INDIGENOUS people from Kabayan town, Benguet paid tribute to a migratory bird which has become a part of history.
Indigenous Peoples of Kabayan gathered in Barangay Poblacion to pay tribute to the red-necked bird Siberian Rubythroat locally known as “kiling or ke-ling.”
Mayor Faustino Aquisan said the 3rd Kiling Festival coincides with the 119th Foundation day of the town.
The loud chirping of kiling signals rice farmers to prepare as typhoon season ends and the “tegin” or cold season is near.
“We are pushing for the celebration of Kiling Festival for this is part of the culture of our ancestors and would not be forgotten by the succeeding generations,” the chief executive added.
The mayor said the idea came through after bird watching in other provinces where it was observed the migratory birds transfer from other places to another the same that of Tinikling.
Kiling epitomizes the ability to outwit its foes, and it’s probably the reason why it is still around.
Aquisan, who conceptualized the “Kiling-Tinikling” dance, features a fusion of local and national dance.
Presentors garbed in their traditional Benguet attire, “devit” for women and g-string for men incorporating the movements of the killing and at the same time performing tinikling.
The twin celebrations, which were themed “Onward Mystical Kabayan,” were highlighted by special presentations from Pacso Senior Citizens, Kabayan National High School Bayle sa Kalye, Adaoay National High School-Abucot Extension Rondalla Group, Kabayan National High School Dance Drama while Loakan Elementary School,Kabayan Central School, Adaoay National High School Main and Kamora High School presented their version of the “Kiling-Tinikling.”
Students both in elementary and division during showdown imitated the movements and sounds of the bird.
The ground demonstration of the dance launched on November 28 was graced by stakeholders from the 13 barangays namely Adaoay, Anchokey, Ballay, Bashoy, Duacan, Eddet, Gusaran, Kabayan Barrio, Lusod, Pacso, Poblacion, and Tawangan.
Local folklore narrates the kiling outwitted a rat after it was caught and held vise grip-like by the rodent. The rat then noticed the bird has ruby-like throat. Curious, the rat asked the bird how it was able to have a red neck or throat. The kiling replied it slashed part of its throat to make it red or ruby-like, the rat promptly brought its knife, slashed its throat and fell dead.