While traveling in the Philippines in December, 2011, I stopped to visit a friend on Bohol named Chekei. She told me about a tribe in the mountains that few people visit called the Eskaya. I asked if she could take me to visit them. The next day we rode her father’s dirt bike into the mountains for over an hour, dodging blankets covered in rice laid on the road by villagers to dry in the sun. Chekei had told me that the Eskaya had unique customs and dances. It was quite the understatement.
The Eskaya Tribe is located on Bohol, an island in the Southern Philippines. According to the last census in 2000 it had a population of around 3000.
They live in a few villages in the mountains and along the coast.
The Eskaya have a unique language and writing system that scholars have not been able to link to any other known language.
They also have a unique oral history (or mythology depending on who you ask) dating back to biblical times. They believe that people originated from a butterfly called Pinya Paypay Pling. In some way (that is not clear to me) the butterfly interacted with a lion and lioness who gave birth to a monkey. That monkey mated with another and gave birth to the first humans. This is depicted in this educational chart from their school.
Their written characters are based on parts of the body, as can be seen in this hand-carved wooden depiction.
Both their history and their language are recorded in a series of hand-written volumes.
Much of their history is still only passed on orally, at the school, in their language. The elders in these pictures are among the few who continue to study the language and history. This man plays traditional folk songs on a ukulele-type instrument.
What is left of this tribe’s unique culture is passed on through a few schools like this one in the mountains.
By teachers like this one.
As in many rural tribes in the Philippines, the attractions of technology and modernism are drawing young people away from tradition and out of their villages, slowly eroding the local culture.
Before long, all that will be left of these cultures are the few books that have been written and pictures like these.
DOWNLOAD A FREE E-BOOK OF MY FIVE BEST PHOTOESSAYS
or
I remember when you mentioned the Eskaya tribe to me. I am from the Philippines, but I didn’t know that they exist! We’re you able to record a video with them?
I did. I got some great video, but I haven’t edited it yet. I’m really slow and bad at with video editing. I’ll get it posted one of these days though.
Eskaya wont fade, in the near future its language, history and culture will be taught in schools. But if I am someone with the authority to decide, I would rather keep the existence of this tribe as confidential as possible.
Hi Matt,
Pretty amazed on those photographs you’ve taken. I’m a direct descendant of the Datahan clan on my mothers side – Mariano being my great grandfather through his son Pedro “Pedong Datahan” from Biabas Guindulman which many still practiced the tradition, speaks and write the language and stories of passed being told through the younger generation. What I am proud of most are the number of its descendants being highly educated and have have continued to give back and nurture the community through education. They also offer language classes to the young ones. Biabas isn’t what it was growing up, it is more progressive these days but one thing haven’t changed is that community spirit, of being one with nature, the people are welcoming and genuinely kind. Thank you for the very positive narrative of our tribe through your beautiful and uplifting photos, I meant look at that smile of that lady!!! – simply beautiful.
You can visit eskaya tribe in Taytay, Duero, Bohol
Hi my wife’s father is Conseso Esclamado of Cagayan de Oro City and he’s a half blood Eskaya from Duero…
In the hinterlands of Bohol, the Eskaya are found. They are licated in Biabas, Guindulman, Taytay, Duero, Cantaub, Sierra Bullones and Lundag, Pilar. All these communities were recognized by the government and NCIP and were awarded an ancestral domain during President Ramos time. It was reestablished by Mariano Sumatra (Sumatra is chsnged to Datahan later in his life.) after he made contact with the remnants of the fighters of Dagohoy who hid in the forested area of Biabas and study and mastered the language. They have their own language, system of writing, literature, history and religiuos practices and beliefs. Formally, the Eskaya is converted to the Philippine Independent Churc or Aglipayan Church. Most of this belief are indigenous but not animistic. It has trimmings of ancient Hebrew Kabbalah. Before he died in 1949 at the age of 104, he warned his people that many men will claim that they are his reincarnation but not to believe them ad there is no reencarnation and there is only one God. I witnessed several persons claiming to be Mariano coming from nowhere but disappeared quickly. Another man said to own the universe practice spiritual healing and magic said the world will end and told to sell all their properties but he was condemned and rebuked by many and disappeared. Today, there are still men who claimed to be a leader of Eskaya using nefarious activities and pronouncement while promising easy money.
How to identify Eskaya
1. Those who practice the Eskaya Culture. They know how to read, write and speak in Eskaya. They know the Eskaya literature, history, music and folklores.
2. They believe and accept the existence of “ay Sono” be it in the Xian context equivalent to Jesus Christ or in Kabbalah context of the Supreme Being.
3. Those who are descendants of those belonging on the above classification.
Hello Matt thank you,this is fascinating. My Mother’s family are members of Eskaya, most of my cousins are in the photo you took. They are amazing people. I wish them well. I am here in Florida.
Take care.
Wow,, Seeing one of these tribes is just amazing ! I only heard about the “Agta ” in our province but I don’t know much about their existence ( I think they still live at the mountains in IRIGA )
It was an amazing thing to see. Which province do you live in?
Sir Matt I would like to ask regarding the Eskaya tribe, on how to become a member of this cultural minority, since I was born in Jagna Bohol, could I enter or join this tribe even though I am not one them? Thank You and Godbless!!
Hi Mark,
I’m afraid I don’t know how you could join. But I’m sure that if you visit them they’d be happy to talk with you about it!
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Matt
NAA SAD SA LUNDAG, PILAR, BOHOL
Awesome photo essay! I’ve heard of Eskaya before, but it’s my first time to come across a blog about it. I’m interested to visit this place. Will send you my queries =)
Thanks Edgar! I got your email and replied.
Where is eskaya located?…im from philippines but i dont know..thanks
located in Taytay Duero Bohol.
ask duero tourism for assistance.
Rad post and great pictures. I love cultural immersion when I travel! Lucckyyyyy
Thanks! Visiting that tribe was one of the best travel experiences that I’ve had. Totally unexpected and awesome.
Thanks Matt, Honestly I never heard any of this tribe in my country, nor it was being mentioned in our history books in school.
The Eskaya are not very well known. Very few people visit their tribe. I think most of the foreigners who visit are interested in studying them.
why are you interested in our tribe?
I find the language and the effort to preserve it very interesting.
Hello Matt I am Pamela Mangubat but but my mother name is Carmela datahan doyac garayanala.. As I’ve read the history and one of the leader of this tribe was Mariano Sumatra datahan and my grandmother was condrada datahan doyac and my grandfather was Lorenzo oray doyac and they are came from bohol from that place its nice and pleasure to know that…. I hope one day I can visit this place so that I will meet them and to have pictures especially the statue of Mariano Sumatra datahan….
Hi pamela, I am an indirect descendant of Mariano Sumatra AKA Anoy Datahan. my grandmother is a SUMATRA, and her grandfather is Anoy’s cousine. i too am very fascinated of the Eskaya tribe.
My father … Herodotus Galambao (his ascendants from Mayana, Jagna, Bohol) used to tell amazing stories of Anoy Datahan.
This tribe is the one of the lost tribe of Jacob Jews. They are cousins to the graet King Solomon. They supplied gold for the temple in Jerusalem by the Phoenesians galleon trade.
Really great articles and photos. Yes, even in our own province the Eskaya tribe is slowly fading away. We hope we could a trip and visit the tribe soon. Thanks for this awesome feature.
Thanks Mr. Bohol 😉 You should definitely go and visit. Its a great experience.
Very interesting. I’m from Bohol but I didn’t know about Eskaya. I will visit this Christmas …
Which part of BOHOL do they live? Are they considered legit by the government?
They live in the eastern mountains. Yup, they are recognized by the government. Unfortunately, I don’t think the government has a lot of spare cash to put nto cultural preservation.
when i stayed there it was in a mountainous area in Guindulman. 🙂
hi sir Gibson. thank you for the blog. im a proud member of eskaya. that is our place, Taytay Bohol.
who are you Remy?
Sir how to join in your tribe
i currently live here in manila. i really miss the eskaya. i don’t have any information about the updates in our tribe. sir, do you have any video as you visit in eskaya? sir kindly send it to my yahoo account (dj_rhemzy@yahoo.com). i’m looking forward to this. thank you very much and God bless.
Hi Remy. Nice to meet you. I’m glad you enjoyed the post! do have some video, but I haven’t edited it yet. When I do edit it and put it on YouTube, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Take Care!
Matt
Wow Matt, this is incredibly interesting. I’ve never heard of the Eskaya tribe before, so this is a great read. Their language looks really unique and that belief system and the educational chart – ahhh I’m geeking out here as a wannabe anthropologist.
Hopefully the younger generations will be able to preserve some of the local culture, or at least educate future generations about it as they start to modernise.
I can see why this is one of your favorites! WOW — what a story. And your photos are incredible. Absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks Abby! I really do love this one. It was a one of those surprises (I was actually looking for a different tribe) that turned out perfectly, and made a huge impression on me. It’s amazing that you can still discover people and places like this!
Hi Matt, do you have facebook? can you add me at fb: cupdcambassador977@yahoo.com/Dominador Datahan Magarin?…u may join the Eskayan Datahan Ancestral Tribal Union of Sumatra (EDATUS) group and fan page…:)…Hope to hear more from you…:)
I just liked the Facebook page. Thanks for the invite Dominador!
Hello Matt!
I am currently doing my cultural analysis for my Sociology assignment. I chose the Eskayans since I was born and raised in Bohol so I was thinking I should do this because I am a Boholano myself. Since the Eskayas are not widely known, I have a hard time looking for cultural essays that talk about them. Fortunately, I came across your site and it is A GREAT HELP! Thank you very much. It helped complete my assignment. More power and God bless! :))
Louie Antonette
Hello Ma’am , I am also from Bohol and I want them (Eskayan Tribe) to become my focal point of my qualitative research. On what specific municipality can they be found?
you can also visit Lundag Pilar
That’s fantastic Louie! I’m glad I could be of help!
My daughter is volunteering in Bohol(from Scotland) and is going to see the Eskaya people tomorrow. It was so interesting to see your pictures and read some of the history. Now I can imagine where she is. Thanks
How fascinating! We’re actually planning on going to Bohol so I wonder if we could pay them a visit also.
It’s a pretty great trip, but not a place you could find without a knowledgable local guide. You could probably try to find one in Tagbilaran.
That photo tight there of the smiling lady is gorgeous. Wow what a interesting piece and must have been quite a fascinating experience spending time and learning all these things from them. I particularly loved that bit about their belief in human origin. I hope some of the young ones stay and continue to pass on their unique tradition/culture. Have you been back to visit them again?
No, I haven’t had the chance to go back yet. But I definitely will if it comes up.
Alisa, I’d love to hear abut your daughter’s trip. If she’d like to talk or write about it I’d love to hear from her.
hello matt Gibson, may i know you where you are now?
I’m in Taiwan right now Liza, but I will be going to Thailand soon.
Thank you so much for posting! I will be traveling to Bohol next month and will definitely try to learn more. The Barangay I am visiting is Bulilis Barangay named after my grandparents so I find this information about the tribe so exciting! I still have family in Bohol, and so excited to learn everything I can about this tribe in Bohol:) If anyone can add more information or suggestions please email me @ Brandibulilis@gmail.com
Hi! I would just like to ask, do you have any documentary or videos regarding Eksaya’s culture? We have decided to make Eksaya as our topic in our film documentary with the theme “Filipino Culture in the Advent of Globalization”. The said film documentary will focus on Eksaya’s changing customs and traditions brought by globalization. However, there are only few supporting videos and pictures in the internet.
Kindly contact me. Here’s my yahoo acoount: kiezelannabarquez@yahoo.com
Thank you. 🙂
Thanks for this post about our tribe. I belong to this tribe from my mother side but, honestly I was only able to visit my mother’s place for less than 5 times when I was young. As I climbed to the ladder of success…, I will pay tribute to our tribe.
God bless!
If only more indigenous peoples tribes were so committed to preserving their traditions, culture and art and pass them on to the next generations with such a dedication..I guess not many people are aware of them so it feels rather special to have this bit of knowledge about them. Very unique community, reminds me of Mongolia´s Reindeer people (Tuva) in this regard..
I agree. I actually just came across some video that I shot while I was there. I really need to post it!
Hi Sir Matt! I am currently making a monograph about the Eskayas… I was able to visit them last Dec. 15 and will definitely be back, they were so warm and they really are hungry for attention from the locals… They have so much to offer, their unique culture….
I saved that photo of the smiling lady on my iphone and I was very glad to see her when i went there. I also had a photo op with her.. 🙂 And I also saw your name on their logbook…
I love making such personal connections from across the globe. So glad you got to visit! I’d love to see your work when it’s finished!
Eskaya tribe are actually native to the province of Bohol. The dialect called eskaya was passed on from one generation to the next generation. Nobody exactly knows the origin of this language. Since we and our great great grandparents lived in their neighboring barangay Mayana, they told us some of the sketchy details. Even my childhood classmates during primary grades residing in Taytay did not know how to read the writing. There are some stories as told by our parents before but nobody seems to take care. One of the stories pointed to a man with a superhuman ability (not a native of that area) came and taught old folks to read and write.
Thanks for the information Vicodar! It’s amazing to hear from somebody who lived near and knew about them! I would really like to come back and learn more one day.
Wow… It’s a great honor to know that their is still tribe remaining in bohol… Hopefully you might also record some tribe here in mindanao….
i am a member of ESKAYA TRIBE in Bohol,we are trying hard to retain our culture, language, and belief but the reality is that the world is moving fast.We can’t prevent our fellow tribes to move forward with the world.We need help,we cant do it on our own.
Hello maam alilah how to join in your tribe ?
Hi Mam Alilah, can I join your tirbe? I am from bohol also but I dont know who are my ancestors, I believe that maybe this tribe is my lineage
wow…I’m from bohol, but first time for me to hear about Eskaya Tribe, what a nice blog. I hope someday I can visit this place. Thanks for posting and sharing Matt. God Bless
Wow. Ancient alien theorists would probably love to study this tribe’s culture and history. Seems tailor made for their beliefs.
yes.of course they are located in mountain areas of Duero Bohol called tatay.I always go here almost every fiesta during my childhood just by walking for 2 hours from our barangay.they are our neighboring barangay in abachanan sierra bullones Bohol.glad to know someone like you featuring these place.rich in culture and tradition.I’m now working in Bohol.also by Canadian employer.Nice job
Oh i’m shocking, this is my uncle place Fabian baja he is the one founder of taytay Duero bohol,
Thanks for Publishing this Area and also the Eskaya tradition,i was attending
eskaya lesson but i cant very hard to me..
Hi Liza, my name is Socisa Baja from Jagna, Bohol. We must be related too..wowow…My brother Joseph Baja wants to become a member of Eskaya tribe. How he go about? I guess going to Taytay, Duero and meet Fabian Baja. We probably are related too. What small world after all. I am hoping for a reply from you. Thank you so much.
You should visit also the other village, like Brgy. Biabas, Brgy. Lundag, Tambongan, Brgy. Cataub. not only brgy. Taytay. Because they are also belongs to Eskaya Tribe.
Hi Sir Matt 🙂 Thank you for this article. You conveyed one of the beautiful and treasured culture in Bohol. I am a Boholana and currently a Human Resource Staff in Tagbilaran City. Recently I had an interview with a Eskayan applicant, there preserved tribe was very interesting and amazing since it was my first time to know that there tribe exist here in our Province. I am glad you posted an article about them. Warmest thank you from Bohol
HiI Matt! I am also a Boholano. I also heard that there is an Eskaya Tribe in the upland Barangay of Taytay, Duero Bohol. I want to know more about them. Our Public Utility Vehicle called “BERNOR” used to traversed the upland Barangay of Mayana, Jagna, Bohol. People from Taytay rode our vehicle just to get to their place. After reading your article, Eskaya tribe really recalled my childhood days. I think the Eskaya Resort in Panglao is named after said tribe in Bohol.
The Eskaya Community is actually not a tribe on the same level as the Mandaya, Talaandig, and Higaonon, to name a few of the tribes of Mindanao. Its development into a cultural community was marked by certain periods in Philippine history. Its founder is Mariano “Anoy Datahan” from Loon, Bohol.
Hi Matt Gibson!
Thank you for making such wonderful blog about the Eskaya tribe. I am truly happy to read this. I am actually a native of the Eskaya Tribe. The founder Mariano “Anoy” Datahan is my great grandfather. I am really proud to say that we have a very unique culture and is greatly preserved by the natives.
Thanks again and God Bless you!
For me, I will consider them NOT just a merr tribe (sub-Ethnic) but as an Ethnic Group itself or Ethnolinguistic Nation.
I may say, they are one of the more than 175 Ethnolinguistic Nations in Filipinas.
More reason why I support Federal-Parliamentary System and Form of Government.
You are very much correct Ronan. There are many sub-ethno linguistic groups within the larger Malayo-Austronesian family that spans Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan (indigenous).
WOW! HELLO GUYS!
I am Jonathan Fabian from Talibon, Bohol currently studying in Manila. In two months from now I will be doing my qualitative field research and I want Eskaya Tribe to become my subject.
My questions are:
1. On what specific municipality or area can they be found?
2. Can I have a related literature or study of yours? (For elaboration and defense purposes)
I AM HOPING FOR YOUR POSITIVE RESPONSE
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
Especially to Sir Matt Gibson
AS A BOHOLANO I REALLY WANT TO STUDY SOMETHING THAT OTHER BOHOLANOS COULD BE PROUD OF AND SOMETHING PURPOSIVE AND DIRECTED.
Hi Jonathan,
I’m not sure exactly where they are located.
When I found them I was staying with a friend near Duero/Anda.
We rode a motorcycle into the mountains for over 1 hour to reach the
village.
If you were to visit that area and ask people, I’m sure you could find out
where to find the Eskaya.
I’m afraid that I don’t have any literature or studies about the Eskaya.
Good luck with your studies!
Wow! Interesting! The old man holding the “ukulele” looks straight up like my late grandfather, Andrés. What dialect do they speak? Is it similar to Cebuano? I was born in Bohol and lived there until I was 4 years old. Oddly enough, I retained the language.
I am a proud great grand daughter of the Eskaya Tribe Founder the Late Mariano ” Anoy” Datahan. I am currently living here in Angeles City, Pampanga. I would live to visit the place someday. Thanks for this great article Matt! ?
*love
im also from guindulman and i wanted to meet my roots there , hoping to see them in person
Sir Matt thanks….they really are my roots.. For those who wants some info then just email me at datahanroel@gmail.com
This is such a dope post – keep up the awesome work!
Try to dig out the relationship or shall I say involvement of the Eskaya Ancestors in the building of King Solomons Temple— because I learned– that before the Spaniards came— the name of our archipelago is Ophir– mentioned several times in the Bible. And much of the gold used in the building of Solomons Temple was from Ophir— We are the Islets of the Seas or Islands in the far end of the Earth (Gospel of Matthews). Try to decipher the history. 🙂
I am an anthropologist, it is interesting their tradition speaks about a Lion and Lioness, there are no lions in the Philippines. The only variation of the Asiatic lion is found in South Asia. The closest depiction/story/myth a lion was borrowed from Indian mythology by Indonesians in Sumatra, Java and Bali Islands, as well as by ancient Cambodians and Vietnamese. It may be possible they originated from those Islands or regions and moved to the Philippines. Just a theory. Would be interesting to study their culture and history more closely. Their language and writing system needs to be studied by someone with extensive knowledge of ancient west Asian, South Asian and East Asian, ancient writing systems to do a comparative analysis.
Just an add on, a lot of the “modernization/cultural” influence of West can be minimized, if there is much less influx of Westerners into the region in the name of tourism.
I am a member of the eskaya tribe we are direct descendants of Mariano Datahan or whom we call Papa Anoy. I haven’t met him personally I was just able to see and hold his statue when we went to Bohol for a reunion last (idk when was that). However, my grandmother who was a child back then has a lot of stories about Papa Anoy and their family. Our grandmother used to tell us those stories when we were children.
my Great great Grandfather is a cousin of ANoy
I read somewhere that they descended from the builders of King Solomon’s temple…
Try to dig out the relationship or shall I say involvement of the Eskaya Ancestors in the building of King Solomons Temple— because I learned– that before the Spaniards came— the name of our archipelago is Ophir– mentioned several times in the Bible. And much of the gold used in the building of Solomons Temple was from Ophir— We are the Islets of the Seas or Islands in the far end of the Earth (Gospel of Matthews). Try to decipher the history. ????
Wow! I’ve learned so much from your post! Is there any other way to visit the tribe other than a bike?
Nope. You definitely need a motorbike or a car (maybe a truck is better).
do they understand cebuano language?
I’m not sure. Do they also speak Cebuano on Bohol? If so, then yes I think they do.
yes, all of them are fluent in cebuano
Hi,
Good day.
I am fascinated by the Eskaya tribe, their culture, their mysterious origin and language. To me, this sounds extremely interesting. Culture and language is one of my field of interests. I want to help preserve this dying language by learning it. I hope I can procure a grammar book for it. Thanks
Hi Matt, I just facilitated a focused-group discussion in Barangay Biabas, Guindulman, Bohol. The participants were all members of Eskaya tribe. There, I met Julieta Biscayda, the lone Eskaya who could fluently speak and write Eskayan. She also teaches eskayan to the elementary pupils. DepEd is allocating time for her everyday. She showed us the guide for her daily lesson. Great if some one could connect the history of eskaya from one barangay to the other.
You mentionef that this tribe has existed during biblical times, may I know how?
I read it somewhere that the tribe according their oral history passed through generations, is the builder of the ships that carried gold & gifts that Queen Sheba or queen of Cebu gave to King Solomon…
There is a grain of truth— because I learned that Philippines was actually called OPHIR in the Bible. From Ophir was much of the Gold used in building the Temple of Solomon. The Spaniards changed “Ophir” to Islas Filipinas – now Philippines. The info is said to be contained in a Gazette “Collecion General de Documentos Relativos alas islas Filipinas Doc No 98 dated 1519-1522. It described how to locate Ophir which is Philippines.
Sa wala naka tood kung asa na sa bohol sa taytay duero na
Naa dha mga daghan eskaya.
Sige ko ug laag dha naay eskwelahan dha sa eakaya
Daghan kaayu ko mga eg agaw diha.????????????????
hope the Eskaya tribe could preserve their custom and tradition. i am from duero a few barangay away from taytay. I recall my great grand mother how tay was so dicepline under mang ano Datahan. hope the clan of nong Anoy datahan will help preserve it. its a pride of Bohol especially Duerohanon.
“Under-privileged” could be a typical aspect that i would be clinging to for having no knowledge of such tribe in an island where i was born and raised! but no, not this one. I wont be ashamed to admit that i am ashamed of not knowing such…. and to add insult to injury, learn it from a foreigner….
Kudos Matt!
Let me add though, as you’ve written, unfortunately the digital age are slowly burying these and alikes. It will be just another story that will be lost in time eventually. Especially without the support of the government to preserve them which i would be thinking most likely. And that hurts even to think at this point. mho.
As a proud Boholano, one thing out of a few i remembered as thought by my late grand parents are the counting that they/we do back then.
sarohan, upat, unom… as two, four, six … as we used to count coconuts during harvest. I am afraid these two will be lost in time. if they haven’t already.
the kind of things and stuffs why i envy you guys so much, and despite thank you will never be enough, allow me to still say, thank you.
What leads me here is a Youtube video series named “Solomon’s Gold” by “The God Culture”… highly recommended to all. potentially, a history never told. potentially, our almost forgotten roots.
God Bless!
The present chieftain of the eskaya triibe is my close relative
.
Are tje eskaya tribe the natives of bohol? i am also a boholano by blood. but i keep on searching the indigenous people of loboc in particular. My father said none…unlikr in Mindanao. I hope I could find answer to my query. Thanks!
Good day! I know this blog has been uploaded several years back. But I find the story of Eskaya a very interesting one. Could someone help me to reach them out? I’ll appreciate any help and assistance that you may give. Thank you very much!
Hi Carmi. I don’t personally know how you can get in touch with the Eskaya, but if you read the comments above you’ll find some people who have some ideas.
The Eskaya are located in in the upland Barangay of Taytay, Duero Bohol. You could try reaching out to the local government.
Also, if you reply to the people who commented above, they should receive an email notification of your comment and may also reply to you.
Greyalo lingay!! (Good afternoon) I am so proud being one of APO NI LOLO MARIANO “ANOY” DATAHAN the father of Eskaya Tribe.For those who are interested to know more about our culture and tradition as well as our language just visit his place,where his statue located at BIABAS, GUINDULMAN, BOHOL PHIL. and please look for MR. JOVINO DATAHAN our Tribal Chieftain. LAMI SAMYAL (Thank you)
I was born in the island of Bohol, and now residing in Germany.
Is there anyone who can point me to where I can learn to write and speak Eskaya? I would love to learn it, and help preserve this beautiful and yet endangered writing system.There is an online atlas of all the endangered Alphabets of the world, launched in sync with 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Language by the United Nations and four are in the Philippines including ESKAYA.
Here are the links:
https://www.endangeredalphabets.net/?fbclid=IwAR1ZHFyCKyBGPy5mlu3A6urayE80q12W_P1oOmIJUTn1mVD73BCmoHtURfw
https://www.endangeredalphabets.net/alphabets/eskayan/?fbclid=IwAR2_1jbaHvvKJS6zYtKKg0YrBTY1ygrcDriMOtDHefsdgAwiF_lA_sLlWKg
Thanks.
Noel
Hi Sir! It’s a great content! I have also a blood of Eskaya. My grandmother was the grand-grand children of Mariano “Anoy” Datahan who was the chieftain of the tribe. By the way, may I use your pictures for my vlog in youtube?
Sure you can. Please send me a link when you’re finished. Would love to check it out.
My great grandmother was once a wife of Mariano “Anoy” Datahan and this tribe is about to be established in our sitio. In Capurao, Untaga, Alicia, Bohol.
Woow!!! what a great description and photos of the Eskayan 🙂
Soon we will visit the community to learn more about their culture…
As far as I am concerned, you can not join this tribe unless you have the native blood.
Hi Matt,
Pretty amazed on those photographs you’ve taken. I’m a direct descendant of the Datahan clan on my mothers side – Mariano being my great grandfather through his son Pedro “Pedong Datahan” from Biabas Guindulman which many still practiced the tradition, speaks and write the language and stories of passed being told through the younger generation. What I am proud of most are the number of its descendants being highly educated and have have continued to give back and nurture the community through education. They also offer language classes to the young ones. Biabas isn’t what it was growing up, it is more progressive these days but one thing haven’t changed is that community spirit, of being one with nature, the people are welcoming and genuinely kind. Thank you for the very positive narrative of our tribe through your beautiful and uplifting photos, I meant look at that smile of that lady!!! – simply beautiful.
Reply
Hi, I am a born-Jagna anon from Odiong and I believed our descendants were from Abachanan, Sierra Bullones, Bohol, the Rana-Ednilan clan. What i am interested in is that somehow I could introduce to the Estayas Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.), an alternative cereal crop which may grow best in the hinterlands of Bohol. The said weed-crop is considered a super crop nowadays and gain footage as food and nutri supplement in foreign countries. There are already adopters of the crop here in Southern Bukidnon.
Hello, I’m from Bohol near carmen but i know about this..i interesting if this people are like just we dont the history our past generations..