Ifugao Center for Living Culture

Ifugao is located in the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) at the heart of Luzon Island. CAR is home of five tribal people, including the Ifugao. It is a landlocked area with mountainous terrain. The difficult rugged terrains contributed to the isolation of these highland tribes that allowed them to relatively maintain their cultural traditions despite the onslaught of colonization.

The Ifugao people have many physical inheritance from their ancestors including the terraced rice-fields (payo). Their traditional survival skills in woodworking, weaving, and basketry is phenomenal. The centuries-old terraced rice-fields proves that life’s sustainability through simple means is possible.

• hiking in rice paddies and processing rice that is endemic to Ifugao and grown only once a year;
• rice planting/harvesting/processing (depending on timing with the growing season)
• practice qigong, including a form specifically developed by Lagitan to reflect our cultural practices;
• learn traditional arts and survival skills;
• participate in Baki spirituality & ceremony by Ifugao mumbakis (shamans).

Note: The above activities serves as a guideline. There will be surprises including spiritual insertions in the actual program. Food will be mostly vegetarian from local sources. Provisions for housing are simple with thin mattresses and plenty of blankets. Walking barefooted is recommended but bring whatever feels comfortable for you to walk with. The most important thing to bring with you is an adventurous spirit and an open mind. Oh, and a huge container for laughter!

Teachers are:

Tinungur Qigong, Shamanic Journeying, and Self-Healing techniques: Mamerto Tindongan aka Laguitan and Joannah White Tindongan aka Inwayah

Rattan Weaving: Chuppag Wigan

Traditional Farming: Rosenda Tindongan aka Labannot

Traditional games and Gong beating and dancing: Benjamin Tindongan aka Gur-id; Mamerto Tindongan; Chuppag Wigan; and Pedro Hangdaan

Note: Teachers have no formal education nor college degrees except for Mamerto and Joannah Tindongan. They master their arts the traditional way.

Language Translators: Jennelyn Nanglihan and Norma De Vera

Lodging and food are included in the registration price. Lodging will be in shared rooms in a simple house, sleeping on the floor. Basic bedding will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring additional bedding if you desire more comfort. Food will be locally harvested rice, vegetables and meats/fish. Please pack warm clothing, it gets cold at night!

Please be advised that many of our rituals and ceremonies involve animal sacrifice. No one is required to consume meat if they do not wish to, nor to be present at the sacrifice, but it´s important to understand that these practices are an important part of our cultural heritage and spirituality. We encourage attending with an open heart & mind, and can answer any questions before or during the event.

Required* and suggested packing:

• Reusable water bottle*
• Warm clothing*
• Towel*
• Small backpack for shorter hikes
• Bathing suit for hot springs/rivers
• Sunscreen (eco-friendly) and hat for hiking & planting rice
• Insect repellant
• Headlamp or light
• Sleeping bag/sleeping pad/hammock
• Journal
• Hot beverage thermos
• Hiking shoes if you feel that you need them (many of us are fine hiking in chinilas/slippers or barefoot)
• Musical instrument
• Gifts or something to share with others