CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga– Local artists playing the role as present-day warriors organized themselves into the Mingor Chi Kultura (MCK) to help each other and young talents in all fields of art excel beyond the local arena and to promote Kalinga culture, according to Gerry Dona-al, MCK adviser.
Mingor in the olden times was a man of heroic exploits, a man who killed for reason of his own. But today through MCK contemporary Mingors will emerge who will not kill but do something good for their generation. They will work for socio-cultural transformation to make Kalinga a haven of peaceful and loving people, Donaal said.
Arnel Banasan, MCK Adviser, informed that their group especially young artists who are indigenous peoples are innocent, have no vision and are just there to compete.
“Having an organization will help elevate the status of the sector and of becoming partners in cultural promotion and preservation.
Culture to the iKalinga is not only about songs and dances, wearing G-strings and tapis. It is the practice of the supreme ethos of Paniyaw, Ngilin and Bain (Maka-Dios, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan), Donaal explained.
“You are not only culture bearers but also culture leaders in your own field. I want to hear your songs and work of arts tear down barriers of misunderstanding and create solid walls of unity,” Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative to the Sanggguniang Panlalawigan Michael Karel Sugguiyao told the group during the induction program
Board Member and Cultural Master Frederick Pangsiw assured the group of their support to accredit MCK.
“I believe that advancing arts is also one way of promoting culture. Songs are about our culture so with painting and other works of art,” he said.
The MCK has Christian Roe Manuel as the elected president, and Christian Peralta Maga-ao as vice president. **JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga
