When Culture Shock PH announced early this year that they will have a Talaandig Cultural Immersion Tour, I booked right away a promo fare flight by Cebu Pacific Air to Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental, which is the entry point to Bukidnon. The Talaandig is just one of the seven tribes of the province of Bukidnon; the others being Manobo, Umayamnon, Matigsalug, Tigwahonon, Higaonon, and Bukidnon. On May 1-3, 2014, I was fortunate to have joined Culture Shock PH’s first batch of cultural immersion participants.

Day 1: Arrival at the Talaandig Ancestral Territory

I took the earliest flight to Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan, is technically more appropriate). I was lucky to have Osep and Byrone (our facilitators from Culture Shock PH) in the same flight with me along with Matthew, another participant. After arriving at the Laguindingan Airport, we took our breakfast at the cafeteria just a walk away from the airport and waited for the other participants, Joey and Oliver. Then, with a pre-arranged van by Culture Shock PH, we proceeded to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

It was in Malaybalay City where we met the lady participants of our cultural immersion namely, D-na, Icar, and May. We took our lunch at Le Café and afterwards, bought our supplies for the immersion at the Malaybalay City Public Market.

It was already mid-afternoon when we arrived at the Talaandig Ancestral Territory in Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon. Bong (friend of Culture Shock PH) welcomed us there. We were all temporarily accommodated at the house of Amay Raul and waited for the welcome ritual (which was moved to the next day due to the hectic schedule of the ritualists). No time was wasted while waiting in the humble abode of Amay Raul as we marvel at the stunning soil paintings that were placed in every wall. We were also greeted with spontaneous jamming sessions from different Talaandig artists.

Our cooks, D-na and Oliver, prepared our sumptuous meal that day. There was delicious meal for everybody that night. And, we jammed again – partied with instruments crafted by the artistic hands of the Talaandig. It was also a celebration of May’s birthday.

After the Talaandig-style partying, we proceeded to our respective host’s house. I was assigned to Soliman’s house, along with Osep and Oliver. This day was a great welcome for all of us here in Bukidnon. I slept real tight that night as I was excited for next day’s activities.

Day 2: Jam-packed Immersion Experience

One thing I realized when I woke up is that it was really cold. Being situated in the Mt Kitanglad range, this area experiences a microclimate. Even the free-flowing spring water here is freezing cold, which means that bathing is the real challenge.

The cold feeling was equalized by the hot home-grown coffee and warm talk with our host Soliman. His house, similar with other Talaandig artists, is adorned with numerous soil paintings. What set their house apart is that it follows no definite plan and is a wonderful work-in-progress.

After our breakfast that day, we proceeded with our welcome ritual. The elder women of the Talandig performed the ritual with us. We also conducted a birthday ritual for May. During the ritual, the elder women advised us that our offers were accepted by the spirits and hence, we were welcome in their ancestral territory. Then, we prepared and had our lunch.

The afternoon was spent in making bamboo flute and soil painting. In making the bamboo flute, one has to be mindful of the measurements so as to produce a well-sounding instrument. Also, putting delicate engraves on the flute is the real challenge. I only managed to engrave a small portion in my flute. We were also taught how to paint in canvas using soil of different colors as medium. For my soil painting, I tried to make an abstract version of a lake that I saw just recently from one of my trips.

And then, we ventured to Binahon Agro Forestry Farm that night as the Talaandig tribe was invited to perform. It was one spectacular night as the Talaandig gave their all – from instrument playing to singing to dancing. We were also invited to dance and jam with them impromptu.

The event at Binahon Agro Forestry Farm ended with a trek back to Songco. We walk on roads where only stars lit the way. Thinking that the night was not enough, we drank rum with our new Talaandig friends.

Day 3: Taking Art Home

It was the last day of our immersion. We proceeded with our usual routine of preparing breakfast and taking cups of joe. This was our last breakfast here in Songco.

After the breakfast, we finished the soil paintings we have started the previous day. We also saw how the soil medium was prepared.

After completing our paintings, we prepared our things as we will be picked by our service vehicle before lunch. The parting with the Talaandig tribe was something that I would always remember. I experienced the simple yet artistic living with the Talaandig of Bukidnon. My heart was full of experiences that I have never experienced in my whole life. It somehow showed me that I, too, have an artistic side that just needs to be awakened. This experience also taught me that I can interact with other people even though we’ve grown from different culture.

Thank you, Culture Shock PH for this awesome experience. Please visit cultureshockph.com for more information on tours like this cultural immersion.