This man is Virgilio Rayos Namoc Sr. or commonly known by the Bukidnon-Tagoloanen Ancestral Domain as Datu Balina-o. He is the tribe’s anointed leader in Sumpong, Malaybalay through consensus building for more than three decades now. The ancestors handed him the responsibility of ensuring peace and harmony among the Tagoloanen families as a Datu since 1987.

Family man

Apart from this, he was also a former teacher, principal, and supervisor in the Department of Education office in the province. After 42 years of government service, he retired in 2013. Later that day, Namoc would also fulfill the role of a news writer in DXBU 104.5FM, Bukidnon State University’s indigenous peoples-focused radio program.

On top of it all, he is a family man, and is married to Estela Comisio with four children who now also all have their own families.

“Today, I am 37 years old,” he says jokingly. “Baliktarin mo ’yan. I did not even think that I’d reach this time and age. However, through God’s will, mayroon pa pa lang we have to accomplish.” (Just interchange the two numbers. I did not even think I’d reach this time and age. However, through God’s will, there’s still something we have to accomplish.)

The Datu commences with a ritual that pays respect for any intervention with the spirits called Pananghid, a practice that he learned from the tribe’s forefathers. This means asking for permission. It included a live chicken, a red and white piece of cloth, and seven coins. To give his interview and tell the story of his life and the tribe, this method was the green light. He starts speaking in their dialect and at some point, he explains the whys and hows of the ritual.

A datu can be a native royalty, a Filipino chieftain and his mere existence up to this day is a powerful delineation of how the culture was preserved and still respected in this part of the country. Encountering and talking to one is surreal, like a character in our history books coming to life.

Community challenges

Shortly after the solemn ceremony of Pananghid, he sits and allows us to get to know him better.

“I did not even aspire to become a datu,” Namoc reveals. “Because as a young boy, there were so many challenges in our community. But the council of elders in our community said, who else will have to lead (the) people in our community? So our elders told me (to) look around and suggest, and identify who will have to run our tribe.”

He giggled as he reminisced, which made the others in the room laugh, too.

“But, it was a big challenge for me because I was still a young boy, full of mischievous activities and that is why I am known as somebody who is mischievous in Malaybalay,” he says. “However, the elders saw that this mischievous boy will someday become a leader of the tribe. So by God’s grace, today, I am called Datu Balina-o.”

After his retirement eight years ago, he originally thought of resting. But then he realized that his kababayan need him as their leader.

“That was given to me by our elders, to lead our people, and today, I am also a member of the council of elders of the Bukidnon-Tagoloanen to help make our tribe successful through our plans and programs,” Namoc says, mentioning ADDSPP or the Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection Plan.

Ancestral domains

According to the National Commission on Indigenous People, the ADDSPP refers to “the consolidation of the plans of indigenous people within an ancestral domain for the sustainable management and development of their land and natural resources as well as the development of human and cultural resources.”

This is where his involvement in tourism takes place as well in coordination with officers when it comes to decision-making. Namoc takes pride in what Bukidnon has to offer in Malaybalay, in Manalog, in Kibalabag, in Kaamulan, and more, filled with mountain ranges, falls, springs, and other recreational places. Their post-pandemic plans include establishing requirements and protocols before tourist spots reopen.

He expresses so much thanks for talking about the lumad, our indigenous people here in their ethnic community in Bukidnon.

“Kamusta na po tayo ngayon? We have a lot, wide and vast lands that are undeveloped. Sino ngayon ang naging successful? Migrants, not Bukidnon(-Tagoloanen), not lumad. No, we cannot blame them, but we have to also evaluate,” (How are we today? We have a lot, wide and vast lands that are undeveloped. Who became successful instead? Migrants, not Bukidnon(-Tagoloanen), not lumad. No, we cannot blame them, but we have to also evaluate,) he says, adding that one of the biggest challenges he’s faced as a datu is the conflict of ancestral lands.

“Why is it that they have progressed and then we remained with this situation as of today?” says Namoc. “But I believe it’s not poverty. It is through the help of the government and we, the insistence of the lumad, to help ourselves. ‘Yan ang sinasabi ko, kailangan natin tulungan ang ating sarili. I am looking forward (to) the future generation.” (That’s what I tell them, that we need to help ourselves. I am looking forward to the future generation.)

If we were to list down what we’ve picked up so far in the values that make a datu, humility and gratitude are two of the things that are on top of it. Datu Balina-o is a man of wisdom and very strong communication. All of these traits, including being responsible and approachable to all, were backed by the people he has worked with.

Namoc says that in any ancestral domain, there should be peace and harmony. “We cannot have development unless there is peace,” he explains. “Peace cannot be won by bullets alone, unless we have to sit down and work (on) solutions on how we can possibly agree on things that we disagree (with).”

The post This Educator Now Leads the Bukidnon-Tagoloanen Tribe appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

These beautiful islands provide the perfect backdrop to create more wonderful memories, and couples are sure to fall in love all over again not only with each other, but also with the Philippines. 

Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

At a 14.7 kilometer stretch, the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines is also the second-longest in Southeast Asia. Take a romantic sunset stroll on the gorgeous shores of Long Beach. Enjoy the laid-back rural vibe at the beach and lounge lazily on the sand while gazing at the undisturbed view of the horizon. Cool off at the clear, turquoise waters or head out to the majestic Pamuayan Falls where you can traipse into the forests for a glimpse of the rich flora and fauna of the area. You can also go island-hopping via a short boat ride to discover other hidden gems of San Vicente.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Located at Cebu’s northernmost tip is Bantayan Island. This emerging destination is full of beautiful spots to have your couple photos taken. Some of the attractions that offer unforgettable moments and make dramatic backdrops are the secluded Paradise Beach and Virgin Island, the Obo-Ob Mangrove Garden with its rustic bamboo bridge, the Kota Park Pier, and the Kinatarkan Lighthouse. For a taste of history, visit the centuries-old St. Peter and Paul Parish Church made of coral stones, and for a taste of local Cebuano cuisine, look for restaurants that offer Sutukil or grilled seafood from the catch of the day.      

Samal Island, Davao

The Island Garden City of Samal is composed of two beautiful islands and is dotted with many resorts where couples can enjoy a luxe and romantic getaway amid the white sand and clear tranquil waters. A memorable meal under the stars can be arranged, where you can enjoy the freshest seafood and toast with a choice of wines. In the daytime, you can arrange for a picnic at the cascading Hagimit Falls or take a day trip to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort for some sightseeing and to try out its water activities such as jet skiing and diving. Hike hand in hand at the beginner-friendly Mt. Puting Bato or catch Vanishing Island before it becomes submerged from the tides. 

Bukidnon Glamping Sites

Enjoy a romantic vacation under a canopy of stars and a natural ambience at the glamping sites that are available in Bukidnon. The cool climes make it perfect for snuggling together in the glamp tents that are set up in the mountains or overlooking the grand Bukidnon landscapes. Taglucop Strawberry Hills lets you wake up to a field of flowers and fruits, serenaded by the relaxing calm that is characteristic of the Bukidnon province.

Dahilayan Forest Park has cabin-like tents that offer a treetop view. Even while you are surrounded by nature, the glamping sites offer top-notch service and delicious dishes made from the fresh produce of the area. While in Bukidnon, take a sight-seeing trip to the other tourist attractions of the Province such as Lake Pinamaloy in Don Carlos and the solemn beauty of the Abbey of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay City.

Boracay Island

The world-renowned Philippines island with its white sand and blue waters in one of the top wedding and honeymoon destinations in the country. Aside from lounging at the beach with a drink in hand to catch a breathtaking sunset, travelers can enjoy myriad other adventures such as sampling the vibrant night-life and enjoying the local cuisine from its choices of restaurants. For some quality couple time, travelers can explore quieter beaches such as Diniwid, Puka, Ilig-Iligan or Balinghai, or enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, and parasailing. Some resorts can also set up a special seaside dinner for two.     

Batanes Island

Each Batanes attraction is picture-perfect and offers many romantic activities. The wide-open spaces at Rakuh-a-Payahman (also called communal pastureland) and Vayang Rolling Hills give you a clear view of forever under the blue due its vast landscapes and seascapes. Perhaps, the tallest structures in Batanes are its most romantic ones – its lighthouses, set against a dramatic backdrop of the sky, makes for great couple photo opportunities. Couples can bike through the island to explore its breathtaking grandeur or book a boat ride to Sabtang Island to visit vernacular stone houses that were built to withstand any storm and using only local building materials.

Sicogon Island and Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo 

For a relaxing island experience, take a trip to Iloilo’s tropical gems Sicogon Island and Isla de Gigantes. Be swept off your feet with the gorgeous vistas at Sicogon’s Barangay Buwaya Beach, with powder-fine sand leading to unbelievably clear waters. Fall in love with the rustic life of the fishing community and commune with nature at the rock formations and craggy peak of Mt. Opao. Islas de Gigantes is another destination for nature lovers who will enjoy its offbeat charm and the friendly hospitality of the local communities. Book a boat ride to enjoy the tranquility of the secluded beaches at Antonia, Cabugaw Gamay Island, and Bantigue or climb the lighthouse found at the island’s Northern part for a clear, calm view of the seas.

Intramuros, Manila

Promenade along the cobbled streets of Intramuros to get a feel of its old-world charm. You may also imbibe the timeless beauty of this historic city on a bike ride, as it passes through notable landmarks such as the Baluarte de San Diego, Plaza Mexico, and Puerto Real. Visit the centuries-old churches San Agustin and Manila Cathedral that are both popular for weddings and take dramatic dusk photos at the ramparts and garden of Fort Santiago. Book a romantic dinner at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant or at the La Cathedral Café to cap a perfectly romantic day.  

Travel safely!

All these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post Fall in Love with These 8 Romantic Spots in the Philippines appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Alalum is right in the middle where Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon converge, with its viewdeck just a kilometer away from the Sumilao Municipal Hall. Locals believe that the name of the falls was from the Lumad-Binukid word “madalum,” which means “deep.” This perhaps points to the great depth of the catch basin below.

When looking for someone to show you around there, locals will most likely point to Jornel Juan Liporda. While the 38-year-old was born a couple of municipalities over, in Kabanglasan, he serves as the caretaker of Alalum Falls. Apart from this, he also manages Sumilao Pasalubong Center, and never runs out of interesting things to share about the place.

Amazing finds

Sumilao, a landlocked plateau, is a haven of breathtaking tourist spots in Bukidnon. Aside from the Alalum Falls, there’s Mapaso Hot Spring, Sulasag Cave, Palaopao Hills, and many more.

To Liporada, it’s a place of unexpected surprises, with destinations that you shouldn’t just admire, but also explore. “[There are] rolling hills to wander, perfect peaks to climb, and inland rivers and cold springs to bathe,” he describes. “There’s a wide selection of beautiful landscapes in Sumilao that are waiting to be fully discovered and not just to be merely gazed from afar.”

When he speaks about their place, you can almost hear his dedication, pride, and love for his hometown in his voice.

“Sumilao is rich in history, culture, and tradition, because even until now, we still practice some rituals and celebrations. Like Pamunghat, Pamahandi, Pandingding, Pamalas, and more,” Liporada narrates. “[We] believe that Bathala will grant our wish and we will receive good luck, peace, and harmonious living. Seventy percent in the locality still practice our native tongue which is Binukid.”

Doing his part

As a tourism officer, Liporada’s tasks mainly involve promoting Sumilao’s local products and destinations.

He gushes about the Sumilao Bayong, which is a hand woven bag made from 100 percent recycled plastic straps.

“Our bayong is made by the RIC or Rural Improvement Club. Throughout this bayong weaving, the group of women of Sumilao helped their families by gaining income especially during this pandemic because most of them were affected, like, their husbands lost their jobs and lost their small businesses,” he explains. “I believe I [helped] them by selling their products using social media. By this, the tourism industry of Sumilao is not totally dead.”

Even while the waterfalls constantly flow, the tourists stopped coming. Some blogs even describe that despite its beauty, the falls became a “neglected place,” “forgotten,” or “ignored,” even before the pandemic hit.

But this didn’t dampen Liporada’s faith and perseverance to help Sumilao recover. “Since it’s my job, I need to exert extra effort and patience especially in this trying time of pandemic, where people are limited with their daily activities,” he says, adding they needed to think of alternatives.

“I grew up in a family with strong faith in God,” Liporada says. “I believe that this is my weapon to overcome all these.”

He can attest how the community worked hard to recover from this ordeal and that everyone is “obedient and participative,” and followed protocols and rules.

“Though they were really affected, we are still looking forward to the betterment for us and for others. In this situation, you need perseverance and a lot of patience in achieving something,” Liporada explains. “And you should start by believing in yourself because if you believe in yourself, everything will flow smoothly toward progress.”

Hopes and dreams

It’s not only the Sumilao tourism industry that relies on Liporada and what he does at work. At home, his whole family also depends on him.

This poses a greater challenge to him especially in this crisis. “As a breadwinner in the family, it is my duty and responsibility to feed them and provide their basic needs,” he says. “Since I work in the government, I still have my salary and this is very important to me, to provide [for] the needs of my family.”

He starts his day at 4 AM, and by 6 AM, he is already at work.

“Kailangan nasa trabaho na po ako at doon magsisimula ang aking mga gawain together with my co-workers,” (I need to be at work (by this time) and this is when I start my tasks together with my co-workers,) he shares. “We start our day by cleaning the surroundings, arranging our local products, and preparing a whole area for our customers and guests and other tourists who will visit Alalum Falls.”

What Liporada wants for the community is for everyone to feel the essence of belongingness, togetherness, and love.

“I hope everyone is in good condition, and I also hope that everyone will get their needs [met] even in this time of crisis,” he says. “For myself, to strive no matter how hard the situation is but believing the best throughout this pandemic.”

The post How Perseverance and Faith Help the Sumilao Tourism Recover appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

It involves sodsod, which is a type of grass that is typically the length of a human arm. Each grass is harvested, dried under the sun, dyed, and flattened before being used in the nightly Tagoloanen ritual.

With bare hands, the women of the household passionately crisscross the threads until a pattern is created. This is how the Tagoloanen women weave the ikam, or banig, which means sleeping mat. They usually do this in the evening when it’s cooler because sodsod grass tends to turn brittle in warmer conditions. That’s why these craftswomen work sometimes through the night and until dawn.

Weaving is one of the most important roles a woman does in the tribe apart from being a homemaker.

Bloodlines and livelihood

Beyond the primary use of the banig, it is also considered as an art form and a source of livelihood for many indigenous people. In Tagoloanen culture, this also represents identity and values.

The Tagoloanen Women Weavers Association (TWWA), a group established to uplift and safeguard this tradition, currently has around 80 members. This number grows to a hundred or more when school enrollment comes around and homemakers would need more money.

One of these women is tribe elder Wilma Contero. Now in her late 50s, she has become one of the respected manglalala or weavers in Bukidnon. While she was unable to finish her studies, she has been practicing the craft since she was 8 or 9 years old.

Contero learned the art of weaving from her mother and grandmother. Her family currently lives in Sitio Lamana, Barangay Kibalabag, Malaybalay while weaver-relatives are just a few barangays away.

According to Lorielinda Bella Rago, one of the founders and organizers of TWWA, the skill of weaving runs in the blood with weavers all being related to each other.

“Isang kaanak silang weavers. So ’yung kanilang kapatid, sister-in-law, mga anak, apo, ’yun.” (They’re all weavers in their clan. So, their sisters, sisters-in-law, daughters, and granddaughters are weavers.) Rago, who is also called Amihan, says. “Isa silang tribe mula sa isang clan. Ganyan.” (This one tribe came from one clan. Like that.)

Descended from one

When they were able to organize the TWWA, Rago says, they were then able to trace everyone’s bloodlines. “Kahit nasa ibang barangay na, nakapag-asawa doon. Galing pala sila dito sa headwater of Tagoloan river, ’yung mga kanununo-nuoan nila,” (Even though some of them migrated to the other barangay and wed, they all came here from the headwater of Tagoloan river, their ancestors,) she shares. “Na-trace na connected sila sa isa’t isa, ilang generations.” (We traced that they’re all connected to each other, several generations.)

This tracks with the Tagoloanen belief that these women artists all trace their skill and gift to the same source. They are all daughters, they say, of the First Weaver.

“Paniniwala na ’yong kanununo-nuoan, sila ang bine-bless ng talagang maging head ng pag-we-weave,” (It is believed that their ancestors blessed the head weaver,) Rago explains, adding that if you’re within the bloodline, you’ll pick up the craft and learn the patterns quicker than outsiders. “’Yung hindi talaga, halimbawa, hindi lumad or whatever, hirap talaga matuto.” (If you’re not a lumad or whatever, you’ll find it difficult to learn the craft.)

Rago also shares that before these women become weavers, they go through a ritual called Paulin where they ask permission from spirits.

“Dahil para manghingi ng guidance from spirits, from Magbabaya, kasi hindi madali maging weaver. Kailangan mayroon kang persistence, stable mentality, kasi ’pag wala ka noon, mabubuang ka,” Rago explains. (This is to ask for guidance from spirits, from Magbabaya, because it’s not easy to become a weaver. You need to have persistence, stable mentality, because if you don’t you’ll go crazy.)

A weaver must also be creative and imaginative, adds Rago, as their craft is unlike any other.

“Hindi siya katulad ng iba na isinusuksok ’yung design. Hindi kasama ’yung pattern sa pag-weave. Kailangan talaga medyo mabilis ’yung isip mo mag-imagine,” (It’s unlike the other ways of weaving where they just insert the design. The pattern is not yet included in weaving. You really need to imagine and use your mind quickly,) she says. “’Yung design ini-imagine nila, ’yung iba pa nga, dine-dream.” (They imagine the designs and others even dream about it.)

A dream, she says, is the highest inspiration as it is their belief that when the design comes from that, it was given by the spirits.

Contero does basic designs and patterns which are inspired by nature like the trees, the sun, and the moon. On the other hand, there are complicated designs that only the master weavers can create, and one of which, Rago explains, is the Binaksan.

“’Yong pattern or design niya, inspired sa skin ng snake. ’Yon ang tinatawag na healing mat. Kasi ’di ba ’yong symbol ng snake ay mula pa sa great grandfathers,” (Its pattern and design is inspired by the skin of the snake. That’s what we call the healing mat. This is because the symbol of the snake originated from the great grandfathers,) Rago says. “Mas mahal ’yon. Intricate, mahirap gawin.” (That is more expensive. It’s intricate and hard to create.)

Adapting to challenges

When the travel restrictions began and other quarantine guidelines were implemented because of the pandemic, this weaving tradition was also affected.

“Simula last year, lalo na noong nagka-lockdown talaga, ECQ, GCQ, walang makakababa na weavers. Andoon lang sila,” (Since last year, especially when the lockdown was implemented like the ECQ and the GCQ, the weavers living in the mountains are unable to descend,) Rago says. “Kami naman dito sa marketing side, hindi kami makapagbenta.” (We, on the marketing side, couldn’t sell anything.)

While they had to close down their showroom then, eventually they were able to migrate online.

“Ang ginawa sa mga weavers, hindi sila makapag-deliver kasi takot nga, bawal rin basta lumabas. Pero paonti-onti kung mayroon silang nagagawa, kasi doon naman sa bundok, pwede naman makagala gala doon,” (The weavers couldn’t deliver their products because going outside was prohibited. In the mountains, however, they continued working because they could roam around,) Rago says.

Others continued to plant and harvest sodsod, which was then passed on to the weavers. “Noong nagstart na May, so onti-onti, kinukuha ko rin yung mga ginawa nila. Nakapagstart na kami ng benta ont-onti nakabangon,” (In May [of 2020], they were able to make a few products and I collected those. We were able to start selling again and we recovered slowly,) she says, adding they were able to reopen their showroom.

It also helped that, before the pandemic, their craft was featured in numerous exhibits and formal trainings. This gave them a boost as the connections they made and the network they built then helped and pushed their pieces out to the public again.

When there were no training sessions held by sponsors for more women to learn weaving in the past few months, TWWA continuously pushed them to upskill and practice the craft at home. “Required rin namin sa mga nanay na ma-pass on sa younger generation ’yung aming weaving skills,” (We required the mothers to pass their weaving skills to the younger generation,) Rago says. “Meron rin hindi formal training doon sa bahay nila, tuloy-tuloy ang pagturo.” (There are non-formal trainings at their homes. They are teaching continuously.)

Moving forward together

Rago says that weavers like Contero are the stars here.

“Siyempre importante sila dahil sila talaga ‘yung bida. Dahil pinopromote namin ‘yung weaving traditions na nawawala. Vanishing siya. Sila ‘yung keeper ng weaving. Sila ‘yung keeper ng knowledge ng tribe,” (Of course, they are important because they are the stars. We promote the weaving traditions that are slowly forgotten. It’s vanishing. The weavers are the keepers of the weaving tradition. They are the keeper of the tribe’s knowledge,) she says. “’Yung ginagawa nila ay isang heritage na dapat nating ipagmamalaki dahil hindi lang ‘yan basta. Kayamanan na rin ‘yan ng isang tribe. Kumbaga, pamanang-lahi na sila lang nakakaalam.” (What they are doing is a heritage that we should be proud of. They are also treasures of the tribe. In other words, it’s a legacy that only the weavers know.)

For women like Rago and Contero, each banig sold means another happy and full Tagoloanen family. It means warm meals at home, more lumad kids going to school, and most importantly, a thriving tradition. Truly, when cultural heritage is strengthened, it creates income through tourism and helps the local community grow.

Along with the hope of more patrons and supporters, Rago desires for a higher regard for culture, as this is an integral part of the tourism growth. “Hindi lang sa tribo. Igagalang na hindi basta-basta [ang weaving]. Dapat ‘yung pagrespeto sa mga lumad, bigyang pansin. Maging malusog lagi at may hanapbuhay lagi. Katulad ng mga lumad, ‘yung indigenous people makasabay sa pag-angat,” ((Not just for the tribe. We hope that they respect weaving. The respect for the lumad should be recognized. We also hope that we are all healthy and there are always jobs for everyone. Like the lumad, (we wish that) all indigenous people can cope and succeed together,) she says. “Lahat umangat, kasabay po natin umangat.” (Everyone should progress together.)

With the Department of Tourism as their anchor, their story continues to be told to the succeeding generations and the tribe’s treasures such as their art of weaving lives and will always be cherished.

The post How Bukidnon’s Tagoloanen Weavers Keep Their Homes Happy appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.