Bayani Challenge with the Talaandig: A lesson on heritage
Deanna Griño

I was just happy to go to the Bayani Challenge 2016 - and happier that our youngest son, Pol was coming with us. 

Behind us is the panoramic view of the landscape of Lantapan, Bukidnon

I have been to many Bayani Challenge as it is a yearly GK event. I know too well we have to be in our working clothes. This is a time to practically "sweat it out" for others, I said. So, I told Pol to pack up light clothes as I started to dig up for my old reliable sun visor (which I forgot to bring). To my mind, this was an opportunity to give 5 days of my year to benefit a number of people that will impact them the rest of their lives.

We travelled over 4hours to get to the venue. Had ourselves registered and proceeded to a public school which was to be our quarters for the next 5 days. We settled in and rested awhile. Around 4pm, we went back to the venue for the Bayani Challenge Opening Ceremony. It was to be the "Talaandig way".

The tribe elders prayed for us to "Magbabaya" - the creator of all things to bless us and all our endeavors in the Bayani Challenge. They asked the Spirits (assigned by Magbabaya) guarding the river, the soil, the trees, animals, everything and anything we may touch or tread on as we conduct the Bayani Challenge. That the Spirits will allow us and forgive us if we do damage to any of them. Each of us paid the Spirits a token of 25 cents or 1 peso for any damage we bring to their lovingly guarded nature.

Birth is always accompanied by blood. Thus, as in all birth, the birth of relationship that will come to be among the Talaandig children (anak ng tribu as they call themselves), and BC delegates, will shed blood - hence the "padugo". Several chickens were offered for us. Their blood shed for the birth of friendship among us. My eyes were opened to the beautiful essense of the ritual.

Along side Paraisong Pambata happening simultaneously at different far flung areas, the Monument build, school refurbushing, frog pond farm build, brick making,Arts workshops led by the Talaandig youth leaders, were being conducted.

For our family, the rest of the days were spent learning their artistically rich culture; Soil painting workshop (which Pol participated in) with Balugto, tribal dance workshop, and music workshop led by a Talaandig National Artist himself, Waway.

(left) Pol, with his workshop mentor Balugto (right) With Soliman and his award winning piece

Noel and I were led from house to house, each a gallery of its own. The homeowners' works of art were on display. Their soil paintings in varied sizes, their sculptures, their beautifully, skillfully made flutes embellished with intricate doodles and their handmade clay, animal horn and beadwork blings.

How lovely and enchanting were the sounds they created with their indigenous instruments, showcased at the end of the day with a program called "Kalinga night". Every night is a celebration of indigenous music and the music of today as both Talaandig Youth and BC delegates shared their talents. 
 

Pol rendered a few songs during Kalinga Night

As I look back to the very rich experience with the Talaandig Tribe, i dare ask, "who says they love and respect nature more than this beautiful and oh, so artistic Talaandig Tribe?" It made me reflect. How many among us take Mother Earth as ours without such gratitude and respect, and take everything it offers without giving back to it. How many Filipinos explored, exploited, plundered and left our land bleeding, dry, and dying that it is today? The Talaandig Tribe allowed me to see the beauty of the indigenous Filipino - a gentle, sensitive, loving protective, hospitable, artistic and faithful Filipino. A new pride for my heritage welled up inside me! At 49 years of age, after all those years of education and history classes, only now have I truly understood my heritage. It felt really, really good to know my roots.

How blessed is my son Pol, he had been into one of the greatest history lessons ever; -experienced among people living their history, his history.

Pol slept between Noel and I. The three of us sharing the 2" single bed size foam we brought to cushion us from the hard and cold cement floor. We huddled close together to keep each other warm in the chilly bukidnon nights. It was bonding thru and thru with our 14 year old son. Savoring nature, love, company and culture.

The Bayani Challenge culminated with a conference. Mayor Zam Ampatuan of Rajah Buayan talked about honor.. and showed us how softly spoken words can often be more effective than long, emphatic speeches. "Let the gist speak for itself"

Then I realized: what i thought would be 5 days of giving that will impact many people, were all 5days of receiving and learning that will impact me, Noel and Pol for the rest of our lives! Thank you, GK Bayani Challenge for the learning opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, my new found Talaandig family for your generosity and warm hospitality. (We wish to return and bring the rest of my family to experience you and learn from you.) Above all, thank you Lord, for the privilege of being born a Filipino!!