In celebration of this year’s National Indigenous Peoples’
CEBU, Philippines - Month, the Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum presents Huning Lumad, featuring the musical heritage of the Talaandig Indigenous Peoples. From 26 October to 24 November 2012, through a series of exhibitions, workshops, film showings, and performances, Cebuanos can participate in the celebration of the diverse indigenous cultures of our country and participate in the preservation and promotion of the Talaandig culture.
The Talaandig are Indigenous Peoples (IP) primarily living in small communities surrounding the Kitanglad Mountain Ranges in Bukidnon and in other nearby provinces of the Mindanao Region. With a population estimated at 100,000, the Talaandig are one of the few IP communities who have successfully preserved their traditional culture and beliefs amidst the influx of modernity and change.
Proud bearers of the Talaandig tradition are the young artists who transformed their stories into creative expressions, such as songs, paintings, performance, and literary narratives. Using materials found around their community, and using their culture and beliefs as a foundation, these artists reflect on what is relevant - beliefs and practices taught by their elders, incidents experienced and observed, and new learning culled from living the contemporary life.
Talaandig music in its contemporary form owes its current vibrancy to Datu Rodelio Waway Linsahay Saway. After leaving his studies in Xavier University to pursue a musical career and perform all over the country, he realized that a lot of the beats and rhythms from his community are similar to the beats and sounds of World Music, the musical rage those days. This observation made him realize the need to rediscover his own culture, and provide the opportunity for the younger members of the tribe to reconnect to their own traditions and past, something that is slowly becoming difficult as more and more people gravitate towards the city.
Through his efforts, more young Talaandigs are familiar with their old songs and rhythms, plays traditional and experimental Talaandig musical instruments, and are using their musical traditions to voice their thoughts on their modern living, interaction with other indigenous communities, and Philippine society as a whole.
Huning Lumad exhibition is open to the public starting October 27 and will run for a month. The exhibit will be accompanied by an exhibit launch and a 2-day workshop on October 27-28, 2012 including workshops on soil painting, instrument playing and performances.
For workshop fees and other inquiries, call 268-2579 or email halad.museum@gmail.com. Please visit www.facebook.com/JRGHaladMuseum for more details. (FREEMAN)