The Ifugao tribe is part of the Cordillera mountainous region in the northern Philippines, which includes other tribes of the Igorot family. Because we were never colonized by Spain during its 350 year conquest of the Philippines, this collection of tribes retain one of the largest amounts of indigenous knowledge, culture, and practices in modern times. While we maintain many heritage practices, such as weaving, woodcarving and basket making, the region is best known for its rice terraces, some of which are said to be up to 2,000 years old, or 500 years at the least. Some of these terraces are being farmed because they are UNESCO World Heritage sites, many others are abandoned or have been repurposed for commercial vegetables, and few are left which are still being farmed with heirloom native rice.

The indigenous spirituality of the Ifugao is called “baki,” which is practiced by native initiated priests, called “mumbaki,” and whose rituals are deeply tied to the creation stories of the region, the rice season, and community events. Our rituals are complex and can span entire nights, and are punctuated by chants and creation stories, sometimes at the same time. Ritual rice wine is made and animals are sacrificed as offerings to deities and to feed participants. Large celebrations and feasts are held to mark important times of the year, including rice planting and harvest, and even a 9 day festival for “bayah,” rice wine. There is a hierarchical nature to community membership, with wealthy families, respected individuals, and native priests holding positions of decision making and deference.

Mamerto “Lagitan” Tindongan and is an 8th generation “mumbaki,” or native priest, one of the dwindling group of initiated native priests in the Ifugao region of the Philippines who still practice indigenous spirituality and way of life. He was initiated into the tradition by his father, and is one of the youngest people who carry the role, despite being considered an elder. Mamerto lives in a small, rural village close to where he grew up, and leads a very simple life as he strives to save the rapidly disappearing indigenous subsistence farming and native spirituality of the region. Also an internationally respected elder, Mamerto has participated in many cultural events as a knowledge bearer and guide to all generations who wish to reconnect with their roots. He is also initiated in the Laika Q’uero Peruvian tradition, traditions from First Nations in North America, and is a Chi-Gong and Tai Chi student and instructor.