Igorot in Initiative Toleranz

Ifugao in Initiative Toleranz
Originally uploaded by karampot.

One of the main events here in Bonn during summer is the "Initiative Toleranz" where all countries are gathered in city park "Rheinaue". The idea was to promote the cultural diversity of the people in Bonn and to create a city of "Tolerance". Each country has their own stalls to showcase their countries pride be it local products or home-made food. Every country are also invited to perform their art through folk songs and dances that becomes part of the programme held all throughout the day.

We were approached by our Consul, Mr. Edgar Auxilian, and was requested to perform a dance. Our directress, Flora Antiporda, graciously obliged and quickly gathered us together for a performance. Luckily, my uncle-in-law, Jess Jimenez, had a complete set of Ifugao costumes used by his group before to perform in such functions. And so under the guidance of Flora, we quickly practiced in the grounds of Tito Jess' house and practically crossed our fingers that the noise of drums would not be bugging their neighbors too much.

On the day itself, it was very hot and wearing full make-up with a wool cloth on you does not really feel comfortable but there was a very nice festive air in the park. We stopped by the Philippine stall and my mouth practically watered from the lovely smell of food from back home. In a split second, I felt I was in Pinas and took a deep breath of it. There were also different people in costumes walking around but ours got special attention because of the catching red color and the feathers on top of our heads. Slowly we walked backstage and made some last-minute preparations. Shuffling softly on the stage, we stood poised as we wait for the first beating of the drum.

Us, the three girls with the pots, performed the first part of the dance which was the "Banga", which portrays the Igorot maidens going to the river to fetch water. With their stamina and strength, they also display grace and agility in balancing the water-filled pots. We were eventually joined by three warriors, and the dance becomes "Bindian", to extol the bravery of the warriors. Then the three warriors were left to perform the war dance or "Pattong" where they fight each other to show their courage and strength. The warrior (with a long-feathered headdress) who won also gets the hand of the "Princess" (the lady kneeling beside the warrior) in marriage. The third part was the courtship dance or "Apayao" where they imitate the movement of the birds in flight and when the princess accepts the warrior, he in turn wraps her on a ceremonial blanket.

After the dance, there was a loud applause from the audience. Cameras were clicking all over like crazy. As we wanted to get a souvenir shot, we stood altogether on several poses and one of them is the photo above. It was a fun-filled day and sure was great to feel Filipino and be proud of it.