Deepening the Exchange with the Talaandig Tribe

Cultural Exchange and Workshop with the artists of Talaandig Tribe

April 26, 2009 at the Victor Oteyza Community Arts Space  (VOCAS)

Baguio City

Waway tells stories of reviving the Talaandig instruments

Balugto, Waway. Soliman, and Tambuloy

It started last year when we visited the Talaandig community in Barangay Sungco, Lantapan, Bukidnon. We were impressed by the steps the community had taken to assert their identity with the full and creative participation of the elders, youth, women, children. Our two-day stay in the area was packed with discussions and learning, and it was suggested that the exchange would not end there, but be deepened in future activities.

The idea for cultural exchange between the Talaandig artists and the Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (DKK) was brewing, on our 12 hour journey from southern to northern Philippines. Seldom indeed is the opportunity for indigenous artists from opposite ends of the country to meet and learn from each other.

Thus, Waway and his troop arrived in Baguio City last April 22, in time for travel to Sagada, Mountain Province to participate in the 25th celebration of Cordillera Day, a story for a later post maybe by someone else, since I attended the Cordillera Day Celebration in Bakun Benguet.

On their final day, the Talaandig artists conducted a workshop with local artists and students in Baguio city. They shared their music, dance, and soil paintings, which showcased the creativity and integrity of contemporary Talaandig art.

This exchange is made possible with a grant from the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development. It will continue in October, when DKK members will travel south and visit the Talaandig community. Abangan...