One thing that is kind of fun in the Philippines is that you see all kinds of people. I mean, you see day to day folks, and sometimes you see folks that are a little different than normal. I remember one time, about 2 years ago, I was going to Victoria Plaza Mall, which is not far from my house. I was driving, and I came to a place where I had to stop for traffic. After I stopped, a lady started crossing the street, right in front of my car. I know that this is going to sound unbelievable, but the lady was topless! Actually, all she was wearing was a loin cloth. I have never even heard of natives that dress like this in the Philippines, yet there she was right in front of me! I was shocked. I felt like I was in the middle of Africa somewhere. I’m always tempted to go back and see if any other topless tribal women pass through the area, but so far I have avoided the temptation! 😀 It’s a memory that remains with me, though, just because it was so unusual.
Well, the other day, I had a similar experience, although a little more tamed. I was with Feyma and my Mom, while she was still here, and we parked the car and started walking to our destination, then suddenly, a motorcycle pulled up. Riding on the back was a guy in a tribal outfit. If there is some kind of festival or something going on, you see lots of people dressed up in these kinds of outfits, so it’s really not a big deal. I had my camera-phone with me, so I decided that maybe I should get a photo of the guy. I started talking with the man who was with him, and it turned out that this gentleman was a genuine tribal chief, or “Datu” from a Mountain tribe up on Bukidnon somewhere. I never did get the story of why he was in Davao, although I did speak with the Datu for a few minutes. He was a very jovial guy, and he only spoke Bisaya. Maybe he spoke some tribal language too, I am not sure, but I know that Bisaya was the only language the two of us could converse in. Of course, my Bisaya is pretty limited, so our conversation was at a rather elementary level.
After we talked for a few minutes, the Datu gave me permission to shoot a photo, which you see here. I headed my way, and the motorcycle took off. It was an interesting encounter, which I enjoyed. I wish the Datu well.
Going back to the other incident for a second, does anybody know of any tribes where the women only wear a loin cloth? Because, I swear that I did see that lady, although I still know of no such tribes in the Davao area. It would be interesting to learn more about that!
Bob,
In the past you have told us stories of people apearing and then disapearing. Now topless women in loin cloths.
I was wondering, have you had your doctor check your meds? 😛 😀 😆
Just joking with you. Have a great day.
I also see dead people. 😳
Nah… probably just my sixth sense working.
Hi Bruce – All of my meds check out ok! Feeling great!
Hi Carlos – I swear that everything in this story is 100% factual, nothing made up!! 😆
Long time ago, in my single-serviceman life before the Mt Pinatubo eruption, I too witnessed a loin-cloth only apparition. Matter of fact, I found myself amongst a whole group of such apparitions; perhaps I was treading on tribal grounds. They served me tuba (coconut wine) while performing ritual like dances. 😉
When I had too much tuba, the bouncer threw me out! 😆
Hi Paul – Ha ha… sounds like you have a good story to tell from that experience!
I see you failed to mention to him to come and visit you….perhaps him and the muslim man could be your yaya's !!!Or better yet ….gove him the muslim mans address as you rs !! 👿
Good pic
Hi Brian – Honestly, I do not understand your comment.
Firstly, you don't know the conversation I had with the man, nobody here does except for Feyma and I. Secondly, what do you mean that the Muslim man could be my yaya? I know my yaya (that is the same as a nanny), and he is not my yaya.
The part about giving the muslim mans address as mine? I have no idea what you are talking about.
From the words I see, you seem to be criticizing me in regards to my treatment of Muslims, that's the closest I can figure out. I can tell you that I have many Muslim friends, there are Muslims who do come to my house, etc.
Am I missing something? ❓
I don't know of any specific tribes that are still as backward as that. I do know that they still exist, in the very remote areas of the Philippines, including highlands of Davao. 🙂 I've seen it in TV before.
Bob, just ignore #6, I think it's one of those nuisance post. It doesn't make any sense at all. As I've said in my previous post in a different topic, only ignorants or racist make these such kind of comments.
Bob in talking to my friend that i will see friday she tells me there is in fact tribes in the mountains in compostela valley that do wear just loin cloth as daily dress i didnt ask for the tribal names but will ask her again
Bob: I believe Brian is makeing reference to th e story that Feyma told about the guy you met and told that you'd like to meet again…..and he showed up at your home, in your absence, ready to move in along with his family that were to arrive at a later time.
Frank San Giorgio:
Good point! I almost forget about that. You're right, now, he's making sense. It doesn't make him right, but at least, now I understand where his reply is coming from. 🙂 Still, not an acceptable way of saying it though because he's wrong. Again, if you look at my post in the other topic – if people will only know the facts before assuming something, then Bob wouldn't say that to him, and he wouldn't say that to Bob. Again, if only he knew that Bob was talking of entirely different person.
Hello, I found your site while surfing the web searching for calamansi. I attended the University of the Philippines in Mindanao in college and I would be happy to share with you my learnings on the indigenous tribes of Mindanao, which was my thesis actually to graduate with a BA in Social Sciences. I grew up in Manila (and now based in CA) and also had a similar reaction as you when I first saw a topless tribal woman. Davao is a melting pot of cultures, as you would have notice, the dialect there is a mix of Tagalog and Bisaya (i.e. saying "nagkain" ka na? instead of the usual "kumain" ka na?). There are 40 different ethnic groups, each with a distinct dialect and culture of its own. They are found in Luzon, some in the Visayas and most in Mindanao. The T'boli and the B'laan (blah-un) are two of the 18 ethnic groups in Mindanao. The other groups are Bukidnon, Dibabawon, Manobo, Mansaka, Mandaya, Mamanwa, Teduray, Banwaon, Mangguwangan, Subanen, Ubo, Kalagan, Tagakaolo, Higaunon, Ata and Bagobo. Their collective name is Lumad (loo-mad), which is another name for indigenous. The T'boli tribe and most of the other tribes, live in the southern part of Cotabato called Lake Sebu, west of General Santos City. Higaunon tribe is in the Northern part of Mindanao. Some of the tribes live in the surrounding areas of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. The woman that you saw may have been a part of the Tasaday (meaning 'dialect' of the Manobo tribe). Davao and Mindanao has very rich cultures and history and the discovery and learning is unending. Happy exploring to you!
Bob:
Just to clarify my post, I wasn't referring to you when I said "know the facts". I mean, you wouldn't have to defend yourself, if only Brian didn't post the misguided comment.
Hi Lea – It's funny, since writing this column, I have been told by many people (online and in person) that such tribes still exist that wear only loin cloth. It seems they must not come in the city much, though, because in 7 years + I have only seen this once.
Hi Tommy – let me know what you find out, I'd be interested in learning more!
Hi Frank – Ah… I think you are right about what Brian was talking about. Without making a reference to it in his comment, I was at a loss! I write hundreds of articles, and that just didn't come to the front of my mind. Perhaps I took Brian's comment wrong, because when I read it, it sure seemed that he was being very critical of me. If that's the case, sorry Brian for my over-reaction.
Hi CharlieV – Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have been to Lake Sebu several times, and it is always an interesting trip, no doubt about that!
Hi Lea – Thanks for the follow up.
Haha …….. Are you smoking the herbs that the qauck doctor gave you ? Just kidding haha
Hi Clay – I have been feeling pretty good lately. Do you think it's the herbs? 😀
Hi Bob,
In 1980 (approximatelY), I visited old friends of mine who are doctors and were stationed in a little baryo up north somewhere past bukidnon (I think), but before Compostela valley. It was not very far from Davao City, I know.
It was a remote place with only a handful of modern houses. With that I mean roof made of GI sheets and something constructed by a panday (carpenter). The houses there were made of nipa and the flooring is literally the earth. These houses were very close to a wild river (white water). The river had a lot of big black stones as big a suv (car) or double the size of an suv. The place was very cold. We would submerge a liter of coca-cola in the river because there was no refrigerator or electricity in the area. I can still picture this place in my mind but I do not remember the name of this place.
The male natives wore just the g-string (loin cloth), women were topless but their chests were covered with colorful necklaces, children wore very little clothing or nothing at all. They were weaving their own cloth (forgot the name too). Haay, how frustrating!
This place was so backward that the natives will go to my friends' clinic for check-up or get some medicines. They had no money and paid for their medical services with a chicken. I heard, they only trad crops and livestocks for any goods they want from the city. I don't know if this tribe is still there.
It's been 20+ years, I don't know where my friends are now. But I'll find a way to get info for you Bob. I'll talk to you later.
Hi Bob,
Off-hand, I think the place is called New Bataan, and the natives were the Mandaya. The cloth that they weave is called lagmay or dagmay.
Hi Joy Co – Thanks for the information! It's very valuable to know. I am familiar with New Bataan, ComVal. It's only a few hours from the city of Davao. Maybe I'll look into this more and check it out sometime! 🙂
Hi Bob, just to let you know, they even walked downtown here in Davao City. I met them last year.
You are welcome! Reading your blogs bring nostalgia. My husband and I are visiting the Philippines next year. For sure, we are going to visit Davao and eat durian, which he has learned to love, lots of tuna and pomelo.
Hi CharlieV – When you are in Davao, give me a shout and we can all go out for coffee or lunch!
For sure, Bob. We would love to meet you in Davao!
Can I hang out with you and your buddies for a while Bob.
Ladies in loin cloths, getting eyed up in the malls, getting chatted up by ladies, Anonymous mobile calls, ghosts etc etc 😆 😉
Hi Jack – Anytime! Believe me, every one of these things that I mentioned is absolutely true too!
Hi Bob & others,
Check out this website for information about the Mandaya. In fact the whole site is worth a look as it is about the people of the Philippines and its been put together by a group of young Philipino/a's, and it is very informative about the various customs, rituals etc of the listed peoples.
It says nothing about the Mandaya women wearing just a loin cloth, and the researcher goes into some detail about the clothes the Mandaya women wear. http://litera1no4.tripod.com/mandaya_frame.html
The link below will take you to the 68 tribes listed: http://litera1no4.tripod.com/phlppl_frame.html
Hi Richard – Please note, I never said that the woman in the loin cloth was Mandaya. I said that I didn't know what tribe she was, but I was curious to know more about it.
Bob it was one of your readers who suggested she might have been Mandaya. I wasn't saying you said that but I was just pointing out an interesting site if you want to do further research.
Ok, thanks Richard. I appreciate the clarification.
Take care.
Hello,
I don't think our Lumad women wear loin cloth. I think it's our male Lumads. Women always wear skirt or a form of skirt.
I wonder Bob, if you have seen an craze person/woman running arround naked with only a loin cloth. Sometimes this happen too.
Did the one you see look like a native person? Then if she looks like a native person, Charlie V could be right. The woman could be a Tasaday or could be Ata (Aeta). Although, these ethnic group usually comes in the city in a group.
Brian is wrong on calling the Datu in the picture as muslim. Everyone knows that the Datu you come across is either Madaya, Bagobo or Manobo because of the costume. Tribes are easily identfied by their clothe wearing.
Hi Mady – This was definitely a native of some kind.