Indigenous Peoples of Luzon Zambales Mountains: Ayta Mag-indi, Ayta

Mag-anchi, Ayta Abellen, Ayta Bataan, etc.

NEGRITO
Southern Luzon: Inagta Rinconada, Inagta
Brief History and Origin Partido, Manide, etc.
-The Negritos are among the very first human Cultural Practices and Traditions
groups to live in the Philippines, arriving in
small migrations from mainland Southeast Asia. -Negrito groups are usually small, formed by
extended families or clans, and social
- Some experts say the Negritos arrived around relationships are often built around kinship ties.
13,000 to 10,000 years ago, possibly from the
Malay Peninsula Animism- Negrito’s believe that spirits live in
nature—trees, rivers, mountains, and animals.
-They are descendants of the region’s earliest
hunter-gatherer peoples, surviving alongside Hunting and Gathering- Negritos are known as
their cousins, the Semang Negritos of Malaysia skilled hunters and gatherers. They hunt wild
animals, gather fruits, honey, and root crops.
-Spanish missionaries in the 16th century
noticed their small stature, dark skin, and curly Taboos- Rules about food, hunting, and
hair, and gave them the name “Negrito,” which marriage must be followed to avoid bad luck.
means “little black person”
Shamanism- Some groups have healers or
-Negritos are spread across various parts of the shamans who talk to spirits and heal the sick.
Philippines-including Luzon, Palawan, Panay, They are respected leaders in the community.
Negros, Cebu, and Mindanao, collectively
numbering around 15,000 people. Amulets and Charms- They wear or keep
protective items to guard
Language or Dialect
Traditional Attire
-All Negritos speak Austronesian languages,
which are closely related to the languages of -Women traditionally wore wrap-around skirts,
neighboring non-Negrito communities. Their often made of bark cloth, while men commonly
languages typically do not form a distinct wore loincloths (bahag).
Negrito subfamily. -Elder women sometimes wore bark cloth strips
-There are approximately 30 Negrito-related that passed between the legs, attached to a waist
languages in the Philippines, many of which are cord
severely endangered or extinct. -For jewelry, they use beads, shells, dried
Examples: grasses, and colored rattan strips worn on the
hair, neck, arms, ankles, and waist.
Northern Luzon: Dupaningan Agta, Pahanan
Agta, Casiguran Agta, Remontado/Hatang-Kayi, Music
Umiray Dumaget, Manide, etc. -Music is part of daily life Negrito people often
sing-even during chores or routines-to share
feelings like joy, love, or sadness.
-Improvised and repetitive singing They use Discrimination- They often face unfair treatment
simple tunes, often sung over and over. Lyrics and negative stereotypes from mainstream
can be made up on the spot to match how they society.
feel.
IVATAN
Amba- A song that conveys happiness. A sweet
melody sung repeatedly, often at weddings, with Brief History and Origin
clapping or flat gong rhythms to accompany it. -Early Austronesian settlers arrived in the
Undas- A mourning song sung around someone Batanes Islands about 4,000 years ago, coming
who has lost a loved one; community members from Taiwan and northern Luzon. They were
bring small offerings (like rice) and place them skilled in farming, fishing, and boat-building.
with a bow and arrow beside the bereaved. -They built idjangs, hilltop stone fortresses, for
-Negritos use simple, mostly handmade safety during clan conflicts.
instruments including: -They joined the Maritime Jade Road, trading
Tabung-tabung/ Kabong-bong/ Kabubung – jade and goods across Southeast Asia from
bamboo zithers around 2000 BCE to 500 CE.

Tibawa / Pattanggo- clapper (percussion -In 1783, Spain officially claimed Batanes, and
instrument) Ivatan leader Aman Dangat resisted, leading a
revolt in 1791.
Gong and guitar- used for melody and rhythm
-Now, the Ivatan remain a distinct
Dance ethnolinguistic group living mainly in the
Batanes Islands
Binabayani (War Dance)- A warlike dance
usually performed after hunting or during Language or Dialect
celebrations. It has energetic movements that
show bravery and pride, with a strong rhythm -Ivatan language (Chirin nu Ivatan) means
that excites the group. “language of the Ivatan people.”

Current Issues or Challenges -It is an Austronesian language.

Losing their land- Many Negrito groups are -Spoken mainly in the Batanes Islands,
losing their ancestral lands because of farming, Philippines.
mining, logging, and other development Main Dialects of Ivatan:
projects.
-Ivasayen (Basco/Batan)- Spoken in Basco and
Cultural loss – Their traditional ways, language, surrounding northern areas; considered the main
and customs are disappearing as younger or standard dialect.
generations adopt modern lifestyles.
-Isamurongen (Southern Batan & Sabtang)-
Used in southern towns like Mahatao, Ivana,
Uyugan, and Sabtang.
-Itbayaten (Itbayat Island)- Often recognized as Music
a distinct dialect with unique vocabulary, spoken
on Itbayat. Laji- a short lyric folk poetry that may be sung
for rituals, at courtship, at social events, and
Cultural Practices and Traditions celebrations.

-Stone-and-lime houses with thick walls and Dance

layered cogon grass roofs—designed to
withstand Batanes’ powerful typhoons and harsh Pandanggo Ivatan- a wedding dance with
winds European waltz/mazurka influences, plus hand
gestures like Tagalog kumintang.
-Skilled weaving of vakul (women’s headgear)
and kanayi/talugong (men’s vest and hat) from Current Issues or Challenges
vuyavuy palm or abacá fibers, both functional Harsh climate & typhoons- Constant storms
and culturally significant damage agriculture and fishing, making survival
-Festivals and rituals like Kapayvanuvanua, a challenging.
ceremonial blessing of the sea to ensure a Economic limitations & migration- Few local
fruitful arayu (dorado) fishing season, often opportunities drive migration to Luzon or
accompanied by offerings Mindanao.
Payuhuan / kayvayvanan- communal farming Language endangerment- Many younger
and cooperative work traditions where neighbors Ivatans-especially those outside Batanes-are
help each other collectively. losing fluency in their native language.
Traditional Attire IFUGAO
Vakul- A woven protective headgear for women Brief History and Origin
made from vuyavuy (voyavoy) palm fiber,
designed to shield against sun, wind, and rain. It -The term Ifugao derives from “ipugo”, meaning
consists of a hood and a cape draping down the “earth people”, “mortals”, or people “from the
back hill/mountain”

Talugong- A traditional conical male headpiece, -In their own mythology, the first Ifugao
crafted from the same palm fiber. Men often pair ancestors, Wigan and Bugan, descended from
it with a vest called kanayi the divine Kabunyan (Skyworld) to inhabit the
fertile valley of Pugaw, founding the settlement
Kanayi (also spelled Kanaya)- A woven vest for of Kiyangan.
men, made from voyavoy palm leaves, worn for
protection and utility in fieldwork -When the Spanish colonized lowlands (1600s–
1700s), Ifugaos moved deeper into the
Tukap- Traditional footwear of the Ivatan, often Cordillera highlands.
made from natural materials-possibly indigenous
plant fibers or woven elements -Shifted from taro to wet-rice farming, leading
to the creation of the famous Ifugao Rice
Terraces as part of survival and resistance.
Language or Dialect Traditional Attire

-The Ifugaos speak the Ifugao language, which Women’s Attire

has several dialects (like Tuwali, Ayangan,
Mayoyao). Tapis / Ampuyo / Inabal (Wrap-around Skirt)- A
colorful, handwoven skirt wrapped at the waist,
-Their language belongs to the Austronesian typically adorned with stripes and geometric
family of languages. motifs.

-Many Ifugaos today also speak Ilocano, Lamma- A simple, sleeveless white jacket for
Filipino, and English for communication outside daily wear, used by women during fieldwork to
their community. shield against sun and weeds.

Cultural Practices and Traditions Botok / Atake / Inipul- Hair beads or necklaces;
botok are small red or white beads, while inipul
Rice Rituals- The Ifugao have many ceremonies are larger agate beads.
connected to rice farming, from planting to
harvest. They offer animals, rice wine, and Men’s Attire
prayers led by a ritual specialist (mumbaki) to
thank gods and ask for good harvests. Binuhlan / Wanoh (G-string)- A handwoven
loincloth wrapped tightly around the body, with
Hudhud Chants- The Hudhud is a celebrated ends hanging forward (dayude) and backward
epic chant, consisting of over 200 chants across (iwitan) down to the knees.
40 episodes, performed during sowing, harvest,
funerals, and rituals Upper Body Covering (Bayaong / Wanga)- A
blanket-like cloth draped across the torso-
Punnuk (Harvest Tug-of-War)- A river tug-of- featuring motifs of mortars, men, snakes, stars,
war done after harvest to celebrate and bring iguanas, and spears
luck for the next planting.
Headdress (Pongot / Hallidung)- A woven rattan
Bulul Figures- Wooden statues kept in rice or bamboo headband, sometimes adorned with
granaries, believed to guard rice and bring feathers or symbols of status.
abundance.
Ginuttu (Belt)- A waist belt made of white shells
Imbayah Festival (Banaue, late April–May)- strung together on red-dyed rattan, often worn
loose on the side.
-Celebrated in Banaue to honor the Ifugao’s
noble heritage. Pinuhha / Ambayong (Hip Bags)- Triangular
woven bags for carrying betel nut, lime, knives,
-The word imbayah comes from “bayah” (rice spoons, and amulets.
wine), which is central to the celebration.
Music
-Activities include traditional dances, songs,
woodcraft displays, and communal feasting. -Use gongs (gangsa), bamboo flutes, bamboo
percussion, and drums.
-Music is played during rituals, farming events, Spaniards later termed the area Ilocos and its
weddings, and festivals. people Ilocano.

-Songs often accompany chants like Hudhud. -In 1572, Juan de Salcedo explored Vigan,
Laoag, and nearby areas; and founded
-Usually done during rituals, harvest, weddings, settlements like Villa Fernandina
and celebrations.
-In 18th–19th century, land shortage pushed
Dance Ilocanos to other Luzon provinces, Mindoro,
Palawan, Mindanao; early 1900s many worked
Popular dances include:
in Hawaii and California.
Uyauy (Uyaoy)- A dance mimics the Sakpaya
-Today, Ilocanos are the third-largest
hawk’s movements, with dancers gliding and
ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines,
stamping to gong rhythms, showing prestige and
originally from Ilocos Region but now found
social status.
throughout Northern and Central Luzon, Metro
Current Issues or Challenges Manila, Mindoro, Palawan, Mindanao, and
overseas.
Out-migration of youth- Many young Ifugaos
leave terrace farming for cities, seeing it as Language or Dialect
difficult and low-paying, which reduces labor
-Ilocanos use the Ilocano language (also called
and disrupts the transfer of traditional
Iloko, Iloco, or Iloko), a major Austronesian
knowledge.
language native to Northern Luzon.
Erosion of indigenous practices- Modern
-Ilocano has two main varieties: Amianan
education, religion, and technology have
(Northern), which uses five vowels (a, i, u, e, o),
marginalized traditional rituals, chants (like
and Abagatan (Southern), which adds a sixth
Hudhud), and agricultural wisdom.
vowel—a high back unrounded sound /ɯ/—
Limited farming income- Most Ifugao farmers making the main difference the way the “e”
rely on subsistence farming, with low annual sound is pronounced.
earnings and minimal savings
Cultural Practices and Traditions
ILOCANO
Atang- it refers to a food and drink offering
Brief History and Origin made to honor and aid the spirit of the departed,
often during wakes or other rituals. These
-Ilocanos trace their roots to Austronesian offerings commonly include rice cakes and basi
people who migrated from Taiwan thousands of (sugarcane wine), and are performed with
years ago. prayers and reverence.
-They settled along the coastal and river areas of Ilocano wakes and burials feature rituals such
northern Luzon, adapting to farming and fishing. as:
-The term "Ilocano" derives from "i-" (from) and -Atong: A log burned at the house to guide the
"looc" (cove or bay), meaning "people of the spirit.
bay."Before Spain, locals called the region
Samtoy (from sao mi daytoy “our dialect”).
-Gulgol: Post-funeral cleansing ritual where Music
family members wash with leaves and water or
basi. Pamulinawen- A beloved traditional Ilocano
love song, likely dating back before Spanish
Panagpudno (Ilocano pamamanhikan)- The colonization. It tells of a woman named
groom formally requests the bride’s hand in Pamulinawen whose heart is as hard as alabaster
marriage from her parents; they then choose a —resistant to her suitor’s pleas. It's so iconic
wedding date based on lucky numbers and may that it's often called the “regional song of
consult astrology. Ilocandia” and even dubbed the “National
Anthem of the Ilokano.”
Inabel (from abel, meaning “to weave” in
Ilocano) weaving- refers to traditional Dance
handwoven textiles native to the Ilocos Region.
Dinaklisan (Currimao fishing dance)- An
Traditional Attire occupational dance that honors the endurance
and hard work of Currimao’s fisherfolk.
Women’s Attire
Current Issues or Challenges
-Wore a fitted upper garment (bádo/báru) that
extended to the waist. Cultural disconnect among youth- Many young
Ilocanos are growing detached from traditional
-Wore an overskirt called salupingping, a practices, partly due to heavy exposure to
multicolored wrap over a white underskirt; mainstream media and global culture.
gathered at the waist with pleats positioned to
one side. Weaving and craftmaking under threat-
Traditional inabel weaving continues to survive
-Wore gold or gemstone jewelry including but with difficulty-villages face shortages of raw
earrings (large lobes preferred), bracelets, materials, labor, and modern tools needed for
anklets, rings, and necklaces efficient production.
Men’s Attire IBANAG
-Wore a fitted, collarless upper garment called Brief History and Origin
bádo or báru, similar to the Tingguian koton, in
fabrics like blue or black cloth -The name Ibanag means “people of the river”
(from “I-” meaning people and “bannag”
-For trousers, Ilocano men wore a richly colored meaning river).
cloth, often with gold stripes. The cloth was
rolled up at the waist and passed between the -They originally lived near the Cagayan River in
legs. It covered the body decently until mid- northern Luzon.
thigh. These trousers were called bahaques.
-Over time, they migrated southward along the
-Wore a bangal headdress, a long cloth wrapped Cagayan River, reaching parts of southern
turban-style or draped over the shoulder Cagayan Valley.

-They became one of the earliest lowland

farming communities, growing rice, corn,
tobacco, and cotton.
-During Spanish colonization, Dominican Mamalagun- is the practice of changing a child’s
missionaries used Ibanag as a main language for name or nickname. The new name can come
spreading Christianity, making it a regional from a deceased relative or from the Bible.
language for trade and religion. Many Ibanags believe this brings healing to a
sick child, because the evil spirit causing the
-Today, they are mainly found in Cagayan and illness gets confused and can no longer harm the
Isabela provinces, with smaller groups in Nueva child.
Vizcaya.
Ikattag- Hitting fruit trees after nightmares to
Language or Dialect prevent bad luck.
-The Ibanag language is the main language Ibanags say “Dios Apu!” (meaning “Mano po”)
spoken by the Ibanag people. It is also called to elders when entering homes or passing by, out
Ybanag or Ibanak. of respect.
-It belongs to the Austronesian language family, Traditional Attire
specifically the Northern Luzon branch.
Women’s Attire
-Spoken by around 500,000 people.
Patadyong- Wraparound ankle-length skirt,
-Found mostly in Cagayan and Isabela handwoven, colorful with patterns.
provinces, especially in towns like Tuguegarao,
Solana, Abulug, Cabagan, and Ilagan. Baro- Blouse, often matching fabric,
embroidered with designs.
Two main dialect groups: North Ibanag and
South Ibanag. Accessories- Beaded necklaces, earrings,
bracelets from local materials.
Tuguegarao Ibanag- considered the standard
dialect, influenced by Spanish and widely used Men’s Attire
in urban areas.
Bahag- Woven loincloth worn around the waist.
Northern Cagayan dialects- spoken in towns like
Abulug, Aparri, and Pamplona; closer to older Camisa- Lightweight white shirt.
Ibanag forms and use p → f sound changes (e.g., Headgear- Salakot (bamboo wide-brim hat) or
mapatu → mafatu for “hot”). sabutan (woven hat) used for farming.
Cultural Practices and Traditions Music
Salomon Chant (Advent Chanting)- The In the Ibanag, “Canta” or “Cansion” simply
Salomon Gozosos or Salomon is a traditional refers to songs-encompassing various types used
chant recounting the Joyful Mysteries of the in religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and
Nativity. It lasts about six hours and is community life.
performed during Advent as a communal act of
spiritual devotion. O Lappao- It means “Oh, Lovely Flower”. The
song is a love serenade that compares the
beloved to a beautiful flower, expressing deep
admiration, affection, and the hope that their
beauty and presence will remain forever.
Dance -At the eve of the Philippine Revolution of
1896, Pampanga was one of eight provinces
Maskota- A courtship/wedding dance where the placed under martial law for rebellion against
bride and groom perform first. Guests place the Spanish Empire; Pampanga is depicted in the
money or gifts on plates or handkerchiefs. The Philippine flag as one of the (eight) rays of the
groom gathers them and gives them to the bride, sun.
accompanied by improvised verses sung by a
singer -Today, Kapampangans form one of the largest
ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines,
Current Issues or Challenges primarily residing in the floodplains of the
Pampanga River in Central Luzon—especially
Reduced use in formal domains- While Ibanag
in Pampanga, parts of Tarlac, Nueva Ecija,
remains strong at home and in close
Zambales, Bulacan, Bataan, and Aurora
communities, its usage is notably dropping in
schools, workplaces, and religious settings, Language or Dialect
where Tagalog and Ilocano dominate.
-Kapampangans use the Kapampangan
Land displacement- Ibanags, who are part of the language, also known as Amánung Sisuan
broader Indigenous Peoples (IP) in Cagayan (“mother tongue”).
Valley, are affected by mining projects,
infrastructure expansions, and land grabs that -It is one of the eight major languages of the
disrupt communities and livelihoods. Philippines.

KAPAMPANGAN -It is an Austronesian language belonging to the

Central Luzon group, closely related to Sambalic
Brief History and Origin languages spoken in Zambales and Bolinao
(Pangasinan).
-The term Kapampangan and Pampanga derive
from pampang (“riverbank”), reflecting early -It has its own ancient writing system, the
settlements along the Pampanga River. Kulitan script, though Latin alphabet is used
today.
-Kapampangans likely descended from
Austronesian migrants around 2500 BC, who Cultural Practices and Traditions
spread from Taiwan throughout the Philippines
Pampanga is hailed as the “Culinary Capital of
-Before Spanish colonization, Kapampangans the Philippines”. Notable dishes include sisig
were among the key inhabitants of central (declared tangible heritage in Angeles City),
Luzon. Chinese records from the Ming Dynasty kare-kare, longganiza, tocino, and local
recognized Luzon as a powerful trading partner, delicacies like buru (fermented fish), betute
whose rulers were sometimes referred to as tugak (stuffed frog), arobung kamaru (mole
kings. crickets), and estofadong barag (monitor lizard
stew).
-In 1571, the Spaniards formally organized
Pampanga as the first province in Luzon. Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul)- Held
every December in San Fernando city-the
“Christmas Capital of the Philippines”-where
groups build elaborate giant lanterns (up to 20 ft
across) with thousands of lights in a dazzling Music
competition.
Tumaila (bingcayu)- A traditional lullaby, sung
Apung Iru Fluvial Festival (Apalit)- A June river by mothers to soothe their babies.
procession honoring St. Peter (“Apung Iru”),
with devotees sailing in decorated boats along Pamuri (love songs) and Pan-inta (songs of
the Pampanga River. affection)- Examples: “Aro! Katimyas na Nitang
Dalaga” (“How Charming Is That Maiden”) and
Traditional Attire “Atin Cu Pung Singsing” (“I Have a Ring”).

Men’s Attire Dance

Barong- Worn by Kapampangan men, often with Kuraldal (Curaldal)- A frenetic, trance-like
embroidery around the front and center. It's street dance in Sasmuan, performed during the
similar to the broader barong tagalog style. Feast of Santa Lucia. Dancers gyrate and shout
“Viva Apu Lucia! Puera sakit!” seeking healing
Wide-leg pants- Resembling a “saya-saya,” the or fertility—more intense than other Philippine
trousers reached the ankles and were paired folk dances.
seamlessly with the barong .
Mangamaru- A Kapampangan folk dance from
Putong (headwrap): A patterned cloth wrapped Pampanga that portrays the traditional catching
around the head. and cooking of “kamaru” or mole crickets,
which are considered a local delicacy.
Salampé- A beautifully handwoven cloth draped
from the left shoulder to the right thigh. Patterns Current Issues or Challenges
and colors signal lineage (sapnî), home territory
(balayan), and social standing. Mother tongue in decline- Reduced use in daily
life due to the dominance of Tagalog and
Kalíkam- A richly decorated, wrapped lower- English in schools, government, courts, and
body garment made from silk, cotton, and gold media.
embroidery. Exclusively worn by the nobility
(Máppiâng Súgî). Disaster-prone location- Pampanga is between
Mount Pinatubo and low-lying plains. This
Women’s Attire makes Kapampangans at risk of natural disasters
like volcanic eruptions, mudflows (lahar), heavy
Baro (Top / Blouse)- A long-sleeved blouse
flooding, and sinking land. These dangers often
often made of light and sheer fabric like piña,
affect their homes, farms, and safety.
jusi, or cotton.
TAGALOG
Saya (Skirt)- A long skirt that reached down to
the ankles. Usually made from woven fabric, Brief History and Origin
sometimes striped or plain, depending on the
woman’s status and wealth. -The Tagalog people trace their roots to
Austronesian migrants who settled in the
Tapis (Overskirt / Wrap Skirt)- A shorter piece Philippines thousands of years ago. They are
of cloth worn over the saya. Often made of a part of the larger Malayo-Polynesian group that
darker or contrasting fabric, sometimes with spread across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
stripes or checkered designs.
-The Tagalogs traditionally lived along the Pasig when speaking to elders is also a way of
River, Manila Bay, and the surrounding showing politeness.
provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Rizal,
and Quezon. Fiestas (Town Festivals)- Each town has its own
annual fiesta to honor its patron saint.
Language or Dialect Celebrations include parades, dances, music,
colorful costumes, and communal food.
-The Tagalog people of Luzon use the Tagalog
language, which is part of the Austronesian Traditional Attire
family of languages. It is one of the largest and
most widely spoken languages in the Women’s Attire
Philippines. Baro’t Saya – This is the traditional attire for
-Tagalog was chosen in 1937 as the basis for the Filipino women, especially during the Spanish
national language. colonial era. It combines the baro (blouse),
usually loose and long-sleeved, with the saya
-Renamed Pilipino (1959) and later Filipino (skirt), which is long and flowing.
(1987).
Men’s Attire
-Filipino is essentially standardized Tagalog but
continues to evolve by including words from Barong Tagalog- A lightweight, embroidered
English, Spanish, and other Philippine formal shirt for men-commonly worn untucked-
languages. made from fabrics like piña or jusi and still used
in official and ceremonial events today.
Four main dialect groups are commonly
recognized: Music

-Northern Tagalog (e.g., Bulacan) Kundiman- A deeply emotional and lyrical love
song genre traditionally sung in Tagalog. It was
-Central Tagalog (e.g., Metro Manila) the classic form of serenade (harana) and
became formalized into an art song by
-Southern Tagalog (e.g., Batangas) composers like Francisco Santiago and Nicanor
Abelardo
-Marinduque Tagalog
Dance
Cultural Practices and Traditions
Maglalatik- A mock-war dance originating in
Bayanihan- This is a tradition where neighbors
Biñan, Laguna, depicting a playful battle
and community members help each other,
between Christians and Moros over “latik”
especially during hard times.
(coconut residue).
Pakikisama- Tagalogs value peace and harmony
Current Issues or Challenges
in relationships. People try to avoid fights or
arguments by adjusting and being considerate. Urbanization and Overcrowding – Many areas
like Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan
Pagmamano + “Po” and “Opo”- Pagmamano is
are highly urbanized, leading to traffic,
done by taking an elder’s hand and putting it on
pollution, and lack of space for housing.
your forehead while saying “mano po.” It is a
sign of deep respect. Adding “po” and “opo”
Poverty and Job Insecurity- Even if some areas
are urbanized, many families still struggle with
unstable jobs, low income, and high living costs.
This makes it hard to cover daily needs.