DATU......BONG FULONG IN B'LAAN LANGUAGE

BONG FULONG is considered to be the traditional B'laan leader and authority figure. He is a very wealthy individual within Highland B'laan society. Datus usually posses numerous wives and control enough wealth in order to effectively settle dispute.A Fulong is the oldest and wisest man in the village with a considerable amount of wealth in form of gold and other cultural materials. The rulership is non formal, recognizing the Fulong in course of time by will of the people without a formal selection process or appointment. The authority, position, responsibility and status of the Fulong is inherited from the father to eldest son. A Fulong, to the B'laan custom and tradition, must display exceptional leadership qualities. He must be fair, decisive and firm particularly in situations involving dispute resolution. B'laan man cannot hold the position of Fulong until he is married. One key role of the Bong Fulong is settlement of conflicts. It is vital part of his obligation as Bong Fulong to provide the necessary material goods or money required and wealth, by extending his network of obligations and debts. By resolving dispute between individual and families, the Bong Fulong is able to extend his network of people who are personally indebted to him. The repayment of such debts are or cash money. A Bong Fulong does not requires his people to pay tribute to him. However, the virtue of love and respect, the people give him gifts or offerings. The Fulong is looked upon as the leader, protector, mediator, and solution giver. The Fulong is then ale to exchange these material goods for valuable items of material culture such as horses, heir born necklaces, gongs,etc.................................... Induction of Bong Fulong, the maral or dance and the ceremony formally marks the introduction of a man to the position of Fulong. The maral ceremony is often performed when authority of the Fulong has been held in trust until the designated heir to the position is of proper age, maturity and marital status to assume the responsibility of the Fulong. The maral is conducted when a Fulong decides to pass the status of Fulong on his son. These ceremonies, which formally recognizes the power, authority, status and prestige of the new Fulong, are both occasions of great celebration, attended by Fulong and Datus from all the surrounding of the community. During the ceremonies, a valuable gift would be presented to the new Fulong, a fa-is or long knife would only be presented to the new Fulong and other cultural tradition..............PHOTOS POSTED ARE MY COLLECTIONS........