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In every Kalinga occasion, food plays a vital role in making the moment as worthwhile and meaningful as possible. Food has always been an integral part of Kalinga culture, reflected in the variety of dishes served during important events. One such occasion where the Kalingas showcase their rich culinary tradition is the culmination of a successful establishment of the Bodong, a peace pact formalized after a long and meticulous negotiation.
Typically, a Bodong is formally celebrated with a ceremonial feast following its successful negotiation. Although this feast traditionally takes place immediately afterward, unavoidable circumstances may delay the formal celebration for several months or even years. Regardless of the timing, the Bodong celebration carries great importance and anticipation. Not only does it mark the peaceful co-existence between tribes, but it also underscores their shared commitment to mutual socio-economic development.
The celebration is characterized by festivity, with the host tribe warmly entertaining the visiting tribe. The visiting tribe, in turn, actively participates in dancing and singing. In recent times, teachers, pupils, and students have also joined in by performing choruses and folk dances. As part of the event, members of both tribes share their experiences and reflections related to the Bodong, further fostering a sense of unity and understanding.
To make the occasion truly memorable, food and drinks are served generously. But beyond merely satisfying hunger and thirst, food and beverages play a deeper role. It is a long-held belief among the Kalingas that harming someone after giving them food or drink is taboo, highlighting the protective and sacred role that hospitality plays in these gatherings.
Delicious Kalinga foods are predominantly prepared by women, who diligently ensure only the finest dishes are offered to their guests. For many, this responsibility underscores the vital role women play in strengthening bonds between tribes through their culinary contributions.
One iconic delicacy often served during these events is daykot, made of powdered glutinous rice molded into cakes and coated with coconut extract, known as ladok or larag. For the Kalingas, sticky rice symbolizes the aspiration of tribes and clans to grow closer and strengthen their connection.
A variation of daykot is the popular inandila. This tongue-shaped sticky rice cake is paired with the rich and flavorful Kalinga coffee. It is topped on both sides with latik (coconut caramel) and grated nuts, earning it the affectionate nickname “back-to-back.”
For the main course, carabaos are typically slaughtered to prepare the finest meat for the feast. Women from the host tribe cook the carabao meat in a simmering broth to warm and nourish everyone present. Serving less desirable meats, such as pork, is considered unusual, as it could imply that the guests are not valued. Among Kalingas, carabao meat is regarded as the premium delicacy, reserved for the most honored occasions.
To complement the meal, attendees enjoy sugarcane wine, locally called basi. Drinking basi is often central to the Bodong celebration, marked by a unique ritual known as tumangad, which means "looking up." Various porcelain containers, called tapac and payao, are filled with basi and placed on upside-down mortars. Participants take turns sipping from the shared containers, looking up to the sky afterward in silent acknowledgment, invoking the mighty Kaboniyan as a witness to the newly concluded peace pact.
Indeed, these traditional Kalinga dishes and drinks not only highlight a rich culinary heritage but also embody a distinct culture steeped in values of hospitality, respect, and camaraderie. There is no denying that the practice of Bodong will continue to thrive and evolve as it is intertwined with the foods and drinks that bind Kalinga tribes closer together.
31 October 2021