Igorot ako

"IGOROT AKO," she said smiling at me and I laughed at her for saying that.

What comes into your mind when you hear the word "IGOROT" specially if you really don't have any idea.Let me tell you how I changed my views about them as this girl "HIT" me "HARD" and which made me REALIZE i'm more ignorant.  I'm a native of Cebu, and here comes a group of missionaries actively rendering medical care in our community. I was curious about this newly arrived girl. It is normal to say hi and hello to volunteer missionaries because they are approachable and i asked,"ikaw pala yung bagong dating? Taga saan po sila,?

And she replied, "taga BENGUET ako.

"Ah...IGOROT? i asked. She looked at me and smiled,"oo IGOROT AKO" and I laughed so hard thinking about the evolution of apes by Darwin. Ngayon ka lang ba nakakita ng igorot? She asked, "Ay oo.Ganyan b talaga mga igorot?I laughed.  (I just cant believe.) "Ah kawawa ka naman, hanggang dito rin pala mga MangMang."she said. I felt like i'm bullied. I'm an honor student and an active 1st year college compared to this girl from the mountains. (Cutting it short)I stopped my college after 1st year, (by the help of church's members they help my aunt to come to Baguio and after a year) my aunt also wants me to study in La Trinidad, Benguet, so she can support me asking that i might help her on my off school days and also said that the nearest school to her has the cheap tuition fee so i agreed. Living there was hard,i need to wait after a year to enroll at Benguet State University due to financial problems. I have this culture shock! Oh The IGOROTS! months living there shaped me.I felt like a small human living there. Me and my aunt washed carrots everyday at trading post with group of people, carry loads of vegetables,and after the day we bring home half sack of assorted veggies.They speak different dialects, they are bulky people, mostly fair skin, beautiful and handsome rugged boys and take note 'di sila NAKABAHAG as I thought!(worn only during festival and family occasions).In my whole life its my first time to see boys on their boots and cowboy hats and outfits are winning hoodies in town. Ladies with red cheeks, different faces, and bulky leg muscles.

So all of them are IGOROTS!...and my bosses too! You CANNOT pinpoint among them who's rich, and poor. You might not know that the guy next to you owns a Pajero or a business man which they simply call it "FARMERS". Those little houses on the hills? Beware of judging those cause you might be surprised that they own the building you are renting, and are owners of multi shops in manila anywhere...and the worst-case that tiny little houses might be one of the bosses. Whoa..Here's one more , you might meet along the way the councilors, mayors and governors on their slippers , rugged clothes, empty handed WITHOUT BODY GUARDS along them. I learned a lot Living there for 4 years.On what they have is enough of enough. They prefer properties than focusing on "Pang PORMA" things. But let me tell you, you might see mostly branded pants called LEVIS often seen on cowboy Igorots. Professional Igorot doctors , teachers , lawyers,police, soldiers might be sitting next to you but youll never know. While living there i experienced lots of things, often i hear this "ay BISAYA". calls me "Dodong"," dong," or just calls me as BISAYA. I have come to know that many nannies and laborers of Igorots are from my hometown plus adding those bling bling ladies at Magsaysay and Bokawkan during nights.After 4 years I finished college and went back to my home town. 

Life is like a rolling ball.You don't know when it will turn. Be careful who you judge.Out of hundred ethnic groups in our country, we will only unite for the word" RESPECT".Respect yourself first before your mouth and actions.

So next time you meet someone who says "IGOROTAK"....or "IGOROT AKO".. you know.

(Note: Copy and paste from facebook.)