IGOROT: SHORT AND DARK? I met a kababayan one time and ask where I came from, I said from Mountain Province 4 hours away from Baguio. Kababayan- So your Ilocano? Me- No, I am IGOROT (kankana-ey) but I can speak Ilocano. Kababayan- So maybe you know this IGOROT we know, He is hardworking and gentleman. Our Kababayan described the IGOROT as short and dark. Kababayan- (Karamihan sa inyo pandak at maiitim ano?) Me- I said NO, I think most of us Filipinos are short compared to western not only Igorot. During the conversation, my daughter came to me who is 14 years old and 5'4'' tall. Kababayan- Is she your daughter? She is so pretty. Me- Thank! Yes, my first child... Kababayan- Really how old are you? (You look like sisters. Ano yan nanganak ka noong 15 ka?) Me- Thanks I take it as a compliment, I am 34 Kababayan- Oh I thought your 20 plus, we're the same age.
Being an IGOROT is the best blessing from God, he gave me a place and culture that I am proud of. Do we need to say that someone is short and dark? I love being brown and never dreamed to have a light skin. I don't know why Filipinos are so obsessed with light skin colour. Most of our lotion, soap and cream product is for skin whitening. I am happy off who I am. But being judged because of the colour of your skin makes me sad. Only in the Philippines that they ask why my kids have a darker skin than me. We are proud to be an IGOROT. I love my self and my kids are confident of who they are as well. I am 100% IGOROT Are you proud of being IGOROT then share! We are not just short and dark. We are hardworking, humble people. We know the word INAYAN.
By: Mary Ann Baldo Comment on what you experience.
