Ullalim and The Ullalim Festival in Kalinga Introduction to the ULLALIM Kalinga, since its ancient past has been an advanced and organized system. They have perfected and enhanced their civilization by reflecting their experiences and history in the epic chants of the ‘Ullalim’. Through the epic chants of the Ullalim they have animated the exploits, bravery, loyalty, heroisms, adventures and expeditions of the Kalinga people. Ullalim is a term for a certain tune (it is not always referring to the epic). Ullalim is sung by a chanter who by his ability and talent creates impromptu, spontaneous wordings depending on the events and occasions. This activity is not just a social gathering but also an educational exposure where a lot of wisdom is learned. However, every chanter has his own version and they dont only go to a certain chanter but gathers around from one chanter to another. During harvest season, when a chanter does not finishes his chants in the day time, she can continue the next day or in the night the chanted version and keep his audience listening. No chorus, chanting alone. Ullalim is not chanted for the wake of the dead, instead they chant the ‘Chanchannag’. This is not related either to curing or hunting other chants are then performed. It is not a thankgiving chant. It is a mere entertainment. The epic singer is not necessarily a shaman, Mandadawak, he or she is simple ‘umu-ullalim’ or ‘mangu-ullalim’. The ULLALIM FESTIVAL History: The first Ullalim Festival was celebrated in June 1995 as a highlight of the visit of then President Fidel V. Ramos who was conferred the title Pangat” during the event. The Kalinga royal title ‘Pangat’ is conferred to Kalingas who have distinguished themselves in heroic exploits. Ramos was the president during the signing and enactment of Republic Act. 7878 on February 14, 1995, that separated Kalinga and Apayao into two distinct and independent provinces. On its first anniversary on February 14, 1996, the provincial government under the leadership of then Governor Dominador Belac adopted the Ullalim Festival as an integral component of the occasion making the province’s anniversary a distinct and unique celebration from then on. The Ullalim Festival was conceptualized by the province’s cultural promoter Natividad Sugguyiao, Kalinga Provincial Director of the National Commission of Indigenous peoples (NCIP). The Festival Since it became an important annual celebration, the Ullalim festival has provided the venue for the province to show to the world its unique culture, arts, products and various tourist attractions. With this opportunity, the people young and old became more aware of the beauty of their heritage and they eventually start to appreciate their uniqueness and identity as a people. The festival also became a venue to bring the people closer to renew their kinship and ties while on the process preserving and enhancing their rich culture as the province’s contribution to the nation’s heritage. The Ullalim Festival is also seen as tourism and industry promotional event providing an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to sell and promote their products, enhancing the province’s eco-tourism and agro-entrepreneurial potentials
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 04:55:04 +0000
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