"Bontoc, Mountain Province --- a land rich with very unique traditions"

At the heart of Mtn. Province is Bontoc – the town that houses the major political and economic facets of the province. To an outsider this is what Bontoc is – a place to transact business.


But Bontoc is actually more than this. If one would take time to travel and explore the quaint villages scattered around its perimeter, he discovers that this town teems with rich resources made even richer by a diverse culture. However, there is more to what meets the eyes. Alongside with the rich resources, are the preserved traditions of Bontoc waving their banners proudly as they are still being practised by the Bontoc people.


The Uplands. This term refers to the villages of Dalican, Mainit, Guina-ang, and Maligcong. There is the Maligcong Rice Terraces which offers its fertile lands to the industrious people of Maligcong. Not only that, the uplands also have the hot springs of Mainit waiting to be bathed into by the villagers and visitors. Not to mention the gold which are also found in Mainit.


The Riverside. This refers to the villages of Caneo, Talubin, Bayyo, and Tocucan. Resources in these villages are the clean rivers, Tocucan Lake and the mountains with verdant trees of Bayyo. Apart from that the people here are known to be hard working and thrifty.


ALBAGO. Comprising this unit are Alab Oriente, Alab Proper, Balili and Gonogon. The main attraction of there villages are the unique rock formations.


Central Bontoc. This refers to Bontoc Ili, Samoki, Poblacion and Caluttit. Atos(old village quarters) and the Chico River are evident here. Not to mention the Bontoc Museum where one can reminisce the colourful history of Bontoc as story told by the things stored in there. Central Bontoc also serve as the main business district.


Sixteen barangays, one town. Beneath the diversity of people and culture, there is still one thing that binds all the Bontoc people – the spirit of “og-ogfo”. This attribute has led Bontoc ancestors prevail in the past. And it is this same spirit that will help present generations survive.




HOUSE BUILDING

Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient Seas is one of the countries which up to now give their very best in preserving their cultures and traditions. Bontoc, Mountain Province of the Philippines has a lot of cultures and traditions to offer. One of the fascinating traditions is practiced in building a house. In the olden times, House Building is being participated by the village residents without pay; this is termed as og-ogfu - a very good example of helping others without expecting anything in return. In most places in the country workers have to be paid considering the kind of economy we have. Yet, her in Bontoc, free labor is readily given.


Whenever a house is to be built, elder’s assistance and advice must always be put into consideration for they are the ones who perform certain rites to bring good luck and drive off evil spirits.


Scattering coins, most often old coins, on the house posts before cementing brings good luck to the owners. Offering a pig before the floor will be cemented is also believed to bring good luck. The pig would be purposely for the workers because it serves as a gift of appreciation from the owner.


There are also certain DON’T s to be followed by the house’s owners. The owner should not attend any funeral neither to visit any dead person at the duration of house building because it brings bad luck to the house.


When the house is finally completed, a house blessing will take place with an elder leading the ceremony. Mangmang is observed and Rice Wine( Tapey) is served.


This is just one of the many traditions Bontoc had been practicing all throughout the years.




TRADITIONAL OUTFIT AND DANCE


Behind the mountains of Mountain Province lies our hometown, Bontoc. We grew up in this place where traditional practices are held sacred. Most of these practices are still being performed while others are starting to fade away.

We, the Igorots, have our own traditional costume. For the ladies, we have the “tapis” which is hand-woven and wrapped around the waist with a belt called “wakes”. The boys use the “wanes” which is a long also-hand-woven strip. In the olden times, it was used by people as their daily attire but now it is only worn during special occasions. These are worn during dances such as the “sagni”.

Since childhood, we have been taught the proper ways of wearing these costumes and executing the “sagni”, both of which are a part of our identity as Igorots. Though modern and foreign dances were already introduced, the elders and the youth alike try their best to preserve these things.

These costumes and dances are never forgotten because of the role played by the local government, the schools and the community. There are competitions for cultural dances and dance groups to participate in them thanks to these three. Also, these are some of the things most likely to be seen during festivals, wedding celebrations, and other special days. This serves as a training ground for us to perform these dances and at the same time, preserving the tradition.

WOOD CARVING AND WEAVING

Wood is one of the basic necessities of our ancestors in the past. It still is even up to today. The art of wood carving and basket/bag weaving has been passed down from generation to generation, form master to apprentice.

Sagada, one of the municipalities of Mountain Province, is known for their woven items. Aside from being sturdy, these bags are also spacious. Though not many weave or carve anymore, the skill is not forgotten. Wood carving or basket weaving requires patience and practice. They may not be rare or unique talents but the style is. Simple as this style may seem, it’s still beautiful and definitely one-of-a-kind. Products of which are being sold at souvenir shops, wood-craft-selling stores and in some stalls in fairs.