Ethnic masks, dance drive off WTO ghosts

Protesters used masks and dance steps that were inspired by various ethnic groups in northern Luzon, at a big rally held against World Trade Organisation (WTO) along commercial centres at the Session Road of Baguio City in northern Luzon.

The masks featured "Bulul" or agricultural icons of the provinces of Kalinga and Ifugao. They were painted with geometric designs inspired by the tattoos of the age-old mummies and old men in Ifugao, Kalinga, Bontoc, and Ibaloi provinces. They were decorated with beards of straw that resembled rice stalks. Each mask was adorned with crowns that represent the Philippine eagle, clouds, and sky.

The dancers in green body stockings wore masks as they danced to the drumbeats of the ethnic tribes in northern Luzon. Twelve women, with painted faces, followed the masked dancers. They all used flaming torches to drive away "the soulless spirits of over commercialisation".

"For us, the country's real enemy is the WTO, unfair global trade and uncontrolled commercialisation. The WTO will destroy our ethnic culture in the Cordilleras," said Edgardo Espiritu, a mask maker for Tropang Paltok, an activist of the theatre group that has been producing "Anito," a street performance that is now known for its protest rallies, for three years.

"For us, the enemies are not the congressmen who are now after the impeachment of the chief justice. That impasse in Manila means nothing to us," said Espiritu.

"Ethnic masks and dances have the power to make foreign tourists stop and listen to our protest rallies," said Espiritu, but added, "We hope our protest rallies are not seen as festivities or tourist attractions."

To prevent that from happening, the group disseminated anti-WTO papers, one of which said, "The WTO rules will slowly eat up local farms, from where the rich culture of most Cordillera tribes draws its relevance."

"The government is wrong in believing that it can soften the blow of free trade," said Espiritu, adding that vegetables from Australia are now flooding Philippines. Residents also joined the rally to express their disagreement to the opening of Baguio City's big mall.