A glimpse of the wall and farmboy looking so small in the distance
A wall of thoughtful reminders
A glimpse (thru paintings) of a traditional ritual called Cañao
The instruments
After soaking our soul from the view of the small community in the valley down and beyond the barrier, we proceeded with out road trip and not a kilometer away, we were presented yet again with some very thoughtful and cultural murals along the road's wall. The paintings showcased one of the rich cultures and traditions of the region.
"Khebajan Cradle of the Ibaloi Culture, We Unit As One" it said. And people on their native costumes and instruments.
The ritual shown here is called Cañao (Kanyaw), a thanksgiving party or festivity which according to history has long existed way before the Spaniards arrived in the country. And there are various ceremonies for illness, good harvest and for progress. In recent times, the ceremony is practiced during local and regional festivities like Adivay or town fiestas too.
The traditional instruments
The "Tik-Tik" which is a pair of sticks used to beat the Ganzas/Gongs ("Pinsak" and "Kalsa"), then there's a "Kimbal" and a "Solibao" which are traditional drums and then the Wine Jars ("Salaw") which old folks keep wines made out of red or white rice. The wine are then served during festivities.
It's quite amazing how our ancestors have come up with all these things way before we were born.
One amusing thing I've seen along that wall is this:
No, not the painted tyre but what is written on it, re:
"Kahit Iwan mo AKO Hawag lang ang BASURA mo"
Which basically translates to "It's okay that you leave me, just not your trash" or "Leave me, but not your trash"
It's an amusing reminder for us to be friendly to our environment and not just discard garbage everywhere.
Others are painted along the roar barrier too. Reminding us still about the garbage or trash we throw away, of planting trees etcetera. Shows that the community is pro-environment which is really nice.
More photos
The farmboy standing on top a huge rock. I didn't ask what he was looking up there though.
And here's a final shot before we said bye bye to the place. Taken just beside the rock where the husband was standing.
I'm repeating myself here but it's worth mentioning that one of the things observed while visiting the town is their love for arts that specifically feature the rich heritage, natural attractions and also caring for the environment.
As there is a lot more to see, I hope to be able to go back to that part of the countryside and experience more of what it offers.
Meanwhile, it's a super busy new week up here in the mountains and I will be out and about throughout the day and will be catching up later in the afternoon. Cheers!
My other post about Kabayan town:
- A Dance and A Village Down There
- Revisiting the Kabayan Wall
- Peeking Through (and Beyond) the Trees
- Brief History Through Brushstrokes
Photos are my own. 13022023/10:15ph