Indigenous heritage at Eden Nature Park
By Ana Felicia Dulay
BESIDES promoting responsible ecotourism and environment-friendly development, Eden Nature Park recently launched another first in Mindanao.
Tinubdan at the heart of the magnificent mountain resort aims to showcase our indigenous roots and the wisdom it has passed on for generations.
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From the root word “tubod,” meaning spring or origin of water, Eden’s Tinubdan is the “tubod” of indigenous wisdom as it gives the viewer a glimpse of indigenous tribes of Mindanao.
Eden’s Tinubdan consists of three levels: the lowest level of the landscape or level 1 is the gateway to the indigenous homeland, the starting point of the cultural journey.
Here, one can enjoy a recreation of a Peniyaawan or Tinubdan Courtyard, a multi-purpose paved arena where a Bagani or protector stands guard. Also known as Magani or Bahani, the guard is tasked to defend the tribe and ensure the survival of the people.
On level 2, a sprawling landscape showcases the significant aspects of the material and non-material cultures of Mindanao’s indigenous tribes. The colorful life-scape provides a kalideoscope celebrating the cultural diversity of Mindanao.
Stroll through the Tana-Tanaman (Welcome Garden), Mga Lumadnong Dapit (The Cultural Map of Mindanao), Balay-Kalimudan (Datu’s House), Pasundayagan (Performance Plaza), Lumadnong Tambal (Ethno-Pharmacology) garden, Bebalay-balyan (Shaman’s House), Uma, Galas ug Kapaninugha-an (Traditional Farming System) and be transported in time back when life was simple and the land bountiful.
At level 3 of Eden’s Tinubdan, stories of creation and the origin myths of humanity are retold in the Buhilamang-Bukid (Mythic Mountain). Explore the Langub sa Kaalam (Cave of Wisdom) and Buhing Kaliwatan (Living Cultures of Humanity) and marvel at how our ancestors expounded the complexities of life in their own terms. Witness the interplay of technology as it provides the rich cultural backdrop of our homeland.
Eden’s Tinubdan is truly a sight to behold in reliving our past and an essential journey to take as we travel the road called life.
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