......Tools and Weapons......
Numerous varieties and types of knives,
all with specialized purpose and function,
are used by the knife. A large knife is referred
to as a bansung and an even larger knife as a
sundang. A long knife carried by a (Fulong)
Datu is referred to as a long knife(fa-is).
*KNIFE-(Talos)...
A typical knife (tlo-as) consist of a wooden
handle, with a curved steel neck and blade. The
sheath(lo-es) consists of two piece of curved wood
which are placed over a frame. The end or base
of the sheath is held together and decorated with
timber, which is wrapped by a thin, continuous
strand of wire. Decorative chain link are attached
to the protruding eyelets of the wrapped strand wire.
*LONG KNIFE-(Fa-is)...Long knife is carried by a Datu (Fulong), can be described as possessing a brass handle with numerous small brass rings on the butt. A red black striped scarf has been wrapped around the upper section of the sheath. The upper section of the sheath measured approximately 15 cm. long.
A woven flat cord, followed by a beaded string has been wrapped around the middle section of the sheath. The mid section of the sheath measured approximately eight centimeters long. The lower, section of the sheath, which measures approximately 20 cm. long consist of a carved wooden casing. Between the lower section of the sheath and of the sheath, two cooled brass tabs, approximately
2 cm. wide, can be found. The end of the sheath is characterized by two flowing horse hair plumes. approximately 30 cm. long, which are attached to the lower section of the sheath by thin leather wrapping.
*SPEARS-(S-dak or Agass)...The B'laan are also
acclaimed for their fine manufactured of bronze spears.
These spears are often carried by( Bong
Fulong) Datu in order to mark their
status and importance within B'laan society.
The s-dak is made of wood with sharp meta
points. The spears, which are approximately 190cm. long, consist of a black steel shaft. Fine bronze thread, which is made by stretching the heated metal, is often found tightly wound sections along the base and neck of the spears. The base of the average spears is approximately 10 cm. long, while
head of the spears is usually 30 cm. long. The spears head, which is commonly made of polished steel, often contains an inscribed design. The of the B'laan
leader, was the well known for his fine manufactured of spears and other bronze items.
*BLOW PIPE-(Asfut)..Men often used
blow pipe(asfut) for hunting. Besides also killed
also by means of reed blow guns. As a rule
such weapons are used by boys. The blow pipes were manufactured by the men from a particular
type of bamboo, referred to as ash-god. The designs on a man's blow pipe would often resemble the tattooed designs on his chest
and hands. The distinctive designs would readily identify a particular blow pipe as the property of a specific individual. These tattooed designs are still prominent on the chest of some of the older men. The darts used in the blow pipe are made of a thin silver of wood, with a small amount of brush cotton or kapok attached
to the end. Today, the blow pipe are
predominantly used by children for bird hunting.
BOW AND ARROW-(Segti)...The arrows
consisted of a bamboo shaft with a steel
head. The segti or bow and arrow are fashioned from wood and arrows lopped with shaft metal points. The steel head was fastened to the
bamboo shaft by layers or woven rattan mine. Often, a double pronged steel head was placed on arrows used for bird hunting.
The bamboo bow as given additional strength and flexibility by the placement of woven rattan
vine straps located approximately every 5 cm. along the length of the bow. The bow string (nito) which consists of a single strip of bamboo, is firmly attached to the base of the bow. The top
of the string, however, is formed into a woven
loop, which easily fits into a notch at the top
of the bow.
*RIFLES-(Paltik)...Some B'laan groups initially used low pipe. Bow and arrows in their resistance activities against the enemies. Through trade the B'laan were able to obtain old rifles that were left behind. The B'laan also became very adept at the construct of their own rifles. Pieces of pipe were used to construct the gun barrels. Phosphorous, obtained from the head of matches, was combined with gunpowder as ammunition. Strikers were used to detonate the charge,
while small pieces of metal were used as shot.
...Jewelry and Adornment.....
B'laan highlanders, in contrast to
the coastal counterparts, are pond
of wearing brass bangles and bells as
part of their personal finery. Bracelets
of decorated brass bands are common as
well as beaded necklaces and brass and
beaded belt. Like most ethnic communities,
the B'laans posses an ancient culture that
distinguishes them from other groups.
COMB-(Swat)
COMB-(Swat)...made of beaded head dress. B'laan women used to wear during celebration or
occasion.
BELT-(Sabetan)
BELT-(Sabetan)...beaded belt, B'laan women used during the occasion.
BRASS ANKLETS-(Singkel Babat)
BRASS ANKLETS-(Singkel Babat)...used as jewelry by the B'laan, when moves around, the tiny bells make a tinkling sound (asgolong bells). Men and women B'laan used to wear during the occasions.
BRACELETS- Decorated brass bands are common as well as beaded bracelets..
SCARF-(Otob)
SCARF-(Otob)...used by B'laan men as headdress
NECKLACE-(Kamagi)
NECLACE-(Kamagi)...Are made by the B'laans. The chain is connected to a lower metal section of the necklace (kamagi) referred to as the kawan. The small precious items, such as tiny bells and small coins, which are attached the kawan and damgling chain are referred to as sankabungare. As moves around the tiny bells and other precious items make a tinkling sound.
AMULET NECKLACE... Some highland B'laan can be seen wearing necklaces, consisting of metal amulets. In a fashion reminiscent of the traditional heirloom necklace(kamagi), the metal amulets worn by the men often have small, precious items attached to the base of the amulets. The precious items can include shells, and metal bells, 22 caliber cartridge shells and only containers filled with magic substances.
* BEADED EARINGS AND NECKLACES...
B'laans earings and necklaces consist of beaded
jewelry manufactured by highland B'laan. Men and
women usually wears traditional jewelry during occasion.
B'LAAN GARMENT-(Saol B'laan)...
KNEE LENGTH PANT for men..
The B'laan hand woven cloth made of abaca fiber
(abal) or cotton cloth with embroidery is sewn as knee lenght pants worn by B'laan women with
matching coat of the same materials.
Abaca, is derived from a species of wild
banana, grows abundantly in many parts of
Mindanao. B'laan textile differ in designs,
\motifs and range of weaving
and drying techniques.
B'LAAN BLOUSE for woman..
B'laan upper garment, made of handwoven abaca (abal) fiber embroidery or cotton with intricate bead works, is a symbol of ethnic pride reflective of their rich culture heritage. The unrevealed garment graphically conveys the pressing dilemma facing
the B'laans in their struggle to preserve their tradition and amidst the forces of contemporary society. A nomadic tribe, the B'laan have typically roamed from place to place relying on forest produce and wild game for their subsistence.
MALONG- Long cotton cloth..B'laan women used as skirt, made of cotton
with ethnic design.
BASKET-(Boon)...B'laan woman used
when harvesting corn, rice,camote,
vegetables and etc. It is made of nito,
bamboo, and abaca.
.... B'laan Customs, Traditions and Wealth ....
The customs and traditions of the B'laan, while dynamic over time, appear to be very homogeneous throughout the highland region. Among the B'laan, differences in culture traditions become evident when highland groups are compared with those of lowland regions. In the contemporary context a vibrant and largely cohesive culture type, based on well establish historic traditions, can be said to exist throughout the B'laan highland region.
*NECKLACES- (Kamagi)....Often finely
manufactured from gold and containing a
number of precious ornaments, is indicative
of a man's wealth and status with in
B'laan society. The greater the number of finery
crafted necklace (kamagi) that a man is
able to possess, the greater his wealth, status
and position within B'laan society.
B'LAAN CLOTHE-(Saol)...Embroidered blouse
and knee length pants referred to as albang ansif
or salawal ansif, are traditional items of B'laan
material culture worn by B'laan on special
occations. The B'laan blouses, which usually
contain intricate patterns sewn, with brightly
colored thread into the back, front and arms
of the garment, it also contains small bells,
coins , pearl, shell ring, or pieces of metal as
part of their exterior designs. For special
occasions and, such as wedding and celebrations.
Men also wear matching short or knee length
pant, embroidered trousers, referred to as salwal
ansif. The embroidered blouse and embroidered
shorts are still occasionally made.
*GONGS- (Falnimak)....Brass Gongs, which are commonly referred to as Falnimak, in the B'laan language, are primarily used to accompany a dance (maral) during the marriage ceremony. The brass Gongs (Falnimak) serve as musical instruments as a means of sounding out the community to gather for meeting or a warning signed for entruders. It is the music of the Gongs sound out the rhythms of ancient, relationship between the earth and the B'laan people. A guide to the Philippine cultural heritage. Gongs, however, are not only an important source of music at B'laan wedding and other ceremonies, but also an instrument by which a man's wealth and status with B'laan society are treasured. The more Gongs that a man is able to obtain, the greater the man's wealth and status within B'laan society. Three larger Gongs, can be used to pay the bride price or dowry (sunggod) to the family of potential future wife.
*BETEL NUT BOXES- (Bo-os)....Highly decorative boxes some are not decorative, containing the necessary substances used in Betel nut chewing, can still be found among the highland B'laan. Small Betel nut boxes are used to accommodate the four ingredients of Betel chew, areca nut(bunga), fresh pepper leaves, lime powder (apug), and damp tobacco leaves. These boxes, called Bo-os among the B'laan, are skilfully manufactured by various indigenous groups throughout the region. Each
compartment contains a different substances used in the chewing of betel nut, lime (apog)
which is often wrapped in a leaf is blended with
a charcoal mix to produce a chewing compound.
GUF-KAFOL...Small round brass box.....
It is made of two small round brass boxes to
accommodate some ingredients for apog or lime powder
and damp tobacco leaves found among highland B'laan.
GUMDIK NAMA...Made of brass ware used by B'laan
in grinding betel nuts, apog, and damp tobacco
during chewing.
*LONG KNIFE-(Fa-is)....A Long Knife (Fa-is) is a traditional B'laan knife carried by a Fulong (Datu). Females and non-Fulongs are usually prohibited by B'laan custom and tradition from carrying and or using a long knife(Fa-is). The Fa-is is a long knife with a wooden or metal sheath. It blade is doubled. The handle is sometimes made of fine-grained wood or often of horn or ivory decorated with metal etchings or wood carving shell inlay. It can be described as possessing a brass handle with numerous small brass rings on the butt. A red and black striped scarf has been wrapped around the upper section of the sheath.
*ANIMALS...The ownership of animals, such as pigs,
chicken and carabao, are often indicative
of a person's wealth and status within
B'laan society. Only a wealthy man
would have the necessary resources to purchase,
own and support a few carabao. One carabao
can be used to fulfill the obligations of
dowry(songgod) and can be exchanged for a wi
*B'LAAN LAND...The concept of a community (banwu) includes people, land, river and creeks, hunting grounds and other geographical and human features. The interrelationship of these features is the essence of ancestral domain. Ownership is not a term adequately describes B'laan associations with land. The community (banwu) used in its mist common form refers to the parcel of land with which a family group is associated.
The practice of inheritance among the B'laan displays many similarities to western notions of the concept. When the elders die, the immediate living relative automatically assume custodial resp[responsibilities. If it was necessary to partition anything, it was done among family members. Any member of the extended family is entitled to cultivate open space within the family claim. T he elements of custodianship is a key concept of B'laan tradition among highland B'laan.
What they cultivate is theirs. But they can abandon this to move to other sites. Still they continue to own it. They can come back to it later. They can also dispose of it to another, could be to a B'laan or to a Visayan, provided proper permission is obtained. But such disposition is only for use it must be returned after use. How the B'laan generally acquire jurisdiction over or secure entry land and territory. For example; One way is by marriage. When a man married a girl from another locality, it is part of a B'laan custom for the husband to move residence to the place of the girl. Another way of acquiring jurisdiction or securing entry into land is by the payment of debts. A third way of acquiring jurisdiction or securing entry into land is through kasfal or kasbaya, the customary exchange of goods that accompanies the settlement of conflict, the customary exchange of goods that accompanies the settlement of conflict and other social transaction. A fourth way of acquiring jurisdiction or securing entry into land by clearing potion of an unoccupied territory. A fifth way of acquiring jurisdiction or securing entry into land is through inheritance, which is an accepted custom among the B'laan.
B'laan heritage and culture, including the traditional affiliation B'laan have with the land
traditionally occupied by the Ancestral Domain Claim. The B'laan aspire to be recognized as the traditional generations of continues occupying of land. Preservation of B'laan culture and heritage for future generations can only occurs of the B'laan Ancestral Domain is recognized and supported..
BRASS WARE JAR..... Use by B'laan in spitting.....
*GOLD TEETH.. One manner in which to display wealth is to have one's teeth overlaid, encrusted or repaired with gold. Other indigenous groups, are well known for their manufacture of golden teeth. The highland B'laan are beginning to emulate this style....
.....E A R T H Q U A K E.....
Earthquake is considered a natural hazard
but it outside the climate phenomenon.
Unlike natural calamities like typhoons,
hurricanes and cyclone that are predictable.
Earthquakes are different phenomenon that not
even experts can predict with certainty and accuracy as to when it will specifically happen, how strong, and where it would strike. The people are being warned to prepare for a situation where sea level is foreseen to rise by two meters to five meters high that scenario.
It will be more costly for government of
most vulnerable countries like the Philippines,
if they would not invest more on CCA/DRR measures.
Our leaders must not wait for another big calamity
to happen before we become prepared for disaster.
The time for talk is over. Get it done right here, right now.
CCA- Climate Change Adoption
DRR - Disaster Risk Reduction
.....SPARE US LORD FROM THE TREAT
OF STRONG EARTHQUAKE AND
TSUNAMI, WE LIFT OUR SAFETY UNTO
YOUR LOVING ARMS AND SHIELD US
FROM DESTRUCTION. WE ASK THIS IN
THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
THRU THE INTERCESSION OF MOTHER
MARY......AMEN
.........G R E E D........
Let them do good, that they be rich in good words, ready to give, willing to share.
Greed... It has topped highly paid executives, brought down giant corporation, and cost thousands of workers their jobs and retirement funds. The unrestrained corporate greed is a greater threat than terrorism.
Greed whisper in our ear that we would be happier if we had more money, more things, and more power. It creates discontent and a growing desire to do whatever it takes to pain position and possessions. But the Bible commands us to trust in God, not in uncertain riches. The way to overcome greed is to flee from it and to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness". And those who are rich in his present age, who have more than is needed, should be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.
Contentment and generosity are the opposite of greed. As we learn to think God for what we have and freely share it with others, we stop trying to fill the spiritual vacuum in our heart with things. And when we love Jesus more than money and possessions, we find that He is the greatest treasure of our lives. We discover that knowing Him is the source of genuine satisfaction.
The best remedy for greed is generosity.......
..........OUR FAMILY........
Have you ever been lost in a big department store, when you were still a little kid? Who do you think looks for you first? The family is the basic unit of the human society. When we think of what sociologist say, we then turn all the way back to Genesis and the creation of God when He said; "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make him a helpmate like himself."
Thus, the family is not just something you can get out the blue but it is also a necessity. It is where our primary source of comfort comes from at the beginning of our lives.
This is my story: A little girl was lost in a big shopping mall in a big city once. She cried her heart out looking for her parents, looking at the signs trying to figure out where she was while brushing off the probing stares of people who never ever mind to help, thinking that some stranger out of nowhere would just pick her up and watch her away and along with that the hope of ever seeing her family again. She didn't know what to do simply because she was still four years old and it was her first traumatic experiences ever.
It was my friend little girl that time felt so helpless losing herself away from her family. She walked to and fro, climbed up and down the escalator but still didn't find anybody familiar to her. From this experience, she came to comprehend what the real value of her family is and how important they are to her. After half an hour of crying, a security guard on post found her as she walked along the hall ways. He brought her to the area where there were three kids with the same case she had. She called it "the area of the lost kids". A young lady reached out to her asking her the name and the name of her mother. She hardly heard her since she was in the verge of drowning herself in the lost forest of anxiety and apprehensions that the only word that came out of her mouth was the word "mommy" shouting it out loud.
After several minutes, sitting on a chair and sobbing, she saw a familiar shoe that belonged to somebody whom she knew well. She slowly gazed up, hoping and wishing it would be her mom. And there she was, standing in front of her with a worried face of which she felt. All those minutes of looking for her in a big place thinking all the while that nobody would probably care for her little girl apparently tormented her. At that moment of her life, she felt the inner peace and tranquility, she so wanted and needed right that very moment. She hugged her mom and dad so tight leaving all her fears and worries as they wiped her tears away.
Our family is the immediate people with whom we find comfort and it is only in our home we find serenity.
You know what, so much about having a family? It is when, even when you lose everything you have, may it be a love, friend or comrades. They are still there when everybody else has turned their backs on you. It is when you feel you're fifty feet below the ground, they're still there ever ready to pull you up, giving unconditional support and undying love. These are the people whom you don't need to say a word to, they immediately know what comfort to give.
Our family is the beginning and home of all human love. That is why we need to be together in the family. It is the we of me".......
are used by the knife. A large knife is referred 
A woven flat cord, followed by a beaded string has been wrapped around the middle section of the sheath. The mid section of the sheath measured approximately eight centimeters long. The lower, section of the sheath, which measures approximately 20 cm. long consist of a carved wooden casing. Between the lower section of the sheath and of the sheath, two cooled brass tabs, approximately
Fulong) Datu in order to mark their
such weapons are used by boys. The blow pipes were manufactured by the men from a particular
head. The segti or bow and arrow are fashioned from wood and arrows lopped with shaft metal points. The steel head was fastened to the
*RIFLES-(Paltik)...Some B'laan groups initially used low pipe. Bow and arrows in their resistance activities against the enemies. Through trade the B'laan were able to obtain old rifles that were left behind. The B'laan also became very adept at the construct of their own rifles. Pieces of pipe were used to construct the gun barrels. Phosphorous, obtained from the head of matches, was combined with gunpowder as ammunition. Strikers were used to detonate the charge,
