Adorable Filipina - Australian Proudly Represented 'Manobo Tribe' in a School Pageant in Iloilo City

I usually get messages from strangers asking for help translating phrases to Manobo Dialect and every time I got one I always am willing to help them, and if I can't recall a particular term, I'd usually call my cousin who's more fluent and knowledgeable than me to help in the translation.

5-year old Ashley Cass on her Manobo Costume. (Eventually bagging the Best in Costume Award)

Recently, I got a message from Ms. Grazel Mari Niego Rendon from Iloilo City also asking for help to translate an introduction phrase to Manobo. It turns out to be it's for a school event which not only requires a translation of an introduction of a candidate but they also need help on others things to best represent the Tribe such as the costumes and the styles in displaying and serving foods on the table.

It got me excited because they are going to represent the Tribe on a school competition not just the Mr and Miss candidates but also the display of the tribe's culture and tradition.

I gave them the simple tips I know on how they can best represent the Manobo tribe by sharing with them the patterns and the signature colors of the tribe. It's very simple, in Mabobo costumes, you can always see the colors White, Red, Yellow and Black with a triangle patterns on the design with accessories such as earrings, bracelets and belts usually made up of beads also using the usual colors and patterns.

They usually message me to ask if the outputs are okay and if they could display this and that and if the accessories are good to go, and I'd give my comment and they are happy to absorbed it. I realized they really are serious on the competition because they are willing to give everything to really best represent the tribe.

When they sent me the dress, I know it was a very good one. I saw the triangle patterns nicely integrated in the dress with matching signature colors and some additional design which makes the dress look not only indigenous but modern too.

I'd say, the school has did something great on this activity. I appreciate their idea of having activities like this for others to learn about the various tribes in the country. I do hope there would be more activities like this in the future. Congratulations Children's Integrated School of Alta Tierra, Inc. of Iloilo City for making such activity to promote the various tribes of the country on your 34th founding anniversary.

Inside the hut representing the Manobo Tribe with their Table presentation which bags the 2nd Place of the Table Display Contest.

I wanna thank everyone who have been part of the Manobo Representation especially the Ms and Mr candidates (I don't have any photos of the Mr candidate, I hope someone could send me his details). You did a good job. I am very proud of you. Thank you for appreciating our tribe and our fellows. I hope it has opened the eyes of many to appreciate the various culture of Filipinos especially the Lumads.

Photos and video from Ms. Rendon and Ms Imy Cass.

Intro wordings:

English: Good evening to all of you! My name is (Name of Candidate) representing Manobo Tribe

Manobo Dialect: [Maupiyan marukelam kaniyo langon! Iyan a si (name of candidate) ad representar ta Manobo Tribe]