Pinoy Itchy Feet

When I say more fun, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll witness the same loud street parades, rock band concerts, fireworks displays and the usual dishes and deserts like menudo, inihaw na bangus, leche flan and sweetened ube (yam).

It's more fun in the sense that the joy you'll feel while you're in Lubuagan goes deeper than the party high that goes away right after the city shows, parades and loud music stop playing.

Lubuagan fiestas are more fun because you don't have to stress yourself out and go through the usual ritual of spending hours in the mirror and changing your clothes just because you want to look cool during the celebration.

Imagine just dressing up as if you'll go to your neighbor's whom you get real with. No credit cards, no cash, no hair product, no make-up, no bag. Just you. You feel light, comfortable and free. When you get that feeling, you're ready to party.

Lubuagan celebrates their town fiestas from morning until close to midnight, for three straight days. What do they do, you ask? Let me give you a sneak peek.

Parades - these run in the early morning to kick off the day's activities. Yes, they have parades everyday for three days. It starts in front of the Kalinga Academy and goes around town and ends at the Aguinaldo Shrine where most of the programs are held.

One shouldn't expect a display of floats, colorful flowers, loud music, or thousands of street dancers like at the Panagbenga in Baguio. Instead, a public display of the simplicity of the Lubuagan people which would pull you back to how the Filipinos celebrated life ages ago.

There's no such thing as "too old" in this town. Why, even those whose backs have been bent due to long hours in the fields don't just walk around waving to those watching. They'd play the gangsa, a rather heavy metal gong, and joyfully contribute to this celebration of life, this chance to go around town and share their age-old music with the locals and visitors, planting rhythmic patterns and melodies that will never leave you, even after months have already gone by. Now, doesn't that beat the temporary clubbin' high?

Cultural Presentations- These are what you should expect after the parades. Government employees, students and members of non-profit organizations perform indigenous and modern dances that's just a delight to see.

Contests and Laga Runway- this is the part that makes it even more fun in Lubuagan. They have contests unlike any other that you'd see on TV or the frequently visited tourist spots in the country: Rice pounding race, a contest on who finishes a cup of freshly boiled coffee, beauty pageants and laga runway which both showcase their handwoven fabric, and a contest on chants, which are open to the youth to encourage them in embracing their culture.

Eat - if you behave well enough and leave your arrogance where you came from, then the folks here would invite you to eat and even stay at their house. This isn't new here, they do this even if there's no celebration. They're just that accommodating, which is something I only got to read in Philippine history books.

One thing you should keep in mind, and this is very important: the Lubugan people don't like confusing their taste buds. Most of the viands you'll taste here are mostly mixed with only salt to taste and a bit of sijot (chili) to spice it up a bit. Boiled pork is just that, boiled pork. So is boiled monggo and boiled chicken. If you're having beans, that's all you're having. It doesn't come with herbs, other vegetables or sauces. It's surprisingly good and sweet. Nutritious, too!

Now, if you're picky, you shouldn't even be in Lubuagan. Nah, I was kidding. Actually, I meant that. Lubuagan is the definition of simple living. No fuss, no nonsense. If you're hungry, you eat. What do you need sauces for?
But anyway, if you're picky, you can definitely buy canned goods from the stores around town. Ask around for Manang Mamay, Kobit, Manang Isabel, Manang Ulling or Kobit. They sell bottled refreshments like Gatorade, Coca-cola softdrinks, some liquor, also toiletries and even some shirts if you run out of clothing.

Drink - Lubuagan people love to drink water when they're thirsty, and alcohol when they're happy. Or when it's really cold. Actually, they drink even when it's hot, so I believe they love to drink. If you're an alcohol drinker, this may very well be your haven. Have I mentioned that women here love to drink alcohol, too? They do, even the elders. So, if you're walking around town around late afternoon during the fiesta, don't be surprised if someone calls out to you and says, "Shot taku yan!" (Let's have a drink!)

If you're not a drinker, you can politely decline. They won't mind. If you have time and are comfortable staying with the group, ask them if you can join them while drinking water, juice or softdrinks instead.

Rest - After a long day of walking to and fro, chatting, filling up your stomach and having fun, you'll need to rest, of course. If, by any reason, you weren't invited by any of the locals to stay at their place, you can always get a bed or room at Manang Mhamay's Pines Inn, for as low as PhP350/day, which already includes meals. You can reach her via +639195124579 for reservations. The place is located in the poblacion and only a stone's throw away from where most the festivities are held.

For some peace and quiet, however, ask around for Manong Sapi so you can rest and meditate at either Lilayan or Pon-e. The last time I checked, he doesn't charge his visitors for accommodation and food, but it's better to check and make sure.

You may contact his daughters Mimi Bawer (+639183673342) or Ofhe Addom (+639199781164).

If you're lucky, you can even get to chat with Manong Sapi and listen to his words of wisdom on simple living.

Buy pasalubong - the Lubuagan people take their time in planting and harvesting their crops, weaving their fabric, long-lasting walis tambo (soft broom) and wine bottle holders so you can be assured that whatever you buy from this place is of high quality. You can also bring home organice red or brown rice and vegetables at a very affordable price!

This is just scratching the surface as to what Lubuagan has to offer its visitors. To read more about this town in the Cordilleras, or how to go there, check out posts on Getting There, Early Mornings, and Things to See and Do

For your trip, you may also want to read on:

From March 6 to 9, 2012, the town of Lubuagan in Kalinga will be holding its annual 3-day town fiesta and those who are craving for indigenous performances are encouraged to visit.

It's not as grand as the Panagbenga, but it will allow you to take a sneak peek at the lives of the Lubuagan people's culture.I'm blessed to have been given the chance to witness this celebration twice, and I'm telling you, those hours on the bus going to and coming from the mountains of Lubuagan was definitely worth it.

That was 3 days of heaven for me - witnessing how young and old men and women celebrate life through music, dance and food.Let me share a few of the videos I took during the 2011 celebration.

Don't be mislead, though. Just because we see them still embracing their indigenous culture through these videos doesn't mean that that's all they dance to. The young (and young at heart) Lubuagan folks are into hiphop and reggae music, too. You'll be surprised with the dance moves, costumes and props they pull off during their performance.

When you watch them, you'd think you're just in a provincial town close to Manila and not miles away and in a remote area up in the Cordillera mountains!
This is it for now, folks.

I'll share some more very soon (hopefully a few days before the fiesta itself)You may also want to read:

Pinoy Itchy Feet

Lubuagan, Kalinga: Getting There

Lubuagan, Kalinga: Things to See and Do

Driving Around Bohol

Town Fiestas: More Fun in Lubuagan (Part 2)

Town Fiestas: More Fun in Lubuagan! (Part I)

Panagbenga 2012's Schedule of Events

Sinulog 2011 Schedule

August Festivities

July Festivities in the Philippines

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