December 4, 2012

Kalinga - Part VII - Community Unity

There is no shortage of community unity in Buscalan. 

Tending their fields, raising their children, preparing their food, celebrating their rites of passage... most of these village activities are family and community affairs.





Dried tobacco leaves
Taddok dance
Boiled pork shared with whole village

Listen to the beat of the gangsa gongs as the women gracefully make the simple steps of the taddok dance. This video was taken by our travel mate Bruce.



This is the seventh of my Kalinga series from my recent visit into the Butbut tribal village of Buscalan, high up in the terraced mountains in the north of the Philippines. You'll find more about these former headhunters and their amazing tattoos in my earlier posts.

I link with Our World and ABC Wednesday, where the letter of the week is U for Unity.

22 comments:

Traveling Hawk said...

People living a simple and hard life, loving life, and showing that we do not need too much in order to be happy! Thanks for sharing, Francisca!

Sylvia K said...

I do so agree with the earlier comment!! Wonderful captures and post for the day, Cisca!! Good to see you online again! Hope you have a great week!!

Unknown said...

Great view of a non-tourist area. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Snap said...

"People living a simple and hard life, loving life, and showing that we do not need too much in order to be happy! " I agree! Nice post.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this great impressions. Certainly a role model for love and care taking. May time and life please treat them all kind.

Please have a good Tuesday.

daily athens photo

eileeninmd said...

I guess it is a simple but hard way of life. I hope they are happy! Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing your world.

carol l mckenna said...

Yes, life seems simpler ~ hope they are happy and healthy ~ USA is so spoiled we don't realize what is happening elsewhere ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Anonymous said...

I love the Cordilleras. Kalinga, in particular, I've been to several times although never to Butbut. I've attended a wedding once in Balbalasang and witnessed the Taddok dance as well. Life can be hard for the Kalingas but in exchange, I think God gave them such wonderful sceneries to wake up to every day. :) Wonderful post!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful series on Kalinga and their tatoos. Thanks for sharing. :)

Anonymous said...

What lovely shots. They are such a handsome people.

Maurizio Riccio said...

Great series of portraits. Truly beautiful...

Leslie: said...

Every community needs unity!

Leslie
abcw team

Roger Owen Green said...

not only do I love the stories, I love the clever way you stayed on the theme!

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Oakland Daily Photo said...

This has been quite a journey you've shared with us. It makes me a little sad that we are seeing the last generation of the tattoo women and that modern culture is fast catching up with them. Their faces are so sweet. May their kinsmen find ways to preserve some of their culture for the ensuing generations.

Unknown said...

the Cordillera is one of the most interesting places in Luzon, even for Filipinos. i've only been to Batad in Banaue and Sagada and it was an eye-opening experience for me.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Thank you for sharing this place that I have never set my feet on nor see, lucky you!

Chewed UP
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Joy said...

Looks a wonderfully scenic place to live. Lets hope their culture survives. Tattooing is popular here so the tattoo lady's designs would go down a storm.

Anita Johnson said...

I have seen a glimpse of the world through your photos...thank you! The video was excellent, the tatoos so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

It may appear simple, but I suspect it is also rich & very meaningful. ~Mary

Andy said...

It's been along time since you last posting. Francisca. it was worth the wait.

EG CameraGirl said...

If only the people of all cultures could work together as well!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

So much love -- so beautiful. We need more of that. Thank you for sharing.