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Datu Kidlat's avatar

Wow, this was super interesting to read! Hopefully you write more about your experience growing up in Baguio and also how you interacted with the native Ibaloi and other Igorot peoples, that would be an interesting topic.

Taga-Bukidnon kami, at tsaka may kwentuhan nila sa fiesta na may mga IP, tapos may laruan nila noong 1960s-1970s na isusuot nila ang native clothing. Kaya isip ko, may similarities sa pamilya natin, kasi Bisaya kami pero so neighbors natin, IP sila. Nagtataka ko kung bisita mo sa Banaue noong panahon, at kung mahirap na binisita doon.

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Rachielle Sheffler's avatar

I left in the late 1980s. Travel was harder then but I heard it is easier now with expressways and bus services.

Thanks for reading. Growing up in Baguio, we were immersed in IP culture.

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Jean Vengua's avatar

Wow. So interesting to read about your school experiences -- so different from mine in the U.S. Much more community involvement in the Philippines. Nice illustration, too!

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MP Diaz's avatar

Thank you for sharing these memories. I’m much older than you and during my time women were not yet able to be admitted to ROTC, otherwise I would have welcomed this as PE - oh, thinking of it now I almost didn’t graduate because of PE classes, how I hated these!

Nice drawings, too.

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Rachielle Sheffler's avatar

Thank you! ROTC was quite interesting. Looking back, it was the experience where I learned to question authority, and articulate myself.

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Anna Manlulo's avatar

Oh wow beautiful memories! I remember Panabenga! I'm surprised they don't do it anymore? It's always on TV back in the day! High school days of ROTC and home economics! I wonder if they still have them?

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Rachielle Sheffler's avatar

Panagbenga is alive and ongoing! It’s the Grand Canao that was a one-time event.

I think they still have ROTC and Home Economics. We called our class Practical Arts. I’m amazed how sewing did come in handy in real life.

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Anna Manlulo's avatar

Awesome!!! One of the unique regional events worth going up to Baguio for! And yes sewing did come in handy.

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Barb Natividad 🇵🇭🇺🇸's avatar

Thanks for sharing! I’d never heard of Panabenga.

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