abel morales cadias

A female comedian was banned from visiting, and airing her shows and movies in the city of Baguio. It all began when she uttered a snide remark about the Igorots. She claimed that the “racial slur” was a blunder during her public apology on TV. But many Igorots were not satisfied of her explanation and apology. Her name is Candy Pangilinan.

The Igorots lived in the Philippines’ Cordillera region. It comprises the six provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province, plus the lone city of Baguio. Among the people in the Cordilleras, not all Kalinga and Ifugao accept the designation of Igorot due to its perceived negative stigma which is incorrectly connected to backwardness and inferiority.

Candy Pangilinan is guilty of ethnic discrimination. There is no doubt about that. It will take time, patience and understanding for her to regain her reputation back among the Igorot communities in the Philippines and around the globe. The “persona non grata” branded to her which led to her banning may look like an overreaction of local politicians to other Filipinos including some Igorots but it was the right thing to do. And this is no longer about Candy Pangilinan…this is all about the Filipinos’ mentality and attitude towards the minorities and even towards the “inferior” countries due to constant stereotyping of color, language and traditions.

Candy Pangilinan’s gloomy fate was used to campaign against any form of racial discrimination. It is a strong gesture of sending a message to all Filipinos and the world that there is a need to check on our values and attitudes. In all honesty, Candy Pangilinan is not guilty alone. We are all guilty because we do tend to “discriminate” others even in our intention of just injecting humor into our conversation.

This case is a reality check…a call for self reflection.

I. Host
Association of Cordillerans in Thailand (ACT) in coordination with Philippine Embassy – Bangkok, Thailand

II. Date and Venue
May 10, 2009 / Philippine Embassy – Bangkok, Thailand

III. Guests
1. Consul General Edgar Badajos, Philippine Embassy - Bangkok
2. Vice-Consul Andy Arquiza, Philippine Embassy - Bangkok
3. Joan Carling, Secretary General – Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact
4. Josephil Saraspe, President – Federation of Boholanos in Thailand
5. Ian Cordero, Junior Faculty – St. Robert’s Training & Management Center
6. Marie Fe Elhabashy – Former Baguio athlete

IV. Partners, Sponsors and Donors

Partners:
1. Cordillera People’s Alliance
2. Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact
3. Federation of Boholanos in Thailand
4. Siam Pinoy
5. Artist Society
6. Filipino Expat Community Services

Sponsors:
1. Siam Pinoy
2. Filipino Expat Community Services
3. San Miguel Corporation
4. Coca Cola Company
5. St. Robert’s Training and Management Center
6. Philippine Sari Sari Store
7. Mabuhay Restaurant
8. Four Seasons International House
9. Global Experts: Muang Thai Life Insurance

Donors:
1. Bernice A. See, Programme Officer, Forum-Asia
2. Lorna B. Coral, Vice-President, ACT

V. Accomplishments

1. More than 150 members and guests attended the whole-day activity
2. Membership renewal commenced
3. ACT ID distributed
4. Members and guests registered in OFW Absentee Voting
5. Exhibited Cordilleran photos
6. Conference program successful
7. Siam Pinoy Sing-galing karaoke contest successful
8. Cordilleran dance presented
9. ACT singers presented local and country songs
10. No ACT fund (2008-2009) was used in this event.
11. Accumulated funds from remaining sponsorship, donations and sales.
12. Able to establish partnership with NGO’s.
13. Able to strengthen collaboration with other Filipino organizations based in Thailand.

VI. Highlights

1. Consul General Edgar Badajos expressed the importance of not losing our Filipino identity, specifically, our Cordilleran identity despite of the effects of globalization. He recognized the efforts of the Association of Cordillerans in Thailand (ACT) in promoting native/ethnic culture in Thailand.

2. Mr. Josephil Saraspe zeroed in the importance of commitment of every member rather than the number of members in an organization. He reiterated that even a small group can make a difference anytime and anywhere. Promoting one’s culture is indeed necessary to strengthen not only the group but the country as a whole.

3. Mr. Ian Cordero enumerated the importance of availing the benefits of transnational education as global citizens. As global citizens, he said that transnational education is one of the keys for professional development with a low cost plan. He provided answers to seven questions related to transnational education.

4. Ms. Joan Carling, our keynote speaker, gave a short account on the history of the celebration of Cordillera Day. She reminded the audience the importance of fighting for our rights as indigenous people in the Philippines, helping to campaign against exploitation of Cordilleran natural resources and promoting awareness and practice of our rich culture to our children who lived in other countries. She acknowledged the ACT officers and members in holding this important event.

5. Ms. Marie Fe Elhabashy gave an inspirational message to Cordillerans by sharing her experiences which inspired her to pursue her dreams through hard work, perseverance, prayer and a bit of luck. She implored that every Cordilleran should do the same. She also said that it takes two to understand a new culture and to accept a different way of life.