Nestled on the foothills of the mighty Mt. Apo, the best mountain within the Philippines, the Bagobo ethnic group thrives. Throughout our journey to Davao del Sur, we had the privilege of immersing ourselves within the tradition of the Bagobo-Tagabawa, also referred to as the “Folks of the South.” This subgroup, residing in villages like Tibolo and Bansalan, offered us with a glimpse into their wealthy heritage, with a particular concentrate on the Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village and the legacy of Salinta Monon.
The Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village
The Bagobo-Tagabawa individuals, primarily agricultural, domesticate rice and crops whereas sometimes elevating livestock. Rooted in animism, some have additionally embraced Christianity. Their stilt bamboo homes with thatched roofs, located in Tibolo, showcase their distinctive life-style. Adorned in vibrant clothes reflecting their inventive ability, the Bagobo-Tagabawa are expert in beadwork and weaving.
Our go to to the Cultural Village, perched on a hill in Tibolo, allowed us to expertise their heat hospitality in Datu Ruben Corridor. The open perform corridor, cooled by a relentless pure breeze, and surrounded by timber and foliage, created a nice environment. The Bagobo-Tagabawa handled us to fascinating conventional music and dance, accompanied by mesmerizing gongs. We indulged in native delicacies comparable to nilutlot na manok, native corn espresso, and lemongrass tea. A brief stroll from the corridor results in the Faculty of Residing Traditions (SLT), the place lovers can deepen their understanding of Bagobo-Tagabawa crafts and traditions. For these searching for an immersive expertise, lodging in native homes can be found.
For extra info on the Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village, go to their Fb Web page fb.com/profile.php?id=100057607742350
Salinta Monon, the Final Bagobo Weaver
In our journey to Bituag, Bansalan, we paid homage to Salinta Monon, the “final Bagobo weaver.” Famend for her Bagobo-Tagabawa ikat textile weaving, referred to as “inabal,” Salinta Monon earned the title of Nationwide Residing Treasure in 1998. Visiting her humble residence, we have been graciously welcomed by her granddaughter, Love, and her first pupil, Estella, together with their households. Salinta Monon handed away on June 4, 2009, forsaking a legacy symbolized by her golden Centennial Bust Statue displayed outdoors her home together with samples of inabal, tangkulo scarf, and abaca fibers.
On Might 16, 2022, the municipal authorities of Bansalan unveiled the Delivery Centennial Bust Statue and Marker in commemoration of Salinta Monon’s centennial yr. By the devoted efforts of her kin, group, and organizations, her house has reworked right into a cultural middle preserving the heritage of Bagobo-Tagabawa weaving.
For more information on Inabal and Bagobo Textile Weaving, contact her granddaughter Monon ReyRose at fb.com/profile.php?id=100009208257346
Our exploration of the Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village and the tribute to Salinta Monon offered a profound perception into the wealthy cultural tapestry of the Bagobo-Tagabawa individuals. The expertise left us with a deep appreciation for his or her traditions, craftsmanship, and the significance of preserving these invaluable elements of their heritage.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications comparable to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to varied organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality pictures for his or her advertising supplies.
