Introducing to you my hometown—MAYOYAO, IFUGAO

Many times people ask me the question “tagaanu ka?” (From where are you?) And everytime I am asked with this question, I always feel hestitant to say I am from Mayoyao, Ifugao. Don’t get me wrong— I am not ashamed of my hometown. I AM PROUD TO BE AN E-majawjaw. I am just ashamed to say that I am from there because when questions follow about our culture, I cannot give a good description. I was only eight when I left our place. Then we just go home when there are special family gathering. With my limited background about my hometown, I can hardly make a description verbally. But maybe I can make a try with my blog.

 The photographs below were taken in our place.I wish I can describe each photo properly, but in case there are corrections, please notify me right away.

This, the pyramid-shaped, is our very own native house. It has four posts that elevated the house with about 4 ft above the gound. My mother once told me that the reason why it was designed that way was to secure the house from wild animals that may attack them.

   This is how we butcher pigs when there are occasions or big gatherings. These photos were taken on July 2009 at our front yard.

While the meat is being cooked, some folks are working with the stick that we use in preparing theshare of each individual present in the gathering. The right photo is the meat we distribute to the people. together with rice. This set-up is usually done during wake or burial. The meat is cooked with just plain salt. 

Applying my simple photography skills

Gossiping

“We are living with many gossipers but we can make a difference by simply keeping quiet so as not participate.”

-Aginaya-

Comfort Zone

“Don’t intend to always stay in your comfort zone. You’ll only get frustrated becausewe are living in a changing world. Just learn to go with the flow of change so that you will not be forced. Take not that it hurts more when we are being forced.”

—Aginaya—

Turning to a new page of life

Hello! It’s been a long time since I have not posted in his blog. I have so many things to write but I just can’t find the words to express what I feel. I just landed on a new job in a new environment last February. Though I am not new to research works, I sometimes feel misplaced because the company’s industry  is microfinance. What do I know about microfinance if I am to relate it to my baccalaureate deagree. But I believe that I am here for a purpose. The research focus of our company is on poverty alleviation so I am putting in my system that I am for this job since it has been in my heart and will always be in my heart to help in poverty alleviation. I just thank God for this opporunity to help through research.

My first month in the company was my adjustment period - Observing everything: the people, the environment, and everything in it. I’m just thankful for the people who welcomed me right away even in my very first day of work. They made me feel that I am not any different person. Thank you ma’am lily, my boss; ma’am marie and sir jules. You’re are such a blessing to me and somehow a source of strength in times I feel I am alone especially you, ma’am marie. Age difference did not restrain you from making friend to a youner one like me.

I haven’t yet gone out for a field work but I am expecting to visit our 14 branches in April. A part of me is exited because this is gonna be a great adventure since I will be going out alone! However a part of me is somewhat afraid because I have no one to depend on.- not even a driver or vehicle with me. I used to be provided with such services in my past job but anyway, gone are those days. I must face this fear because it’s an opportunity to overcome it and it is only now or never.

 Well, this is only what I have to say for now. Hope I will find some time to post more in the following day. Hope I really will because this is one of my outlets. My friend is away now and I find blogging as one way to express things that I can’t just tell to anybody. God bless everyone!!!

internship

INTERNSHIP IN BONTOC