Archival Research ???

I've been gone for a while. Been sticking my head on archives. Been busy with choices lately. Decisions on career, studies and yes, life.

This week, archival research keeps me busy. You could have guessed my asthma was acting up with all the dusts I've inhaled. I'm in a profession where I'm not supposed to be. But anyhow, i just love it the same.

Here's what I've been busy with.

I'm researching on historical and anthropological evidences to support the ancestral domain claim of some of the indigenous peoples from one of the provinces.

Just managed to cull a 19th century book. It tells about the history of one of the provinces in Antique (Patnongon, Antique to be exact). (This particular page tells about the reaction of the natives when they saw what was inside the Spaniards "falua". One particular thing they were afraid of was the "mirror").

(Strained my eyes trying to read the pages. My magnifying glass was not with me.)

Still another archival document. ( I was actually ecstatic when I saw this. The things you do for the love of your profession.)

This is a 19th century map of Patnongon. (Drool.)

Now, read that. ( Something which I've been struggling eversince. Escribano writing.

Off to the archives again.

When Work Becomes An Adventure

This month is definitely hectic for me. I like working on projects related to the empowerment of indigenous people. I was in Antique for a week for the mid-term evaluation of Empowering Indigenous People for Inclusive Development (EIPID)climbing mountains, crossing rivers, meeting beautiful people with good hearts and enjoying the beauty of nature. The project is halfway on its implementation period. I'm back to Iloilo City however I can always say that it was tough trekking the mountains but it was inspiring to meet people who work for the indigenous peoples. Sir Lope is one of the best I've ever worked with. We went to five municipalities in Antique for a week conducting FGD's and evaluation of the project. No, I dont think I was working rather I was learning and appreciating things. This is what happens when work becomes an adventure. Take a look at the beauty of the Province of Antique.

Sira-an Hot Springs at Anini-y, Antique.

On the way to Latazon, Laua-an, Antique

Soil erosion at Brgy. Lublub Valderamma, Antique.

We passed through rivers and mountains.

Wild pigs everywhere! @ Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.

Fishing Boats at Anini-y, Antique. Seven Ati families live here.

The majestic mountains of Valderrama, Antique.

Nothing but huge rocks. It was a very bumpy ride up the mountains of Brgy.Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.

This place is beautiful. Lunch at Sira-an Hot Springs, ANini-y, Antique.

Some Ati women washing their clothes at the river. Simple life.:-)Hamtic, Antique

I stopped by to take this picture. @ Anini-y, Antique.

Shy and smiling. Some of the Ati kids talked to me in "inati". I was lost in translation.

Still @ Anini-y, Antique.

My partner in crime, Sir Lope's FGD with the carabao.

A simple hut among the seven Ati families. @ Anini-y, Antique

We have to go home at 5pm or esle we wouldn't be able to cross the river anymore.

Conquering the mountains of Valderrama, Antique.

Discussing with the Iraynon-Bukidnons of Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.