I was a Student of Photography then in 1971 when I went to Banaue to hone my skills. I fell in love with the place and got fascinated with the Ifugao Culture and Traditions. Harvey introduced me to Professor William Beyer - son of Dr. Otley Beyer - the first American Anthropologist assign to the Philippine Islands in the 1900's. From him, my first lesson on the Ifugao then was fortunate to have met Dr. Harold Conklin, Dr Robert Fox and Mr. Hugh Gibbs. All of them were experts in the Ifugao Culture.
At this point in my life this is the first time, I would like to present my old photos taken in my early years of Photography. Since I have no background on anthropology unlike the great men before me. I just had the opportunity given to me by these very people whom I have learned to respect and loved.
I hope that you the students and scholars who are deeply committed to study and understand the Ifugao Culture would share us your knowledge on the photos that I have captures in the last three decades.
Most of the rituals have disappeared in the last decades. I mean no disrespect but more of admiration. If anyone recognize their relatives in any of these photos. Please pm me and I would be so happy to send the images to your family as a memory to your departed ones.
For those who are preparing their thesis or education kits remind the younger generation of the Ifugao, I am allowing you to use the images to teach and remind them such a rich tradition should not be forgotten.
I am not an expert but I do try to capture these images on my own and treated as a personal advocacy.
