The Ilongo People

"The People of the Tides"

by Bing Image Creator

Often referred to as the lost Human Tibe to scholars and the Knowledgable of Evermyst, most people in Evermyst don't even know of the existence of the Ilongo People. The Ilongo People occupy Bilaran island in the Emerald Ocean East of Arimar and the Savage Straights and some lesser-known Islands where the Emerald Ocean Meets the Forgotten Sea East of the Continent of Avalar Utanga, Mawiti, Bangus and Ilongo Island Respectively named after the people themselves.
The Ilongo People settled on and around these Islands Displaced from their Homelands Hundreds of years ago from far across the forgotten Sea. Storied in Historical songs passed from generation to generation. singing a tale of how the Ilongo people fled from the Islands of their Distant lands as they got engulfed in a Volcanic Cataclysm and Darkening skies triggered by a struggle between their gods. The tale tells of the hardships of a fleeing people sailing out into vast unexplored oceans in nothing but Small Dugout boats and the most rudimentary of tools and supplies. The generational Song tells how three of their gods did not forsake them and partake in the destruction of their lands but played pivotal roles in guiding them to these islands they call their new homes.
These Generational songs say the God Apayao a Great Sea Turtle that Steadied their boats and kept them afloat during great storms on the open Waters. The god Bathala the god of light and life warmed their Drenched bodies after the storms and his light cast shadows to show their course to safety and salvation was true. When Bathala Slept during the Night it was the God Laon god of fire and death who lit the Volcano of Biliran Island so they could find their way at night. When the Ilongo people finally set foot on Dry and fertile lands, they all vowed never to speak the names of these gods who destroyed their homeland ever again. The Ilongo now only worship the three gods that brought them deliverance. The Ilongo people have forgotten the betrayer God's name and the generations that did have since passed on only the songs make mention of them as gods but not by name.
Typically smaller in stature than most Humans of Evermeyst The Ilongo people tend to have Darker Skin Complexion perhaps from their generational life on or near the Sea and the Warmer Climate that these islands tend to have. They are Hearty and Industrious People living simply by more primitive means than most of Evermyst. They live off the Waters and, natural resources around the Islands.
The Ilongo People are quite Independent and rugged and have a deep knack for survival and ingenuity capable of great things with little and mostly primitive resources. Overall the Ilongo have tight bonds to Family, Tribe, and Community.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Adhika, Amihan, Amparo, Bituin, Bulawan, Cecilia, Chesa, Dalisay, Divina, Diwa, Diwata, Gabby, Gloria, Gwapita, Himig, Hiraya, Katherine, Leilani, Ligaya, Likha, Luziminda, Liwayway, Maganda, Marikit, Maritez, Myra, Mayumi, Mutya, Nilda, Noymie, Oriana, Patience, Pia, Rizilina, Sampugita, Sinta, Tala, Tadhana, Victoria, Zarina, Zina,

Masculine names

Alon, Arturo, Agapito, Banks, Bagwis, Banawag, Bayani, Benjia, Buhawi, Conrado, Concordio, Datu, Dakila, Diwa,  Efren, Eliong, Goryo, Hari, Himig, Isagani, Joslito, Jomari, Isig, Ising, Kidlat, Lando, Makisig, Malik, Matikas, Nimuel, Omair, Onyx, Pabling, Quito, Rodlito, Sandro, Sofronio, Sudi, Taraki, Tapasio, Tanyag, Tayano, Ulan, Vergal, Vinusto, Walding, Xael, Zoren

Unisex names

Adonis, Fabian, Iris, Kastor, Jam, Jori, Maxsim, Marina Pluto, Seiko, Tamika, Ula, Yasu, Yuki, Val

Family names

Adlawan, Abalos, Agbayni, Bacalod, Baluyot, Bayungo, Canoso, Capili, Cortez, Dasalan, Dimaala, Dimabuyu, Dimasalang, Divata, Elyas, Espirito, Fabroa, Felongco, Gatchalian, Halili, Lee, Limcangco, Lumaban, Macaraeg, Magtanggol, Manalo, Marinao, Masipag, Ocampo, Obilo, Palabat, Panganiban, Pulumbarit, Radiomoda, Simpauco, Sioson, Sulu, Sumolong, Tagalicud, Taan, Vergara, Yap, Yatadco

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Ilongo is the language spoke among these people although there is often slang or variations of words among individual tribes.

Culture and cultural heritage

Deep within Ilongo Culture, one must pass on history and traditions through a story or song. Writings are only for those chosen by the guardian spirits. Ilongos Love stories, music, and songs. This is often said and Repeated among the Ilongo.

Tell me a story.

That is the most important thing you could ever learn.

Our stories aren’t just words into the empty air.

They are our lessons; they are our legacies.

Within its verses, every story carries the breath of those who came before us,

and it is our duty to keep that alive.

Because if we do not do it, then who will?

Who will remember us when we have passed from this earth?

How will those who come after us know how to move forward?

If they cannot see where we have been.

So tell me a story.

Tell me your story and let us keep this legacy alive.

~ quote excerpt from Islands of Sina Una

Shared customary codes and values

The Ilongo People Worship through Animism and Spirituality the Ilongo believe all people, animals, even rocks, and plants have spirits be they good or bad, and it is best to respect them.
Family and Tribe are Valued above all else. Stories of your ancestors are to be shared in song or tales passed on from generation to generation so as not to be forgotten.

Common Etiquette rules

It is common among the Ilongo people to greet one another in a friendly manner even strangers, and strike up a conversation about the day's business or inquire into each other's affairs. To outsiders, this can often come across as prying or being overly curious but it is common custom to do so among the Ilongo.
If you are an outsider or new to an Ilongo Village expect to draw stares and inquiries about yourself from almost everyone in the whole Village. There is no time like the present to introduce yourself and declare your intentions with the Ilongo. Do not expect to go unnoticed or be talked about as an outsider.

Common Dress code

Ilongo Men and women typically wear little to no clothing due to the tropical heat of the islands they call home. Men are often shirtless with grass skirts or colorful woven fabric skirts tied about the waist and covering their private parts. They are often barefoot but have been known to wear hide, woven, or wooden sandals when walking about over long distances or terrain dangerous to one's feet. Women wear pretty much the same but more conservative or married women will wear colorful wraps or clothes about their chests or torsos, the Younger eligible women will often be topless.
Tattoos are customary among men and women and they often convey spiritual ties, memorials of family indicate alegances to Factions families or tribes.

Art & Architecture

Art among the Ilongo People is simple mostly Utilitarian and beautiful be it, in the form of Tattoos, painted Pottery, finely woven cloths or baskets, and grass mats, or even the weaving of the walls in homes typically made of Bamboo, Nipa, Grass and Bannig.
Architecture is Simple and most homes are amazingly sturdy even though they are only tied together with Grass or fastened with wooden or bamboo pegs. Larger buildings of Prominence or importance are made from Hardwoods or even stone, with more simple homes often made from Bamboo many on Coconut wood stilts over the shallow waters of a secluded lagoon or floating on a stretch of coastline that offers some protection from the elements.

Foods & Cuisine

Ilongo live off the Bounty of what the sea and land can provide for them so dishes of Shellfish, Fish, Chicken, Fruits, Seawead, and waterfowl are more common the Ilongo also hunt for Frogs, Wild Boar, and Lizards. Anything that provides sustenance on the table for a family. Fish are eaten Fresh or Dried and salted for cooking later.
Some Ilongo moved Inland from the Sea to take up Farming and growing Fruit and Vegetables, Plant Rice or root crops such as tarro, and can live off the land with what nature can provide.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Mano Po

Greetings of Respect are given to Elders in the form of a Term Called "Mano Po" where the younger generation takes the hand of the Elder bowing and touching their forehead with the back of the elder's hand. This is a sign of Respect and asking for the elder's blessing and is done the first time one greets an elder.

Tabi Tabi Po

The custom of asking for permission or a spirit's blessing before entering areas of Significant spiritual importance or unfamiliar locations. The Ilongo will call or whisper these words "Tabi Tabi Po" before entering caves, burial sites, sacred groves, a grotto, and places known to house the dead or spirits. This is an important custom. Not saying these words before entering could bring a spirit's wrath upon your soul.

Ayo

Simply Put it is the Greeting called out to other Ilongos before entering their lands or home One simply calls out the word "Ayo" and waits for a response. if no response is given nobody is home or they do not want you to come in understand this before entering. The Call out is made out of respect.

Funerary and Memorial customs

It is customary to keep a family member's body in the Home until all relatives have had a chance to pay their respects and goodbyes. The Deceased are often displayed in Dugout Coffins or on a wooden platform surrounded by fresh-cut flowers on top of Banana or Palm leaves. Food and Feasting with Relatives family and friends until the last relative has paid their respects. The Deceased is usually interned in one of several ways. 

• They are Buried on some sacred spiritual ground with a Stone Craved Marker Depicting the Name of the Deceased.
• Their Coffin is Hung on a High Cliff within close proximity of the Village.
• They are Interned in their Coffin in a communal burial Cave.

Family Members will often visit the grave sites on relatives' Birthdays or during the Day of the Dead Rituals and clean the graves, ensure the coffins are still intact and properly hanging on a cliff or safe within the Burial cave. Some relatives go as far as opening the coffins and paying respects tho their family deceased family members leaving food or replacing their clothing with freshly made garments.

Common Taboos

Sweeping out the Dust

It is considered taboo when cleaning or sweeping out one's home that dust is only to be swept out in the daylight hours. If you are sweeping up and it's close to sunset or after sunset, the Dust is collected in a corner next to the door and under the broom. Why you might ask? It is strongly believed that Nefarious spirits such as Aswang, Witches and Hags collect such things as hairs, and nail clippings from this dust to unleash evil magics upon the occupants of the home.

No Shoes No Problem

It is a sign of respect and a sign that you wish no ill will on a family when you remove your shoes or sandals before entering their home. Ilongo will always remove their shoes or sandals before entering another home, lodge, or communal structure to enter wearing one's shoes is a direct insult to the host family or community within the building and an Invitation to those dark spirits intent on harming the living.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Beauty To the Ilongo People is within the souls of People and How they treat others, this is their strongest Ideal, Beauty can be tainted by things such as Selfishness, Disrespect for others, Greed, and Envy.

It is commonly believed among the Ilongo People that Men are beautiful if they are a bit chubby this is a sign of someone who eats well. Beautiful men are not Biosterous or Arrogant in their mannerisms but Supportive and Protective of Family and those dear to them these are the Highest Beauty Ideals that men can possess. Men are considered attractive if they are strong and capable providers.

It is Commonly Believed that among Ilongo Women Long and well-groomed Hair are signs of Beauty and that a Woman should be Suptle and Curved in their form to be an Attractive mate and Ideal for Giving birth to Children. Women are considered Beautiful if they are communicative or good singers or dancers or if they can demonstrate that they are just as capable physically as men despite their typically smaller strength and stature.

Gender Ideals

Gender views among the Ilongo follow Traditional and Conservative lines but both Genders are Equal in the eyes of the gods. Men are often seen as the Warriors and Providers while Women are the nurturers and healers of the family unit. The Ideal of Roles although typical does not exclude one from taking on or acting in the role of the other. When there is a need or necessity these gender roles will switch or intertwine for the survival of the family unit, Tribe, or community as a whole. To the Ilongos Nature and the World do not look or care what your gender is when it presents challenges and your gender does not determine your survival your ability to act and your actions do.

Queerness or the Ideal of Gay Relationships is accepted among the Ilongo Community but this not considered the Norm for the procreation and survival of people who went through a Cataclysmic disaster, Displacement, and Hardships of Migration, and had to start their civilization over. For the most part, Ilongo respects the decisions of those who choose to embrace queerness but this does not say that Queer individuals won't face any scrutiny or discrimination as these things touch all Races and all people and especially those that do not seek or refuse to understand.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship Among the Ilongo People is quite Romantic. When a male takes a liking to a female he will first convey these affections through song outside the Womans Hut or at public Gatherings and festivals. The Songs are not always confessions of love but are intended to announce his presence and interest and hopes that this will lead to an Invitation into the Home by the parent of the Family Elder. Once a male suitor is brought into the home it is still up to the Male to earn the Respect of the one he loves as well as the family. Courting can typically go at least a year and, cannot be done until a woman is at least 15 years old. Earlier courtship than 15 years old is frowned upon.

Courtship from the Female perspective is quaint and sometimes mysterious. From the age of ten Ilongo Females are encouraged by their mother and female elders to scout their perspective suiters and drop subtle or suggestive hints or clues to the males they see as prospective mates and spouses. This is typically done by leaving flowers or shells on the porch, deck, or window sills of the homes of Males a female finds attractive or suitable. The Elder Ilongo women believe men must be given hints, and even sometimes pranks, to help show the path to happiness and marital bliss. Although actual courtship is not common until fifteen years of age it is through this custom that women often get to know if a man is suitable and what sort of husband he can potentially be. Emphasis on conversation, observation, and even spying are encouraged by the elder women with evening conversations about the young girl's prospective crush.
When Courtship has turned into love the male will first approach the parent or elder of the woman he is in love with and ask for their permission or approval. If approval is given the Male will Declare his love intentions at a formal gathering of the village or tribe at that public gathering. It is still the woman's choice to accept the male's proposal of Love or to declare before her people that she does not love her suitor. This can sometimes lead to embarrassing moments for the Male suitor and in some cases has even led to disputes between neighboring tribes.

Relationship Ideals

Among the Ilongo People Marriage is between a man and a woman and it is forever, until death the couple part.

Family ties are also forever if you marry in Ilongo Culture when you marry into another family you also accept that family. Songs are sung in memory of all family members this is how deep relationship goes among families. The Ilongo People believe that the names of our family must be remembered or their spirit dies. Forgetting one's relatives is considered a dishonor or disrespect and invite the haunting of evil spirits upon oneself or your family.

Friendship is also cherished the dearest of Friends are also honored with song and more often food, friends or honored guests customarily are offered the first bite of food at a meal or gathering and in dire cases the only morsel of food if food is lacking in the home.

An Ilongo Female Gathering Shellfish

by Bing Image Creator

A secluded Ilongo Village

by Bing Image Creator

Related Items

• Talisman of Apayao

Related Locations

• Ilongo Island
• lumulutang na bahay
• Mawiti Atol