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Review of the 3rd ICBE Consultation Frederick Baldo The 3rd Igorot Cordillera [BIMAAK] Cordillera Europe (ICBE) Consultation with the theme, “Our Igorot Cordillera Culture: Heritage and Social Integration” was held from 5-8 May 2005 in Aeschi, Switzerland. Out of the 87 participants, there were 56 from the first generation, 20 from the second and 11 supporters. The represented organizations were: Igorot Organization-Austria, Cordillera Community in Belgium, BIBAK-Ireland, BIBAK Switzerland, Igorot-UK, Association of Igorot Migrant Workers in Israel, IGO Philippines and IGO. Individual participants came from Germany and The Netherlands BIBAK Switzerland hosted the activity. We began our preparation in the summer of 2003. Using the evaluation from the 2nd Igorot European Consultation held in May 2003 in Vienna, we made a general framework and assigned tasks to 11 active members. To overcome the problem of dispersed location, we limited our meetings and communicated through electronic mail. After we were able to find a venue, we planned the budget, program, transport services, stage and hall decoration, and sightseeing tour. In Lolit Hafner-Monico’s article, Overview of the Preparation and Planning, she wrote, “We have worked on the principle that quite a few people, each putting in a small contribution, can make big things happen and create benefits to all concerned.” The features of the opening program were the turnover ritual by Patrick Bounggick of Igorot Austria to Henry Foken of BIBAK Switzerland, welcome remarks and introduction of participants. The activities on cultural heritage were talks, power point presentation and workshop group discussions while those on social integration were workshop group discussions and the Gala Night. On the Igorot cultural heritage, Mia Abeya and Severino Oblas answered the question, “What is it in our culture that we want to pass on to the next generation?” Mia Abeya spoke of four components of culture namely: beliefs, social institutions, humanities and technology. She enumerated the basic values common to them, which are: concept of strength, patience and ingenuity in technology, one-ness with nature, respect for the elderly, sharing with the community, simple living and cultivation of strong family ties. Rhino Oblas cited what Paulino Martin, a resident of Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet, said, “Actually, in cases of ritual performances to be done, it can not be passed directly to the younger generation, anytime whatsoever when their parents are still alive. Elders often say; “It’s up to them... in the future”, “Uway pay man en da-eda” and Rhino Oblas added, “Beliefs and cultural values which are adapted to the present lifestyle should be preserved while those that do not conform but hamper growth and development must be eliminated. The result of advance science and technology is within our midst and only education, as the most effective instrument, can make people understand these fact and events.” The participants had a chance to answer the question during the workshop group discussion. Their responses were: 1. Bagbaga or counselling from elders. 2. Having family gatherings. 3. Bringing the children home to the Philippines for them to know their roots. 4. The bodong or peace pact as a tribal institution to resolve conflicts. 5. Belief that mountains, rivers, forests and trees are gifts from Kabunyan. 6. Respect for customary laws. 7. Appreciation of indigenous food preparation. 8. Rituals that convey meanings like uggayam, ullalim or da-ing. Indigenous knowledge, artefacts and symbols that tell the history and lives of Igorots. In the workshop group discussion of the second generation, they mentioned the following as core values of the Igorot culture they want to have: 1. education among the youth, 2. hard work ethic, 3. close family values and sanctity of marriage, 4. community spirit through gatherings and social activities, 5. caring and concern for fellow Igorots, 6. respect for elders, 7. performing rituals and understanding their value, and 8. continuing to learn more dances, music and art forms. On social integration, the participants had a workshop group discussion on aging migrants and retirement. It was pointed out that education is an important issue in aging. This conclusion was based on the topics discussed, which were: educate young generation to care for themselves, prepare yourself financially, and writing about will and testament. In another workshop, the concept of an association for overseas Filipino workers and their spouses to ensure the protection of the retirees came up. During the Gala Night the participants experienced another aspect of social integration through the presence of the Jodlergruppe Alpengruss Aeschiried. They first sang, swayed the huge cowbells on their waist and played the accordion. And the Igorots later sang and danced. Afterwards, the yodellers were beating the gongs and the Igorots were swaying the cowbells. It was a merging of two cultures. Meanwhile, other topics in the workshop group discussions were on Cordillera issues and migrant concerns and stories of our Igorot culture. The recommendations were to: 1. conduct information on the impact of the 1995 Mining Act and the operations of transnational mining corporations (TNMC) on the livelihood, environment, culture and right to self-determination of the Cordillera people, 2. call on the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the provincial officials in the Cordillera to create a Commission on Migrant Workers and Their Families to protect and advance migrant rights, and 3. publish stories on Igorot culture to include practices of birth, child rearing, sickness, marriage and daily life practices. The second generation Igorots also had their workshop discussion group. Some of their recommendations were to: 1. have activities for younger Igorots like games; outings; workshops on how to play traditional instruments and how to use Igorot tools such as liga-o, lusong (pagbayu-an, 2. contact the leaders of each country to get the members or names of 2nd generation Igorots in each organization, and 3. start a youth publication or email group. Additional parts of the consultation were: 1. speech by Her Excellency Rora Navarro-Tolentino, Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland, where she commended the efforts of Igorots wherever they are, to gather and try to do something to promote their dignity as a people and contribute to human prosperity, peace and harmony; 2. video showing of “Bontoc Eulogy,” a film on the Igorots who were brought to St. Louis, Missouri, USA for exhibition at the 1904 World’s Fair; 3. power point presentation on the Igorot International Consultation-6 (IIC-6) held in Melbourne, Australia; 4. listening to an Alphorn player; and 5. sightseeing tour to Aareschlucht and Interlaken with Juerg Hafner as guide. The program closed with a liturgical celebration led by the Rev. Cesar Taguba, turning over the responsibility of hosting the ICBE consultation by Lolit Hafner-Monico to BIBAK Ireland - Judith Balangyao and Jane Gavino, closing remarks by Violeta Passerini, and a closing chant by Dr. Albert Bacdayan. Post-consultation activities included publication of the Proceedings, production of a DVD on the consultation and a CD with pictures, and posting the documentation on BIBAK Switzerland’s website: www.bibak.ch. I would like to end with excerpts from Natascha Passerini’s thank you letter to Mia Abeya: On behalf of Swiss-Igorot youth I want to thank you for the wonderful presentation you held during last weekend’s convention in Aeschi. For us it was very helpful to understand more about the Igorot culture although we couldn’t stay the whole meeting. But we are now eager to learn more about it and hopefully there are more occasions in the future to do so and to be close to our elders so that you can tell us about your experiences. That’s why I completely agree with your suggestion about the topic for the next convention: “Getting deeper into the Igorot culture”. As you said: What should we tell our children about the Igorot culture if our elders don’t teach us about it? We’ll certainly keep that in mind and we’ll make sure that we can tell our grandchildren about that wonderful culture.”
Thank you. |
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Gala Night and Cultural Presentations by Irish and Igorots Caridad B. Fiar-od The emcees during the Gala Night on May 19, 2007 were Arnel Kidpalos and Gracia Kibad. Adding color to the affair were the Mc ilHatton Band of Irish songs and the presentations by the Philippine Chorale Ensemble - to the amusement of everyone - including the Honorary Consul of Philippine Embassy in Ireland, John Ferris. Gracia Kibad presented an overview of the profile of Cordillera, which was lifted from the power point presentation during the first day. The Igorot cultural presentation was opened with the supposed Igorot kayew with the young boy, Cristobal Agnaonao and young girl, Marivonne Cuyob carrying the jar of tapey to the patpatayan. Patrick Bounggick acted as the elder-leader. As usual, the Igorots clad in their colorful ethnic attire exhibited each one’s skillful dance steps identical of all the different provinces of Cordillera such as the takik of Mountain Province in its choreographed lady dancers’ formation led by Carmen Malidom-Umayat, the boogie of Bontoc by Henry Foken and Fely Bongalos, the Benguet tayaw by Rhino Oblas, the Ifugao dance led by Ric and Alice Cuyob followed by Anna Liza Anton and Peter Agnaonao, the Eagle dance of eastern Mountain Province led by Frederick Baldo and Mark Calawen, the Sadanga pattong by everybody. Ballroom dancing was of interest to the other Filipinos but no other CD available so the line dancing with the gongs prevailed. If there was anyone who never lifted her feet, she was Susan Kilakil who concentrated on taking video of every movement. |
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Knowing about Marino Conference Centre, Sightseeing Tours, and General Observation of the Irish People Caridad B. Fiar-od Ireland’s transport system is systematic that following Judith’s instruction, one can get the bus, go to Dublin’s thoroughfare, and have fun and tours. Touring in Dublin is much more satisfying and comfortable to go around as compared to some European countries considering that the Irish are English-speaking and are always friendly and accommodating to give directions, to volunteer to take pictures, and much more, the places are clean all over. The only dissatisfying experience is that if McDonald’s in Philippines allow walk-in passers to use the toilet, not in McDonald in Dublin. The toilet has a security guard, who sees to it that only customers use the toilet. Marino Conference Centre is located in Drumcondra on the tranquil campus of Marino Institute of Education just two miles north of Dublin City Centre and five miles from Dublin Airport. Marino offers budget accommodation suitable for individual travelers, budget groups and sporting organizations. There are a total of 39 bedrooms none of which are en-suite, a mixture of singles, twins and doubles. Sightseeing tours were done before the conference on May 16-17, 2007 and during the arranged tours by the organizers on May 19, 2007. Before the conference, Yvonne, Ruth, Caridad, Dono and Patrick went on coastal tours specifically at Powerscourt, Wicklow to view the scenic Powerscourt Gardens designed by Daniel Robertson completed in 1875. In its breathtaking location, no matter what the weather was, the Igorot tourists stayed for some minutes to imagine. On May 17, the same group went for a hop-on, hop-off tour around Dublin and ended to pray at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Claus and Rose Nabert also arrived early. On May 15, they went to Antrim, Northern Ireland to see the Giant’s Causeway. During the guided tour on May 19, 2007, the tourist coach brought the delegates to Glendalough, Wicklow. Glendalough is a valley of the two lakes, renowned for its early Medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Located in Glendalough is the cylindrical Doonagore Castle built about 1500 A.D overlooking Doolin and the Aran Islands. On the way back to the Marino Conference Centre, the coach driver took another route of the Wicklow mountain – through its vast forest and waterfalls. Another amazing view in Ireland that we saw is the spectacular sights of Cliffs of Moher situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area. It stands 214 metres above the sea at its highest point and is eight km. long. The Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. |
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Updates from the Igorot Global Organization (IGO) Yvonne Belen Liza Anton read the IGO’s vision and mission. She mentioned that IGO has 390 members and has chapters like the IGO-Philippines. She said that the membership fee is US$ 2.00 per year. Finally, Liza explained one IGO project – the Igorot Scholarship Program. |
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Unfreezing Activities and other ‘Ice Breakers’ that were Integrated (Action Songs, Raps, Dances, Games) Caridad B. Fiar-od The dynamism of participants with no dull moments was held through and through during the duration of the conference with some unfreezing activities introduced spontaneously by any of the participants. These unfreezing activities were relevant and material to the participants that enhanced the attainment of the objectives. Among these were the following: a. Game introduced by Dono. The game was finding one’s spouse. The pairs of husbands and wives were blindfolded and as the music started, each one had to recognize his/her spouse using his/her sense of touch, sense of smell, sense of hearing. The couple who were the first to find each other was the winner. In such game, the winners were Dave and Eryl Aragones who were awarded a prize. In the name of Igorot-Austria, Dono Bounggick and Ruth Licay handed the Austrian Fruit/Wine Jar. The other couples who joined the game were Carmen and Tim Umayat, Brenia and Mark Calawen, Alice and Ric Cuyob, and Susan and Peter Agnaonao. b. Action Song: “My Toes, My Shoulder, My Knees” acted in another version to differ from the usual use of the hands to touch the toes, knees, shoulders. c. Rap in harmony with music: The participants were grouped into two - one as the rap group and the other, music group in harmony. Rap and Song: Thunder, thunder, thunderation We’re the future generation We can change the situation To a world-class Igorot with a vision. d. Opening songs to catch the attention of listeners. Aside from ‘Sha Mampay’ and ‘Surwei’ is the ‘Dossayan’ sang in an alternate manner of responding. This is another way of saying Hi! and given a response of Hello! Dossayan, Dossayan Dossaydossaydossayan, may we all understand; Dossaydossaydossayan, culture in Igorotland. e. Hawaiian Dance as adopted by a Non-Formal Class. This is with action to wake participants up. Miliana eh eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Miliana O ooooooooooooooooooo Miliana Hawaiiiii, Lubi lubi Ayya hakka kikidula (2x) You prayed for me I’m coming back to you Sweet lu la lu, Beside the sea of Waikiki Please wait for me. f. Country Songs by Guitarist-singer Ric Kilongan and the Igorot songs composed and sang by Henry Foken. g. Film viewing of short filmed Igorot value-laden real stories. |
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Speech of John Ferris, Honorary Consul of the Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Ireland Yvonne Belen John Ferris, Honorary Consul of the Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Ireland, mentioned that he has been aware of the mountain provinces ever since he went to the Philippines in the early ‘70s. And every time he went to the Philippines, he headed straight to Baguio and further north to Banaue. “It’s one of the great places of the Philippines, I believe. I spent lots of time in the rice terraces,” he stated. Ten years after his visit to the Philippines, he never realized that he’ll come across BIBAKs, in Ireland, of all places. The first time he met people from the Mountain Province was in 2001, which was about a year after Filipinos started coming to Ireland in large numbers. John Ferris praised BIBAK Ireland for having stood the test of time; while other Filipino organizations were falling off, BIBAK Ireland was gaining strength. According to him, immigration of Filipinos to Ireland is a new phenomenon, which started five years ago. He conveyed that while Filipinos in other countries in Europe are quite settled, they are not - in Ireland. A problem he cited was that of Filipino migrant’s children, who have to pay international student rates when they go to 3rd level education. There are already quite a number of Filipino migrants whose children are reaching 17 and 18 years of age. And one of the big battles is to stop the Irish government from charging international student rates to children of Filipino migrants. He added that their efforts are now to try to get the government to treat Filipino children on an equal basis as Irish children. The Honorary Consul kept his talk short and wished everyone a pleasant evening. |
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The Sunday Mass officiated by the Rev. Katharine Poulton Caridad B. Fiar-od After the closing ritual at Marino Conference Centre, the participants proceeded to the Parish Church of St. George and St. Thomas. They were warmly welcomed by Parish Priest, the Rev. Katharine Poulton. The Parish Church of St George and St. Thomas is a Church of Ireland Parish (Anglican), which is located in the city of Dublin. It has a multicultural congregation with members from at least nine countries worshipping regularly. As part of the hymns and songs sang during the service, the ICBE participants who attended the mass sang, ‘LAYAD EN SIKHAFAN’ was sung. The Collect for Purity: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known and from whom no secrets are hidden; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Lunch for everybody was served in church, courtesy of the conference organizers. |
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Trip to Tipperary, Galway, Bray and Dinners in Homes Caridad B. Fiar-od After mass, everybody trooped to the different cars and proceeded to Tipperary mining field. This place is far away from the city and the miners’cottage located away from their neighbors so it was a conducive place for barbecue, karaoke, gong playing and Irish square dancing. Upon arrival, two tents were pitched on the ground to house others who cannot be accommodated in the four rooms of the cottage. Heaters were installed in the tents. Adding to the amusement of the field trip was the chilly weather that made it suitable for the playing of gongs up to 2 o’clock in the morning. Others preferred to play cards, and others enjoyed viewing some films on Igorot living while others sang their favorites with the karaoke. Aside from the scenic view of the place, there were cattle all around. The miners raised their own chicken and ducks too. The seven miners welcomed the delegates with pinikpikan, papaitan, adobo, drinks of your own choice, hard or soft. The break camp in Tipperary was on May 21. As others flew home, some went to view the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and joined a few for a dinner at Brenia and Mark Calawen’s home and at the same time a post-conference meeting among them. The send-off dinner was at Dave’s home. Prior to parting, dinners were hosted in other homes like Tim and Carmen, Judith and Martin, and others. |
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Post Conference Meetings by a Core Group to Plan for the 5th ICBE Consultation in 2009 Caridad B. Fiar-od A post conference was held in the evening of May 21, 2007 at Mark and Brenia’s residence to plan for the 5th ICBE to be held sometime during the second quarter in 2009. The salient points as agreed upon by the core group were the following: a. Theme of the conference: “Igorot Cordillera Rituals: Its Meaning and Significance.” b. Rhino shall be the contact person in Germany, while Yvonne acts as the general Coordinator. c. Relevant to the theme, there shall be presentation of researched-based rituals of the different provinces in Cordillera, The commonalities of the rituals shall be pointed out. d. As experienced, more time shall be provided for hands-on workshop on the ethnic dances. The profile of the different provinces shall also be presented. In this regard, it was suggested that the brief profile submitted by Caridad Fiar-od during the Melbourne IIC will be downloaded. e. Other activities included the priorities for the tour to include Amsterdam. Invitations extended to other countries especially non-European countries shall be done by the host. f. The general program of activities shall be drafted by Yvonne Belen. Conchita Pooten, Ruth Licay and Cristabel Bounggick shall help in the logistics. g. Coming up with a Souvenir Program remained a concept with no clear implementation plan yet. |
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Group 3: Aspects of Organizing a Conference Severino Oblas As summarized by the group, the following hints to consider when organizing a conference were noted: · A conference with lesser participants (small conference) is easier to organize and manage. Hence, participation of each one is insured; · The interest of organizers and participants is determined. by their enthusiasm and involvement; · Hassles are avoided if there is early confirmation of venue, affordability rate of registration and other costs. Likewise, participants need to confirm as early as possible. · Letter of invitation specifies the itemized cost, exact address of venue and how to reach it, contact persons, documents needed for people who need visa; · Brief information about the host country is needed such as the weather, tourist destinations, historical events, money exchange, language, common expressions used, etc. · Publicity of the conference may attract others who are interested; and · Continuous update is needed. In planning a conference, the planning committee gets the suggestion from the members as to theme, dates and other sub-topics. They make these details final. Success in any endeavor is attained if there are working committees that take the responsibility. Committees may include the following: · Finance · Registration · General Services (Sound System) · Stage Preparation/Decoration · Program · Evaluation · Documentation (Print or Non-print) Members: Geraldine Ayban Frederick Baldo Yvonne Belen Facilitator Patrick Bounggick Jane Gavino Ric Kilongan Rose Nabert Rhino Oblas Reporter
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Group 4: Second Generation Yvonne Belen, Susan Kilakil, Elizabeth Omengan, Kai Barner Yvonne took the liberty of writing the report (below in italics), after requesting Susan Kilakil to send the lyrics of the song that Cristobal Agnaonao and Marivonne Cuyob sang. __________________________________ 5.4. Second Generation Members: Cristobal Agnaonao Anna Liza Anton Dave Aragones Eryl Aragones Judith Balangyao Frederick Baldo Kai Barner Mark Calawen Marivonne Cuyob Jane Gavino The group presented a skit. The group members sang, while Cristobal and Marivonne acted. The lyrics were: Girls: Issan poon di batang Boys: Linmaos san babalo Girls: Adi adiyak sik a Boys: Wada baw san payeo ko Girls: Adi adiyak sidi Boys: Wada baw san siping ko Girls: No baw siya nan kanam sa Boys & Girls: Men boweg tay suma a Pattong followed with the gentlemen group members beating the gongs and ladies dancing. __________________________________ The report should have been as written above however, Yvonne thought that the second-generation group members did more. So on 18 May 2008, she sent this e-mail to the group members: Dear All, I'm e-mailing all members of the afternoon "Second Generation" workshop group. For Cristobal Agnaonao, I'm sending it to Susan Kilakil and for Marivonne Cuyob, I'm sending it to Ric Cuyob. I'm in the last stage of editing the Proceedings. And I only have a partial report of your group. What did you do during the workshop? I recall the skit and song so I requested for the lyrics from Susan Kilakil, which she sent. There are only two lines in the second to the last "Girl" (in italics.) Susan said the other lyrics were inaudible in the DVD. Then I added some sentences before and after the song. I don't know if this is how your group would like the report to appear. If there's anyone from your group who could give more details on what happened during the workshop, please write an article. Please send me the report by Saturday, 24 May 2008. I'll start the layout on Sunday, 25 May. Salamat unay. Sha chi, Yvonne What followed on 19 May were mail exchanges: From Susan Kilakil: Good evening rather good morning Manang Yvonne, … I pasak laeng ti ammok nga inaramid ti second generation iti workshop da but not at all complete ta masadotak nga mang kita diay video all over again, hope the others will add something more; First they learned how to dance 1. Twist, 2. Sadnge and 3. Chacha then they were grouped into 3 groups to practice the steps of the 3 dances. Lesson from this: These steps are all necessary in dancing and playing the gongs. They also learned the different formations and positions of performing these; Balasibasem o innas Digdigwe Dagdagwa Donglas di dong lalaan dayta. They learned how to use the hat (ay adik ammo nagan san hat di ammam a with the feathers in it) and the other accessories like the necklaces where the teeth of animals are. They learned how to use the g-string. They learned how to use the tapis. They've learned what are the importance of these costumes and what they manifest. Datona nan naawtak from what I have seen. A la good night to all. Susan "Siya na san nang i presentant da sin costume da ay nen wanes si Cristo and tapis for Marivonne." From Yvonne: Dear Susan and All, Susan, thank you for your quick response. … It's good Susan documented the activities of the workshop group. To all - I have some questions. Who was the teacher(s) in the dances? Who taught the group members how to sing "Balasibasen, Digdigwi, Dagdagwa, Donglas...?" And who taught them how to use the hat and other accessories, G-string and tapis? Did he/she explain the importance of the costumes and what they manifest? Did he/she also explain the meaning of the designs in the G-string and tapis? Salamat kasin. BTW, I included Beth Omengan in the mailing list so she can transmit the message to Kai. Sha chi, Yvonne From Beth Omengan: Hi Yvonne, Here is Kai's interpretation...handicapped by language. Brenia and others sang through and helped turn ideas for the skit into lyrics. For Balasibasem, it seemed that everyone knew the song however Old Lady led the group into remembering. Old Lady, also showed how the traditional rites and dances are performed. (By Old Lady, Kai meant Caridad. No offense here, Kai calls me Old Lady, as well. I decided to retain the word "Old Lady" since it captures transfer of culture through generations and Kai's impression that Old Lady was in-charge.) Kai thinks the "digdigwi" is a greeting rite with ad libs. Hope this helps, Beth From Susan: Hello again. Si Manang Caridad nan main teacher and then there was Tim Omayat, Frederick Baldo and Liza. Maybe the others can add. Susan From Yvonne: Hi Beth and All, Beth, thank you. And Kai, thank you too, What you said will add another dimension to the workshop report. To all - I think what I will do with the article is to put together our mail exchanges. It will be a workshop report through cyber space. So, if there are others in the group who want to add to what has been said, please do. Say it now or you will hold your peace forever! Sha chi, Yvonne N.B. Yvonne didn’t receive any more responses. |
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Remarks as Moderator during the last Morning Session Severino Oblas BIBAK Ireland opened their hearts and we were welcome to the Consultation. And they have to close it up with an open mouth, saying the closing remarks...by Dave Aragones. We are now at a point of leaving this room where we accomplished many important matters, met new Igorots and added to our purpose of "Preserving and Promoting Our Igorot Cultural Heritage." Interesting to note is the fact that the Igorots have no word to express thanks and gratitude. There are no words to say hello, goodbye. How it was said before? Hello, Goodbye and Thank You? Can anyone say it in her/his own dialect for our host to hear? Meeting somebody you know on your way or in a particular place in Benguet, we express our greeting like "Intoy ameyam? – “Tomay davwan mo?" Where are you going?" These are indirect ways of greeting a person at the same time making him feel comfortable and happy. When a person arrives at the home of a friend, he usually says, "Naey kami," "Iyay kami"- "Here we are.” We met, then we will depart after this Consultation for the 4th time. Again to say good bye, in Benguet, when the visitors get ready to leave, they would simply announce that they are going, "umdaw kamin.” To each and everyone before leaving your room, as Albert Bacdayan said in our last meeting in Switzerland, "Intayon amin, Ayabana ti ab-a-biik na ta isaa na,” together with the "wat wat" you received that symbolize your attendance in coming. Evidently the sense of equality is so strong among us Igorots that one accepted each other as a matter of fact. He would do the same in his turn - in regular manner or procedure when someone gives invitations, rewards or gifts to help and it is accepted; and by way of saying "Thank you," Igorots rather express it with smile and nod. And then, there will come a time that the receiver will do the same, not exactly but willingly offer his time and effort also to help others. Salamat. Matago-tago tako am-in, |
