The Igorot in the World Wide Web: Exploring the Igorot Ethnic

Identity through the

Communicative Act of Blogging

IGOROTS

Filipinos born on the Gran Cordillera Central are generally known as Igorots, though they more accurately be referred to by the names of six different ethno-linguistic groups into which they can be divided – Isneg (Apayao), Kalinga, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kankanay, and Ibaloy (Scott, 1985).”

“Part of the complexity in getting a proper name is that “Igorot” remains contested even from the inside. . . The name all evolved during the Spanish colonial regime as reference to those in the west and south of the Cordillera mountain range. For no reason other than ignorance and prejudice, it became a generic term that collapsed all the other unconquered highland tribes in the North into one ‘ethnic’ identity”.

- Colonel-Ferrer, 2008

The Global Igorots’Virtual Dap-ay & The Cyber -

ili

Gag-gag-ay is a form of socialization of all ages. It is story-telling time with other people whether of your own age or all other ages. This is usually evident after work hours where people gather, rest, and tell stories.”

– Banayan (interview respondent)

The Igorot bloggers’ Shared Ways of Speaking

The Igorot bloggers share positive self-identification as an Igorots through: • blog entries / blog content• personal information• blog site titles• layout • blogger IDs• presence of other Igorot bloggers in their blogrolls