February 3, 2013
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| FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Jannelle, Charis, Chabs, Inna, Kyna, Chesca & Soo Hee |
KIS<3CHACHACHA
Chabs
Arichea
Charis Go
Chesca De Leon
Jannelle Turija
Kyna Barcelona
Inna Robles
Soo Hee
Chang
SA21 – T
Tales from the Sociological Tourist Zone (TFTSTZ 2013) OFFICIAL TRAILER:
Strategy: Distance and Difficulty of Tasks
We were the last group to descend the bus, this being a race we instantly panicked. Through the adrenaline of it all, Chesca de Leon had stepped up to be in charge of organizing and relaying the tasks to us. At the beginning of the race, we approached a guard and some workers from SM Baguio in order to inquire information and directions. After, we assessed the data they gave us and we decided to accomplish the tasks by visiting the places that were closest to us and closer to one another; since we only had a budget of Php100 for our fare.
Ang mga susunod na programa ay hango
sa mga tunay na pangyayari.
Episode 1: PMA = Pamantasang Malapit sa Aming Puso <3
#PMA #TotalInstitution
#Freedom #Isolation #Rules #LimitedActions
Key Informant: Kaizann David Tac-an, Third Class cadet
Just kidding, PMA actually stands for the Philippine Military Academy. According to the very convenient video the Academy provided for its visitors, PMA was originally Academia Militar when it was first established back in 1898. It was only during the Commonwealth that it was renamed to Philippine Military Academy, and was since known as the top military academy in the country.
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| TOP: The Lopez Hall of Leaders MIDDLE: PMA Cadets in formation BOTTOM: The Long Grey Line, the insignias of graduated PMA batches |
As
with every institution, the Philippine Military Academy imposes rules on its
inhabitants – especially the cadets – that are enforced with absolute rigidity
(seeing as it is a military school).
An example of such rules is the 5AM mandatory wake-up time. According to a
First Class cadet (the equivalent of a College Senior to us) if they’re late,
they receive a corresponding punishment, which is way more than our usual
half-cut. Another set of rules would be those that govern the cadets’
activities in the barracks in (their living quarters). For example, even the
way they arrange their things must be precise. All of their personal belongings
must be perfectly arranged according to size. Their clothes must be pressed
well to the point that their pants look like thin pieces of cloth on a hanger.
Each room has a bar above the door which the cadets use to perform pull-ups so
that another cadet can put their pants on for them. (Better illustration: you
pull yourself up using a bar so that your legs are dangling below you. A fellow
cadet will then put your pants on you while you’re hanging on that bar so as to
prevent creases on your pristinely pressed pants.) Talk about extreme valet
services.
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| TOP: The Sunday Silent Drill MIDDLE: Our group posing with the Drill Leaders BOTTOM: The Silent Drill in Arrow Formation |
And
where Ateneans are governed by the Jesuit values of magis (doing more than what is expected)
and cura personalis (being a man for
others), the cadets of PMA have C.I.L., or Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty. The
cadets live and breathe these values, even forming the acronym during their
famous Silent Drill. Speaking of, during the photo opp. with the Commanding
Officers that ensued right after the Drill, we couldn’t help but notice how
stiff the officers looked compared to flocks of tourists lining up to take a
picture with them. All throughout the officers neither smiled nor struck a pose
while those around them are doing otherwise. When we asked Kaiz (our escort)
about this, he said it was a sign of respect to their uniforms to act with
integrity.
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| LEFT: The PMA Chapel TOP RIGHT: Agony in the Garden, PMA Chapel Garden BOTTOM RIGHT: The cadets marching to barracks |
Other, more quirky rules for cadets involve a lot of “romantic” actions, which our escort, Cadet Tac-an, did not fail to illustrate to us (to me). For example, given that their significant others (boyfriends and/or girlfriends) would visit PMA, they will only go on a date around the area of their so-called Flirtation Walk. Rumor has it, any couple who meet here or go on a date here will surely end up together. Another "rule" would be one cadet must never wear another cadet’s hat. If they do and they’re caught, they will be forced to kiss (mouth to mouth) the person to whom the hat they’re wearing belongs to. I’m happy to report that not only did I had a lovely chat with Kaiz on the Flirtation Walk, he also took his hat off for me (just for introductory purposes. He wanted to introduce himself to us.).
We can see how concepts of total institutions are applied, what with the cadets being isolated from the rest of society (come on, they stand on a hill that’s much higher than Ateneo), and with the constant supervision of their lives in general. Looking at these different elements that constitute the Philippine Military Academy, our group thought that the cadets were free – to an extent. Despite being given a time off each day in order to address their personal concerns, most of the time they had to comply with the Academy norms keenly and without delay. From the time they wake up to the time of their classes, their exercise period, their rest period, and their eating periods in the Mess Hall, the rules of the school are governing them. During our short visit, however, it was nice to see that even though their schedules and their rules are unyielding, the cadets were nonetheless friendly and welcoming to us. We’d definitely go back for another tour.
Entry and Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Episode 2: Mapping my Way Downtown
#LocalsVsTourists #Mapping #LengthOfResidency #LanguageBarriers
Key Informants: Teenage Baguio Locals (Names not disclosed) & Mr. Loly and the African football players (Names not disclosed)
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| TOP: Jann, Inna and Soo Hee interviewing a group of locals BOTTOM: Posing with our interviewees :) |
It took us quite a while before we finally found locals that were wiling enough to answer our questions. These group of teenagers were very friendly and did not hesitate to aid us in our task. They were only worried about giving us false or incorrect information and not because they were afraid of us.
Unlike the others we tried approaching, which were mostly of the elder age group. There seem to be a fear of answering questions that were not in anyway related to the tourists ones. The moment we mentioned that we were students in need of help in answering questions, they would immediately shuffle and make excuses of not being locals or denying it.
It could be because we were imposing on them or they were afraid of what we were going to do with the information we got from them. Looking back, it might have been a mistake to ask them directly if they were locals or not and introducing ourselves as students and not as tourists. They were quick to conclude that we were going to "interview" them, as what one sidewalk vendor chided.
As we can see, the map drawn by the locals is much more extensive and detailed as compared to the one drawn by the "tourists." As a basis, we could point out the obvious fact of these 2 groups' age difference. We weren't able to get factual data on our interviewees' biography, however we are positive that the locals we interviewed are around 17-19 years old. While the tourists, who claimed that they weren't born or raised in the city, can be assumed to be older than 25 years old(this is an appearance-wise assumption).
If we now compare the number of years these people have lived in the area, the reason for the detailed maps would be explained. The local teenagers who must have lived in Baguio their entire lives would most likely know more than the tourists who only lived here for probably a year or lesser. Mr. Loly even apologized because he couldn't help us much with the map. The three lone establishments he could make up, as he explained, were the only ones he went to, so these are the only places he knew.
If we also compare the establishments or trade marks included in the drawn maps of the two groups, we could presume that the locals and tourists chose to share these specific locations because this is what they thought would be the information we needed. First of all, it was easier to communicate with the locals because we have a common language -- tagalog or english. As for the tourists, it was difficult because the only language we could use as english, however, english not being their mother tongue, it was still difficult to know if we understood what each other was saying. Sociologically, this can be viewed as how language can be important in order for people to communicate.
just goes to show that in the end it's better to ask a local than a tourist. For one, a local has been in a certain for a longer period of time. And even as a tourist, if both parties can speak at least one language efficiently, then all is well.
Entry by: Jannelle Turija
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Unlike the others we tried approaching, which were mostly of the elder age group. There seem to be a fear of answering questions that were not in anyway related to the tourists ones. The moment we mentioned that we were students in need of help in answering questions, they would immediately shuffle and make excuses of not being locals or denying it.
It could be because we were imposing on them or they were afraid of what we were going to do with the information we got from them. Looking back, it might have been a mistake to ask them directly if they were locals or not and introducing ourselves as students and not as tourists. They were quick to conclude that we were going to "interview" them, as what one sidewalk vendor chided.
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| Map drawn by the local teenagers |
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| Map drawn by Mr. Loly and company(Soccer players) |
As we can see, the map drawn by the locals is much more extensive and detailed as compared to the one drawn by the "tourists." As a basis, we could point out the obvious fact of these 2 groups' age difference. We weren't able to get factual data on our interviewees' biography, however we are positive that the locals we interviewed are around 17-19 years old. While the tourists, who claimed that they weren't born or raised in the city, can be assumed to be older than 25 years old(this is an appearance-wise assumption).
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| TOP LEFT, RIGHT: Interviewing the African tourists BOTTOM LEFT: Charis and Chesca with Mr. Loly |
If we now compare the number of years these people have lived in the area, the reason for the detailed maps would be explained. The local teenagers who must have lived in Baguio their entire lives would most likely know more than the tourists who only lived here for probably a year or lesser. Mr. Loly even apologized because he couldn't help us much with the map. The three lone establishments he could make up, as he explained, were the only ones he went to, so these are the only places he knew.
If we also compare the establishments or trade marks included in the drawn maps of the two groups, we could presume that the locals and tourists chose to share these specific locations because this is what they thought would be the information we needed. First of all, it was easier to communicate with the locals because we have a common language -- tagalog or english. As for the tourists, it was difficult because the only language we could use as english, however, english not being their mother tongue, it was still difficult to know if we understood what each other was saying. Sociologically, this can be viewed as how language can be important in order for people to communicate.
just goes to show that in the end it's better to ask a local than a tourist. For one, a local has been in a certain for a longer period of time. And even as a tourist, if both parties can speak at least one language efficiently, then all is well.
Entry by: Jannelle Turija
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Episode 3: Home is Where the ART is
#ART #SocialFunctionalism #BrandOverTalent #SymbolicInteraction
#ART #SocialFunctionalism #BrandOverTalent #SymbolicInteraction
TAM-AWAN
Key informant: Tam-Awan Artist (name not disclosed)
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| Inside Tam-Awan Village with the Artists |
We then visited Tam-Awan Village. It’s a village sponsored by Chanum, co. that's situated on a mountain. By sponsored I mean that it's not really a village where people live, but a village that comprises of most of the things Baguio city has to offer; like a commercialized tourist spot.
Upon entering you must pay 50Php per head for the entrance fee. Once inside, it's an uphill battle, literally. You have to climb (it was almost close to climbing) stairs.
When we finally got to the area where you can have your self portrait sketched, we were greeted by a group of locals probably their mid-to-late thirties. At first we didn't know who to talk to because at first glance you wouldn't think that they were the artists we were looking for. They looked like they were just there chilling and enjoying the view. The little information we got from the artist who was sketching a group mate of ours, Soo Hee Chang, was only enough to give us a glimpse of how these local artists get on with their lives.
Upon entering you must pay 50Php per head for the entrance fee. Once inside, it's an uphill battle, literally. You have to climb (it was almost close to climbing) stairs.
When we finally got to the area where you can have your self portrait sketched, we were greeted by a group of locals probably their mid-to-late thirties. At first we didn't know who to talk to because at first glance you wouldn't think that they were the artists we were looking for. They looked like they were just there chilling and enjoying the view. The little information we got from the artist who was sketching a group mate of ours, Soo Hee Chang, was only enough to give us a glimpse of how these local artists get on with their lives.
The artist mentioned that many tourists visited the village and had themselves sketched or bought paintings, but the profit they got was only enough for their daily needs, “nakakaraos pa rin naman,” as he would say.
However, when asked, these artists do not seem to be fazed by their situation. They believe that they would one day be able to overcome the hurdle of poverty, even if they know it would be close to impossible. As if these artists are aware of how social functionalism works, they know that their position in our country's economic ladder is vital even if it means they are not exactly at the top.
He mentions though that there is no "manager" in their business. Every artist in the village help each other out. They have a system wherein they do not need to pay for rent in the village, they only need to pay a percentage of their profit(did not mention if daily, weekly, monthly or yearly); then they divide equally among the artists the remainder of it. It doesn't matter whether who painted or sketched what. These people were definitely skilled, it's quite unfortunate that they could not reach their full potential as artists.
He mentions though that there is no "manager" in their business. Every artist in the village help each other out. They have a system wherein they do not need to pay for rent in the village, they only need to pay a percentage of their profit(did not mention if daily, weekly, monthly or yearly); then they divide equally among the artists the remainder of it. It doesn't matter whether who painted or sketched what. These people were definitely skilled, it's quite unfortunate that they could not reach their full potential as artists.
ARKO NI APO
Put simply, “Why we were there”
It was, as the title suggests, circumstance. (The “design” part was a pun on Art. A lovely bit of trivia for the readers.) For practicality, we decided to split the group in half. Three members would enter the Tam-Awan Village, with its hefty entrance fee. The other three would visit Arko ni Apo, a gallery just on the other side of the road from Tam-Awan, and see if there were any other local artists that might be willing to be interviewed, for the sake of a broader perspective.
We got more than we bargained for.
Of
Art and Perspective
Mr. Ben-Hur
had very strong opinions about art, and he never hesitated to assert them.
On
the question of the difference of Baguio art from European or American art, he
simply answered that, in his opinion, it is not right to compare the different
styles. The artist’s response is simply to do best by himself and his
dependents. It is the viewer, he states, that does the comparison.
Art reflects the environment: the culture of the place, the lifestyle and the environment, among other things. Artists, then, have only to go through the normal process (create-invent-experiment) under the influence and inspiration of these external factors. This is very much in relation with the concept of the human being as a social creature within the context of a social environment.
Regarding
the Socio-economic situation of the artists in Baguio, Mr. Villanueva describes
it as “struggling”, and cited himself as an example. Having eight children to
feed with the sales proceeds of his art and a few sideline jobs is tough.
Sales,
he explains, are based more on the artist’s brand
rather than any talent he might possess. Is the artist known; is he famous?
This describes the possession of art in recent days as a status symbol, as
opposed to the old mantra of “art for art’s sake”.
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| TOP: Our members with Mr. Ben-Hur Villanueva BOTTOM: The ARKO NI APO Art Gallery, owned by the Villanueva Family |
Artists can also no longer “pick and choose” in terms of inspiration. In a world where one must get by, one must always be inspired. In a way, this inspiration will in turn give them hope, which they need.
The
Experience
It was more than a little bit surprising to encounter such a familiar presence in a far-away place like Tam-Awan Village, Baguio City.
Although the downstairs showroom was a bit daunting for us, once we were upstairs at the interview, Mr. Villanueva put us completely at ease.
Having spoken only tagalog up to that point, he surprised us by answering our questions in perfect English, until we decided to begin asking questions in English as well, for better communication.
Though retired for some time now, the man still carries the air of a professor, and answered like one, as well. Though he had a very casual manner, his answers were well thought-out. In that moment, the cluttered workplace we were sitting in may as well have been a classroom in Sec A or Faura (for lack of experience with the AGS classrooms).
All
in all, it was a pleasant experience to be able to meet him and talk with him,
and very much worth the fact that we three were not able to explore Tam-Awan
for ourselves. We like to think that we were able to walk away having learned
something new and unique from this experience, with more than just dry
information.,
At
the end, he requested very humbly that the information he shared not be kept to
ourselves, but shared to a greater many. Specifically, that we “go and write of
this, and do it well.”
We
sincerely hope that we have.
Entry by: Jannelle Turija and Chesca de Leon
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Entry by: Jannelle Turija and Chesca de Leon
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Episode 4: Graveyard Shift
#LocalCemetery #OpenPitMining #SpanishInfluence #Mores #Folkways
A graveyard shift surely isn't something to look forward to. And the moment we found out we had to actually visit a cemetery, well it was getting quite late by then, so we were hell bent on doing this task as fast as we could.
We decided it would be quicker if we spread out. We could cover more ground and do the task efficiently too. And so we did. It only took us about 10-15mins to come up with the 100 names we needed. Actually, we got more than a 100, because in the name of fairness, we agreed that each group had to get 35 names, since it's impossible to get 33.3.
As for the pattern regarding the names of the deaths of these people: looking at the list of the names according to the decade, most of the names were of Spanish origin. Despite the fact, that the Spanish have long been out of the country. Whether we liked it or not, Filipinos have carried the family names of our ancestors who were present during the Spanish Colonization Era. The Spaniards had greatly influenced Philippines and its culture; including Filipino names. However, there are a few Irish and Jewish names found, Spanish names were still predominant.
We didn't get a picture of the oldest and youngest tombstone that we could find because the guard from the cemetery didn't allow us. It could be because out of politeness and respect, he believed that we must respect the dead. A very good example of mores. Other groups may have taken pictures, however, we decided not to disobey the guard. I suppose we just found it hard to go against what we have been taught. That it is quite disrespectful and insensitive to take pictures with graves.
We decided it would be quicker if we spread out. We could cover more ground and do the task efficiently too. And so we did. It only took us about 10-15mins to come up with the 100 names we needed. Actually, we got more than a 100, because in the name of fairness, we agreed that each group had to get 35 names, since it's impossible to get 33.3.
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| List of 105 names with age, and year of death |
Based on our statistics, there were more deaths during the 1990's to 2000's. It was during this time that a mining issue has arisen. 15 kilometers away, in Benguet, a mining project has been announced to the public. In a way, it has affected the people of Baguio seeing to it as it is quite close. Relocations and a lot of jobs were compromised once the project would begin. Hence, the many deaths. This however does not explain the multiple deaths of infants or young ones. It is difficult to search for a reason for this phenomena. Sadly, we hope that this has nothing to do with abortion. Knowing that the Philippines did not undergo a one child birth policy similar to China, that was popular during this period, this could not be the reason either. The second and third highest mortality rate decades were 1961-1970 and 1971-1980. The deaths weren't as prominent as the 1990's, and no historical event could be applied as to why there were deaths. Therefore, it's safe to conclude that these deaths were merely of old age.
As for the pattern regarding the names of the deaths of these people: looking at the list of the names according to the decade, most of the names were of Spanish origin. Despite the fact, that the Spanish have long been out of the country. Whether we liked it or not, Filipinos have carried the family names of our ancestors who were present during the Spanish Colonization Era. The Spaniards had greatly influenced Philippines and its culture; including Filipino names. However, there are a few Irish and Jewish names found, Spanish names were still predominant.
We didn't get a picture of the oldest and youngest tombstone that we could find because the guard from the cemetery didn't allow us. It could be because out of politeness and respect, he believed that we must respect the dead. A very good example of mores. Other groups may have taken pictures, however, we decided not to disobey the guard. I suppose we just found it hard to go against what we have been taught. That it is quite disrespectful and insensitive to take pictures with graves.
Entry by: Jannelle Turija andSoo Hee Chang
Sources: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-14636092/going-against-goliath philippines.html
Episode 5: A Stairway to Heaven
#AtonementWalk #Penitensya #Conformity
Key informant: A local sidewalk vendor (Name not disclosed)
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| LEFT: Our group at the bottom of the steps MIDDLE: Success! RIGHT: And back down |
After interviewing a group of employees about
the places we had to visit for the field work, we decided to first go to Our
Lady of Atonement Cathedral. From our starting point, SM City Baguio, we had to
walk for quite a distance heading down. When we finally reached the steps of
the cathedral, we were already quite exhausted. You could only imagine how we
felt when we saw how far up the stairway stretched. We walked up the stairs
slowly and thankfully reached the top!
The stairway had a total of 104 steps, 100
steps and 4 landings. It was quite narrow and steep. We observed that there
were a lot of beggars and vendors by the steps. People who climbed the steps
were mostly from the lower and middle classes based on the way they dressed. We could concluded that this was more of a chapel for the public to attend.
There is also the practice of the "Atonement Walk" that, in place of the more hardcore penitence rites like the carrying of the cross and the whipping, people choose to perform for the forgiveness of their sins (known as Penitensya). However, in recent times, people mainly follow this practice because a lot of other people are doing it, and not because they are penitent. This would be an application of the concept of conformity.
At the bottom of the steps, we were able to interview a sidewalk vendor of rosaries who we asked to confirm if our count for the steps was correct. She immediately gave us the answer with all confidence. Based on this interview we saw how accommodating people in Baguio are. This may be because they are used to the presence of foreigners who ask for directions and other information they need. After all, Baguio is known as the summer capital of the Philippines.
There is also the practice of the "Atonement Walk" that, in place of the more hardcore penitence rites like the carrying of the cross and the whipping, people choose to perform for the forgiveness of their sins (known as Penitensya). However, in recent times, people mainly follow this practice because a lot of other people are doing it, and not because they are penitent. This would be an application of the concept of conformity.
At the bottom of the steps, we were able to interview a sidewalk vendor of rosaries who we asked to confirm if our count for the steps was correct. She immediately gave us the answer with all confidence. Based on this interview we saw how accommodating people in Baguio are. This may be because they are used to the presence of foreigners who ask for directions and other information they need. After all, Baguio is known as the summer capital of the Philippines.
Entry
by: Kyna Barcelona and Chesca de Leon
Photos
by: Chabs Arichea
Episode 6: Material World
Key Informants: Market Vendors at Baguio Public Market
#Marxist #Capitalism #Material Culture #SOUVENIRS
Key Informants: Market Vendors at Baguio Public Market
People who live in the city would usually
associate public market with loud vendors selling raw meat, fish, and chicken
among other stuff, in a foul-smelling place. It’s pretty unpleasant. But the
public market in Baguio our group went to was quite refreshing to the eye.
Despite the overcrowded paths to different stalls, which we had to squeeze our
way into, we were able to do our tasks easily.
We were able to list down the price of the
food and some of the souvenirs. While listing down, we were so amazed with the
vegetables, they were so huge! The size difference from the city’s vegetables
is definitely far. We also observed that the prices of the products in Manila
are more expensive than in Baguio’s.
Broccoli-
P 40/ kilo
Lettuce- P 160/ kilo
Carrots-
P 40/ kilo
Tomato-
P 80/ kilo
Cauliflower-
P 70/ kilo
Baguio
Beans- P 50/kilo
(and of course, the favorite)
Strawberry-
P 140/ kg
Benguet
Coffee- P 140/ kg
Benguet
Oranges- P 100/ kilo
Rice
Wine- P 100 (large)/ 100 (small 3 pieces)
Strawberry
Wine- P 100 (large)/ 100 (small 3 pieces)
The products sold at the market, especially the knitted ready-to-wear clothes, the native delicacies (such as the Alfajor, Strawberry Jam and the home-made peanut butter), and the wooden display pieces may be considered part of Baguio's Material Culture, the items that it sells that foreigners can't seem to get enough of. While the making and selling items prove a source of livelihood for the locals, they are also things that many of us enjoy buying and bringing home as souvenirs.
And of course, what’s a trip without an “I heart” keychain?
And of course, what’s a trip without an “I heart” keychain?
I
<3 Baguio for P 20
We
enjoyed this leg of the race because we got to see various products from
Baguio. We got to experience what normal Baguio folk people do when they go to
the market.
Entry by: Inna Robles and Chesca de Leon
Photos by:
Chabs Arichea
Task 7:
Signs of the Times
#SocialControl
#SelfControl #InformalControl #Prejudice #ConformingToChangesInSociety
Key Informants: Mr. Gregorio Comaid and other Ifugao Men (Sight-seers at Burnham Park, Part-time tour guides in Sagada, Mountain Province) & Ifugao Women at the Botanical Garden (Names not Disclosed)
Key Informants: Mr. Gregorio Comaid and other Ifugao Men (Sight-seers at Burnham Park, Part-time tour guides in Sagada, Mountain Province) & Ifugao Women at the Botanical Garden (Names not Disclosed)
On Culture
Although we were initially asking about
their culture, the Ifugao men seemed particularly interested in giving us a
short run-down of their collective history as well. We learned first of the
five main native groups: the Kankana-ey, Ibaloy, Isneg, Bontoc, and Kalinga as
subgroups of the Igorot people.
Afterward, we learned of the different
dances that the Ifugao people hold on different occasions, such as weddings and
harvest times. This was a point reiterated later by the Ifugao women. The
attention they paid to this suggests that Igorots have an affinity with the art
of dance.
A curious detail noticed all throughout
the interview with the Ifugao men is their repeated suggestions that we visit
the Baguio Museum, Ifugao Park for further references on their culture, their
own descriptions admittedly being brief. Although the Ifugao women we
interviewed later in time were just as concise in their speech, this detail in
particular was troubling.
The impression received was that they
consider museums and other “formal” sources of information as more credible
than their own stories. It is possible to attribute this to the concept of the
Social Construct of Reality, wherein people shape their reality based on social
interaction. If we were to hazard a guess, it would be that this mindset is a
predominant one among the people that they interact with, and so they take it
as correct and begin to think in this way as well.
This is a real-life example of how
society shapes the human being, just as the human being shapes society.
 |
TOP: Ifugao Men in modern dress, Burnham Park, Baguio City
BOTTOM: Ifugao Women in Traditional Dress, Baguio City Botanical Garden
|
The Why’s and Why Not’s of Traditional Dress
Surprisingly enough, there were some
distinct similarities between the accounts of the Ifugaos in modern and
traditional dress.
Both groups confirmed that they still
wear the traditional dress on special occasions. Both also happened to state
that their choice of wearing/not wearing their people’s traditional dress is a
form of adaptation to the rapid urbanization of the higher reaches, such as
Baguio and Mountain Province.
Mr. Comaid, the acting spokesperson of
the group of Ifugao men, after first stating that there are many of Ifugao
people left who continue to wear it anyway, went on to describe the way that
Baguio and many more of the cities in the higher reaches are quickly being
modernized. He mentions that part of the reason why they (the group) wear
modern dress is to blend in (lit. “nakikiayon sa siyudad”), in order to
be treated as “normal” and avoid the possible burden of prejudice on their
chances of getting a job, and all other everyday tasks.
We see here an application of the concept
of Social Control – individuals accepting norms and values of a certain society
as their own (Self-Control) and the exercise of self-restraint based on what
others will think (Informal Control).
The concept of Cultural Lag is applicable
to this situation. While the group of Ifugao men (and, I’m sure, a great many
other Ifugaos) are willing to let go of wearing their traditional dress and
living the olden lifestyle in favor of the city life, they are less ready to
give up the telling and performance of their local dances.
On the part of the Ifugao women, one
elderly grandmother commented that continuing to wear the traditional woven
skirts, blouses and headdresses is their own way of adapting to the city. There
is profit to be had in picture-taking, and no shortage of tourists who request
it.
The experience
It was quite difficult to determine where
we would find groups of people to fit the specifications (i.e. Ifugaos in
traditional & modern dress). Mostly, we had to ask for the opinions of our
previous interviewees (See Locals’ Interview) in order to be able to pinpoint
the exact location. Once we found them, however, both groups were extremely
helpful and willing to give input, save for the difficulties stated above.
In the end, though, the difficulty of the
task was what made us feel so accomplished after completing it. Above are the
“victory pictures” with our interviewees. (Sadly, there was no picture of our victory mais.)
Entry by: Chesca de Leon
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Episode 8: Outlive, Outplay, Outlast
#SocioEconomic
Key
Informant: A lady street vendor and the manager of Solibao (Names not Disclosed)
Searching for the oldest establishment after
climbing up and down the 100 steps and 4 landings was no easy task. We asked a
vendor if she knew what the oldest establishment was in that street and she
mentioned Solibao, Sizzling Plate and Star Café.
 |
| TOP: Solibao Restaurant BOTTOM LEFT: Our interviewee BOTTOM RIGHT: Post-Interview Shot |
Fortunately, we immediately saw Solibao and
Sizzling Plate across the street. We went first across the street to Sizzling Plate, but unfortunately, the security guard did not allow us to go in and interview
people, not even ask them questions. (Our conversation with the guard indicated that there might have been some issue with former interviewers allowed into the restaurant.)
G
When SM Baguio was completed, he narrated, they lost a lot of customers. It was a question of taste, and a lot of people gravitated toward the mainstream fast food chains instead of staying with the separate establishments along Session Road. Also, he reasons, while Session Road is a long road that takes a while to traverse, the restaurants at SM Baguio are all gathered in one place. As such, it's also a matter of convenience. Today, they serve a few loyal customers and the people who happen to pass by Session Road. Through everything, Solibao has remained a creditable establishment.
While we hadn't given up on Star Café, after ceaseless searching, we
decided that we were losing precious time and that we go to our next
destination.
Entry by: Inna Robles and Chesca de Leon
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Episode 9: Bul-ol
#Sculptures #Rituals #Patrons #Paganism
The bulol is a narra carved sculpture of the Ifugao rice god. This sculpture shows wealth, well-being and happiness.
TRIVIA: A bulol often has a pair. The whole process of creating the anito is a ritual in itself. People who we interviewed said that the bulol is oftenly small because locals are oftenly short.
Looking at this in a sociological perspective, bulol is one of the anitos which the farmers patronize for prosperity in agriculture. A diety they ask not only for the sustenance of a bountiful harvest but also the sustenance of the farmers who cultivate the lands.
Entry by: Charis Go
Sources:http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2012/03/bencab-museum-in-full-bloom.html and
http://ugr.ucr.edu/journal/volumes/volume3/8.pdf
TRIVIA: A bulol often has a pair. The whole process of creating the anito is a ritual in itself. People who we interviewed said that the bulol is oftenly small because locals are oftenly short.
Looking at this in a sociological perspective, bulol is one of the anitos which the farmers patronize for prosperity in agriculture. A diety they ask not only for the sustenance of a bountiful harvest but also the sustenance of the farmers who cultivate the lands.
Entry by: Charis Go
Sources:http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2012/03/bencab-museum-in-full-bloom.html and
http://ugr.ucr.edu/journal/volumes/volume3/8.pdf
Episode 10: Pinikpikan
Key Informant: Cook at Sagada Lunch Eatery (Name not Disclosed)
#MaterialCulture #HardWork
Key Informant: Cook at Sagada Lunch Eatery (Name not Disclosed)
 |
| At Sagada Lunch Eatery |
It was quite difficult to find pinikpikan around the main business district. There was only one place, and it was found opposite the market in Lakandula Street along Magsaysay Road called Sagada Lunch. As expected of such a tucked-away place, its customers are mostly local of Baguio and the surrounding areas. We found out about the place by asking locals, who were more familiar with the winding streets of Baguio, and the restaurants and eateries along them.
There, we were able to interview one of the cooks at the eatery. It was a convenient set-up, since the dining area and the kitchen were separated by
How to Prepare Pinikpikan:
1. Hold the feet of chicken, the chicken being upside down. Lift its wings as well and slowly hit its body until it dies.
TRIVIA: People from Baguio oftenly call pinikpikan "kiling me softly" due to this method of kiling.
2. Remove long feathers and burn the short feathers together with the body.
3. Clean and remove dirt left on the chicken's skin and slice.
4. Prepare the pot where the chicken will be cooked with water, salt, vetsin and ginger.
5. Put the chicken when the water boils and put desired vergetables.
Given the simple recipe, it is no surprise that very few know the ancient beginnings of this humble dish. The chicken used for the pinikpikan is sacrificed or offered to the gods during rituals when it is required by the manbunong or their prayerman/tribal leader. Looking at the chicken's internal organs they decide whether the chicken is qualified to be offered.
This recipe, according to the cook we interviewed, is one that has been passed on from her grandmother to her mother, and will continue to be passed on through the generations. Though its original significance has been forgotten by all but the oldest souls, it is a dish whose recipe has been shared by word of mouth across the decades, and that has earned it a place in Baguio's diverse Material Culture.
Entry by: Charis Go
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Sources: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/79491/amik-kaliya-manuk-tiyula-itum-pinikpikan-proudly-indigenous-food and http://theocultura.blogspot.com/2005/03/gods-of-igorots.html)
There, we were able to interview one of the cooks at the eatery. It was a convenient set-up, since the dining area and the kitchen were separated by
 |
| A depiction of the ritual from which Pinikpikan originated |
1. Hold the feet of chicken, the chicken being upside down. Lift its wings as well and slowly hit its body until it dies.
TRIVIA: People from Baguio oftenly call pinikpikan "kiling me softly" due to this method of kiling.
2. Remove long feathers and burn the short feathers together with the body.
3. Clean and remove dirt left on the chicken's skin and slice.
4. Prepare the pot where the chicken will be cooked with water, salt, vetsin and ginger.
5. Put the chicken when the water boils and put desired vergetables.
Given the simple recipe, it is no surprise that very few know the ancient beginnings of this humble dish. The chicken used for the pinikpikan is sacrificed or offered to the gods during rituals when it is required by the manbunong or their prayerman/tribal leader. Looking at the chicken's internal organs they decide whether the chicken is qualified to be offered.
This recipe, according to the cook we interviewed, is one that has been passed on from her grandmother to her mother, and will continue to be passed on through the generations. Though its original significance has been forgotten by all but the oldest souls, it is a dish whose recipe has been shared by word of mouth across the decades, and that has earned it a place in Baguio's diverse Material Culture.
Entry by: Charis Go
Photos by: Chabs Arichea
Sources: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/79491/amik-kaliya-manuk-tiyula-itum-pinikpikan-proudly-indigenous-food and http://theocultura.blogspot.com/2005/03/gods-of-igorots.html)
Episode 11: The Dark Side of Baguio
Key informant: Frederick Tuccalay, Baguio Cemetery Guard & Baguio Taxi Driver (Name Not Disclosed)
#Rumors #HauntedPlaces #AndAVeryHelpfulManongDriver
Key informant: Frederick Tuccalay, Baguio Cemetery Guard & Baguio Taxi Driver (Name Not Disclosed)
Baguio is known as one of the most haunted
places in the Philippines. So we asked people, mostly taxi drivers, around
Baguio which places there were known for their ghost stories. Most of the places
used to be places in which soldiers of the American and Japanese wars had
stayed. Based on this history we can see how these places are haunted. Here’s a
list of the haunted places in Baguio:
1. Teacher’s Camp –
It was once a training camp for teachers during the American period. It is
currently a place where visitors can rent cottages and sleep for a day or more.
Visitors continue to patronize their service for the supernatural experiences.
Locals and visitors have experienced feeling someone tapping them on the
shoulder without anyone being there. They have also experienced seeing faces at
the windows of the rooms.
2. Dominican Hotel – It used to be a
Catholic school ran by priests and nuns. The Japanese bombed the place during
the war causing many deaths. Visitors have shared encounters with ghosts of
priests and nuns.
3. White House, along Loyola Road,
close to Teacher’s Camp – People have seen a white lady hanging by the windows
of this house.
4. Assumption Retreat House – Students
and visitors have seen a running man ghost.
5. Lawakan – In this area taxi drivers
have experienced passengers getting in their taxi and then suddenly disappear.
6. Baguio Cemetery – There was a boss
that used to walk through the cemetery to get home. The boss usually did this
alone but after seeing a white lady and monochrome dogs along the grave site of
“Amador T. Taro”, he always asked the guard, Frederick Tuccalay, to accompany
him home.
Our group visited the Baguio Cemetery and had
our photo taken with Mr. Tuccalay along the grave site where the boss had
witnessed the white lady and monochrome dogs. It was really creepy knowing that
supernatural beings pass there at night. It surely sent shivers down our spines
putting on fake smiles just for the picture. We immediately left the grave site
after taking the photo.
Entry by: Kyna
Barcelona
Photos by:
Chabs Arichea
Episode 12: Kasi Mas Malutong Kung Local (Ilocano Curse Word)
Key Informants: Taxi Driver (Name not Disclosed)
The words were "Okin Inam', the Ilocano equivalent of "P.I."
#LanguageAsCULTURE #Social Norms #Politeness
Key Informants: Taxi Driver (Name not Disclosed)
Unlike some of the other pieces of information, we came upon this one completely by accident. We were on our way back from the cemetery when we go to talking to our taxi driver. We eventually decided to ask him about curse words.
While he laughingly offered several in Tagalog, he was more hesitant to offer one in Ilocano. When he finally spoke, it was to request that he write it down on paper instead. In the end, he had to give it to us word for word.
The words were "Okin Inam', the Ilocano equivalent of "P.I."
It's strange, for those of us in the cities who are so used to cursing, to see people from a culture with burgeoning modernity still keeping to such traditional ways. But it might not be a bad thing.
This calls to mind both the idea of language as culture and or norms in society.
There are things, depending on where we are, that people should and should not do, in relation to the values embodied by the language of an area.
Maybe it's us that have a lot to learn from them.
~~~
The End.
The End.
~~~
At dito nagtatapos and ating programa.
Hanggang sa susunod!
~~~
Shout out from the cast!
Of all the things that we could possibly say... In conclusion...
WE DEFINITELY LOVE BAGUIO
AND THE PEOPLE THERE!! :">
WOOHOO ANG EPIC NUNG TRAILERRRRR. KAILAN SHOWIIIIING. #BigyanngA
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