Pure people, Me people

This morning, I decided to read the newspaper and find something interesting to wake myself up. I then found this. 

I always thought of Igorots as uncivilized tribes that I felt sorry for. The world around them had already moved on from making bahay kubos and build skyscrapers instead. They on the other hand, stay as they are and continue to use simple things like twigs and plants, which what they believe are the only necessary things that are used to survive. Their clothes are long strips of hand-woven loin cloth called “Wanes” for boys and “Lufid” for girls. I am lucky to be here right now and own conventional clothes because their clothes, let's just say, would gather too much attention. Imagining them doing their daily routine makes me want to show this laptop and describe what it is used for. 

  

But wait, where do the things that I have right now come from? And where do the Igorots get the idea to live like this? Sadly, the things that I am using right now are from another country. My phone is from, I don’t know China maybe? And this laptop well, I’m pretty sure it is not made in the Philippines.  My clothes are American-inspired and the language that I am using right now is also American-inspired. Well, might as well call me a mix-breed influenced by different countries. I am a mongrel in the dog world.

A little information about Igorots: (copied from: amerigorot.blogspot.com)

1. Language: Igorots speak their own languages (Bontoc, Ibaloy, Kanakanaey, Kalinga etc.)
2. Culture & Colonization: Igorots were not conquered by Spain. The Igorot’s ability to keep from being colonized by Spaniards for more tham 300 years allowed their culture to stay preserved to this day.    
3. Government: Igorots of the Cordilleras have their own autonomous government
4. Food: Igorot food is considered indigenous with little influence from other countries
5.          Clothing: Traditional clothing for men & women are clearly distinct and bears no Spanish influence

Igorots are pure tribes. They refused to conform, when Spanish colonization took place. They stood still while everything is developing into a world that has been taken over by technology. I think if I give my clothes to them they will make it a burning medium for cooking. They don’t care about what the latest trend is, or the new Iphone that recently came out (which I wouldn't mind buying if I have money, it has Siri voice input!eep). Looking at their culture, makes me feel like a girl who has no true identity. They are the original Filipinos. How… do…. They…. Do…. That? I think from their view, they feel sorry for us.

Needless to say, I admire them. If they are the true Filipino then what am I?
hmmm.... Now I don’t mind wearing “Lufid” when I go out.



Chameleon