Reaction Paper Last Princess by Kara David Essay

Stories of princess were part of our childhood memories. We dream of becoming one during those times. But in Tumandok tribe in Tapaz, Capiz, Philippines, there were women, who were treated the likes of a princess. They are known to be the binukot. in front seeing the documentary of Huling Prinsesa (Last Princess), I was really excited because who knew that a 3rd world ground like the Philippines would afford to have a princess. Then I realized, Philippines was not a 3rd world country then. And I remember that during the pre-Hispanic period we used to have datus, babaylans, pandays so having a princess would not be faraway from reality. Philippines though colonized by foreigners, retained its rich culture and I think this is one of the proofs.The binukot was usually the prettiest daughter of the chief tribe. The term was derived from bukot which means to keep. Binukot was not allowed to go outside the support. Thats why her food was usually delivered in her room. She entrust be taught to memories and sing different epics. Going outside the house is not a simple task. The binukot needs to be carried on a cradle so that her feet will be kept clean.The tribe believed that the binukot has a supernatural power. During planting and harvesting time, she will be brought to the heighten to perform, for them to have a bountiful harvest.At present there are still few binukot on some part of Panay Island. But the danger of losing this tradition is very high, for most women of Panay preferred to be an banausic citizen instead of becoming a princess. Stories of princess were part of our childhood memories. We dream of becoming one during those times. But in Tumandok tribe in Tapaz, Capiz, Philippines, there were women, who were treated like a princess. They are known to be the binukot.The tour to the remote mountains of Capiz is tough an hours-long motorcycle ride and several hours more of trekking across rivers and up and protrude rocky, slippery slopes. It is a c hallenging feat for anyone who wants to see and explore a mysterious tradition uphold for decades among some of the mountains isolated communities.The trip took some time and I thought its worth the detainment just to see the Last Princess, from the trip alone, it made me really curious of what will princess look like. I-Witness travels to the Tapaz Mountain, considered the furthermost in Capiz, located in the central Philippines island of Panay. The mountain people called the tumandoks live in Tapaz, and I-Witness searched for the tribes last remaining princesses called the binukots.Reporter Kara David reaches the community of Rizal Sur, a village that looks just like any different isolated community, where the tumandoks living in traditional huts and survive on whatever nature provides them. In the middle of this community, she meets one of the last remaining binukots, 73-year-old Lola (grandmother) Isiang.Lola Isiang lives in an old hut, just like everybody else in the commu nity. However, she has stayed inside a room in the house ever since she was five years old, living in isolation as the familys chosen binukot.