By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

IN textbooks, tribes are often pictured in their twilight years dressed in their native clothing. So when I visited the Tam-Awan Village in Baguio City, I was expecting to see the elders dancing. But instead of the elders, young Igorots dressed in their tribal costume were the ones performing and entertaining the audience.

Most of the members of the Tam-Awan Village Dance Troupe, whose ages range from 13 to 21 years, were cousins, said Ransam Abrod who was one of the dancers.

Yes, these young people spend Saturdays performing for tourists at the Tam-Awan Village instead of going out to a nearby mall, party or play computer games. Not only were they performing but also interacting with the audience as they invited them to dance.

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By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

SOMETIMES you just hate the rain especially the nonstop downpour that causes flooding — not to mention wet socks and feet.

In Muntinlupa City, however, no rain can stop the celebration of the Banhayan Festival as residents of barangay Cupang and Buli danced and sang despite the strong rains. I saw people who were barefoot not complaining, as they followed the long route of the parade.

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What started the so-called “Pandangguhan sa Kalye” in Pateros.

INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Izah Morales finds out in this video interview with Parish Priest Fr. Orlando Cantillon, devotee Beth Adriano, and suman vendor Evangeline Macalipay.

Santa Marta devotees from Pateros dance the “Pandangguhan sa Kalye,” as spectators throw food called “pasubo.”

Local people consider Santa Martha as the patron of duck-raisers or “mag-iitik.” A procession is conducted with people carrying a pagoda with the image of Santa Marta stepping on a crocodile.

Wearing traditional costumes, the feast comes with the singing of kundiman songs while people dance in the street.