Bagani narratives and the complexities of cultural appreciation

THERE was a time that I was invited along with non-government workers to visit a village between the boundaries of Claveria town and Gingoog City in the province of Misamis Oriental. Most of its residents are from the Higaonon tribe.

Thanks to a better road network, it was quite an easy hike. While on location, I was already mesmerized by the village's surroundings especially some classic Higaonon houses built. I took photographs of some of it, until one of the tribal leaders caught my attention, who was also caught in my camera's lenses.

Usually in my encounters with indigenous peoples (IPs), I am greeted with warm welcome. But that time, the tribal elder was somehow perplexed. He looked at me rather blank. Until the gathering was convened and some opening rituals were made, he took the opportunity to tell us about seeking permission first to the elders before taking photographs. Other than on privacy, it was also about the belief that such device can capture human souls. It was my bad.

And I felt horrible despite me asking for forgiveness and the elder eventually gave a blessing for me to continue taking photographs. Of course, how stupid I was to forget that there are IP communities who hold to such belief system.

In most gatherings with IPs, it is usually commenced with a tribal ritual as opening ceremonies, it has many names: Pamuhat, Panubad, Panagtawagtawag, and Kanduli, depending on what ethnolinguistic groups you happen to mingle.

These rituals signify one thing: asking permission to the holy beings before starting any meetings and whatever activities it may entail. SSCagayan