Being a DevCom student of Xavier University, it is necessary for us to join an immersion, which will enable us to understand the dynamics of certain community and hopefully find meaning in the course in which we chose to belong.
Part of my immersion experience in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon last January 30-February 2, 2010 is to mingle with my co-BSDC students and especially to the Talaandig tribal people, who welcomed us warmly despite of the cold yet cozy place they have. I had a beautiful experience of living with a community of artists, where culture is very much alive and preserved.
In the first day of our immersion I discover that the tribal people are so cunning based on the soil paintings I’ve seen below in our quarters. They are friendly and hospitable too, as an evidence of it is that I met some of the Talaandig girls who were assigned by the Datu to watch over us namely Sharon, Joan and El2x. As Bahi had a conversation with us about her journey in different countries, I apprehended that you can never underestimate the tribal people like the Talaandig for they had gone so many places just to exhibit their artworks and they were also invited by various countries to share about the preserved culture of their tribe. Because of this people of different nationalities came to visit their tribe for immersion and learn from their traditions.
Early bird catches many worms. Yes, we rose early at 3:35 in the morning to prepare the breakfast for the group. Tasks were disseminated to each member for faster and efficient way of accomplishing our job and that was the start of our getting to know you moment and bonding as a group. Right after our breakfast we visited our first Foster family (Amay Danilo Tecson and his household). We had a chance to take a walk and peek to Amay’s farm and along our way he told us how important for them Mother Earth is to our living yet we the people who supposedly take good care of her is abusing it and doesn’t care at all. He also shared to us that Inay and him was once a worker of DOLE and was awarded for being an outstanding employee, through this I salute them for they are so diligent and dedicated to their work. I will never forget also the moment he told us to do excellently in our studies for it is the only way that a man can have a brighter future. Our group had discovered that the spoon which is normally used for dining utensils can be a good tool also to open canned goods. In addition to our discovery, we were informed not to wash the household plates unless we will spend a night and sleep with them in their house which is one of their tribal laws. At 3pm we returned to our quarters, and as I greet Merlyn a good afternoon, she informed me in return that Jame was so sick and was sent to the guest room to be isolated. The tribe, Ma’am Trell, Carlo Odchige and I took care of him. As soon as the session with Datu started Carlo and I stayed to watch Jame’s condition. Though I miss the talk of Datu Mikutay Victorino L. “Vic” Saway, I was given the opportunity to nurse Jame and had a bonding moment with the Talaandig girls and Carlo. The girls taught me too about different greetings using their language. Such as, “Maayad ha (masalum, maudto, mahapon, mahadalumon) inyo alan” for Good (morning, noon, afternoon and evening) everyone. At night, we were so lucky to experience and join the tribe in the Moon Dance celebration. That was a wonderful night, the rhythmic music of drums moved us to dance and enjoy the night in fellowship with the tribal people and the DevCom family. It is my second night in staying yet it is my first time to spend night in the guest room with Ma’am Trell and Carlo Odchige. As the darkness of night fall I realize that Prayer united us regardless of different religions, beliefs and doctrines we had.
We started our third day in an evaluation of yeaterday’s assigned tasks. Ma’am Trell also affirmed us in praying for Jame’s recovery. Truly prayer is a powerful weapon and unites all human race. In line to this, we thanked God for Jame’s recovery. Afterwards we proceed to our breakfast and to our visitation of the second foster family. This time we were assigned to Kuya Balugto, Kuya Soliman and Kuya Francis who were one of the artists in their tribe. Henceforth, they taught us how to do Soil Painting and play the Katyapi and Kudyapi instrument in the “Hunter’s Song”.
Hunter’s Song
By: Talaandig Tribe
I. Os gali ayani no diyan Chorus:
Diyan tani baloy Duminagpo sa manok
Dagi-dagi ha baboy Diyan ta hagudan
Os-os bunsalagan man diay Huda din ag ka tuka
Abi ko labog Ta udan en paman
Kamote man diay La la la la la la
Sudaan kay dakan (repeat I)
Nabuhi kay alan
(repeat I)
We celebrated also the 19th birthday of Carlo Odchige through the tribal ritual of the Talaandig. Later in evening we had our cultural night wherein each XU DC group of students and Talaandig artists. The group 3, our group presented the Hunter’s Song. I played the Katyapi, Mikee did the Kudyapi playing while Ma’am Trell and other members of our group do the singing and dancing. That night I realize that it was already our last night in the tribe so Chum, Jandri, and I spend the rest of our time in fellowship with the Talaandig people until 3:40am. But our conversation is full of knowledge and worth remembering to.
One of the community issues came out after being in the community of artists in three days is
inadequate education of their youth, yet other than that I adored them for their clean, cozy, and peaceful place. Not only that they are so rich in culture and they were able to preserved it and be proud of it. The people are so cunning, friendly and open-minded. Upon staying in the community, I now understand clearly and able to identify the Berlo’s model (SMCRE/F) that Ma’am Trell discussed to the group.
In consequence, this exposure activity helps me to appreciate the role of communication as a tool to push for development and discern as to how best I can respond to a situation even as a student. Henceforth, it did capture my thoughts and emotions to the realities outside the classroom with the hope that I can work for a change and be an advocate for peace.
So Blessed and proud to be one of the DevCom Family.
