Sharing the love and sharing the very essence of the season , it was a very memorable moment for us and for the tribe. The best felt season with heartwarming experience.
As we drive 1 hour and 45 minutes from city proper, we thought things are welcoming. Good weather, even we were tired of preparing things for the event, heavens is singing with our mission for the tribe.
Six(6) tribal zones gathers together in this event with 26 Datu's and Bae's (Chieftains and wifes). The 26 marks and defends their total of 36000 hectares of ancestral domain land. Each of them, envelopes and represents each Matigsalug race.
With some, who brought the entire family, it still not reach the total population of all. With 500+ families and over a thousands of members. They still bares smiles with efforts to join the event.
We didn't hold it too long. After a few minutes of introduction and recognition of each tribal council leaders and us (amore community/team) was properly introduce and it was pas 12 Noon, we welcome all of the council leaders, NCIP ( National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Community base tourism and guest for a "salo-salo" or commonly known as "boodle fight" (is a military style of eating in which food, piled on top of banana leaves laid out on long tables, is to be taken with bare hands washed with water from jugs prepared on the side.)
Everyone where satisfied with our little "salo-salo". But it does not stop there, a few minutes of rest we go forward to "kids gift giving". We honestly, separate the gift giving into two parts. Dec. 9, will be for the young generation. Age 7-14, we share slippers, school supplies, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/bath-soap and little sweets. Age 1-5 we share slippers, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/bath-soap, sweets and little toys to play with.
We also share some for the tribal councils and Datu's/Bae's for their generosity and recognition of our mission and contribution for their tribes and for the future upholds. Rice is one of the main factor that they can only have seasonally. A little groceries to change their common "sardines de'lata(canned goods)" or "Bulad/Daing/tuyo".
After we shared something from our side, we were surprise that they have too. We are resolutioned accepted by the tribe and their council leaders as a "voluntary community base developers/consultants" for their upcoming Matigsalug "Antayapan(overlooking)" Resort. Which will give them more monetary help and other benefits.
With our mission to help them and more of their generations, we are moved by the kind gesture. A plaque of recognition and their own Matigsalug bible and guidelines.
With the team, we are pursuing greatness not just for our legacy to make but for the generations we imparted for. We may consider by some an opportunist, we hold on to our core value of sharing. We will kill discrimination to remind us that we are equal to God's eyes. With a new formed family, I am blessed to share this unforgettable moment with them. Thus living you with this passage,
In Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
The Amore Community Team and Volunteers with LOVE!
No aching body, rained wet hike and minutes of sleeps can be paid by their heartwarming welcome, recognition, smiles and thank you's!!!! The best experience ever! We wish you "Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year"!