A Mother’s Stuff

Cagayan province’s cultural tourism

Visit the various “horno” (kiln) sites in Tuguegarao, Piat, Camalaniugan, and Rizal, which were used to manufacture bricks for construction of churches around the province (the religious and social focal points during the Spanish era). Today they are no longer used, but the old churches still standing today bear witness to the materials quality as well as to architectural traditions.

You may still come across an old Ibanag custom where some local living masters chant the verso, an oral literary tradition, accompanied by the kuribao, a native bamboo musical instrument.

In summer or after harvest time, you may witness lively ceremonies during Ibanag weddings, such as the maskota, a fun-filled community dance where the bride, groom, relatives and guests dance as a way to pitch in their gifts.

Your experience will not be complete without tasting the local “pansit” (fried noodles) with your choice of toppings. There are many pansiterias (noodle houses or counters) which serve pansit with many combinations of toppings, such as ground pork, corned beef, shrimp, quail eggs, and so on. Try the special bali-patong, Cabagan or Tumauini noodles, with egg soup.

Take a leisurely joy ride around Tuguegarao city on a “calesa” (horse-drawn vehicle) which seats 6 to 10 people (and which uses actual mag-wheel tires!).

For a glimpse of craftsmanship from olden times, see the blacksmithing work still being done in Larion Bajo, Tuguegarao where the sounds of hammers on metal can be heard from early morning. Or visit the pottery makers in Iguig who work on the clay pieces with their hands.

To see where it all began, drop by the Provincial Museum at the Capitol of Tuguegarao or other local museums to see artifacts of ancient stone tools, ornaments and pottery which show that pre-historic people who lived in the Cagayan area had already a settled way of life.

Moro-Moro or Zarzuela of Alaminos

Moro-Moro/Zarzuela is a literary form and often present in different festivals and barangay fiestas. Traditional musical plays centers on the rich history or colorful origin of the place, thus is usually set before or during Spanish regime. Legends are sometimes given the stage, reintroducing to the people a part of their heritage. But contemporary versions are also welcomed, especially in big celebrations, fostering the budding creativity of local literary artists. Most use the vernacular dialect but are now more inclined to use Filipino, to reach more audiences.

The youth are often the active participants in these undertakings. And the adults readily share the art of living up the heart of the script of the musical play on stage to these young flames.

Culture of Alaminos & its people

Adventurous spirit – this defines the nature of Alaminos City and its people. It’s precisely what helped them develop the otherwise untamed landscape of the virgin fields and forests and turned it into a bustling community. And it is also what keeps them enthusiastic in entertaining a progress in concept and ideas.

But though, they are tolerant of changes and modern ideas, they hold fast to their time-tested beliefs and traditions. Roman Catholic is the main religion here and is regarded with utmost respect. The city’s main church, St. Joseph Cathedral, hosts numerous religious celebrations year round, painstakingly preparing for the expected multitude of people that will participate in the events. Among the most awaited are the Lenten presentations, the festival in honor of St. Joseph and the Christmas celebration.

Family comes first in this city. This doesn’t only mean ones’ wife and children. With the friendly and cooperative nature of the people, the city is like one big family itself. So, people work together in maintaining good relations with each other, as well as to neighboring towns and cities.

Ilocano and Panggalatok are the prevailing languages in Alaminos. But those who are not adept in using these two need not worry; they can use Tagalog since it is also widely understood. Those who are learned in the language can enjoy the unique and wonderful literature of Alaminos and indulge in singing the cheerful native songs and crooning melodic ballads with new friends.

The arts and craft of the city reflect the influence of its geographic location, as well as its neighbors. One can browse through shops and be met by an array of furniture and ornaments made of shells, bamboo, wood, marsh grass, clay and other native products. Traditional styles are still abundant but artists and craftsmen are also steering towards fresh designs and structures, a further manifestation of the adventurous and creative nature of the people of this city.