‘Igorotak’ the book returns
Do you want to learn about the Cordilleras or share the culture of the beloved region with others? The second edition of “Igorotak: An Illustrated Guide” by Tor Sagud was recently published.
Filled with colorful illustrations on general information about the Igorots, “Igorotak: An Illustrated Guide” is revolutionary and easy to digest. It can be used in schools or as a souvenir and is now available in select bookstores.
Tor Sagud is a Baguio-based illustrator and animator of Ibaloi and Kankanaey descent. A city dweller, he was not too in touch with his Cordilleran heritage growing up. “Nagturo ako (sa Cabanatuan) ng mga at least four to five years… then one day, mayroon akong isang student na nagtanong tungkol kay Whang-od… hindi ako knowledgeable sa tinanong niya, parang napahiya ako sa sarili ko na wala man lang akong alam sa culture na pinanggalingan ko,” he shares.
Afterward, he considered it his responsibility to learn more about his lineage thus he returned to Baguio.
His work with Pasakalye, a Baguio-based arts guild of which he is a founding member and with Gripo Comics, an Igorot comic group, provided him opportunities to travel and gather information about the different indigenous ethnic groups of the Cordilleras.
Favorable reviews of the first edition attracted the attention of researchers and culture enthusiasts, who inspired Sagud to work on the second edition.
Some chapters in the second edition deal with the Igorots, their beliefs and practices, the nature of the Cordillera region, clothing, paraphernalia and weaponry, performing art and mythology. Each page includes an illustration and brief description of the group, their sacred objects, flora, fauna, and much more. Some chapters even have a tayaban character named Gotana who jokes or gives trivia. – Milles Rodriguez (PIO intern)
