Curvy mountains in the distance.
First 4 steps or positions to the traditional "Bendian Dance" portrayed through street paintings.
The 5th to 8th positions...
This has to be there to remind betel nut chewers not to spit anywhere.
A glimpse of a beautiful little village down there.
There's always something that we take home with us from places we pass by or travel to. One of which we had sometime ago was a fascination from some things we've observed and seen in one of the villages which we stopped over for a while. Well technically, we didn't go inside of the community per se but only seen a glimpse of it from murals on its walls and taking a peek from a distance.
A 'notice' painted on the barrier was what caught my eyes. They were quite bright and colorful so I was to ask the husband to slow down but noticed he was pulling over. "Nice! I could take better shots," my thoughts muttered as I stepped out the car.
As I prepared to take photos, heard the husband say "have you seen those?" pointing to the other side of the road and oh my, how could I have missed that! Then off I went crossing to get (document) them.
I spent some 3 minutes walking along that area and taking photos of the 8 steps of a native or traditional dance called "Bendiyan" or "Bendian." (Please refer to the collage - second and third slides)
Although I've watched the dance performed on a few occasions, I do not really know its history so I went digging a bit this morning and here's what I've learnt:
"Bendian is a circle dance of the Ibaloys. This was long known as a dance to celebrate the arrival of successful headhunters. The circular movements of the dance symbolize unity and harmony among the Ibaloys. Now a part of every Benguet festivity with the circles slowly giving way to other formations and interpretations." - (Isnatako Blog)
Interesting! It makes so much sense being the place (Kabayan) where we found these murals is a home to the Ibaloys.
For a preview of the dance, here's one performed during a Pre-Indigenous Summit as Roli Francis Wakit, the video uploader stated on its description.
He further mentioned that Bendian (Bindiyan) means "Dance until you get tired."
"Originated in the Municipality of Kabayan, Benguet. A famous celebration of successful harvest and bountiful blessings. (Before it was associated with the success of a head hunting).
Video not my own. (Source: Roli Francis Wakit)
Anyhow, after capturing the dance steps, I went back to the other side and discovered another hidden charm down there! Little did we know that beyond and far below the road barrier is a charming little valley and a community (village) nestled between the mountains (see also 5th and 6th slide).
From the distance, we observed that it has its own school and an open gym. Checking the map, I came to know that it is called Kabayan Barrio. It has its own paved access road (albeit just a single lane), a river as a source of irrigation for its fields. And what else are hidden in there.
Screencaptured (via Pinmapple)
Screencaptured (via Pinmapple)
And because we were not able to set foot inside that community, I went snooping a bit through the map and here's a glimpse of it (the school and the barrio clinic at least).
Screencaptured (via Pinmapple)
Screencaptured (via Pinmapple)
Looks like this village is peaceful, clean and yep, thriving along with its people.
I learned too through this escapade via the map that two of the place's attractions, the Tinongchol Burial Rock and Devil's Mountain are just around the area which birthed a hope in me that one day (someday), we might be able to pass through this village's grounds, breath its air and see what else are there.
For the time being, let me just record a few of the photos as our keepsake of the discovery😉
Except those acknowledged above, all photos are my own. 10022023/09:25ph