Ang Tipo Kong Babae

Reporter: Raffy Tima Episode aired on March 7, 2005 Raffy Tima visits some of our indigenous groups and discovers the heartening truth that they have held fast to their own ideals of beauty. It is in this journey that he discovers that the true beauty of a Filipina is found in the celebration of our diversity. For many Filipinos, a beautiful woman is one who has a fair complexion, sleek long hair, even white teeth, and an aquiline nose. The media constantly bombards us with images of doll-like mestiza actresses and product endorsers. Some indigenous cultures have stuck to their own ideas of who and what is beautiful. The Matigsalog tribe in the remote town of Kitaotao in Bukidnon province in the southern Philippines show traces of assimilation into modern society but they have still managed to retain a good part of their traditional culture. The mountain tribe is fond of wearing colorful clothing and accessories. Most striking perhaps, both men and women adorn their bodies with tattoos, which are proud emblems of being a Matisalog. The true meaning of the tattoos dates back to old times. "As far as I know, back in the old times, our ancestors use these…when they die, it becomes their guiding light…on their way to the… In our tribe, we call heaven ‘maibulan’," says a Matisalog tribesman. Before tattooing, Mabenay Damlay calls for the guidance of the spirits. Though sporting a tattoo is not compulsory, many members of the tribe troop to tattooing sessions — most of them, little girls aged eight and above. None of the Matisalog showed fear of the pain that comes with the operation. A blade is used to cut the skin and ash is rubbed over the wound to serve as ink. Indeed, their women, even from a young age, see the beauty of taking pride in being a Matigsalog. The Dumagats of Dinapigue, Isabela are isolated by seven rivers and five mountains deep in Sierra Madre. They are related to the Aytas and are commonly referred to as the Agtas. Hunting and fishing persist as their way of life. Until now, their women wear traditional clothing and use accessories such as necklaces and bracelets made of beads, and earrings made of cloth and flowers. Beauty, for the Dumagats, goes beyond the physical. They also consider women who know how to help their husbands provide for their families as beautiful. Considered one of the most colorful tribes, the T’boli of Saranggani Province continue to wear colorful, traditional clothing and accessories made of beads. They also adorn themselves with bells made of bronze because they love to make noise while they move. The T’boli believe that God meant for men and women to be beautiful so as to help in the procreation of human beings.