Short Detours

Joey Ayala in Sagada. The gargantuan task of putting together 30 great artists in faraway Sagada in one show for a cause can now be rightfully called the greatest show in the mountains. Freddie Aguilar singing with toned-down voice. The artists include Gary V, Acel, Adinkra Lumads, Kat Agarrado, Sinosikat, Freddie Aguilar, Aoui, Apartel, Asch, Abbey Asistio, Joey Ayala, Edgar Banasan, Behind Bears, Blue Jeans Junkies, Ely Buendia, Noel Cabangon, Lolita Carbon, Giniling Festival, Dane Hipolito, Kordilyear Jam ni Peter Wasing, Raymond Luchenco, Lenses, Lunar Landings, Maude, Monolog, Moonwalk, Native Flavor, Ransom Collective, Reggae Mistress, Skymarines, The Ringmaster and Up Dharma Down. “And if only from my perspective, then this one was,” said Formosa who also produced the music of many of the Manila artists who came to the show. Noel Cabangon shared his time and talent to the cause. Working together with Sagada folks, Formoso said “when you put all it...

Sagada's annual Ap-apoy. Sagada’s Ap-apoy is a celebration of All Saints Day combined with the traditional way of commemorating dead loved ones. During late afternoon of November one, people of Sagada visit the tomb of their dead loved ones carrying with them bundles of firewood. The practice was also adopted by the people who migrated to the place whose dearly departed are buried in the cemetery. I went to this event hoping not only to understand the culture but to find the tomb of American anthropologist and educator William Henry Scott. From what I heard, he fell in love with this place and made it his last resting place. It was a fortunate visit as I not only found his tombstone, I also found his foster family who come here often during this event to commemorate him. Miguel Talaney is one of the 15 foster children of Scott. Talaney, who is now 85 years o ld, was closest to the anthropologist as he and his family were the ones who stayed with him. The famil...