The Ibaloi Section of Burnham Park

It  has become popularly known as the “Ibaloi Park”. It is located in the south-west section of Burnham Park in the city. It is undergoing continuous development.

It started years ago with a not so spacious hut built with materials purchased or generously donated by native residents in the suburbs and from the neighboring Benguet towns. Yet it was comfortable enough as a venue for discussion and planning sessions.

Initial gatherings in attendance were the elderly great grandsons and granddaughters of past generations. They continue to look after its interest in decisions that are unquestionable by the young.
Allocated by the city government, it stands as a monument to the original peaceful indigenous native settlers who preserved these mountains in their pristine natural God-given beauty. They are the Ibalois.

The compound today holds bigger huts and buildings with a concrete stage for use during festivals and events.

Presently under construction is a modern structure that would provide conference rooms, library that would showcase the tribes’ history, culture and traditions. It will include available pictures of the land, lifestyles of past to the present generations, and a listing of ancestral tribal chieftains.

There are interesting whispers hoping that it should accommodate academic thesis and manuscripts on anthropology and genealogy written by younger generations. This would add credit or pose challenges on documents cataloged by foreign colonizers and religious missionaries in the past centuries.

The month of February was chosen as Ibaloi month where exclusive native festivals are daily / monthly scheduled. It starts with a parade along the main thoroughfare Session Road winding down to the Burnham Park grounds. The sounds of Benguet solibaos and gongs reverberate in the air as various towns present their unique Ibaloi sub-tribe performances.

The thousands in attendance brighten the festivities in colorful Benguet costumes.

Women dressed in either multi-colored bright colors or striped dirty whites, depending on their hierarchical status in Benguet society.

A good number of men come in traditional G-strings with cowboy boots and tall stetson hats. They cover their upper torsos in sports coats sent by relatives from abroad or purchased in wag-wag stores. Although sports coats of Cordillera woven cloth have become a fad and worn in local functions.

Food is served free at every gathering. Prepared in the traditional manner: chunks of animal meat of pork or beef, boiled plain with salt to taste and chopped into bite size; vegetables, sweet potatoes and rice. Voluntary and generous contributions are made to defray expenses. Unspent funds are forwarded for succeeding events.

Through the years, the “Park” has become more meaningful to everyone with Ibaloi blood running in their veins. It is a sacred place to trace blood relationships through clan reunions. Every now and then, family clans hold reunions that increase in numbers on the succeeding dates.

At this juncture, may I personally acknowledge the academic efforts of a distant niece who spends time researching and putting into writing the genealogy of Benguet clans. I refer to Mareijoe Tiotioen Dulnuan of Pico, La Trinidad. There are other scholars who interact with her with the sole interest in consolidating the indigenous Ibaloi tribe.

Upon her arrangement, I traced my ancestral roots (on my mother’s side) in the AVOCAY clan. At the park in February 2023, I met near and distant relatives with whom I made friends.