@z_graeden here once again..Today I would like to discuss some of my knowledge and an experienced how we, the Igorots are perceived by others.

pls note that photos used in this article are not mine,sources are indicated.Rest assured that this article is written originally by me according to my knowledge as member of this so-called native tribe and my research.

Igorot came from the word "golot" meaning groups of mountain and the prefix "I" means living in.Igorot resides at the mountain ranges of Northern Philippines,in the Cordillera.Men wore woven G-strings we call "wanes"with designs,and women wore "Tapis", a woven designed fabric wrapped around their waist with woven "bakget" which serves as belt to hold the cloth in place.With the braided end parts of the belt or bakget left hanging at the back,it swings gracefully from side to side when a woman walks or dances.

When I was studying in the lowlands during my final year in highschool,I was asked by one of my teachers during class session,"where was your supposed tail,were you wearing it under your skirt uniform?When I was at a vocation in Baguio,I was hoping to see an Igorot but was unable to." With her statement,I was offended,I'd like to tell to her face,how could a teacher like her be so ignorant?And how rude and uneducated of her but I kept it myself.Nevertheless,I respectfully answered,"Ma'am, I'm a full blooded Igorot.Never did I see one amongst my tribe having a tail."

By the way,Baguio is one of the tourist destinations in the Cordillera during summer time,it is called The Summer Capital of the Philippines.

I was complimented about my fair complexion,though, and having good marks,and even my English was questioned that it was good though simple.I just dont know where they get the notion of Igorot being short,kinky hair,dark complexion and with a tail and most of all they think we are uneducated, illiterate beings .Later on,I learned why..

Across history, Igorot defended his independence against foreign agression during the Spanish regime.He's a brave warrior,war in between tribes is prevalent even before the prehispanic era,thus the practice of headhunting for their lands culture is observed.Moreover,the Igorot stood his ground in fighting the enemy for he loved his independence so much.Through out the 350years of Spanish colony in the Philippines,3 decades of remaining strong,the Igorot's resistance to invasion was unstoppable.

Because of this,the Igorot most often than not was stepped upon,mocked,and discriminated by their lowland brethen.Why?Due to the fact that the Igorots ability to fight off and opposed foreign agression ,and this was never written in Philippine history.And the thought of Igorots being a liability to the country.Nevertheless,the bravery of Igorot contributed during the American war against Japanese in the country..He faught side by side with his American allies causing the Japanese to surrender ending the Japs 40 years cruelty across the land.Hence,Gen.Douglas McArthur said to his Igorot warriors," Many desperate acts of courage and heroism have fallen under my observation on many fields of battle in many parts of the world.I have seen forlorn hopes become realities.I have seen last-ditch stands and innumerable personal acts of personal heroism that defy description.But for sheer breathtaking and heart stopping desperation,I have never known the equal of those Igorots riding the tanks.Gentlemen,when you tell the story stand in tribute to those gallant Igorots."~Gen.Douglas McArthur

However,up until this time most still thinks that Igorot is primitive,illiterate and incapable of education.Despite the fact that many have made and are making a name of their own;artists,beauty pageant contestants,athletes and others to mention that brings glory and pride to the entire nation.Pictures below are just some of them.

Edward "Landslide" Folayang with the great Filipino boxer,PacMan-Folayang is one of the Igorot MMA fighters from Sadanga,Mountain Province championing worldwide tournaments.There are other Igorots who followed his steps,competing worldwide and like their ancestors,bringing home glory and honor.Source:Facebook page Montanyosa Unity

Jordan Mang-osan.The Igorot solar artist.His works and masterpieces had reached international recognition and he is now considered the most acclaimed solar artist in the world.Source-FB page:WOW-CORDILLERA

Jefferson Cawaon Cablog.An Igorot painter/artist native of Barlig,Mountain Province.He was one among the 40 best portrait painters in the world.Source-FB page:Montanyosa

Roxanne Allison Baeyens.The newly crowned Miss Earth- Philippines2 2020,an Igorota beauty from Besao,Mountain Province.Source:Roxanne Baeyens facebook page

Igorot however,is a humble person,keeping a low profile even if they have something to show off.He's a warm,hospitable host.Disciplined,peace loving and law abiding citizen..

In addition,the Igorot warrior's blood still runs to his descendants veins.Many of them are men in uniform serving and protecting the Mother land against terrorism and maintaining peace and order.Some are even adopted by other nations.

So,where did the notion of being a tailed man came from?It is from the clothing ,the G-string and the bakget's end part hanging at the back that the Igorot wore during the olden times as I've mentioned earlier was said to be the Igorot's tail.

During occasions such as weddings and festivals do you often see these traditional clothes of ours being worn with pride and dignity..

A tribal war dance performed at a festival.Source:siningfactory.com

• what's your perception towards indigenous people? (i wont hate you or anything if you will just be honest)

• do you somehow belong to an indigenous group?

• how people treat you?

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