kalinga's tiis-ganda

Kalinga’s ‘tiis-ganda’

A Closer Look At The Tattoos And Jewelry Of The Cordilleras

By Nickky Faustine P. De Guzman with Jessica Rae Nolasco, Photos by Rudy Liwanag

Published: May 27, 2013

NCCA Director Emelita Almosara with South African Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso and Chanum Foundation President Jordan Mang-osan during the opening of the festival

Some women will defy pain and inconvenience for beauty’s sake; thus was coined the phrase ‘tiis-ganda’ which connotes endurance of pain to be beautiful. Modern females adorn themselves with chunks of jewelry, numerous tattoos, skyrocketing heels, and even undergo procedures like botox.  These modern practices may seem absurd and vain but they have sublime meanings that go beyond skin-deep during the olden days. Our sisters in Kalinga, for instance, mark their bodies to speak of power and splendor, and yes to attract the opposite sex.
Romance with tattoos
A Kalinga elder, Natty Sugguiyao, shares on her lecture, “Reinventing Traditional Tattoos of the Cordilleras,” in the 4th Tam-Awan International Arts Festival held in Pinsao, Baguio, that tattooed Kalinga women are regarded beautiful and classy; an inked-skin also enhances one’s sex appeal. The perks of having a skin emblem is synonymous with high regard in society, including the privilege of walking, head held high, on the main street. Unmarked women falter on the sidewalks.
Natty boasts that Kalinga’s treacherous mountains guarded the place from Spanish occupation and influence, hence, Kalinga’s tattooing tradition is immaculate and original.
She also observed that if women of today have tattooed eyebrows and piercings, and go under the knife, Kalinga women also practice the pain of beauty—but the past few years saw a more significant meaning for tattooing: to preserve the declining tradition. The 50-year old lady who got her full sleeved tattoos seven years ago says, “I want to be a living canvas of art,” because of the dramatic decline of the traditional tattooing. In fact, she got her permanent inks from one of the last living female tattoo artists of Kalinga.
The 92-year old Whang-Od is the oldest surviving tattoo artist in Buscalan, Kalinga. She uses charcoal mix and pomelo thorns attached to a wooden stick that is thumped with another stick for the ink to imprint. Whang-od herself is adorned with intricate tattoo designs, which she got when she was young. Since then, she has been using her tattooing skill, which was passed on to her by her ancestors, as her profession.  She charges a minimum of 500 pesos from local and foreign tourists. Due to old age, she cannot travel down to the 4th Tam-awan gathering; instead, one of her two remaining apprentices, Kalina Suyam, 55, demonstrated a live traditional tattooing. Today, roughly 50 elders in Kalinga remain as living illustrations of their culture.
With the enduring tradition of tattooing in mind, Kalina became Whang-od’s protégé four years ago.  Also permanently inked with elaborate designs that depict bravery and beauty, Kalina says she was 15 years old when she got her first tattoo. She explained through an interpreter, Elizabeth, that her reasons included the prestige of having tattoos and of attracting the opposite sex. Kalina has three children, with the oldest at 26 showing interest in continuing the tradition.
Bastardized tattoos?
Nowadays, pop culture’s practice of tattooing seems to have deviated from the traditional; designs have taken on more current themes. This extends to preferences by visitors to the Kalinga community, who request for a more contemporary flavor incorporated in the traditional design.  Unfortunately, this perspective tends to dilute the essence of the traditional Kalinga tattoos. Some designs, too, cannot be tattooed on just anyone who asks for it. For example, an eagle tattooed on the chest signifies bravery in battle. But because there are no more battles to display such courage, there is no reason to apply this tattoo on anyone.
“The Kalinga tattoo revival, by enabling cultural borrowing, appropriation and recontextualization, reinvents both Kalinga identity specifically and Filipino identity more generally. Both practitioners and tattoo clients use traditional tattoos to reinvoke the experiential aspect of tattoos—pain, perforation of the skin and permanence—to construct individual and social identities, what it means to be Filipino in a modernized world,” Analyn Salvador-Amores, PhD argues on her lecture, “Wearing Identities and Reinventing Kalinga Identity: Felt-tip markers, Tattooed T-shirts and Barong Tagalog”.
The fourth Tam-awan Festival dubbed “Jewels of the Cordillera” also tackled heirloom jewelry and accessories, ancient gold and simultaneous workshops on solar drawing, coffee painting, Cordillerian bead making, portrait sketching, and acrylic painting.
National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Emelita Almosara explained that the goal of this event, among others, is to ensure audience development and to reach out to the stakeholders --- the youth in particular, in their sense of obligation to bring them back to knowing what Philippine culture and arts is all about.
This festival is in celebration of the National Heritage Month.

preventing heavy red days

Preventing heavy red days

Symptoms and cures for intense menstrual bleeding

By Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

Published: May 14, 2013

"Consume a lot of soft drinks so that you’ll bleed more.” Women who are experiencing their menstruation have always been told this. The traditional folks believe that the more blood a woman loses during her menstruation period, the better, but some of the modern doctors and medical practitioners suggest that the idea is passé and seemingly illogical.
“There is a myth surrounding Filipino women that menstrual blood makes up a lot of dirty blood, so the more blood you lose the better. On the contrary, you are discharging your own blood that could very likely lead to anemia (if you lose a lot of blood).They don’t recognize that there could be a problem rather they think it’s healthy,” explained Dr. Anita Nelson of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in California.
Owing to this thinking, many women may fail to identify that they could be suffering from menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), which is a common condition when women experience excessive menstrual blood loss of 80 milliliters and above. On average, a woman loses 35 mL of blood or less than three tablespoon (one tablespoon is approximately 15 mL).
Dr. Nelson said that the universal standard number of menstruation days a woman should experience is eight or less. It is considered abnormal when a woman experiences a drastic and significant blood-discharge change compared to her previous menstruation cycles.
She added that one out of three women is suffering from HMB. The recent studies estimated that up to half (52%) of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding at some point in their lives. The study conducted by Nielsen in Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia suggest that 12 million women have HMB but the incidence in the other Asian nations remains unclear as of today.

The easily recognized symptoms of HMB include:
• soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons per hour
• needing to use double sanitary napkins to control menstrual flow
• bleeding a week or longer
• passing large blood clots with menstrual flow
• experiencing tiredness, fatigue or breath shortness, and
• waking up to change sanitary napkins during the night
There are various reasons why women may suffer from menorrhagia. The hormonal imbalance during adolescence and menopause is the most common cause of HMB. The hormone levels fluctuate during this time, which often leads to excessive uterine bleeding. Girls aged 12 and 13 and women aged 35 to 45 are often prone to HMB.
But Nelson explained that “there are no specific type of women who can have this condition, anyone can experience HMB in any point of a woman’s life. But owing to the hormone fluctuation of the adolescent girls and the mature women, they experience it the most. And also those who have thyroid gland problems can have HMB,” she said.
The dysfunction of ovaries, cancer, uterine fibroids, and polyps are also some of the causes of menorrhagia. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors of the uterus that appear during the childbearing years of women. Meanwhile, polyps are small and benign growths on the uterus wall lining due to high hormone levels.
Hysterectomy or the removal of uterus is one of the treatment options for HMB sufferers. Fifty seven percent of the women worldwide have gone hysterectomy to get rid of the hassles and health issues of menorrhagia. However, the removal of one’s uterus renders the incapability to bear children and this may post surgical risks and long-term effects.
Just last year, the Philippines approved the consumption of Estradiol valerate/Dienogest, the first oral contraceptive that is clinically proven to treat HMB sans the removal of one’s uterus. This oral hormonal therapy is a non-invasive treatment that reduces menstrual bleeding by 88 percent after six months of use while improving the hemoglobin and ferritin (the major protein on iron storage) levels of women in HMB. Estradiol is the same estrogen that is naturally produced in the female body, which suppresses the monthly formation of the uterus lining (or menstruation).
The market has now readily available pills for HMB patients through Bayer’s Qlaira, which contains the novel combination of hormones estradiol valerate and dienogest.

a day with the master

A day with the Master

BenCab and Shell Support Emerging Artists

By Nickky Faustine P. De Guzman

Published: May 13, 2013

National Artist for Visual Arts BenCab was an NSAC second placer in 1962.

Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, famously known as BenCab, walks across his own museum sans the air of arrogance, as if the National Artist for Visual Arts in Painting has only started his career. On the contrary, he has been in the art industry for almost four decades. His BenCab Museum fittingly personifies him—creative, low key, influential, tranquil. These characteristics reflect the artist’s beautiful artworks that depict simple yet sublime masterpieces.
His brushstrokes, left, right, up, down, are easy on the eyes, colorful, sometimes black and white. His iconic pieces include his series of paintings of ‘Sabel’, a lady scavenger who marked his consciousness as a symbol of desolation and peace. For a time, BenCab’s works resonated the country’s colonial history and current state.
One of his early works recalls a vivid childhood spent in places like Sta. Cruz and Bambang in Manila, where the reality of poverty opened his eyes to social issues and possible sources of inspirations that he embodied in his painting. Take for instance, ‘Blue Serenity’, which depicted a shanty community along a river with a man on a boat.
The said piece was a second prize winner at the 12th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) in 1962. During those earlier days, he used the bamboo-as-brush technique, which is reminiscent of Balinese art.
“‘Blue Serenity’ is a quiet painting,” the 71-year old reserved master painter says. Too bad the painting is not within the confines of BenCab museum. He also says he has been buying and regaining his previous artworks from other collectors.
Now, his collections range from Cordillera’s bulols, erotic paintings and sculptures, print photography, and installations that are all showcased in his museum, which stands amid the pristine and lush forest in Benguet. The four-storey art gallery serves as BenCab’s sanctuary for inspirations and other endeavors.
Currently, the still youthful-looking artist says he finds himself doing sculptures and figurines, which is a total opposite of painting that requires solo execution and seamless union of one’s own skills, muses, and hand strokes.
“Sometimes you can’t explain an artwork, you just feel it,” the soft spoken BenCab shares. “When an artwork provokes people’s emotions like in reading novels, that’s when you send the message across.”
NSAC
NSAC is the longest-running art competition in the country that started in 1952. Sponsored by Shell Philippines, it has helped produce National Artists in the likes of BenCab, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz.
“This year, we recognize the growing sense of self and limitless creativity and passion for self-expression of Filipino artists. These manifestations, all geared toward leaving their mark on today’s fast-paced world, can help mold the consciousness of Filipinos for centuries to come—just as the work of other great masters have done,” NSAC organizers says in a statement.
The acceptance and recognition given to art these days has remarkably changed since BenCab’s time, “The art market is different from before, when it used to be difficult. Art market today is very active. Even students are having one-man shows. Now we have a realization that painting is a good investment,” BenCab says.
“If the feeling is to do art, it just happens,” he adds.
Evidently, younger and younger artists are finding their niche and slowly making a name for themselves in the art scene. Parallel to this, national competitions like NSAC are constantly searching for future artisans who will create imprints on society and will be immortalized as influencers of future artists.
Also, NSAC recently sponsored an art workshop for students and aspiring artists with none other than BenCab himself, together with moderator/artist Renato Habulan and other previous NSAC winners at the BenCab Museum. The one-day interaction was an exchange of insights between established and budding artists.
Moreover, an artist is still his own master, with own sense and style. As for BenCab, he is his own man. Perhaps, this is the lesson for the young: create an imprint, an insignia of your own, be your own master.
The 46th NSAC is looking for artists who can join in the four open-themed categories: oil/acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, and digital fine arts. Each participant can submit a maximum of two entries across all categories. Metro Manila contestants can submit their entries from July 4-6 at the Shell House, Salcedo Village, Makati. Provincial entries meanwhile can submit artworks from June 26-28 at designated Shell provincial depots and installations.
For more details check www.shell.com.ph/shell_art

byaheng bonifacio

Byaheng Bonifacio: A Trail of Heroism and Tourism in o ne

By Nickky Faustine De Guzman

Published: May 12, 2013

The replica of Bonifacio brothers’ court examination in the Maragondon Trial House

Tagaytay is perhaps the most visited tourist spot in Cavite. It is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila as it is a few hours away from the city. But the region that means “hook” in English bids optional summer getaway itineraries — trips down memory lane, nature adventures, and native food jaunts on the side.
Cavite’s towns cover trails of markers that history buffs and wayfarers can both enjoy. Blessed with natural beauty and veiled in rich history, the region abounds with historic sites, museums, and landmarks that are associated with the birth and death place of many Filipino heroes. Visitors can follow the interesting track of sites associated with the Philippine Revolution: The residence of the first president of the Philippine Republic and some of the historical meeting places linked with Philippine Independence. It was in Cavite where we proclaimed our sovereignty on June 12, 1898 and where the Philippine Armed Forces was created through the Tejeros Convention.
The Supremo Gat Andres Bonifacio spent his last two years (1896-1897) in this significant province. And in commemoration of his 150th birth anniversary this November 30, comes the “Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan” pilgrimage that is set on towns Gat Bonifacio once set foot and left his legacy. The program is a partnership of the Department of Tourism (DOT), National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and SM Malls.
“We are obligated by history to commemorate the heroism of Andres Bonifacio and inculcate in the minds of the youth the lessons from this very young hero,” DOT Region IV Director Louella Jurilla says during the unveiling of the mini-exhibit that features the story of Bonifacio in SM Rosario, Cavite.
Sites and food trips
The first stop covers the Imus Plaza and the Tribunal de Noveleta in Imus and Noveleta, Cavite. Amid the modern city, shopping malls, and a wet market stood the almost adjacent historic places where the councils of Magdalo and Magdiwang met to discuss the constitution and the possibilities of merging the two councils. Today, people seemingly overlook the significance of these places as they simply pass by them.
What’s good about following the trails of the Supremo is the proximity of the locations. Just a few minutes away from the Tribunal and the Plaza is the Tejeros Convention site, now a museum. This is where a central revolutionary government headed by Emilio Aguinaldo was established. History books say Bonifacio was prevented from taking the position of president due to his limited education.
The next stopover, the Casa Hacienda de Naic, was where the brothers Andres and Procopio Bonifacio were imprisoned because of sedition after their capture in Indang, Cavite. The Pinagbarilan site in Indang marked the location where Emilio Aguinaldo’s men assaulted Supremo’s troops. The century-old Casa Hacienda de Naic building has withstood the test of time and preserved its wooden floors. It now houses elementary students.
After the Bonifacio brothers’ arrest, they were transferred from Naic to Maragondon Trial House. Today, the Trial House is a museum of sorts with life-sized statues of Andres, Procopio, and their panel of judges, paintings, and replicas of letters, furnishings, and pictures.
In between the historical site hopping are generous servings of homegrown Caviteño kakanin: kalamay, sinudsod, and muchi. Their version of kalamay is thicker, crunchier, and has macapuno strips. Sinudsod, on the other hand is made from rice tutong (the overcooked crust at the bottom of a pot) mixed with flour to concoct a pancake-like form and texture; it swims in coconut milk and shaved ice that is sprinkled with nata and coconut flesh.
After the delectable experience, a long and rough trek to Mt. Nagpatong where the brothers’ execution site comes next; this caps off the historical trail adventure. The magnified statues of Andres and Policarpio stand tall amid the lush greeneries and serenity of the forest. The Muslim National Artist Toym Imao made the effigies.
As of this writing, four winners have completed the pilgrimage to the 16 historical places in Cavite and Metro Manila where Gat Andres Bonifacio left his legacy. The DOT is giving special tokens and certificates to the first 100 participants to complete the Byaheng Bonifacio leg.
The other historical trails are: Tutuban in Manila, KKK Foundation Site in El Cano St. Tondo, Binondo Church, Bahay Toro and Krus na Ligas in Quezon City, Pinaglabanan Site in San Juan, Hagdang Bato in Mandaluyong, Pasig Catholic Church and Valentin Cruz Marker in Pasig.
Revisit history and appreciate the present with the “Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan” pilgrimage.