How many Abrenians know what a Lay-og is? In a province dominated by Ilocanos, the culture of minority groups like the Tingguians is less known.

Celebrating life, rekindling bonds

Eye-catching woven attires, abundant food, non-stop dancing, and the echoing rhythm of gongs are just some of the highlights of the recently held Lay-og hosted by the Taverner family in San Juan, Abra.

Former San Juan mayor Medel Taverner shared that this Lay-og is to remember and celebrate the life of their sister who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Lay-og is a celebration of life, nabiag man wenno natay. Lay-og ket ti pangilagip dagiti nga importante nga inayayat mi nga napan iti sabal inga biag,” he said.

Tingguian tribe members from at least 20 municipalities in Abra came together in what seems to be a grand reunion,  and rekindling connections among the different tribes.

When there is a Lay-og,  invitations are sent to tribal leaders in each town who will assemble a delegation to attend the occasion at the residence of the host family.

“Pagka may Lay-og na ganito tapos nagi-invite kami, that rekindles us, mangriing kanyada nga daytoy okasion ti Tingguian ket haan nga maawan ditoy ili mi,” Taverner said.

Keeping the culture alive

Garbed in their native attires, heirloom beads, and head dress, tribe members start the celebration with a prayer lead by an elder.

This is followed by the ‘tadek’ or native dance with the different delegations showcasing their dances to the tune of the ‘talukatik’ and ‘lalabaan’ that have varying rhythms and steps.

Leaders from each tribe are also called to do the ‘dung-aw’ to ask the blessing and guidance from ancestors.

During the Lay-og, animals usually pigs are butchered for offering, and for the attendees to partake in a community lunch. Native wine is also passed around for tribe members to drink.

Former Peñarrubia mayor Antonio Domes-ag who is an Itneg shared that Lay-og is a dying tradition because of the lavish nature of the celebration that is participated by tribe members from the different towns of the province.

Aside from the financial requirement, the Lay-og is a Tingguian tradition that is affected by fast-paced modernization.

“It is already a given that due to computers and high tech gadgets, medyo maawawanen daytoy nga kultura,” Taverner said.

He added that the Lay-og is an important occasion that should be preserved because it has been part of their life as full-blooded Tingguians.

“Dimmakel kami nga namulatan mi ti way of life ti Tingguian. Daytoy nanumo nga pamilya mi nga Taverner, idawdawat mi kuma nga nu mabalin ma-preserve paylang ti kultura mi nga Tingguian ditoy probinsia ti Abra,” Taverner said.

He said that the celebration also becomes an avenue to remind tribe members that Tingguian traditions such as the Lay-og continue and not be lost in the province of Abra.

“When we invited them, we hope also that we will be invited by our fellow tribo Tingguian tapno agtuloy-tuloy kuma daytoy okasion iti probinsia ti Abra,” Taverner explained.(JJP-PIA Abra)