CORDILLERANS in the United Kingdom were given the opportunity to know more about the history and the culture and traditions of the Igorots through the 2-day conference held at the SOAS University of London.
Dubbed Representing the Philippine Cordillera (Issues of Cultural Ownership, Commodification and Appropriation), the event made the participants appreciate more their roots with the interesting topics discussed by well-known speakers during the lectures on July 13 and July 14.
These topics include The Origins of the Word “Igorot” by Maria Carmen Domingo-Kirk; Gazing Upon the Other: The Politics of Representing the Igorot in Philippine Modernism by Caroline Rose Tacata-Baicy, Of Two Minds: Mainstream and Indigenous Elite Representation of the Igorots in the Philippines by Villia Jefremovas, and others.
The annotated screening of the short film “Walang Rape sa Bontoc” was also one of the highlights of the conference with Dr. Analyn Amores and Dr. Deirdre Mackay as respondents.
There were also booths for exhibit which featured the works and history of Igorot UK and chance to mingle with the kailians.
Famous photographer Tommy Hafala who was adopted by the Sagadians also launched his book entitled “Ili” during the event.
The culminating activity was another memorable moment to remember for the Cordillerans in London represented by the group Igorot UK with members Grace Nanus, Kirstin Louiselle Gallman Malingan, and Megan Abad.
Clad with their ethnic attire, they proudly showcased the cultural presentations featuring the traditional dances from the different provinces in Cordillera with the sound of the gangsa. Some presented the favorite songs in the Montañosa including the Cordillera hymn.
There are still a lot of things to learn about the history of the Igorots. The conference organized by Cristina Martinez-Juan in UK was well appreciated by the Cordillerans there as it expanded their knowledge on concerns that they should know and understand more about their own heritage.
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