
• Bugan - sister of Pumbakhayon
• Aginaya - sister of Aliguyon