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WHO IS ALONZO SACLAG
Musician and Dancer
Lubuagan, Kalinga
1942
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One person continued to carry and pass on knowledge about the history, music, and performances practiced by his culture. Born on August 4, 1942, Alonzo Saclag is a Kalinga master of dance and performing arts from Lubuagan, Kalinga. He is a teacher and a preserver known for dedicating his lifework to preserving many of the rich traditional cultural practices and heritage of the Kalinga tribe. For his efforts in nurturing a greater consciousness and appreciation of the Kalinga culture, Saclag was declared a Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2000.
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He is known for his talent in playing different Kalinga musical instruments. According to his son, Robinson, he received no formal instruction in performing arts. Yet he has mastered not only the Kalinga musical instruments but also the dance patterns and movements associated with his people’s rituals. Observation and experience was his means of learning. They also play by the ear instead of notes. Alonzo also once stated that it is crucial to preserve their traditional music, especially these days when the younger generation often prefers to play and listen to Western songs.
History of Kalinga according to Alonzo Saclag
In the history and culture of Kalinga, once retaliation is over between tribal wars, elders will talk among themselves while neutral members of the tribe will negotiate. After all the negotiations, there would be peace pact celebrations. According to their laws of war, people can only perform music and dance after peace among the tribes is restored. With that, peace pacts played a big part in the performance art and cultural practices of the Kalinga tribe.
Every evening and early morning, someone plays the tungali (bamboo flute) to help people forget their problems and weariness. It helps them sleep and wake up refreshed. Furthermore, there are songs for specific types of emotions and feelings, such as a piece of music for memories that aids a person in remembering a memory.
