Cordillera, - If you are starting to get the feeling of disliking your identity as an Igorot just because many outsiders or people from the lowlands use the term 'Igorot in a prejorative manner then, these five reasons will revive your spirit and help you love your identity as mighty dwellers of the majestic Cordilleran highlands.
Here are five reasons why you should be proud as an Igorot.
1. Our Ancestor were among the bravest of Filipinos.
The way our Igorot ancestors fought the Japanese invading army during World War II is a testament of their bravery. Their gallantry and heroism were recognized by General MacArthur of the American Army prompting him to say these words:
"Many desperate acts of courage and heroism have fallen under my observation on many fields of battle in many parts of the world. I have seen forlorn hopes becomes realities. I have seen last-ditch stands, and innumerable act of personal heroism that defy description. But for sheer breathtaking and heart-stopping desperation,
I have never know the equal of those Igorots riding the tanks. Gentlemen, when you tell story, stand in tribute to those gallant Igorots. As members of the Philippines commonwealth, they have prove to be excellent fighting men." - published apparently in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Chicago Tribune.
2. Igorots built the 8th Wonder of the World - The Rice Terraces of Cordillera
The terraces are located in the remote areas of Cordillera mountain in the northern Island of Luzon. They are the product of the ingenuity and high engineering knowledge and skills of the Ifugao ethnic group who occupied these mountains over 2,000 years ago.
The UNESCO has put these interesting remarks about the rice terraces. It says:
"The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political environment. Indeed,
it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty. They are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization." - Unesco.
3. The Igorots produce 80% of vegetables that supply the entire country.
Imagine the Philippines without Igorots who are tirelessly cultivating, planting and harvesting high quality vegetables that are the main ingredients of Filipino's favourite foods such as pancit, chopsuey, pinakbet, kalderata, bulalo, pizza and many more. Don't you know that your favourite french fries and burger at Max Restaurant are sourced out from vegetable farmers from Benguet?
The province of Benguet holds the record of being the main source of vegetables that supplies the entire country. At least 80% of vegetables supplied to Filipino kitchens come from farmers in the highlands of Benguet.
4. Igorots are the best MMA fighters in the Philippines.
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| onefc.com |
As proof of their ancestors being the "NO FEAR" men and women, Igorots today are known to be among the best MMA fighters in the Philippines.
If you try to google Filipino MMA figthers, the names of Igorot fighters such as Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario and many more will definitely popped up. If you trace their roots, you will be amazed to know that these MMA warriors are Igorots from Cordillera.
Today, Eduard Folayang is regarded as a symbol of Phillipine Martial Art together with World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquaio.
5. Igorots are hardworking, intelligent, handsome/beautiful and romantic.
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| Photo Credit: Chriz Dulagan FB page and Miss Millennial Baguio City FB page |
The fact that we Igorots are not well represented or depicted in Philippine media and TV shows doesn't mean we are not what were describe above.
The being hardworking and intelligent aspect of an Igorot are clearly seen on how we turned the whole mountain into a rice terraces and vegetables terraces. You can't find any book about how to design a mountain into an incredible source of livelihood. You feel inspired and awed by the beauty of the transformation but behind those terraces is a hardworking and intelligent Igorot men and women.
For being handsome and beautiful. If we refer to the so called skin-deep beauty, there is an abundance and overflow of such qualities in Cordillera. In terms of beauty and handsomeness pleasing to the eye, we Igorots have those.
For being romantic. They say that Igorots are not romantic, well that depends on where we based our meaning of the word romantic. But we can say we are romantic in the sense that we value a certain ideal to a higher degree. Igorots value their love ones, family and friends more than anything else and we find romance by doing our best to show them we care by the best way possible.
We might not often give our girl flowers but we strive to fulfill our promise to love them forever. We might not be holding hands when walking but we see to it that we give them the best protection they need. We might not treat them dinner to a fancy restaurant, but we make sure they won't be hungry in our side.
There's a lot to say about the Igorots that we can't write on this blog. If you have some comments that you want to add, just write on the comment box below.
