‘Hangbo’: A Case Analysis of the Way to Call and Lock Fortunes of the ‘Kalanguya’ in Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet

Abstract

The documentation and analysis of ‘Hangbo’ as a concept to call and lock fortunes among the Kalanguyas was taken at Ballay, Kabayan, Benguet. Specifically, it aimed to describe ‘Hangbo’ as a cultural practice, determine the values gained by the families who performed ‘Hangbo’, know the elder’s way of sustaining ‘Hangbo’, identify the challenges in the practice of ‘Hangbo’ at present, and know the perception of the respondents on the sustainability of ‘Hangbo’. ‘Hangbo’ is a Kalanguya traditional practice aimed to celebrate the arrival of unusual dreams and experiences that are interpreted as good omens by the elders in the community. The two kinds of ‘Hangbo’ are ‘Tineteg’ and ‘Dah-nep’. The processes involved in conducting ‘Hangbo’ include ‘Bat-bat’, butchering of native pig (Kaong), ‘Ngilih’ or the reading of the bile of the stag, ‘Buhboh’,distribution of the ‘Dinawih’ or ‘Tinangtangan’, ‘Pangan ni Kalading’ (meal for spirits of the dead ancestors), and ‘Pangan ni matago’ (meal of the living). During the day 2, ‘Ngilin’ is the last process. Further, the materials used in performing ‘Hangbo’ are: stag or ‘kaong’, the jars or ‘halaw’, Bolo, and ‘hanggap’ (a kind of grass cutter), coins, and blanket. There were specific values gained from performing ‘Hangbo’. First is the sharing of blessing, ‘Dinah- dah’ or bayanihan system, optimism, industry, respect to others especially to elders, being ‘mangili’ or hospitable, being wise in spending money, and respect to the dead ancestors. The elder’s way of sustaining ‘Hangbo’ is through sharing of stories, encouraging the youth to attend community gatherings especially during ‘Hangbo’, and the continued practice. The respondents also identified three main challenges in practicing ‘Hangbo’ at present. These are the religious influence, lack of awareness of the younger generations about ‘Hangbo’, and declining number of ‘mabunong’. From these results of the study, the researcher recommended the following: Elders may share more of their knowledge and explanations about ‘Hangbo’ a deeper understanding of its concept; Whenever ‘Hangbo’ will be performed, youth may be encouraged to help in preparing the materials and other tasks; Elders may also encourage youth to join the practice for them to listen and acquire knowledge from the advices and stories being shared; In order to surpass the challenges on the preservation of ‘Hangbo’ amidst modernization, strengthening the communication between the elders in the youth may be enhanced to have comprehensive knowledge exchange; More research and documentations of ‘Hangbo’ and other Kalanguya cultural beliefs may be conducted especially to other Kalanguya communities for verification and improvement of the study.