Sa Yakap ng Kitanglad: Tao (People) by Celine Murillo
Increase awareness of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park as a sustainable tourism destination, a wildlife research venue, and a cultural learning hub.
By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Story and media by Celine Murillo
In Kitanglad's Embrace- People- Celine Murillo (2022) by ASEAN Centre for BiodiversityASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
People
When the earth erodes and the wind becomes a hurricane, no anger comes to them. It’s neither the water that inundated nor the fire that ravaged who gets the blame for the tragedy.
You are sustained by nature — you who have breath and blood that runs through a heart with a blazing core.
Turn your back on your fellow, and it’s as if you have disregarded the earth that nourishes you. It’s as if you have denounced the air in your lungs, the water in your flesh, and the fire in your chest. We are not foes. We never were.
Me and you and everyone here, we are the same in trying to understand the secret of creation.
Do you now know why and how?
Here it is: for every taking, share; for every speaking, listen; for every wrongdoing, forgive.
Cultivate, above all else, your ability to forgive.
The gracious, those with joy, the compassionate, the nourishing will be repaid by the world equally and justly.
Great is the caring, and the freeing.
The Chieftainess
Bae Inatlawan, the leader of the Daraghuyan-Bukidnon tribe.
Wisdom-Keeper, Ritualist, Herbalist, and Teacher. According to her, she and her people do not bring harm to the land because it is where the diwata (spirits) live. If they harm the spirits, the spirits will harm them back.
The Guide
The Guide (2022) by Celine MurilloASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Mountain guide Tatski
He belongs to the Talaandig tribe. He knows the trails of Mt. Dulang-dulang by heart, navigating it with ease and utter familiarity. He carves bamboo flutes in his spare time and has taught himself how to play it.
The Weaver
Pacita, wife of Datu Humampong of the Higaonon tribe
Weaves sudsud (Sagittana sagittifolia Linn.) into mats by hand. One standard-sized mat takes about a week to complete.
The Artist
The Artist (2022) by Celine MurilloASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Salima Saway
Paints with oil gathered from the forests and rivers on their side of the Kitanglad Range. She draws inspiration from the Talaandig's mythologies and belief systems, prominently featuring nature spirits, landscapes, and wildlife in her pieces.
The Master
Emiliano Lumiston or "Blacky"
If you want to know anything about the Philippine Eagle, come to Emiliano Lumiston better known as Blacky. He has memorized the behavior of the majestic bird and is most sought-after by birders, researchers, and scientists.
He also advocates for the Kitanglad Guard Volunteers – a group of indigenous peoples working as front liners to save and guard the park’s forests.
MEET THE YOUNG ASEAN STORYTELLER
"Through stories of wildlife, wild places, and the intertwining of nature and culture, I aim to help create a kinder and more compassionate world."
- Celine, Philippines
YAS Celine's Intro (2022) by ASEAN Centre for BiodiversityASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Other Stories from Celine
Other Stories from Celine
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Baya Putih ari Tasek Merimbun
More about Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Young ASEAN Storytellers should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official position or opinion of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, its partners, the ASEAN Member States, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
