Lifestyle

Hablon is Hiligaynon for “something woven,” from the root word habol which means “to weave.” It refers to the hand-woven textiles by Kiniray-a and Hiligaynon weavers. The hablon is usually a plain weave and has plaid and striped designs. It is traditionally made of locally-made fibers such as piña, abaca, and cotton, usually used for … Read more

Sanduguan or blood compact (Spanish: Pacto de Sangre; Filipino: Sanduguan) was an ancient ritual in the Philippines intended to seal a friendship or treaty or to validate an agreement. The contracting parties would cut their hands and pour their blood into a cup filled with liquid, such as wine, and drink the mixture. You may … Read more

Bisaya: KalasagTagalog: Adarga; Pananggalang! The Tinguian often use a spear, head ax, and kalasag in past headhunting practices. The top part of the kalasag which is cut into three prongs in the shape of a “W” is used to catch the warrior’s human prey by the legs and hold them down, while the two-pronged bottom … Read more

The barong may be inlaid or etched with Arabic phrases such as “There is no god but Allah”. The use of it may also be distinguished through its pommel, simple pommels are often intended for use in battle while elaborately stylized ones are for ceremonial use or used as a sign of status. This leaf-shaped … Read more

In the Tausug magpasumbayi marriage tradition, if a man is financially unable to gather the bridewealth, he is to seek the house of the woman he intends to marry with an imam and bring the amount he can afford with a kris. Should the woman’s parents refuse the offer, the kris shall be used against … Read more