I was cleaning my room when a replica of Ifugao House fell from the top of my television. There I realized there are many small items I bought / given by friends and relatives. Below are my island souvenirs from across the Philippines and beyond, together with their sentimental value:
These items are so previous to me. Way back in my volunteering years, we used to wear these as sign of our commitment to what we do and as a sign of being one with humanity.
Tubao (purple, red, green with checkered design) is like a handkerchief made by the Manobos and other indigenous peoples in Mindanao that can be used as a turban or head cover especially when you are traveling in a tropical country like the Philipines. I got my tubaos from different places like Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod. Some of my tubao’s were given by my officemates, student volunteers, and other co-volunteers. Too bad, though, that some of my tubao’s were misplaced during our volunteer formation sessions.
Malong is a traditional “tube skirt’ made of handwoven or machine-made multi-colored cotton cloth, with a variety of designs that is traditionally used as a garment of different tribes in Mindanao like the Maranao, Maguindanao, and T’boli weavers. It is similar to the sarong worn in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. It can be used as a skirt, a dress, a blanket, a sunshade, a bedsheet, a “dressing room, a prayer mat, and other purposes.
The blue-checkered malong (upper right side) came from Indonesia. I asked Luthfi, our fellow Indonesian student leader then, to buy one for me. It’s so much similar to the ones that we have in the Philippines but is for half body only. My malong from Zambaoanga, given by Lissy was misplaced during our fashion show that featured locally-made products. Sorry Liz.
I already had the scarf from Cagayan de Oro before the so-called “terrorist scarf” was popularized around the world and in the Philippines, making some critics concerned. The Keffiyeh scarves is a traditional headdress for men in the Middle East, folded and wrapped in different styles around the head or neck, which has become a fashion trend these days. I don’t know about them but wearing one before made you look baduy but for me it works like a malong for it has many uses. For bald people like me (ahaha), I find it an instant relief from sweat and shades from the sun. I usually bring a scarf when I travel in the provinces before and during volunteer trainings because when times go bad, the scarf will save the day. It also looks good to professional and amateur photographers who find their way out to get better pictures. But it has never been part of my every day fashion.
I got this bow and arrow from Botolan, Zambales during our immersion activities with the group of Aetas, Lakas Pamayan. They were displaced by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo but they were able to organize into a dignified community. I admire the leadership and the culture of our fellow Aetas. As they welcome intervention from other communities and institutions, they make it a point that their traditions will be preserved and visitors will get to appreciate their culture. Bow and arrow is usually used for hunting and to defend their perimeter against aggressors.
I also got a “sumpit” or a blow gun. It has a hollow tube from which a dart or an arrow is blown by a person’s breath. In the ancient times, the arrow was usually tipped with a poison. Unfortunely, I left by blown gun in my previous office. I’m not sure if it’s still there.
I have so many keychains as souvenirs from different places. Some are being used while some are on display since I don’t have enough keys to use these. The light blue keychain with ‘awesome bohol’ is from Jini during her recent trip. Wooden key chains from Baguio was given by Amor, the plastic chain with ‘bora’ from Marj and the chain that looks like a sting ray is from Shing. The three metallic chains are from Hong Kong (Marj), Japan (Mon), and Singapore (Adama). The Enchanted Kingdom chain with green background from Jini and the other was a remembrance from my blockmates’ trip in 1998. When you look on the hole and point the chain to a lighted area, you will see our group photo. I still have hair on that photo so it’s a treasure. Hehe…
Shell figurine from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Check out the archive for more of Pagudpud.
Who among the male population in the Philippine haven’t worn barong in their lifetime? Barong Tagalog (or simply barong) came from the word ‘baro’ or dress. It is an embroidered formal garment of the Philippines. It is very light and should be worn untucked over an undershirt. It is a common wedding and formal attire for Filipino men as well as women.
Lumban, Laguna is known for its barong weavers.
Masskara souvenirs from Bacolod City. Dubbed as City of Smiles, Bacolod masskara comes in different forms; necklace big and small, face mask, masks for display, and you can even buy masskara that were used in the Masskara Festival street dance competition. I got mine for only P 500. I didn’t buy the one I wore in the photo. It’s just for photo op. Hehe…There are also other good finds in Bacolod like this pen holder given by Rhyme.
Look at the archive for details about Bacolod’d Masskara Festival.
Good finds at the beach:
- Sarong / Tubao. I got these from Puerto Galera. Beach Sarongs / Tubaos as more silky than those being weaved by indigenous peoples in Mindanao
- Bottle of sand which Marj gave me from Bora
- Silky pants tie-dyed to have creative design. I got this from Cagayon de Oro but it doesn’t fit me. Wah…
- Anklet is an ornament worn around the ankle. This is historically had been worn for centuries by women in India though in other western countries and people hitting the beach, it has become fashionable even with men. I have a couple of anklets before but I can’t find them now. Huhu…
I haven’t been to Palawan but I got souvenirs from friends. I got the shell from Marj and the turtle replica from Perf. The long bamboo instrument is a rainmaker that Joanne gave me from one the WOW Philippines Palawan Showcase in Intramuros, Manila years ago. Inside the bamboo are stones or mongo seeds and whenever it is turned upside down, it creates a sound similar to that of the rain. So relaxing…
There are several religious items I got from our retreats and recollections in our school from grade school to college. I have a six-decade rosary from DLSU where the last decade is for the devotion to the Mother Mary. I have a crucifix key chain made of copper wire from Saint Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City. I also have several rosaries made from shells, plastic, and wood with carving. The wooden crucifix came from Baguio City.
I have a shoulder bag with ethnic design. The design is similar to the bag used by Aga Mulach in the movie “All My Life.” Hehe.. I got this from a student volunteers’ congress years ago. I also have table runner with interesting embroidery.
These wooden items (coin bank and wooden container) were given by our students in Divine Word College in Bangued, Abra during our Summer of Service in 2005. I served as adviser to student volunteers who conducted tutorial and leadership sessions while I facilitated modules for teachers to enhance their computer skills. We were also with our fellow deaf volunteers. There is a small population of deaf in Bangued so interaction between them and our students was very inspiring because they get to encourage their respective communities to enhance their skills and manage cultural differences.
Baguio goodies less the sweets. I have the ever famous ‘pangkamot’ (hehe..), wooden crucifix, wooden chime that has replica of ‘Bahay Kubo’ or Nipa Hut (traditional Filipino house), bracelet, key chain, and wooden tray. Sorry, no ‘man in a barrel’ here.
Replica of traditional Ifugao house which is usually elevated. This was given my Rhyme. I also got bonnet.
Finally I got a tambol or bongo or whatever you like to call it. I was looking for one many years ago and I bought this in one of the shops during the 2008 Masskara Festival in Bacolod. I got this for P 230 pesos. ‘Tambol’ or drum is a member of the percussion group and are the world’s oldest and most ever-present musical instrument. The basic design has remained virtually unchanged for thousand years. These are considered as ‘untuned instruments.’
From my sister in Canada
Next: island t-shirts (to follow)
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