Igorots Amidst COVID-19 (YouTube Video)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WyjR8NICbk

A Glimpse of the Igorot Way of Life

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Kagagasing ay Ilin di Tadian

"Kasiyana sa", Igorot Word of Reassurance Amidst Uncertainty and Hopelessness in COVID-19

Igorots are simple people.

Let’s have a breather to deviate and ease our COVID-19 saturated minds from this mayhem.

What do Igorots have in store for this chaotic situation we are in?

It is the reassurance that everything will be all right, and this perplexing situation will get better for all of us tomorrow. "Kasiyana sa."

I find it hard how to express myself while thinking of how many of us also feel about the havoc this pandemic has brought to this world. But let me tell you, "Kasiyana sa", this too shall pass just like what everybody is wishing and things will soon be back to normal. This is no easy feat but I'm sure with resilience and discipline inherent amongst us, we will pull through and get over this difficult situation.

To the Igorots, if there is “Inayan sa,” to forbid misconducts and wrongdoings to avoid bad karma; in times of uncertainties like what we are all experiencing today - the COVID_19, there are also reassuring words to uplift the spirit of those who despair and are losing hope.

I’m sure the Igorots are saying, “Kasiyana sa.” and "Laton sa."

Yes, me too. I want to remain adamant and be positive about what will happen because I strongly believe that all these will soon pass and tomorrow will be a better day for all of us. “Kasiyana sa.”

“Kasiyana sa,” is a Kankanaey word that gives assurance in times of uncertainty and hopelessness. It was what our ancestors have passed to the next generations. That in times like this pandemic, people should keep calm and be strong because “Kabunian”, the Igorot God, is always there to stand by them no matter what difficulties they are going through.

I remember my parents a long time ago, they always eased our bad feelings with the short sentence, “Kasiyana sa.” In difficult times; like when we were sick, when there was a problem, when we were almost losing hope, and when someone is having a hard time with something else, their word of reassurance kept our spirits up.

My father used to tell us how they had survived World War II without experiencing extreme hunger. Some thought it was already the end of the world, and those who thought of the end of the world were the same people who stopped working on the fields because they thought they were only wasting their time toiling the land if the world would end, anyway. When the war finally ended, it was those who continued working amidst the war who didn’t go hungry. Those who stopped working on the fields to plant crops for sustenance experienced extreme hunger after the war.

It's the same reason our father always advised us to keep going, no matter the situation. Because everything, no matter how difficult and hopeless it may seem, will have an end.

My father would often tell us, “Kasiyana sa.” Everything will be fine. Things will soon get better. And it provided us with the hope and comfort we needed, which gave us the strength to face the difficulties.

There’s another uplifting word of the Igorots. They say, “Laton sa,” to mean the positive result of something.

They say, “Laton sa,” to mean everything is fine and good.

During this time when COVID-19 is creating stress, depression, difficulties, and doubts in our minds,  we say “Kasiyana sa.” or “Laton sa.”

Let’s think of the positive things this pandemic has done to us. It wasn’t all that negative; we learned how to be more prepared for this kind of problem.

In the end, we will have something to thank COVID-19 because we learned a lot of lessons we have missed in normal situations.

I'll end this with, "Kasiyana sa."

Copyright 2020 

Igorots Coping Amidst COVID-19

Please give proper credit to the author.
Do not copy-paste.
by: Felisa Daskeo

I've been thinking a lot about the Igorots in this time of pandemic and crisis whilst they are in a dire situation yet they are coping amidst the COVID-19 and they are surviving the situation with or without the help of the government.

Remember Mayor Gabino Ganggangan of Sadanga, Mountain Province, who refused the food packs from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for his constituents? In his statement and I quote, "Let the national Government feed those more needy urban poor in the cities and those less fortunate in other areas who can't sustain themselves, while we sustain ourselves while we can."

His statement is very true of the Igorots. It is not a boastful act but an inherent attitude of the Igorots who can sustain themselves even in the direst of situations. As Igorots, they were taught to live within their means. Igorots don't practice extravagant life, even if they have the means to do so. Luxury is not part of their simple life and to top it all they want to gain money honestly because they abide by their ancestors' words, "Inayan sa."

“Inayan sa." It's a short sentence full of sense and meaning. To the Igorots they say, "Inayan sa", to all acts against human rights and moral values. They say, "Inayan sa", to someone who violates laws. In short, it is what makes an Igorot the way he is.

Here are some Inherent Characteristics of Igorots why they can survive during Crisis.

1. Resilience - Igorots are perhaps one of the most resilient people. They have strong personalities that help them recover easily during times of crisis. They have the ability to adapt to any situation.

2. They live within their means. - Igorots don't practice extravagant life. They live a simple lifestyle like their ancestors and content themselves with what they have. They are not fond of jewelry and other luxuries that are only embellishments and unnecessary in their daily life. Just because Juan has a new television means Pedro will also buy one. It is not what they were taught. If you don't have extra money to buy "luho”, then be content with what you have.

3. They always think of others. - Igorots always think of others and are not selfish. They always think of the word, "Inayan sa." Greed of power and money is frowned upon by many Igorots.

4. They always save for a rainy day. - Igorots aren't one day millionaires. They always think of the future. Their "agamang" rice granary is always full. So the rice supply could sustain them for a year or more. Farmers plant rice in the rice terraces only once a year. So, they make sure they have enough rice supply before harvest season comes again. Igorots are heavy rice eaters because they work very hard to sustain themselves. They aren't used to charities from other people unless needed. In times of crisis such as this COVID-19 pandemic, rice and salt is almost a luxury.

5. They practice bayanihan religiously. Igorots practice bayanihan especially in times of calamities. The death of someone means every family in the community must share something to help the bereaved family. So the bereaved family will not be indebted, but they will have an extra budget for the pa-siyam and 40 days celebrations. They accomplish community projects in gratis, and you don't hear complaints. They do their duties and responsibilities for their community without complaining.

6. They are very practical. This part will surely surprise you. In the Cordillera Region, you cannot tell who is rich and who is not because even the rich aren't so showy about what they have. They wear simple clothes, but they have a mansion and a handsome car. Igorots will buy a nice car which is necessary but not an LV bag worth Php100,000. He will build a mansion but do not expect him to buy that Rolex watch that is worth half a million pesos. In short, they are very practical and they buy only what is necessary. So when you see an Igorot that resembles that beggar in Luneta Park, do not smirk and say, "kadiri". For all you know that Igorot is a millionaire who is just killing time while waiting for his daughter who is a doctor in one of the hospital’s around and mind you, he is driving a Land Rover.

These and more are some inherent characteristics of Igorots worth emulating that make them sustain themselves in times of calamities.

Their resilience and discipline make them survive a crisis.

At the moment while writing this, 4 provinces in the Cordillera Region have no reported cases of COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 Felisa Daskeo. All rights reserved.

Igorots Coping Amidst COVID-19

Please give proper credit to the author.
Do not copy-paste.
by: Felisa Daskeo

I've been thinking a lot about the Igorots in this time of pandemic and crisis whilst they are in a dire situation yet they are coping amidst the COVID-19 and they are surviving the situation with or without the help of the government.

Remember how the late Mayor Gabino Ganggangan of Sadanga, Mountain Province, who refused the food packs from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for his constituents? In his statement and I quote, "Let the national Government feed those more needy urban poor in the cities and those less fortunate in other areas who can't sustain themselves, while we sustain ourselves while we can."

His statement is very true of the Igorots. It is not a boastful act but an inherent attitude of the Igorots who can sustain themselves even in the direst of situations. As Igorots, they were taught to live within their means. Igorots don't practice extravagant life, even if they have the means to do so. Luxury is not part of their simple life and to top it all they want to gain money honestly because they abide by their ancestors' words, "Inayan sa."

“Inayan sa." It's a short sentence full of sense and meaning. To the Igorots they say, "Inayan sa", to all acts against human rights and moral values. They say, "Inayan sa", to someone who violates laws. In short, it is what makes an Igorot the way he is.

Here are some Inherent Characteristics of Igorots why they can survive during Crisis.

1. Resilience - Igorots are perhaps one of the most resilient people. They have strong personalities that help them recover easily during times of crisis. They have the ability to adapt to any situation.

2. They live within their means. - Igorots don't practice extravagant life. They live a simple lifestyle like their ancestors and content themselves with what they have. They are not fond of jewelry and other luxuries that are only embellishments and unnecessary in their daily life. Just because Juan has a new television means Pedro will also buy one. It is not what they were taught. If you don't have extra money to buy "luho”, then be content with what you have.

3. They always think of others. - Igorots always think of others and are not selfish. They always think of the word, "Inayan sa." Greed of power and money is frowned upon by many Igorots.

4. They always save for a rainy day. - Igorots aren't one day millionaires. They always think of the future. Their "agamang" rice granary is always full. So the rice supply could sustain them for a year or more. Farmers plant rice in the rice terraces only once a year. So, they make sure they have enough rice supply before harvest season comes again. Igorots are heavy rice eaters because they work very hard to sustain themselves. They aren't used to charities from other people unless needed. In times of crisis such as this COVID-19 pandemic, rice and salt is almost a luxury.

5. They practice bayanihan religiously. Igorots practice bayanihan especially in times of calamities. The death of someone means every family in the community must share something to help the bereaved family. So the bereaved family will not be indebted, but they will have an extra budget for the pa-siyam and 40 days celebrations. They accomplish community projects in gratis, and you don't hear complaints. They do their duties and responsibilities for their community without complaining.

6. They respect the authorities and abide by the laws. Although Igorots don't have po and opo in their words, they are very respectful people. They don't practice the "Mano po" but they show their respect through their humble words and actions. They don't always say, ma'am and sir. But in respecting authorities and laws, they need not be told what to do. They abide by the laws and follow orders from authorities. This COVID-19 pandemic alerted the Igorots to practice the "Tee" or "Tengaw" which is the Igorot version of "Stay-at-Home. Te-e or Tengaw is an old tradition and practice where everyone must stay at home during a certain event. The Igorots observe Te-e or Tengaw 100%. They always listen to the old men.

7. They are very practical. This part will surely surprise you. In the Cordillera Region, you cannot tell who is rich and who is not because even the rich aren't so showy about what they have. They wear simple clothes, but they have a mansion and a handsome car. Igorots will buy a nice car which is necessary but not an LV bag worth Php100,000. He will build a mansion but do not expect him to buy that Rolex watch that is worth half a million pesos. In short, they are very practical and they buy only what is necessary. So when you see an Igorot that resembles that beggar in Luneta Park, do not smirk and say, "kadiri". For all you know that Igorot is a millionaire who is just killing time while waiting for his daughter who is a doctor in one of the hospital’s around and mind you, he is driving a Land Rover.

These and more are some inherent characteristics of Igorots worth emulating that make them sustain themselves in times of calamities.

Their resilience and discipline make them survive a crisis.

At the moment while writing this, 4 provinces in the Cordillera Region have no reported cases of COVID-19.
Copyright 2020 Felisa Daskeo. All rights reserved.

"Apade" - The Igorot Fairies

by: Felisa Daskeo

My father was a prolific storyteller who spiced my youth with interesting if not adorable stories. There was this strange story that was left unexplained.I haven't heard any development of this story since then, but I believe it was true.

When tribal wars were still predominant in our region; an unexplained phenomenon kept my father’s village safe from the neighboring enemies.

As soon as darkness swallowed the village, clusters of lights out of nowhere surrounded it and kept the enemies at bay. They called these "APADE". And they are like moving torches. These were the fairies of the Igorots in Tadian Mt. Province.

My father said that Tadian, Mt. Province has never been attacked by the enemies since they thought that the lights were the villagers themselves protecting their village.

When we were young, we often saw lights scattered around the mountains. We often thought they were men, but we learned from my father that they were not. They were the "APADE", which were like fairies of the town.

There was this story a long time ago about a man who caught one of them out of curiosity and was surprised to discover only dirt on his hand.

When modernization was adapted by the Igorots, the "Apade" slowly left the village. There was this story told that a man once saw lights parading away from the town and a voice saying, "We'll leave this place. We are of no use anymore." Perhaps they left to find another place to protect from danger. As for Tadian, it still is a very safe and peaceful place to stay even to these days. 

Sad to say, these considered fairies slowly vanished with the modernization of lifestyle. They say that these fairies were driven away by modern technology. They love peace a long time ago.

Copyright 2020 Felisa Daskeo. Do not copy.


What's even sadder is that these fairies will never come back to Tadian.

How to Win an Igorot Man's Approval

By: Felisa Daskeo

The online craze brought about by the handsome Igorot had abated and everyone in FB is back to normal life but we will never forget Jeyrick Sigmaton aka Mr. Carrotman. His pictures are still flocking FB and gaining several views and likes from fans.

Image credit by Paul Louie Serrano

After Jeyrick, and Cabbageman who also captured the attention of many people because of his undeniably good looks, more Igorot men came out from their hiding places and posted their pictures. And more and more people are now proving that many Igorots are good looking too just like other Filipinos.

During the height of Mr. Carrotman’s online popularity, something interesting sprouted in FB. A lady admittedly said that she was overjoyed by the turn of events. She has proven that her Igorot boyfriend is really kind and not just pretending.

With the positive turn of events, I’m sure there are ladies out there who are already getting curious about Igorot men.

Here’s something to satisfy your curiosity about Igorot Men.

The new Igorot generation may be different.

•       He is not the romantic type of man.

He can buy you expensive jeans but do not expect chocolates and roses from him.

•      He is not fond of physical appearance when choosing a woman.

The Igorot man does not choose a woman according to face and body value. In fact, he prefers someone who is not beautiful but who is not afraid to soil her hands. He does not think good looks is the way to a man's heart. The first thing that attracts him is what's inside your heart. Never mind if you are not physically beautiful for as long as you have a beautiful heart and mind.

•              He does not display his affection in public.

In fact, he prefers the romantic part of his life to be very private. During my childhood days, I have observed that unlike the Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Visayans, and other Filipinos, Igorots never held hands while walking and they never displayed any kind of affection to each other. Of course, the new generation is far different from what we were before. But there are still many Igorot men who still cling to the old tradition.

•       He is very practical.

He will not let you go hungry but don’t expect him to bring you to a five-star restaurant even if he can afford it. The Igorot man can build you a beautiful, sturdy and expensive dwelling but he won't buy you jewelry and cars if they are only meant to show off. He will buy a car because it is necessary.

•          He is the rugged type man.

Don’t make him wear the well-pressed slacks and polo shirt because he prefers the rugged denim pants and T-shirt. Buy him Levi's 501 and he'll love you more for that.

•          He doesn’t talk too much.

He talks only in a few words but with sense. Be sure to listen carefully.

•          He is a family man.

He loves his family and works hard to provide for his family. His family first before others.

•          He loves everything country.

He enjoys listening to country music, reading cowboy paperbacks, and wearing rugged denims.

•          He is kind, caring and responsible.

Although he is not very romantic, he is kind and caring. He always makes sure that you are safe and well.

•          He’s a hard-worker.

He works very hard to earn a living and does not choose what kind of job for as long as he can do it.

Ladies, brace yourselves because here’s the core of the article.

Here’s how to win an Igorot man’s approval.

The Don’ts.

• He doesn’t like the “maarte” and the “maluho”.
• He doesn’t like a woman with well-manicured nails.
• He doesn’t like a woman who is too confident about herself.
• He doesn’t like a “loud” woman.

The Do’s.

• He likes a simple woman with simple lifestyle.
• He likes a woman who is a “katuwang sa buhay”.
• He likes a conservative woman.
• He likes a woman who is aware of her surroundings.
• He likes a woman who will be a wife and a mother.
• He likes a woman who will be his partner in decision making.

Now, ladies out there, you can breathe now. Of course, just like any other situation, not all Igorot men are the same. And that depends on how both of you will work on the relationship. Igorot or not Igorot, there are always factors that will affect a relationship. But of course putting yourself in the right place will help make a relationship work.

5 Misconceptions About Igorots and the Truth About Them

by: Felisa Daskeo

Mr. Carrotman’s sudden surge to online stardom has made many Filipinos asking if Jeyrick Sigmaton is really an Igorot.

Credit to Paul Louie Serrano

Igorots are the most talked about indigenous people in the Philippines today because of Mr. Carrotman who is from Barlig, Mt. Province. Many people are asking the true identity of an Igorot.

Are Igorots really as good looking as Mr. Carrotman?

There’s this one post in FB that said, Jeyrick doesn’t look like an Igorot because he is not dark with curly hair.

There is nothing to be curious about or nothing to wonder about an Igorot because we are actually not far different from other Filipinos. Igorots are the indigenous group of people with traditions, beliefs and practices that are different from other Filipinos but this does not mean that Igorots are people who look different or who act differently from other Filipinos.

The misconceptions about Igorots and the truth about Igorots.

• Igorots have tails. Many people think that igorots have tails. They don’t have tails because they are human beings and not animals that is a fact. But if the tail is referred to the G-string, yes, Igorots wear G-string but only during occasions where it is needed. After the celebrations, they discard the G-string and wear their normal clothes such as jeans, shorts, shirts, or pants. They don’t wear that loincloth everyday.

• Igorotslive in tree houses. Some people believe that Igorots are still living in tree houses just like those built by the first Filipinos up on the trees to protect themselves from their enemies and wild animals. This is not true. Igorots live in sturdy-built houses that could withstand storms and earthquakes.

One of the several Igorot Villages in the Cordillera.

•  Igorots are short, dark, with curly hair. Definitely not true. I have never seen an Igorot who is like an Aeta. Igorots are mostly fair-skinned with black straight hair just like most Filipinos.

They are all Igorots. Three of them are teachers, one is an accountant and one is the wife of the Baranggay Captain.

• Igorots do not know how to cook. If you are talking about gourmet cooking, I would say yes. Igorots cook simple meals without many food enhancers. That was what it used to be, but in this technologically rich society, many Igorots have learned to cook too just like other Filipinos. In fact, their popular “pinikpikan” has evolved too.

Traditional cooking of glutinous rice to be wrapped in banana leaves.

• Igorots are still primitive. Definitely not. In this computer age, Igorots live a lifestyle just like the other Filipinos in the lowlands. They have big, beautiful houses. They have furniture and appliances at home. They have computers and gadgets. They eat adobo, kare-kare, fried chicken, sinigang, sweet and sour, spaghetti, pancit, pizza, hotdog, hamburger, etc.

Igorots may not be the “fashionistas”, they love jeans and shirts, They are not “maarte”, and they prefer to look simple and conservative, and not “maluho” they are very frugal and spend their money only in necessities, but they are definitely not primitive people.

5 Misconceptions About Igorots and the Truth About Them

by: Felisa Daskeo

Mr. Carrotman’s sudden surge to online stardom has made many Filipinos asking if Jeyrick Sigmaton is really an Igorot. Now an award winning actor, Jeyrick is still that simple and humble man.

Credit to Paul Louie Serrano

Igorots are the most talked about indigenous people in the Philippines today because of Mr. Carrotman who is from Barlig, Mt. Province. Many people are asking the true identity of an Igorot.

Are Igorots really as good looking as Mr. Carrotman?

There’s this one post in FB that said, Jeyrick doesn’t look like an Igorot because he is not dark with curly hair.

There is nothing to be curious about or nothing to wonder about an Igorot because we are actually not far different from other Filipinos. Igorots are the indigenous group of people with traditions, beliefs and practices that are different from other Filipinos but this does not mean that Igorots are people who look different or who act differently from other Filipinos.

The misconceptions about Igorots and the truth about Igorots.

• Igorots have tails. Many people think that igorots have tails. They don’t have tails because they are human beings and not animals that is a fact. But if the tail is referred to the G-string, yes, Igorots wear G-string but only during occasions where it is needed. No human being has a tail.

• Igorots live in tree houses. Some people believe that Igorots are still living in tree houses. Hundreds of years ago, when the Philippines was still covered with thick grasses and forests, Igorots may have lived in tree houses and caves, just like other Filipinos. But the modern times tells me that even Igorots in the mountains live is nicely constructed homes that could withstand storms and earthquakes.

One of the several Igorot Villages in the Cordillera.

•  Igorots are short, dark, with curly hair. Definitely not true.. Igorots are mostly fair-skinned with black straight hair just like most Filipinos. 

They are all Igorots. Three of them are teachers, one is a CPA-LAWYER and one is the wife of the Baranggay Captain.

• Igorots do not know how to cook.  Again, this maybe true a long time ago but in this computer age where everybody is already exposed to the modern lifestyle, Igorots are also foodies, crowding the market with there own home-made delicacies. In fact, even the "Pinkpikan" has evolved too with the passing of years.  But then again, many Igorots are still entrenched in their traditional, simple way of cooking. 

Traditional cooking of glutinous rice to be wrapped in banana leaves. Locally called - patopat.

• Igorots are still primitive. Definitely untrue. Just like anything else around the world, life evolves, changes, and improves. The Igorot lifestyle has also evolved with the changes that took place around the world. In this computer age, Igorots live a lifestyle just like the other Filipinos.  

Igorots may not be the “fashionistas”, they love jeans and shirts, They are not “maarte”, and they prefer to look simple and conservative, and not “maluho” they are very frugal and spend their money only in necessities, but they are definitely not primitive people.

Note: Igorots are scattered around the world. Many Igorots are very successful in their careers, but they aren't wearing tags on their backs, so you will never know that they belong to a tribe that is always discriminated. So, the next time you are eating in a fine restaurant and you see a man in cowboy hat and boots, don't be surprised if he could afford to eat there.

You Don't Look like an Igorot!!!

by: Felisa Daskeo

This is a pure blooded Igorot's house. She's a CPA-Lawyer.

During the time when Jeyrick Sigmaton, the Carrotman from Mt. Province got the attention of the internet and went viral, I have seen a few awful remarks about Igorots on Facebook. One man was barking like a wild dog and expressing his own wrath over Igorots. I don’t know why. Another woman talked about Igorots being like pigs, to my utter disgust.


The most annoying part is, every time I say, "I am an Igorot"; I hear the words, "But you don't look like an Igorot.

What exactly do they mean by that phrase?

We, Igorots, don't go online injecting obscenities and expletives about Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Warays, etc, because we believe that everyone is entitled to his own way of life no matter what kind of life you have. To shorten it, we are all Filipinos and we are all the same; there is no difference. Physically, Igorots are not far different from other Filipinos. There are several Igorot men and women who are as good looking as some actors and actresses around.

To set it straight, IGOROTS are not short, small, dark and with curly hair people.

Surprised to see a good-looking Igorot? Don't be.

Here are 9 things that you should know about Igorots.

·        1.  Igorots are perhaps the humblest people to be around.

An Igorot will tell you that he is living in a shanty but you will find out soon that he is living in a beautiful house complete with good furniture and appliances. She will tell you that she has no money but look into her wallet and you can find thick wads of bills. You can meet a dirty-looking man or woman that you can easily describe as a farmer or vendor, only to find out that he can either be a lawyer, a doctor or an engineer and she, an accountant, a manager or business owner helping in the fields or garden. They will not ask to be called sir or ma’am even if they have master’s degrees and doctorate degrees. They want respect, but they don’t ask for more.

A cute Igorot boy.

·         Igorots value education so much.

Parents can go without shoes or good clothes in order to send their children to school. You can see a man or a woman that you will easily mistake as a beggar, but mind you, that man may be the father of a lawyer and that woman may be the mother of three big-time businessmen. They can live without good clothes and other accessories, but they cannot live without a good education for the children.

·        2.  Igorots are not fashionistas.

An Igorot is definitely not fond of fashion. But of course, the young generation has different tastes nowadays and could be fashionistas too, but definitely, most Igorots do not go with the flow of fashion trends. Being the rugged type of people in the mountains, they prefer jeans and shirts. She can try wearing a dress for a while but she will always go back to her jeans and shirt because that is what she is used to. Men love to wear all types of jackets, except of course the jackets with so many embellishments. They would prefer the simple leather jacket even if it is expensive. Men also love wearing leather boots.

·       3.  Igorots love Country Music and Cowboy Stories/Action Movies.

Igorots love the songs of Kenny Rogers, Don Williams, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Scotty McCreery,, etc. I guess it has something to do with the weather and the geographical setting too. Igorots aren't the drama-type people when it comes to movies. They love action that is why they love Western movies.

·       4.   Igorots are practical.

This is just a portion of Tadian, Mt. Province. Tadian is now crowded with big, beautiful houses.

Igorots are very practical people. They think first of their necessities before the luxuries and what’s beyond necessary. First thing first, a sturdy house, food on the table and education for the kids. Although some can afford to be sometimes luxurious, they shrug off their shoulders if someone will offer them products that are unnecessary for their daily life. If an Igorot buys something, it must be useful and not something to display or use once in a while.

·         5. Igorots are simple.

Igorots live simple lives. They only avail things that are important even if they have the means to be extravagant. They have inherited the frugal lives of their ancestors up to this stage. If made to choose between a sports car and a truck, he would readily choose a truck.

·        6.  Igorots always think of the future.

      Igorots always set aside something for tomorrow. They are not one day millionaires. An Igorot man will work hard and save because he knows that nothing is permanent in this world. He will always think of the future of his family. Before spending, he will ask himself first, "What if?"

·         7. Igorot men value their family so much.

The number one priority of an Igorot man is a stable family. He works very hard to provide the necessities of the family. He is a responsible man, and he makes sure his family is secured.

·        8.  Igorot men and women are DIY people.

Igorots are “do it yourself” people. They can easily organize things even if they didn’t learn about it by using simple common sense. Like me, I am not a carpenter, but I usually do simple carpentry work at home. It is part of being an Igorot to do things on your own and not hire other people to do it for you.

·        9.  Igorot women are not frigid. 

A few years ago I read an article in a newspaper talking about women in the mountain regions being frigid. The article further said that this is the reason why more and more men are looking for wives in the lowlands. I almost laughed. Igorot women may not be that very sweet and showy, but they are definitely not frigid.

I am a pure-blooded Igorot and I am definitely not short, small, dark and with curly hair. The next time you hear someone say, "Igorotak" and you can't believe it; don't open your mouth to say, "Oh, but you are so beautiful to be an Igorot." Just admire the Igorot beauty that is in front of you' because out there, there are so many beautiful and handsome Igorots circulating around with you that you aren't aware about.

Copyright Felisa Daskeo 2016

Mr. Carrotman is an Igorot

I was awed, shocked and amazed with what I saw yesterday.  

Image Credit: Paul Louie Serrano

Who is this Carrotman?

When I saw his name tagged with Igorot, it made my blood shoot up in excitement and I could feel that aha moment crawling inside me.

Yes, I was at the peak of utmost joy because I learned that the young man they were calling Mr. Carrotman is an Igorot. And everything Igorot turns me on and makes me rushing to my computer keys.

Mt. Province’s Mr. Carrotman has caught the attention of thousands of netizens when his picture was shared on Facebook. Yesterday, I had been following the photos of the handsome Igorot man being shared on Facebook. Today, I was really shocked because it seems that his pictures appeared every minute while I was scrolling the posts on FB.

Perhaps now that Mr. Carrotman has finally wowed the netizens and became the hottest sensation for two days, those who still think that Igorots are dark-skinned with curly hair will make up their mind and change their opinions regarding the Igorots. Will there be still doubts about Igorots being human beings?

Well, it seems to me, being an Igorot does not in any way alter the situation that wherever you go, whether in the mountains, in the lowlands, the desert or the cities, there are good-looking people as well as not so pleasant looking people. Because that is a fact and the truth. It is not impossible to see a handsome Igorot in the middle of the wild or a beautiful Igorot lady tending to an old lady in a rich district in Manhattan.

It is absurd to say that there are no handsome and no beautiful Igorots because there are already a few Igorots who have come out from their shell and showed who the Igorots are. Marky Cielo is one of them. Too bad and sad that he didn’t last long, but we saw him and watched as he performed with gracefulness in his dance moves on stage. Paulo Avelino is also an Igorot. They are both Igorots, and they don’t have tails. They are not dark, small and curly-haired too. There are other Igorots who have made good names in showbiz. Igorots are all over the world working as businessmen, engineers, nurses, teachers, lawyers, doctors, etc. etc. But they don't have name tags, so you can never tell if they are Igorots.

Now, comes the Mr. Carrotman and I’m sure given the chance to prove his worth, he will be like the other Igorots who have made a name and are still making a name in showbiz.

I wish Mr. Carrotman good luck should he be given a place in the showbiz world. Hopefully, he will be good like the others and make another big name for the Igorots. You will be a pride of the Igorots.

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The Sagawsaw is a Ceremony Performed for Someone who Accidentally Killed a Person

by: Felisa Daskeo

The Sagawsaw

The Sagawsaw is a pagan ceremony that requires only the dog as the sacrificial animal. In

this ceremony, the bile is not considered. It is only the killing of the dog that is important. 

The priest utters some epithets as the dog is killed.



Here are some examples of epithets being uttered by the pagan priest:

• May this man be more courageous, strong, invulnerable and live long.

• May he kill more people to bring glory to his fellowmen and to his community.

This ceremony is performed only in cases when one has accidentally killed a person or a 

man has just come from a penitentiary as a result of a grave case. The person for whom the 

Sagawsaw is performed cannot partake in the dog meat, but he has to be present during the 

ceremony. The ceremony is done in an uninhabited house. The person whom the ceremony

is performed will be allowed to go home early the next morning.

Copyright Felisa Daskeo 2016

The Paypay is an Igorot Ceremony Intended to Call back the Spirit of a Person Gone Astray

by: Felisa Daskeo

Paypay is pronounced as (pai-pai)

The Paypay – this is also a simple pagan celebration just like the Ed-edew but celebrated with a different purpose.

These are the reasons why the Paypay is performed.

1. If a person survives an accident. Say for example a man, woman or youngster was spared from a car accident or any accident encountered.

2. If a person has been hospitalized because of a serious illness.

3. If one came from a war or any situation in which life is at stake. This is performed because the belief is that if there is no ceremony, the person involved will always be in a grip of fear or frightful situation. Performing the said ceremony will spare the person of fear.

At sunrise, a pagan priest will go to the mountain peak nearby with a rooster. He will then shout at the top of his voice entrusting the spirit of the subject person to return safely home.

Igorots believe that in any accident, battles or while a person is in the hospital fighting for his or her life, the person’s spirit is scared and has to leave the body to wander elsewhere. This causes restlessness and insomnia to the person. The ceremony is performed in order to call back the spirit of the person. As soon as the priest returns to the house, the rooster is set free while a hen is offered to the anitos (spirits of the dead ancestors. This ends the Paypay with the belief that theh spirit gone astray has now returned back to the body of the person. And so, the subject person will live a normal life.

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Ed-edew

the Otop

The Baskang

The Pakde

Copyright Felisa Daskeo 2016

Igorot Practices and Traditions: Ed-edew is performed After a Fearful Dream

by: Felisa Daskeo

Ed-edew- Pronounced as [id-idəw]

Ed-edew is another Igorot practice that involves a simple ceremony with a chicken as an offering. The Igorots value peaceful and comfortable living very much so that even nightmares and bad dreams need to be taken care of. The chicken is offered to the spirits or anitos after a bad dream especially if a person had a fearful dream about his or her ancestors.

Ed-edew is also performed when someone is traveling to another place, whether it is near of far, to look for a job of if the person is selling anything for gain or going into any venture to bring back gain.

Igorots believe that offering sacrifices to the spirits or anitos will bring forth positive results. Again, just like all the other ceremonies, the old men have to look at the position of the bile carefully to make sure that the ceremony produces a fruitful result.

Read more:

The Otop

The Baskang

The Pakde

Copyright Felisa Daskeo 2016