I APOLOGIZE for the use of some alien terms in this write-up and the habit of mixing English and the local languages which probably only a follower of the Artekdote would understand.
From the famous Facebook page with mostly Igorot members, “The Artekdote” seems to be the local version of Magpakailan Man or Maala-ala Mo Kaya stories.
The Artekdote has reached more than 75,000 likes since its foundation last year. It has a banner of “One City, Different Stories.” With the overwhelming feedback of its followers, it created a closed group entitled Pimans of Baguio (POB). The creator wrote in its group that POB is a community of pimans, hearteks, and storytellers. The group aims to restore faith in pimanity and reconnect people all over Baguio and the Cordilleras through stories and confessions because it #ConnectBridgesOneStoryAtATime. As of this writing, the group has moved more than 10,000 members.
Unknown to many, Mr. Ranzel Dane Romero was inspired to create the page while drinking a cold bottle of beer. He became the only administrator until March of this year but due to the heavy traffic of stories and messages, he added Ms. Hazel Joyce Miguel (H) and Syber Salvatore (KingSy) among others as his co-admins and moderators. They manage to save some of their time in screening stories and in attending to readers’ concerns despite their busy schedules as they have their own regular jobs. All of them have a passion for writing and the love for culture.
One reader and a top performing guidance counselor (Ma’am Cris) recommends the page saying that it has “Great real life stories of real people who have real courage and generosity to share their ‘life’ so others may be more inspired and become wiser in their own real lives...The stories are written with humor so you get more interested ‘til the end and may even look forward for each story’s sequel.”
Even my good friend and a Kapiman, Val, commends the account stating that it is a “Life and Literature in the social-media generation.” In fact, he featured the same subject in his column in this community paper.
Ms. Ae who is a nutritionist finds the page amazing because of the real life stories. “It’s either you learn lessons from it or be amused...stress reliever for me.”
As a member of the reading community, it is apparent that the page served also as a window for depressed Kapimans helping them cope with mental health disorder which is now becoming a serious concern in the country.
Considering that dummy accounts are acceptable, many fans share their stories in the open and the best part of it is that the comment box is filled with pieces of advice and appreciations to uplift the senders’ feelings. Comfort is offered by most readers to story senders.
On the other hand, this social media page showcases the storytelling prowess of Cordillerans. There’s plenty of juice, humor and most importantly the learning that the readers obtain from the different stirring and emotive stories. Personally, the stories that I loved most on the page include “The Unknown Child—Now the Known Child” and the “Short Dark Sword” (insert haha emoji).
Kapimans are more than willing to accept new members who are agreeable to reaching the goal of the page. Once a member, prepare to be amazed by the engaging and intriguing stories of the Highlanders.
Baka ada ti part 2 na daytoy nga column nu ada ti fairy tale ending da Ambet ken Ambot.