Skip to main content »
Igorotage

KASIYANA (A Kankanaey Optimism)

What's up with their optimism?

If you happen to see a Kankanaey lady smiling calmly in the storm, do not be surprised. And no she has not lost her mind. Know it's her strong belief in KASIYANA that gives her the peace of mind, and the calm to confront the turmoil of the world.

KASIYANA is a Kankanaey expression that means "It's alright. Things will get better."

Just a word, but it says a lot. Its utterance, when uttered sincerely can do wonders. We say it to wish someone well, or to express our sympathy to someone in mourning. And yes when you're down on your luck, maybe fighting a battle no one knows about, you can whisper it to yourself, and ask any Kankanaey, it works most of the time.

Now, as we all struggle to arrest the threat of this fast spreading disease known as COVID-19, every Kankanaey has a sincere message to the entire world: - "KASIYANA! It's alright. Things will get better!"

via igorotage.com

"KASIYANA" (a poem)

We hear it from our elders' mouths,

In times when things go south;

A word that can move mountains,

A word to ease our pain.

Remember when you got very ill,

Or that time love broke your heart,

When you lost all the strength and will

To do another start.

Grandma found you in deep despair

And said, "kasiyana, kasiyana!"

The dark sky then became so clear;

Banished your dystopia.

Since then we've known hope's purest form

Throughout life's wild arena;

Our proven refuge from the storm -

A prayer and kasiyana!

---by Bag-iw, March2020 #Kasiyana


Mountain dweller, etag eater, and I love my dog the way a white man loves his turkey on his thanksgiving day.


Sharing is caring, kailian!

We do hope you find something great in this story. If you find this helpful, please do share it with the people you care about.


Igorotage is a platform for people to share their thoughts and ideas. The views expressed on Igorotage are the opinions of the individual users, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Igorotage.

Comments (7)

Sign in to share your thoughts. No account yet?

What to learn next?

You might also like to read more related articles filed under Culture — or jump to a random article!

Culture Surprise me

Linapet: The Best-Kept Secret of Agawa, Besao

Discover the secrets of Agawa, Besao's famous Linapet, a culinary delight with a rich tradition waiting to be savored.

Zora in Foods
8h ago · 10 min read

Igorot Bahag: Cultural Significance and Challenges

Discover the Igorot bahag's rich history, symbolism, and its role in modern society. Learn about preservation efforts and cultural significance.

Sep 14 · 25 min read

Baguio City's Barrel Man: Unveiling the Iconic Filipino Souvenir

Explore the history, culture, and significance of Barrel Man in Baguio City. Learn about its unique design and preservation efforts.

Sep 4 · 13 min read

The Ifugao Bulul: A Sacred Sculpture of the Ifugao People

Discover the rich history and cultural importance of Ifugao Bululs. Explore their symbolism and role in Ifugao society.

Sep 2 · 22 min read

Update on Maura: Death at the St. Louis Fair, Brain Sent to Smithsonian Institution

Maura's remains were reportedly sent back to her homeland.

Aug 22 · 1 min read

Team Mumbaki Teaches How to Wear the Traditional Igorot Bahag

Learn how to wear the traditional Igorot bahag from Team Mumbaki. Just zoom in a little closer, it's not that HARD!

Aug 15 · 2 min read

The Binnadang Spirit: Igorot Men Tow Bus Across Cliff

A photo of Igorot men towing a bus through a dangerous steep cliff is a testament to the Igorot spirit of binnadang, a tradition of mutual aid.

Jul 25 · 4 min read

The Igorot Bahag: A Traditional Loincloth, Not a G-string

Learn about the bahag, a traditional Igorot loincloth that is often mistakenly referred to as a "g-string".

Jul 23 · 2 min read

The Igorot Traditional Clothing: Attire, Garb, or Costume?

Learn about the Igorot traditional clothing, and the debate on whether it is attire, garb, or costume.

Jul 23 · 4 min read

Igorot Man Raises Philippine Flag in Canada, Celebrating Heritage in Banff National Park

Seph Telino Organo, an Igorot man from the Philippines, proudly raised the Philippine flag in Canada's Banff National Park wearing traditional bahag.

Jul 20 · 3 min read