THE ILOKANO: WHAT DEFINES THESE SO-CALLED JEWS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

     The Ilokanos who are erroneously labeled as "kuripot" (stingy) by others, although in reality are known as "nagaget, (hard-workers or industrious), loyal workers, "nasalimetmet" (frugal or prudent savers), responsible family men and "visionaries" are spread all over the world....
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     An Ilokana worked as a babysitter in Hongkong. Instead of teaching English to the child, she taught the child how to speak in Ilokano. Sometimes, she teaches bad words. For example, she would say, "If you want to say Hello, Mama, say Ok...nam, Mama!" When she migrated to Canada, she did the same thing to her ward!

WAY OF LIFE/BEHAVIOR

 The Ilokano identify is also manifested in this way of life or behavior. His belief and superstitions follow him wherever he goes.
     The spouse of the former Vice-President of St. Mary's University ane even my own sister would say: Dayo, Dayo (go away, go away) whenever she pours hot or cold water outside their house in US in order to drive away the ansisit (dwarfs) ane even spirit-dwellers away.
     She says bari-bari (no English equivalent) whenever she enters another house or place for the first time. This is to ensure that the spirits of the place will not do any harm.
     And whenever she leaves the place, she would call her name, "Umaykan, Clarita, dika agbatbati!" (Come, Clarita, don't stay!)  That way her spirit shall always follow her physical body.--Part of a long aticle written by Prof. Cristina A. Gervacio-Gallato in the Marso 31, 2013 issue of Timpuyog Journal