Abstract:
This paper is not interested in the ceremonial aspects of
the bodong. It intends rather to investigate the contents of the
pagta or constitution made by the elders during the bodong in
order to state clearly or make conclusions about the ethical ideas
of the member tribes of the bodong. Some people who speak
or write about the Tinguian or Kalinga bodong are so taken up
in its more glamorous socials and exotic ceremonies that they
only mention the pagta in passing, if at alP The content of the
pagta is never discussed. Yet, without the pagta there can be
nO bodOng. It is the most essential part. What the consecration
is in the Christian Holy Mass, so is the pagta to the bodOng. All
other parts like dancing, eating, drinking, singing, participation
in contests, etc., are secondary and only serve to counterbalance
the seriousness of the pagta and the heated discussions, charges,
counter-charges, and imposition of fines that come up in the
process of making it.
