Philippine E-Journals

Lay- og: A Tinguian Family Tradition

Jocelyn L. Abaya

Discipline: Ethnography

 

Abstract:

This qualitative-descriptive research identified the Tinguian municipalities in Abra that are still practicing the lay-og utilizing the personal interview coupled with ethnography. Of the 27 municipalities, only four municipalities are practicing the lay-og namely: Alimudong, La Paz, Peῆarrubia, San Juan, Lagayan, Languiden (Inla-od tribe), and San Ramon East, Manabo (Moyadan tribe). However, as of the time this study was conducted, only Peῆarrubia and Alimudong, La Paz had this occasion. The billite is delivered to all the tribes, relatives, friends, and guests.

 

The palanos is done headed by the partidor and a pair of panglakayen (who are also in-charge of the panung-awan) to check if the liver is good. If not, another pig is butchered until a good liver is seen. The liver is placed in a Kalapaw as an offer to the an-anitos. The representatives of the different tribes start to arrive. The different committees perform their assignments. The tadek, uggayam, and drinking of the basi start. Food is also served.

 

On the day of the event, the apayag is placed at the center with the offerings. Beside it is the pika (spear), guarded by a man who stays throughout the lay-og. The tugtugaw are placed in a designated part of the yard in front of the agto with the pictures and pair of clothing of the mailay–og are placed.

The tadek, uggayam, and drinking of the basi start accompanied by the gansa. Women are dressed with their piningitan and kinindusan and their Tinguian jewelries. The mantenedor directs the lay-og. All the nagulila danced the tadek joined by the agto. The bisita ta unawa ends the activity. The rineddek is distributed to all those who danced the tadek and sang the uggayam.