10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IGOROTS

Even today, I still hear and read so many misconceptions about us Igorots. It's funny and saddening at the same time how people do not exactly know about the characteristics and the culture of the different ethnic groups in the country, yet have the confidence to utter all sorts of judgement and insult. I would like to help clearing out the confusions about us by sharing this brilliant article written by Ms. Feliza Deskeo.

“Lately, I have seen a few awful remarks about Igorots on Facebook. One man is barking like a wild dog and expressing his own wrath over Igorots. I don’t know why. Another woman talks about Igorots being like pigs.

I hope fellow Igorots will not mind the ignorance of these people because it is understandable that they don't know what's going on around them. Perhaps they want to ride the popularity of Mr. Carrotman being an Igorot and want a taste of becoming viral because they saw how solid Igorots are when it comes to defending and concern of their ethnicity.

We, Igorots, don't go online injecting obscenities about Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Warays, etc, because we believe that everyone is entitled to his own way of life no matter how advance or how primitive. To shorten it, we are all Filipinos and there is no difference.

Despite all those negative remarks, I am still very proud to say that I am an Igorot,"Igorotak". I'm sure many of you are still wondering who the Igorots are. And to give you a few hints to define the Igorot people, here are some character traits that are common among Igorots.

Here are 10 things that you should know about Igorots

1. Igorots are perhaps the humblest people to be around

An Igorot will tell you that he is living in a shanty but you will find out soon that he is living in a beautiful house complete with good furniture and appliances. She will tell you that she has no money but look into her wallet and you can find thick wads of bills. You can meet a dirty looking man or woman that you can easily describe as a farmer only to find out that they can either be a lawyer, a doctor or an engineer helping in the fields or garden. They will not ask to be called sir or ma’am even if they have master’s degrees and doctorate degrees. They want respect but they don’t ask for more.

2. Igorots value education so much

Parents can go without shoes or good clothes in order to send their children to school. You can see a man or a woman that you will think is a beggar, but mind you all their children are professionals because education is as good as life to Igorots. They can live without good clothes and other accessories but they cannot live without good education for the children.

3. Igorots are not fashionistas

An Igorot is definitely not fond of fashion. Being the rugged type people in the mountains, they prefer jeans and shirts. She can try wearing dress for a while but she will always go back to her jeans and shirt because that is what she is used to. Men love to wear all types of jackets, except of course the jackets with so many embellishments. They would prefer the simple leather jacket even if it is expensive. Men also love wearing leather boots.

4. Igorots love Country Music and Cowboy Stories/Action Movies

Igorots love the songs of Kenny Rogers, Don Williams, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Scotty McCreery, Collin Raye, Bellamy Brothers,, etc. I guess it has something to do with the weather and the geographical setting too. Igorots aren't the drama-type people when it comes to movies. They love an action that is why they love Western movies.

5. Igorots are practical

Igorots are very practical people. They think first of their necessities before the luxuries and what’s beyond necessary. First thing first, a sturdy house, food on the table and education for the kids. Although some can afford to be sometimes luxurious, they shrug off their shoulders if someone will offer them products that are not necessary in their daily life. If an Igorot buys something, it must be useful and not something to display or use once in a while.

6. Igorots are simple

Igorots live simple lives. They only avail things that are important even if they have the means to be extravagant. They have inherited the frugal lives of their ancestors up to this stage. That is, if made to choose between a sports car and a truck, he would readily choose a truck.

7. Igorots always think of the future

Igorots always set aside something for tomorrow. They are not one day millionaires. An Igorot man will work hard and save because he knows that nothing is permanent in this world. He will always think of the future of his family. Before spending, he will ask himself first, "What if?"

8. Igorot men value their family so much

The number one priority of an Igorot man is a stable family. He works very hard in order to provide the necessities of the family. He is a responsible man and he loves children.

9. Igorot men and women are DIY people

Igorots are “do it yourself” people. They can easily organize things even if they didn’t learn about it by using simple common sense. Like me, I am not a carpenter but I usually do simple carpentry work at home. It is part of being an Igorot to do things on your own and not hire other people to do it for you.

10. Igorot women are not frigid. (smiles)

A few years ago I read an article about women in the mountain regions being frigid. The article further said that this is the reason why more and more men are looking for wives in the lowlands. I almost laughed. Igorot women may not be that very sweet and showy but they are definitely not frigid.

I am speaking of the traditional Igorots. Mr. Carrotman is a pure blooded Igorot and I am sure he has most of the characteristics I mentioned above. The new generation has greatly changed and some of these characteristics may not be applicable. But definitely, these are true of an Igorot.”

(CREDITS TO THE WRITER FELIZA DESKEO)