This week, I will be reading the Bisayan chapter in The Boxer Codex. This manuscript written circa 1590, details written accounts on various people from what is now known as the Philippines as well as our neighbors in the East. […]
It’s a few minutes to midnight as I write this while listening to Us by Ruby Ibarra ft. Rocky Rivera, Klassy, & Faith Santilla. All day I have been working to set up this blog, the latest out of many. […]
Throughout our history there have been a plethora of revolts and uprisings by our people in the name of freedom, fighting for our rights, and for our beliefs. While some are often well known and taught in schools and history books, others are more or less unheard of.
As Filipinos we are a very creative and artistic group of people. Drive around Manila and you will see random walls painted in beautiful mural works of art ranging from illustrations of well known historical figures, to depicting social and political issues. The art scene in the Philippines isn’t as known as other places in the world, however art history in the country still exists and extends to our pre-colonial art.
Let's face it. We as Filipinos love music. It is one of those traits that run through our blood and culture that stems back to pre-colonial times, as we danced and sang while working in the fields, completed rituals of planting and harvest, before a raid, and during celebrations. Even the Spaniards noted our affinity with the sounds of music. Today, the majority of the world acknowledges the musical talents and passion of Filipinos. I for one love grabbing a karaoke mic and singing my heart out in any of the Filipino parties I attend, having a good laugh surrounded by family, friends, food, and drinks. Cheers!
Most Filipinos today know of this symbolic, colorful bird that has captured hearts and imaginations. It was featured as part of the logo for local channel, ABS-CBN, during the 90’s and also for the 1994 Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines which both contributed to the popularity of the mythical bird throughout the country within recent years. An example of the bird can be seen when one enters the National Museum of the Philippines where there is an intricately carved figure of the sarimanok on display that symbolizes the artistic and cultural significance of the Meranao people of Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur, Mindanao.
Known as Lola Mameng, and as Kumander Guerrero, Lola Mameng is a hero and was one of the last remaining legacies of the guerrilla group, Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap or Huk) or The Nation’s Army Against the Japanese in English. The Huks were a group formed by farmers who fought against the tyranny of the Japanese military occupation of the Philippines and their villages and homes during World War II. They were the protectors of our people against the Japanese who invaded and were the resistance against them, fighting fiercely to protect our people and eventually fought against the Philippine government after they were ordered to disarm and arrest the Huks under the orders of the U.S. for being labeled as Communists.
There are some stories that have been passed down to us through the generations that tells the tales of our people in long enchanting epics and folklore. Some that are well known are the Biag ni Lam-ang of the Ilokanos, the Ibalon from the Bikolanos, the Hudhud from the Ifugao, the Hinalawod of the Sulod of Panay, and the Darangen of the Maranao.
Oh man, this past weekend has been amazing and filled with spirit. So Saturday night I received my batok from Lane Wilcken during his workshop on Filipino traditional tattoo’s in NYC. I was asked by the woman who ran the event, Andrea, if I wanted to volunteer to get tattooed during the workshop. I told her I didn’t mind and the next day or the following day after Lane actually messaged me on Facebook asking me the same thing. I felt honored that he personally asked me and that he wanted to tattoo me saying he felt through the spirits that he should contact me for this. Of course I said yes and I was looking forward to it.
Ligaya Caballes is a cultural bearer, writer, researcher, and photographer, who has educated the Filipino community and diaspora on the history, culture, and folklore of the Philippines for over 10 years. She is a Filipina based in New York, who follows and practices the Animistic and Polytheistic beliefs of her Tagalog and Bisayan ancestors. She is of Mindoreño Tagalog and Akeanon descent. She is also a traditional Filipino hand tapped tattoo apprentice with Katao School. 
COMING SOON!
This blog is dedicated to the ancestors, the spirits of the land, the rich and diverse history and cultures of the Philippines, and to her people.
May we continue to seek out the knowledge and to learn more about who we are, our histories, identities, and stories. And upon learning these histories, folklore, and culture for ourselves, may we continue to teach and pass them on to the next and future generations.
Salamat for reading!
Ligaya Caballes
