A Tribal Hall in Talakag

We were on our way to Bethany when we passed a group of people gathered and dressed in their colourful traditional Bukidnon attire. We were curious so we stopped and asked if we could take some pictures.

Datu Linggian Modesto B. Pocol, Jr. (who happened to be an old schoolmate) kindly explained what was going on. It turned out that there was a Tribal Wedding going on. We were excited as this was real and not a performance put on for visitors. The rituals, the music and the dances were indeed mesmerizing.

The venue was the Tribal Hall and as you can see it is still under construction. The land it sits on was kindly loaned by the Nobles (a very well-known family in Talakag); however, they need help to complete the construction of the Hall itself. Any donations, financial or in kind (nails, paint, cement, hollow blocks, etc), would be gratefully received.

Datu Linggian and two other Senior Tribal Elders explained why this Tribal Hall means so much to them. It would help preserve their culture and provide a common meeting place where they can learn skills; run basic education classes; and learn to integrate into society which would greatly contribute to the peacekeeping process that is so vital to an area besot with conflict. Likewise, visitors or anyone who is interested can also drop by the Tribal Hall anytime and learn more about the Tribes in Talakag.

Firepower in Talakag: Pacquiao vs. Cotto

The people of Talakag may not have been able to travel to Las Vegas, USA to watch the Pacquiao vs. Cotto boxing match but, thanks to Jess Paras, the general public were able to witness today via satellite how Pacman stopped Cotto at 55 seconds of the 12th round right here in Talakag.

Jess Paras is running for Congressman for our District in Bukidnon in the 2010 elections. What a way to launch his candidacy to a wider audience by sponsoring this show here in Talakag and I must admit that the gesture was impressive. A smart promotional strategy for Jess indeed and his contenders better think fast of something smarter to beat this one.

Kevin Bacungan Manansala

The banner says it all. Well done Kevin and best wishes for the future.

“Kalag-kalag” in Talakag

Just been to the cemetery to celebrate “kalag-kalag” (All Souls Day) and remember the lives of our beloved relatives and friends who have passed on. Saturday has been spent clearing around the graves and painting the tombs. Yesterday and today we went back to light candles, offer flowers and prayers.

When I left Talakag to go abroad, my father was still alive and even before that we always went to celebrate “kalag-kalag” in Cagayan de Oro where most of our relatives who have passed on were buried. So this is really my first “kalag-kalag” in Talakag.

For two days, Talakag cemetery was full, glowing and lively. You bump into so many people you haven’t seen for a long time. There’s a party atmosphere with people singing, playing, eating and drinking. Across the cemetery and under the shade of the rubber trees, vendors set up selling flowers, candles and refreshments. Barriers were set up at both ends of the cemetery to provide pedestrian only areas while the PNP were around to keep the peace and order. I must confess it’s no different from celebrating in Cagayan de Oro, except that I think Talakag is a lot cooler, less crowded and more organised.