The Simbahayan organization of University of Santo Tomas (UST) celebrated the Pistang Tomas last February 12 to 15, 2018. The event opens its doors for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of different tribes and also other people from the marginalised. Selling different products from food such as fruits, vegetables, finger food, etc. to handcrafted products such as handmade flowers, bedsheet covers, bracelets, rugs, and more. This event is created for us to appreciate others’ culture and livelihood, and also for us to empower and to appreciate other communities.
One of the products that caught my attention is the Human Trafficking bracelet. The bracelet consists of three beeds which has different colors—red for ‘Stop Human Trafficking’, yellow for ‘Be AWARE of Its Effects”, and finally, green for GO and Do Something” as a small pack of a freebie paper behind the bracelet says. As a part of the IPs, why do they advocate for Human Trafficking?According to a Facebook post of an Academian, her friend told her that the Aetas are too trustful that others exploit them, and she bragged it in a tone that the Aetas aren’t even the victims. But no, that is definitely a false argument. There is no such concept of greediness, of bestowing others, of a competition—just to survive and to live. “Ang bawat isa ay kilala ng bawat isa, pinagkakatiwalaan ng buo, nagbibigayan.”. That’s their way, they welcome whoever knocks in front of their doors; not even a single doubt that that person could raise them an impunity card. Violence is always the suspect’s fault, never the victim’s. And others say, “our eyes are all open, awakened, it is a crime to close those eyes.”Our brothers and sisters from the marginalised sectors, especially from the IPs, for sure, both their feet are all numb from walking up to the mountains. But I’m sure in one thing, their hearts are never numb. The overflowing love is simply enough to touch anyone’s heart.By simply buying this Stop Human Trafficking bracelet, you somehow helped the marginalised community in advocating their rights against human trafficking. But of course, at the end, we should practice what we preach. 
The ring I bought from the T’bolis was such a memorable ring for me. My partner fake-proposed to me using this ring, and now, we’re engaged. Anyway, this ring is from the ethnic group of T’bolis from Southern Mindanao, near the Lake Sebu (Tau Sebu). This ethnic group is full of deities and myths which helps their culture to even grow more.The T’boli culture is richly connected with, and inspired by nature; their dances mimic the action of animals such as monkeys and birds. As a huge fan of mythologies, I find this ring a lucky gem. The T’bolis spent their time making these kind of burloloys or jewelries to enrich and empower their culture. During the classical and medieval times, people have worn jewelry not just for aesthetic purposes, but also as a a way to express themselves. These beautiful body ornaments allowed wearers to signify wealth, societal status, rank, and even affiliation. To some groups, even identity is, to a certain extent, anchored to unique pieces of jewelry that they have been known to wear. Each of these beautiful bands is made by hand so every single one is unique.I suggest everyone to buy the jewelries from the T’bolis, it’s a way of supporting and appreciating their culture. Today, we may wear jewelries only for aesthetic purposes, not for us to define what’s our social hierarchy in the society, but then we must also wear these T’boli jewelries, somehow, for our Filipino identity.
Here’s another palamuti or burloloy from one of our ethinic groups, the T’bolis. It’s a bell keychain which produces a really cute sound when it’s moved. As it rings, we hear a harmonic tone which is really nice. According to a lifestyle article in Inquirer, “these bells have been used to guide the way and ward off evil spirits. Among the T’boli, an indigenous, very musical tribe living in the highlands of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines, bell making is one of the traditional arts. They hang these bells by the entrance to their homes.
This bell made from recycled brass and cast from beeswax features traditional design details made more precious by the handmade beadwork of the students of The Learning Center, a school for special needs students in Parañaque, Manila, Philippines.”
It is a way of preserving their growing culture. A little help, financially for those from that certain ethnic group who has to fulfill their daily basic necessities. I suggest everyone to take a look from this T’boli product, it’s fashionable yet you’ll get it from the most affordable price. This bell also echoes the rich musical culture of this indigenous people.
In summary, people from the marginalised are promoting their goods and services to us. Luckily, here is UST, letting them enter the Pontifical, Royal, and Catholic university. As St. Thomas Aquinas once said, “the compassion in our hearts for another person's misery, a compassion which drives us to do what we can to help him.”. Coming from the patron saint of the whole university (UST), it is right and just to be a charitable person. If God gives you plenty of blessings, you must share it to the ones who are in need.
Now, the UST Simbahayan, Sir Abenir and others who are inside the organization proved that they are not apathetic. They practice what they preach. Even last year, they opened the gates for our IPs in Mindanao—launching Lakbayan 2018 (Kampuhan sa UST). A huge applause for the university for signing the letter for our IPs and others from the marginalised community to come inside the university and share their culture with the Thomasian community. Especially, for the organization who do everything they can just to help the marginalised sectors, share their blessings to the poor, advocate for change, especially for human rights.
The ring I bought from the T’bolis was such a memorable ring for me. My partner fake-proposed to me using this ring, and now, we’re engaged. Anyway, this ring is from the ethnic group of T’bolis from Southern Mindanao, near the Lake Sebu (Tau Sebu). This ethnic group is full of deities and myths which helps their culture to even grow more.The T’boli culture is richly connected with, and inspired by nature; their dances mimic the action of animals such as monkeys and birds. As a huge fan of mythologies, I find this ring a lucky gem. The T’bolis spent their time making these kind of burloloys or jewelries to enrich and empower their culture. During the classical and medieval times, people have worn jewelry not just for aesthetic purposes, but also as a a way to express themselves. These beautiful body ornaments allowed wearers to signify wealth, societal status, rank, and even affiliation. To some groups, even identity is, to a certain extent, anchored to unique pieces of jewelry that they have been known to wear. Each of these beautiful bands is made by hand so every single one is unique.I suggest everyone to buy the jewelries from the T’bolis, it’s a way of supporting and appreciating their culture. Today, we may wear jewelries only for aesthetic purposes, not for us to define what’s our social hierarchy in the society, but then we must also wear these T’boli jewelries, somehow, for our Filipino identity.
Here’s another palamuti or burloloy from one of our ethinic groups, the T’bolis. It’s a bell keychain which produces a really cute sound when it’s moved. As it rings, we hear a harmonic tone which is really nice. According to a lifestyle article in Inquirer, “these bells have been used to guide the way and ward off evil spirits. Among the T’boli, an indigenous, very musical tribe living in the highlands of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines, bell making is one of the traditional arts. They hang these bells by the entrance to their homes.
This bell made from recycled brass and cast from beeswax features traditional design details made more precious by the handmade beadwork of the students of The Learning Center, a school for special needs students in Parañaque, Manila, Philippines.”
It is a way of preserving their growing culture. A little help, financially for those from that certain ethnic group who has to fulfill their daily basic necessities. I suggest everyone to take a look from this T’boli product, it’s fashionable yet you’ll get it from the most affordable price. This bell also echoes the rich musical culture of this indigenous people.
In summary, people from the marginalised are promoting their goods and services to us. Luckily, here is UST, letting them enter the Pontifical, Royal, and Catholic university. As St. Thomas Aquinas once said, “the compassion in our hearts for another person's misery, a compassion which drives us to do what we can to help him.”. Coming from the patron saint of the whole university (UST), it is right and just to be a charitable person. If God gives you plenty of blessings, you must share it to the ones who are in need.
Now, the UST Simbahayan, Sir Abenir and others who are inside the organization proved that they are not apathetic. They practice what they preach. Even last year, they opened the gates for our IPs in Mindanao—launching Lakbayan 2018 (Kampuhan sa UST). A huge applause for the university for signing the letter for our IPs and others from the marginalised community to come inside the university and share their culture with the Thomasian community. Especially, for the organization who do everything they can just to help the marginalised sectors, share their blessings to the poor, advocate for change, especially for human rights.
This blog was really informative, I learned a lot especially in the T'boli culture.I loved the human trafficking bracelet, that was such a good find. The explanation of every item bought was precise and interesting. My suggestion is to make your next blog more lively but maintain the informative part, a mix of lively and informative. Make it more lively by changing the mood of some statements. Inserting some slight humor would help, that would be a great way to entertain more readers.
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