Amid the technological advancements, Ifugao is one among few provinces in the Philippines still practicing traditional rituals in keeping with its cultural diversity and heritage.
One of the province’s rituals is the Honga, which serves various purposes depending on the needs of the family.
Harry Robles, an Ifugao belonging to the Tuwali ethnolinguistic group, marked his 60th birthday on January 5, 2025, with a traditional Honga ritual.
The ritual was performed to celebrate life as he becomes a senior citizen and to give thanks for all the blessings he and his family have received.
Honga: A Celebration of Gratitude and Life
The Honga is a deeply rooted Ifugao thanksgiving ceremony that reflects the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Ifugao people.
According to Alfredo Gano, a mumbaki (native priest), the ritual is performed to seek blessings and express gratitude for material abundance, divine protection, guidance, and direction in life.
Also, it honors spirits and ancestors, believed to have influence in ensuring a family’s well-being.
The ceremony involves invoking deities and ancestral spirits through prayers and chants. The mumbaki examines the liver of the butchered animal for the ritual to determine what it foretells.
As part of the ritual, Robles butchered five pigs and prepared baya (rice wine). Traditional chants were recited, recounting myths and cultural stories that connect the community to their ancestors and traditions.
Gano, however, clarified that the number of pigs depends on the financial capability of the family.
The baya was offered and shared among participants, and attendees received a ‘pahing’—portions of raw meat from the butchered pigs.
Pahing is a traditional Ifugao practice of distributing portions of meat, specifically chunks from a slaughtered pig or carabao, among community members. This communal custom is integral to various Ifugao rituals and ceremonies, fostering kinship and shared blessings.
Preserving Ifugao Traditions through Unity and Gratitude
Robles shared that he has a strong belief in Ifugao customs and traditions. He expressed his faith in the Honga practice, having witnessed how it helps community members maintain their health and longevity.
“Munhohonga ta habang waday pangat” (Let us practice the Honga ritual while we have the means), Harry said.
He emphasized the importance of practicing cultural traditions to preserve them.
The event was attended by family, relatives, friends, and community members, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage.
Through the Honga ritual, the Ifugao people honor their spiritual beliefs, preserve their cultural identity, and strengthen communal bonds. (JDP/FBR-PIA CAR, Ifugao)
