Bringing Intention

5 • 27 • 2022

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

IFUGAO TRIBE
of the Cordillera Region in Northern Luzon

The Ifugao rice terraces are one major identifying marker for them as a people. Created up to 2,000 years ago and handed down generations, they are a supreme national symbol of the Philippines.
According to Ifugao cultural leader Marlon Martin, his people cultivated taro in the rice terraces before the introduction of rice to the Cordilleras. Exhibiting beauty, sophistication in structural and hydrological engineering along with environmental and agricultural management the terraces are a testament to the knowledge passed down through oral tradition.
The Hud-hud is a large collection of extended chanting pieces, epic narrations of the lives of the local heroes who like them are governed by the dawning and setting of the harvest sun.

Another distinct characteristic of the Ifugao tribe is their ritual practice and symbols which go back just as far as the terraces.

BUL-UL
Protectors of the Rice Harvest

One of the earliest sculptures known on the islands, the wooden Bul-ul reveals the Ifugao people’s connection to their vital life source: rice.
Though there are many renditions of the Bul-ul, it’s characteristics tell a common story. The legs are often bent while the figure is squatting or standing on what appears to be a rice mortar.
The Bul-ul brings assurance of protecting their primary source of life from any natural or physical adversaries. The statue is said to take on the ancestors’ spirits.

MUSALAYA’S GIFT

A youth fantasy novel by Conrad J. Benedicto

At the heart of the story is the young Lukat musician Alad, who, along with his friends and his people, encounter fantastic creatures and evil forces in their fight for their lives, territory, and heritage.

To purchase the book click the link below.

Purchase the Book

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join Us for the Book Launch Tomorrow!

READING & KULINTANG PERFORMANCE by CONRAD J. BENEDICTO

Musician and author of Musalaya’s Gift will be presenting the epic novel and Kulintang performance on
June 4th
at Berkeley Public Library

Sign up to reserve your spot by clicking the link below

Click to Register

SAVE THE DATE
SUNDAY JULY 24, 2022

Musalaya’s Gift
Book Launch Event

for youth (8-13 years old) and their families

Check in for more info coming soon!

NURSING THESE WOUNDS

A site-specific, immersive dance performance investigating the impacts of colonization on diasporic Pilipinx health & caregiving

HELP US HONOR PILIPINX NURSES THAT WHO CONTINUE TO SERVE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC

Nursing These Wounds is a work that serves to honor those who are currently in or have ever worked in the Nursing field especially in the past two years.

If you are someone who has served as a nurse or know someone who has, click the link below to fill out the form and help us bring the intention of recognition to those who gave so much to their communities.

Say Their Names