Luzon:

Ibaloi: Benguet, Philippines

The Ibaloi or Nabaloi is an indigenous ethnic group found in the northern Philippines. The
Ibalois occupy the southeastern two-thirds of Benguet, particularly the municipalities of
Kabayan, Bokod, Sablan, Tublay, La Trinidad, Tuba and Itogon, and the southern portions of
Kapangan and Atok (CSG 2003). Called Ipaway by the Kalanguyas, the name is derived from
“those who live in the grasslands,” with ‘paway’ as the Kalanguya term for grassland.
Traditional Ibalois engage in wet-rice agriculture, swidden farming, mining, hunting and fishing.
The ‘baknang’ (rich) has people working under him such as the pastol who takes care of
domesticated animals and assists in the preparation of rituals like the cañao; the silbi who takes
care in tilling the land; and the bagaen, a non-Ibaloi slave who does other tasks as required.
Gaddang: Cagayan Valley region, mostly in Central Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and
Cagayan.
Identified as having darker complexions compared to other groups in the Cordilleras, it is
assumed that Gaddangs have derived their name from this description, with its name a
combination of ga meaning “heat,” and dang meaning “burned.” Colloquial names for them
include Gadan, Gaddanes, Iraya, and Irraya, which all mean “upriver.”
They are also famous for their healing rituals called patunnok, an anito rite for the sick
performed by makamongs for two consecutive days; mabbawang, a ritual conducted to ensure
the longevity of family members’ lives, as well as to strengthen family ties; and immuno-gakit
ritual, performed to drive away general sickness from the village.
Ifugao: Ifugao, Philippines
The word Ifugao is said to have come from ipugo, which means “from the hill.” The tribes’ main
source of living is agriculture because they are surrounded by mountain ranges. Each village is
composed of 12 to 30 houses built near rice terraces and other agricultural resources.
Ifugao is one of the places in the Philippines that has not been influenced by the Spaniards; they
did enter Ifugao territory but were unable to touch their culture and values. Ifugao culture values
kinship, family ties, and religious and cultural beliefs.
The wanno or g-string is the traditional attire of male Ifugaos. There are six types of wanno,
which are used depending on the occasion or the man’s social status. Ifugao women wear tapis, a
wraparound skirt.
Isneg: Apayao Province (Cordillera Administrative Region)
The Isneg settlements are mostly along the river, but they do farm up the hills at certain times of
year. Their villages are small and houses, close together, for security and companionship. The
traditional house sits on four large wooden posts and has colourful adornments. There are two
important rituals that bind the Isneg. Say-am is a feast celebrated by an affluent Isneg family,
usually accompanied by wining, eating, and dancing. In contrast, pildap is celebrated by the
poorer members of the tribe when a family transfers to another place or when someone seeks
healing.
Igorot: Northern Luzon
They are a group of wet-rice agriculturalists occupying the mountains in the area of northern
Luzon, Philippines. Igorot are any of various ethnic groups in the mountains of this region, all of
whom keep their traditional religion and way of life. Some live in the tropical forests of the
foothills, but most live in rugged grassland and pine forest zones higher up. They numbered
about 1.5 million in the early 21st century and the main identified groups are Bontoc, Ibaloi,
Ifugao, Isneg, Kalinga and Kankanaey.
The Igorot live in small hamlets scattered among the rice terraces. Traditional houses were
composed by wooden floors, windowless walls and pyramidal thatch roofs. They are elevated
from the ground by trunks. The inhabitants used removable staircases that were hoisted up at
night to protect the family inside.

Visayas
Waray: Samar, eastern Leyte, and Biliran islands
Waray-Waray, also called Waray or Samaran or Samareño, any member of a large
ethnolinguistic group of the Philippines, living on Samar, eastern Leyte, and Biliran islands.
Numbering roughly 4.2 million in the early 21st century, they speak a Visayan (Bisayan)
language of the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family. Most Waray-Waray are farmers and
live in small villages. Although the kinship system and family structure are almost identical to
those of other Christian Filipino groups, the Waray-Waray are considered to have retained more
of the beliefs and folklore of pre-Christian times.
Ati: Panay Island
They are notable for their round dark eyes and dark-complexion. They are said to have first
arrived in the Philippines some 20,000 to 30,000 years ago from Borneo by foot through an
isthmus, which is now part of Palawan.
Atis used to practice rich customs and traditions that are uniquely theirs. However, in search of
better livelihood opportunities, the Atis relocated to highly populated cities. Unfortunately, this
mass relocation has resulted in Atis struggling to preserve their traditions.
Tadyawan: Oriental Mindoro
Similar to most Mangyans, Tadyawans’ traditional clothing comprises a red cloth on the chest
and a white waist wraparound called talapi for women, and a g-string called abay for men. Men
and women adorn themselves with bracelets and necklaces made of beads.
Tadyawans practice swidden agriculture, similar to the other Mangyan tribes. Oftentimes, they
would also venture to the lowlands to sell their harvested crops and livestock. Additionally, just
like the Iraya Mangyans, they would be seen eating mostly rice, bananas, sweet potatoes, and
other root crops as their steady diet.
Mangyan: Mindoro, southwest of the island of Luzon, Philippines
The term “Mangyan” is an umbrella term that refers to several indigenous communities on the
island of Mindoro in the Philippines. There are eight recognized groups: Iraya, Alangan,
Tadyawan, Tawbuid, Bangon, Buhid, Hanunuo, and Ratagnon. While these groups are often
referred to as “Mangyan,” they speak different languages, and only one of the ethnic groups—
Hanunuo—refers to itself as Mangyan. “Hanunuo” is an exonym for both the ethnic group and
the language and is often tagged onto “Mangyan” to form “Hanunuo Mangyan.” “Hanunuo”
means “truly, real,” or “genuine.” Hanunuo Mangyans tend to drop the descriptor “hanunuo”
within their communities and refer to themselves and their language as “Mangyan.”

Mindanao:
T’Boli: South Cotabato
T'boli Tribe lives in the province of South Cotabato, around lake Sebu. Since the arrival of
settlers originating from the other islands of the Philippines, they gradually moved to the
mountain slopes to live in scattered settlements in the Higlands. The T'boli distinguish
themselves from other Tribal Groups by their colorful clothes, bracelets and earrings. This tribe
is famous for their complicated beadwork, wonderful woven fabrics and beautiful brass
ornaments.
The T'boli culture is richly connected with and inspired by nature, their dances are a mimick
from the action of animals such as monkeys and birds. The T'boli have a rich musical culture
with a variety of musical instruments, but the T'boli music and songs are not meant for
entertainment only.
Mamanwa: Panaoan Island, Southern Leyte, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and
Surigao del Sur
Similar to the Negritos, Mamanwas are typically dark-skinned and bear small frames. They also
possess curly hair and black eyes, and are mostly petite, ranging from 1.35 to 1.5 meters in
height.
Traditionally, hunting was heavily part of their customs and traditions, though this tradition has
gradually disappeared. Instead, they now set up bayatik (spear traps) and gahong (pit traps) to
catch animals in the forest, and they eat wild fruit, nuts, honey, and python meat. They also forge
labor agreements with other nearby groups and weave baskets and hammocks.
Bagobo: Southern Mindanao
The Bagobo constitute one of the largest groups among the indigenous peoples of southern
Mindanao. Bagobo are the predominant inhabitants of the vast areas extending from the west
coast of Davao Gulf to the high reaches of Davao's famous and significant mountain ranges of
Mt. Apo or Apo Sandawa to the tribal people.
The Bagobo are a settled people, practicing agriculture as well as hunting and fishing. Their
chief crop is rice, which they grow in clearings on the mountain sides. Since this grain is their
staple food, the whole routine of its cultivation is most closely bound up with their religious
beliefs and practices.
Manobo: Large area of Mindanao
"Manobo" is the hispanicized form of "Manuvu," which, of course, means "people." The
Manobo appear to be a remnant of the very first Austronesian invasion from Taiwan, predating
peoples like the Ifugao of Luzon.
The Manobo are several people groups who inhabit the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.
They speak one of the languages belonging to the Manobo language family. Their origins can be
traced back to the early Malay peoples who came from the surrounding islands of Southeast
Asia. Today, their common cultural language and Malay heritage help to keep them connected.
The most common lifestyle of the Manobo is that of agriculture. Unfortunately, their farming
methods are very primitive.