Issue #6 - IGO

10
Top row Audience enjoyed to learn the dances
2nd row Demonstration on how to don a ba-hag
3rd row Youth relaxing and Ifugao wood carver
making Bu-lul
4th row Backstrap weaving demonstration
5th row Dance demonstration and public invited
to play the gongs
Opposite Page Sleeping Beauty play
descendant of Antero and I am sure she felt
pride in making the closing performance as
closure.
As the play ended, participants shouted
like the end of a winning season. Everyone
scrambled to get those last minute group
picture shots and audiences asked to have
their pictures taken. What an event this was.
Regrettably, I did not witness Jessie Mina’s
Wising photo exhibit. I spoke to him briefly
and visited his website. His macro photography
is truly an expression of his vision and
his landscape photos seek to show a dimension
not easily seen with the naked eye.
For those who were present, it marked a
continuing milestone into ensuring that
Cordillera history and culture become a part
of American history and culture.
However, this story would not be complete
unless we answer the lingering question
among Filipinos and Cordillerans alike.
How can you celebrate a period in history
when your ancestors were displayed for the
amusement of the American public? History
and its milestones are sometimes unpleasant.
If you celebrate only your proudest
accomplishments you will miss the opportunity
to fire your passion to ensure that your
darkest hours never dim your future.
The Igorot community thanks the Filipino
Cultural Heritage Society of Washington,
The Seattle Center, The Alaska-Yukon-
Pacific Exposition Centennial Community,
and the mayor and people of Seattle. We
thank you for your openness to the diversity
of cultures.