IGOROTA in the CITY

Growing up in the city, I admit I was a bit ashamed of my family’s lineage. Whenever a classmate or a friend bullies someone, I would hear them say, “Mukha kang Igorot!” (Translated: “You look like an Igorot!”). It made a very deep impact on me as a child. I told myself that I would never let them know that inside of me runs 50% of that blood. I was afraid they would make fun of me…

I remember asking mama if Igorots do really look bad, that what I see in the pictures are really true of Igorot’s characteristics -  black skin, feathers as head coverings, stick on one hand, loincloths. My mom, being also a history teacher lovingly explained to me that Igorots are not black, their skin is reddish brown. She then took out a picture of a beautiful girl (which I thought is a candidate for Ms. Universe) with long, shiny, jet black hair, china eyes, prominent cheek bones and smooth, pinkish cheeks. She explained that this is what an original, pure blooded Igorota looks like. I was really amazed. I thought, ‘wow! She’s so beautiful.’

When the cousin told me that he isn’t feeling a bit reluctant being a half blood Igorot, I was encouraged. As I watched a young Igorot arise to being a local celebrity, I felt that proud spirit in my heart, “I am an Igorot like him!”

Now, whenever I tell my friends that I am an Igorota, they would ask in surprise. I don’t mind if they make fun of me anymore, I am proud. Proud to be an Igorota in the City. :)

 MY FAMILY