Ang Banwa Ko

 The costume takes inspiration from the rich  culture and tradition of Carrascal Surigao del Sur. It highlights the traditional patterns, colors, textiles and beliefs of  the Manobo ethnolinguistic group in their community. The Manobo tribe has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is shown in the traditional wear. Aside from that the Suyam embroidery is a traditional weaving technique woven by the strong women in their community. Also the Tinampuso pattern symbolizes their great community while the kamagsi symbolizes flowers that reflect the beauty of  women in their tribe. The dominant colors which are seen in each pattern have their own traditional meaning: red for energy, yellow for happiness, white for peace, and black for "Mabuyot" – a Manobo word which means bravery and fearlessness. 

The costume also highlights some of Carrascals beautiful top tourist spots and destinations. This proves how blessed Carrascal in terms of culture and natural resources that showcases nature at its best.

The Manobo is one of the largest indigenous groups of people in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. And that includes the ethnolinguistic group of Surigao Manobo in the province of Surigao del Sur. In the municipality of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, the Manobo is settled in the northernmost part of the town specifically in the barangay Pantukan. Their traditional attire used only four colors that will identify their ethnolinguistic group and culture. Typical colors are red, black, yellow, and white. The Manobo of Pantukan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur usually wears red, with contrasting colors for the sleeves and embroidery thread.

The traditional clothing of the Tri-People in Mindanao has its importance. So, we must be considerate about how we wear traditional and ethnolinguistic attires owned by a particular group of identified societies. We must understand that these are not just the cut pieces we used to call “costumes” but there are important elements of culture and identity which are rich with symbolism to ethnos society. Wearing these clothes with respect is a humble verse to traditions and cultures, so wearing these in a wrong or inappropriate situation may insult the identity. So, let’s try to be educated enough and show respect to the Indigenous People because just like the way we live and we practice our culture and belief, we need recognition and respect.

The Philippines is a pluralistic society, and the general population often sticks to the assimilatory attitude of having one “Filipino” identity, and that demographic encompasses the citizenry living in urban or settled areas, constantly engaging with a globalized culture, or worse, with the effects of prior colonizers in homogenizing our cultural experience. People generally do not experience the diversity inherent within our archipelago, and even within the region of Mindanao. Many know the diversity within ethnolinguistic groups, but most ignore their existence because most want to migrate to the modern urbanized way of living. Culture and tradition may die if people and society will set aside their existence. It is now our time to bring the culture and tradition back to the present time so that new generations will understand the more we embrace our true society, then more we can have a better world for everyone. We can have a better world for the development of everyone.

Keeping cultural identity alive and making people engaged is key to preserving cultural identity amidst the pushing force of globalization. Acknowledgment of our pluralistic reality is the first step in attaining the eventual preservation of cultural identity. The awareness of the diverse Indigenous Peoples’ groups within the country begins with acknowledging their presence in society, relieving the attitude of shock and surprise when we see members of Indigenous Cultural Communities in public, as well as acceptance of their pivotal role in safeguarding the diverse cultural heritage in the region. Concerning cultural identity in a globalized world, there must be maximum inclusion of diverse society and ethnolinguistic groups in major activities and decisions regarding education, healthcare, and basic services in a way that is sensitive to their way of life. From an attitude of embracing the diverse societies, it is necessary then to step up into a matter of advocacy, whose eventual goal is to bring engagement to people- for the general population to wake up, learn about the Indigenous peoples by themselves, to encounter those ethnolinguistic communities in public- and to realize that they are not museum pieces or field trip materials, but living traditions that continue to the present day.