For our group, it was just another ordinary day. Our plan that morning was to visit the Big Falls and attend Panagapoy in the afternoon. But after finishing up the last spoon full of rice and corned beef, I noticed that most of the locals are wearing their traditional clothing. We were then approached by the owner of the guest house; maybe she noticed the wondering look on our faces. She blurted “Begnas…may Begnas ngayon, puntahan nyo muna” [Begnas…there’s a Begnas today, visit it first], we answered back “ano po yung Begnas?” [What’s Begans?].
The Long Red Line
Our guide for to the Big Falls was willingly accompanied us to witness the Begnas Ritual, but before that, let’s understand what Begnas is, shall we? --- "pasok Kuya Kim!" (lol)
“Begnas is an annual community ritual in Western Mountain Province that is intended to insure the fertility of the soil and people and the prosperity of the whole communityUsually participated in by the male members of the community.”
We stayed where most spectators, tourists and locals are, at the sides of the paved pathway. Begnas is a big event that most people from the town are present. We are standing just walking distance to the altar similar to the tribal council of Survivor. A few minutes after I heard some loud chanting, I saw a long red line very visible from a far. It was the men of the town wearing their traditional costume while the women are just waiting with their offerings (usually composed of ta-poy or rice wine, white rice, bread, gin and sometime soda).
The altar/tribal council where they gather all offerings
The men will then kill a boar that will serve as an offering to the gods which will be shared to the attendees together with the rest of the offerings after the ritual.
Begnas is celebrated often four times a year. Each celebration is patterned based on the Agricultural calendar of the I-Sagadas. And because there are no exact dates as to when will this happen, tourist who witness this ritual is considered lucky (like us, thank you very much).
Witnessing Tradition: Begnas
We didn’t finish the ritual due to time constraints, but we’ve seen almost everything to somewhat understand the importance of this event to the locals of Sagada. I’m so happy we’re present to witness such tradition, talk about being at the right place at the right time (this happens to me in Bangkok, Thailand click here to check it out). I never thought this kind of ritual is still alive and being practice amidst the technology of the new decade.
10 comments:
I want to experience this too and witness a tradition so rich. Wished it soonest!
wow this is amazing. gusto kung mag immersion dyan, at least a month. hehehe
to witness this preserved tradition is priceless. swerte nyo! =)
All the natives all over the country have similarities when in comes to rituals especially in seeking good harvest, prosperity and something to offer to the gods. one should have to understand this well and deeply.:-). Whether we like it or not, our ancestors were of the same origin as like this, before we became Christians.:-).
Indeed, you are lucky to witness this....sayang hindi nyo tinapos...hehehe.
Parang gusto ko rin nung accessories nung mga warriors :)
What an experience, ganda ng timing nyo. Ano pala salita sa Sagada?
Swerte nyo nga. Kung di pa kayo nagbreakfast na miss out nyo ito. I've always been an advocate of the preservation of the culture of indigents. I'm glad di pa sila na didisplace tulad ng ilang Aetas sa Pampanga at Zambales.
Honestly... okay naman at naabutan natin ito... pero masyadong matagal. Hahaha. Pero ayus lang kasi dun ko nakita ang love of my life. Hahaha.
i hope to experience it too when i visit Sagada...
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