Mayoyao Assumption Academy Grand Alumni Homecoming 2008

Mayoyao Assumption Academy 1st Grand Alumni Homecoming 2008 is set on December 27, 2008 at the Assumption Academy Grounds. This activity is an initiative of the Pochon and Maanichar Centennial Batch Assoc. (Batch 1998) in coordination with the Silver Jubilarians (Batch 1983) and the Golden Jubilarians (Batch 1958). Registration fee of PhP50.00 and contribution of PhP100.00 is being collected per alumnus/alumnae. You may also subscribe to the souvenir program in the following fees: Whole page,colored=PhP1,800.00 / Whole Page, black and white=PhP1,500.00 / Half Page,colored=PhP1,100.00 / Half Page,black and white=PhP800.00 / 1/4 page=PhP500.00. Please contact your respective coordinators for the fees (reg. & contri.) or contact any of your batchmates or Josh Nalliw (+639064826300). Thank You!

Pochon goes to Panibagong Paraan 2008

With all the paraphernalia needed for the exhibit/booth display, the group started for Manila from Lagawe, Ifugao on board the service van lent by the Hon. Vice Governor Nora Dinamling, fueled by the gas donation of Hon. Board Member Joseph "Jojo" Odan of District 2. That was on the 7th of April 2008 at around 9:00 in the evening.

We reached Congressman Chungalao's residence where we were accomodated well (big thanks) and where we made our headquarters for the duration of the exhibit. we started cutting the letterings for our booth and also setting up what we need to set up for the booth display. We slept late, I at 2:30m A.m. April 9, 2008, while the others slept at 5 A.M. the same morning. http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/35/

we woke up early for the opening of the exhibit proper at the Megamall. Eric called for cab. as we were on the Tandang Sora flyover, the left front wheel of the cab went flat! we had to get out of the cab and try to look for a replacement cab but to no avail because most of the cabs that passes along the said flyover is loaded with passengers. the cab driver (in his oldies) is hard-up getting the flat tire out and placing the new tire in place and so Uncle Conrad had to help him. we spent almost 30 minutes under the schorching sun at the flyover! then suddenly, the ISCAF Ambulance (driven by a person who knows Jeremy) stopped by after having recognized us. I went directly to the driver explaining what had happened and that we had to hurry to the Mega mall for the exhibit as it is now 9:30 am (we started at Congressman Chungalao's residence at 8:30 am and the exhibit opens at 10am). the Ambulance driver told me to speak to an Emajawjaw in the FX following the ambulance. when I went near the FX, anagkha ta un gayam hi Manong Charlie Nangpuhan! so they assisted us by giving us a ride (in the ambulance) and dropping us off a place where we can hire a replacement taxi (because they were also rushing and as much as they want to bring us to the exhibit place, time is also off the essence for them)...and so we were able to reach Mega mall in time for the formal opening of the exhibit...whew! http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/36/

This is day 2 of the exhibit. everyone is now relaxed since the interview by the jurors had already been finished and that the tension has now settled as we have not experienced any inconveniences in the morning, unlike the day before, Day1, where we encountered the flyover incident :-). The kids are now free to roam around the exhibit area and that they have already mastered the ins and outs of the area so everytime we send them for refreshments, they come back quickly and easily not getting lost among the crowd. our other companions also went for shopping while some stays to manage the booth and to entertain the visitors and to offer free kamote (boiled and in strips) and ricewine. The group had made many friends because of the kamote (which they say is masarap daw and they keep coming back and even bringing other friends with them to taste the imported kamote na masarap. imported from the mountains of Talboc, Mayoyao, Ifugao, one of the beneficiary barangays). By the way, the uniform of the group for the day2 is yellow (painted by me overnight). The Pembo ladies came to visit us during this day and even had a pose with the Governor when he came to visit our booth. in the afternoon of Day2 is the announcement of winners and awarding of grants... http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/37/

And then the MOMENT arrived...official representatives of all finalists were seated at the designated area while the closing program starts. then the awarding followed...

EMCEE: "The third winner of the World Bank Project Grant Award is from the North!"...at this, I looked at ate Polen (COO of SITMo) who was seated beside me.....

EMCEE: "...from the mountains..." ...Ate Polen and I held hands at this moment in time when the EMCEEs continue to give the clue as to who is the Third World Bank Awardee...

EMCEE: "Saan kaya ito? (referring to the place where the mysterious grantee came from)"... I clenched my hands and ready to hear the words which will announce to the entire nation who that 3rd Awardee/Grantee is...

EMCEE: "Entry No. 0184, Pochon and...." ...I didn't hear anymore the words following the big announcement as i leaped from my chair and heard the cheering crowd (for sure those who helped in the preparation of the booth shouted with joy upon hearing that Pochon won the Award) and looked for Jeremy at the back to help me claim the award (take note, I was on Mayoyao native Attire)...and as we approach the stage area, we can still hear the cheers of those who might have shared our sweet kamote. I'm still overwhelmed even as I return to my seat with the announcemnt still ringing in my ears... at last, the sacrifices of the group has paid up...and this award is not just for the group, but for Mayoyao as well... http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/38/

IGKHUMTAD AD MAJAWJAW TOUR 2008

IGKHUMTAD AD MAJAWJAW TOUR 2008
April 25-27, 2008
Mayoyao, Ifugao

Package Cost : Php4,100.00/pax

Inclusions:

Transportation within the province
Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 snacks)
Accomodation (lodge)
Tour Guide Fee
Entrance Fees
Contribution to Igkhumtad
Environmental Fee
Cultural Show

Exclusions:

Transportation (Manila-Santiago, Banaue-Manila)
Insurance

ITINERARY

APRIL 24, 2008

8:30 P.M. - ETD, Manila (Victory Liner Bus Kamuning/Kamias Station)

APRIL 25, 2008 (DAY 1) – FRIDAY
5 A.M. - ETA, Santiago City
- Breakfast at Santiago City
- Travel to Mayoyao (via Alfonso Lista & Aguinaldo, Ifugao)
9:30 A.M. - ETA, Mayoyao (in time for the Pfinnulog – Ethnic Parade)
- Room assignments
11 A.M. - Trek to O’phaw Mahencha Falls (w/ 1 hour trek one way, uphill-downhill)
12 N.N. - Picnic lunch at the Falls
3 P.M. - Trek back to Poblacion
5 P.M. - Free time
7 P.M. - Dinner
- Igkhumtad evening activities

APRIL 26, 2008 (DAY 2) – SATURDAY

7 A.M. - Breakfast
8 A.M. - Igkhumtad activities (Ethnic sports)
- Snacks
- Igkhumtad activities (Ethnic sports)
12 N.N. - Lunch
- Igkhumtad activities (Ethnic sports)
2 P.M. - Visit to Apfo’or Burial Tombs
- Trek down Mayoyao Proper Rice Terraces (downhill)
5 P.M. - Travel back to Poblacion
7 P.M. - Dinner
8 P.M. - Museum Exhibit
- Igkhumtad evening activities
- Rest

APRIL 27, 2008 (DAY 3) – SUNDAY

7 A.M. - Breakfast
8 A.M. - Travel to Chu’it Viewpoint
10 A.M. - Travel to Banaue
12 N.N. - Lunch at Midway
3 P.M. - At Banaue
- Banaue Viewpoint
- Shopping for souvenirs
5:30 P.M. - Departure for Manila (Autobus)

APRIL 28, 2008

3 A.M. - ETA, Manila (Autobus Sampaloc Station)

Igkhumtad Ad Majawjaw (pronounced as ig-khoom-tad) is the annual Town Festival of Mayoyao, Ifugao scheduled every April 25-27. It is a term used in the Hud-Hud (Ifugao Epic) to describe how the first five districts in Mayoyao manage to meet once in a year to compete with one another in terms of native games. Their usual meeting place is the center of Mayoyao known to be as Chu’likhan (Ducligan). During the olden times, it was Aliguyon who was known to be always winning in the games being played. Nowadays, the Igkhumtad is the equivalent of a Fiesta where people from the different Barangays of Mayoyao go to the Poblacion and compete with one another at the same time socializing with the people from other places outside their barangay.

Day 01 of the tour brings the visitors to witness the Pfinnulog or the Grand Ethnic Parade featuring the different competing districts clad in native attire with their respective floats representing their team. Also, the visitors will get to bathe in one of the enchanting waterfalls with cool, clean, and clear natural pools behind the canopy of trees on mountain slopes, the O’phaw Mahencha Falls. Local folklore says that a beautiful woman named Mahencha had to jump about 13-15 meters into the water to retrieve her necklace, which fell while taking a bath. In the evening will be a continuation of the Igkhumtad activities but more of a literary/musical category.

As for Day 02, the participants will get to witness the different ethnic sports played among the competitors. Events will include the Tajaw (Native Dance) Competition, the Iinnat (Tug-of-war), Pfato’n Lohong (Stone Craft), Backstrap Weaving, Talaid chi Chotar (stick mat weaving), Hiwwo’ (Native Dart), and many more. The participants might even be called upon to facilitate some of the ethnic games. The afternoon will be spent trekking down the Mayoyao Proper Rice Terraces which includes a visit to the Apfo’or Burial Tombs, an igloo-type burial tomb where the brave warriors were being buried during the olden times. In the evening will be a continuation of the evening Igkhumtad activities. The museum will be also opened for the participants to visit and be briefed on the ethnic displays.

Day 03 will be more of sightseeing where the participants will visit Chu’it viewpoint, a good spot to view the extensive Mayoyao Rice Terraces. Afterwards, the participants will travel to Banaue for more sightseeing and for souvenir shopping, passing by the Bangaan Rice Terraces and Village along the way to Banaue.

The best time of the year to view the Ifugao Rice Terraces is during summer where the palays are at its greenest state. So don’t miss the chance to experience the Mayoyao culture and the sight of the enchanting Mayoyao Rice Terraces. Join the Igkhumtad ad Majawjaw Tour 2008!

For pictures of the ethnic games, please see this link:

http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/34

An Invitation to Join Bfukhay/Pfukhay Tour 2008

Friends,

The Pochon Group is once again inviting you to join the Bfukhay/Pfukhay Ad Majawjaw 2008 Tour (Rice Planting in Mayoyao Tour) this coming February 8-10, 2008 at Mayoyao, Ifugao. This is still part of the Group’s advocacy to help maintain and preserve our cultural heritage as its contribution to preserving the Mayoyao Rice Terraces. Part of the proceeds of the tour goes to the heritage trust fund to help the Mayoyao People promote their indigenous culture.
The Bfukhay 2008 Tour brings the participants to experience rice planting with the Mayoyao Community; witness the demo on Native House Construction and the showcasing of the Mayoyao Native dances (tajaw) and Ethnic Ensemble during the Cultural Night; and a chance for shopping at the Banaue Town Center.

Please support this tour as it helps the Mayoyao Community by bringing in tourism income and encouraging community participation in the conservation and restoration of their ancestral domain.

Thank you very much.

Yours truly,
JOAN SHEELAH (Josh) O. NALLIW
Pochon Group President
+639064826300


BFUKHAY/PFUKHAY AD MAJAWJAW 2008 TOUR PACKAGE
February 8-10, 2008
Mayoyao, Ifugao

Package Cost: Php3,700.00

Inclusions:

Transportation within the Province Tour Guide Fee
Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, Cultural Night
1 snack on day 2 only) Entrance Fees
Lodging Environmental Fee

Exclusions:

Transportation from Manila to Ifugao (and back)
Travel Insurance

Day 1 of the tour will be a trek at the Chaya Rice Terraces, the coldest point in Central Mayoyao. This part of Mayoyao produces the freshest Water Crest in the municipality. The trek will start from the Acacoy Nature Park, another good spot to view the municipality sitting atop the rice terraces.

In the evening of Day 1 will be a demo on native house construction and a lecture on the native house structure and components by the Indigenous Knowledge holders in Mayoyao.

On Day 2, the participants will get to experience planting rice with the Mayoyao Community after the demo on the mechanics of planting. Lunch will also be shared with the community.

There will be interaction with the community on the cultures and traditions of the Mayoyao People. After the interaction will be a trek down the rest of the Mayoyao Rice Terraces.

In the evening will be the showcasing of the Cultural Presentation by the young people of Mayoyao. The tajaw (native dances) and the ethnic ensemble will be the main content of the presentations.

Day 3 will be more on sightseeing. The participants will proceed to Chu’it Viewpoint where they can view the entirety of the extensive Mayoyao Rice Terraces. The afternoon will be spent shopping at the Banaue Town Center.

Itinerary

Day 1

6 a.m. - Arrival of visitors in Santiago City
- Travel to Mayoyao, Ifugao
7:30 a.m - Breakfast at Ubao, Aguinaldo, Ifugao
10 a.m. - Arrival in Mayoyao
- Rest
11 a.m - Early Lunch
12 n.n - Start trek to Chaya Rice Terraces
5-6 p.m. - Free time
7 p.m. - Dinner
8-10 p.m. - Demo on native house construction
- Rest

Day 2

7 a.m. - Breakfast
8 a.m. - Trek to planting site
- Participation in the Bfukhay’
- Snacks
12 n.n. - Lunch with the community
1 p.m. - Interaction with the community on cultures and traditions
3 p.m. - Trekking down Mayoyao Proper Rice Terraces
5-6 p.m. - Free time
7 p.m. - Dinner
8-10 p.m. - Cultural Night

Day 3

7 a.m. - Breakfast
8 a.m. - Travel to Chu’it Viewpoint
10 a.m. - Travel to Banaue with lunch at midway
3 p.m. - Arrival at Banaue
- Shopping for souvenirs
5-6 p.m. - Departure of visitors


For reservation and inquiries, contact us:

Pochon Group
Poblacion, Mayoyao
3602 Ifugao
Mobile: +639064826300 (Josh Nalliw)
E-mail: pochon.group@gmail.com, josh21020@gmail.com

Deadline for reservations will be on February 1, 2008.