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Begnas Ritual in Sagada, Mountain Province

We must have had plenty of good luck on our side during our time in Sagada. Our visit coincided with Panag-apoy, a unique All Saints’ Day observance that we were thrilled to witness. Little did I know, we’d be even luckier to experience yet another extraordinary tradition: the Begnas Ritual, a deeply significant ceremony in Mountain Province.

If this is your first time hearing about Begnas, it’s a sacred ritual deeply rooted in indigenous beliefs. It symbolizes the harmonious connection between people, nature, and the spirits. Begnas serves as both a thanksgiving ceremony and a harvest celebration. Our tour guide, a member of SAGGAS (Sagada Genuine Guides Association), explained the profound cultural importance of Begnas and its essential role in sustaining balance within the community and with nature.

native tribe
led by the elders and followed by the younger men of Sagada

The Day of Begnas

Procession Toward the Dap-ay

After breakfast, we made our way to the dap-ay, arriving just in time to witness the procession. The dap-ay itself is a significant sociocultural hub, found throughout the Mountain Province. It serves as a gathering place for elders to discuss community matters and preserve local traditions.

native men
first time to see so many men dressed in their wanes (most tagalog call it bahag, a traditional loincloth)

The elder leading the group raised his voice, calling out to signal the start of the ritual, and the rest of the villagers followed in unison. As they formed a single-file procession through the fields, the men at the host dap-ay began performing the sacred rites, reciting prayers in reverence.

young native boy
carrying a piece of sacrificed animal with their spears

After the procession, everyone reconvened at the dap-ay for a communal breakfast. The men who had participated in the khayew (a ritual hunt) and those who had helped prepare the meal sat together, sharing a meal and reinforcing the unity and spirit of togetherness that lies at the heart of the Begnas ritual.

Offering at the Patpatayan

After breakfast at the dap-ay, the villagers left their spears behind and made their way to the patpatayan, a sacred site with a sacred tree. There, pigs, chickens, carabaos, and other animals were butchered as offerings to Kabunyan (the Almighty). A series of prayers were recited. As the ceremony continued, rice wine, hard liquor, juice, and other beverages were offered as tambo to the elders performing the ritual at the patpatayan.

the host dap-ay

Tambo refers to any offering made during the Begnas ritual, symbolizing sharing and respect within the community. These offerings can include a variety of items such as chickens, steamed rice wrapped in sugarcane leaves, tobacco, fermented rice wine, or other beverages. Women and visitors from neighboring villages contribute tambo to the elders and participants as a sign of gratitude and unity.

elders from the host dap-ay preparing the sacrifice

Begnas Celebration Proper by All Community People

The heart of the Begnas celebration was filled with the sound of gongs echoing throughout the day. The rhythmic beats set the tone as community members, young and old, joined in traditional dances, weaving through the streets and fields. The entire village came together in this joyous display of unity, with everyone participating in the festivities. From dawn until dusk, the energy remained high as the gongs continued to play and the dances unfolded. This made the Begnas a truly communal affair that I was lucky to witness.

Things to know before you go

If you plan to observe the Begnas Ritual in Sagada, it’s essential to approach this sacred tradition with respect and understanding. While the ritual has drawn attention from both local and international tourists in recent years, it’s important to remember that Begnas is not a conventional festival but a solemn ceremony deeply rooted in the community’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Are tourists allowed to participate/watch the Begnas Ritual?

Tourists have historically been welcome to observe the Begnas Ritual, but concerns about respectful participation have arisen. In the past, visitors were allowed to wear the wanes and join the men in Patpatayan. However, this led to discomfort among locals. Moreover, many have voiced frustration over tourists who intrude by shoving cameras into their faces. Tourists would also aggressively navigate through the crowd just to capture a shot of the ritual. It’s important to recognize that Begnas is not entertainment. It should not be marketed as part of Sagada’s packaged tours. It is a sacred community tradition that deserves respect for its cultural and spiritual significance.

When does Begnas in Sagada take place?

Each year, the community holds at least five Begnas ceremonies, though the dates remain flexible and are determined by the village elders. Rather than following a fixed schedule, the elders carefully choose each date based on cultural traditions and community needs, announcing it just 2-4 days before the event. When there’s a Begnas, the community declares a holiday. This allows everyone, from families to elders, to pause their daily routines and fully participate in the preparations and celebration.

How to get to Sagada from Manila?

Direct Bus via Coda Lines

You can take a direct bus from Cubao to Sagada operated by Coda Lines. This route typically takes around 10-12 hours, with buses departing in the evening and arriving in Sagada the following morning. Tickets are available for purchase at the Coda Lines terminal in Cubao.

Via Baguio (Transfer Required)

If you prefer a side trip to Baguio, you can take a bus from Manila to Baguio. Several bus operators, including Victory Liner, Genesis Bus, and JoyBus, offer services on this route, which takes about 6-7 hours. Once you arrive in Baguio, transfer to a bus bound for Sagada. GL Trans and Lizardo Trans operate buses from Baguio’s Dangwa Terminal to Sagada, with a travel time of 5-6 hours. Buses to Sagada usually depart in the early morning and run until noon.

Where to Stay in Sagada?

Sagada offers a range of charming and affordable accommodations that provide a more authentic experience than typical chain hotels. Many of these options are locally owned, including homes and traditional houses transformed into cozy bed and breakfast establishments. To ensure a smooth stay, especially during peak seasons, I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance.

Some of the top-rated accommodations in Sagada are The Shire of SagadaDagdag Village HomestayIsabelo’s Inn and Cafe, and BAEY B0GAN Homestay.

Is there Mobile Signal in Sagada?

Sagada is known for offering unplugged, tranquil getaways, so you may want to take the opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings. However, if you still need to stay connected, you have several options.

One convenient choice is to use an eSIM like Saily eSIM for the Philippines, which provides good coverage and reliable service in Sagada. You can purchase and activate the eSIM before your trip, ensuring connectivity as soon as you arrive. Alternatively, local SIM cards from providers like Globe or Smart are available and can be bought at the airport or in town. Many accommodations, restaurants, and cafes in Sagada offer Wi-Fi, although it may be less reliable in more remote areas.

Get your Saily eSIM and receive 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORA5.

Final Thoughts on the Begnas Ritual

I learned that the local government of Sagada officially recognizes the Begnas Ritual as part of the agricultural calendar. It’s a wonderful reminder of the community’s commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. It’s heartening to know that the community celebrates this centuries-old ritual every year. I truly felt fortunate to witness such a meaningful tradition firsthand. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s refreshing and reassuring to see that Sagada’s rich cultural practices remain alive and thriving.

Enjoying the Trip So Far? Continue Your Adventure in Baguio!

Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio combines natural beauty with a lively art scene and delicious local cuisine. You can either explore on your own or join a Baguio group tour for a guided experience through the city’s bustling markets, museums, and cozy cafes. Whether you’re up for more sightseeing or simply wish to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air, Baguio is the ideal next stop on your adventure!

That’s it my dear readers! I hope this post has inspired you to visit Sagada. Feel free to leave a comment below, send a DM on my Instagram or message me on Facebook if you have questions, comments or suggestions! 

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

3 replies on “Begnas Ritual in Sagada, Mountain Province”

i was there on this same begnas festival, nov 2, 2013! we must have crossed paths! it was already crowded and didn’t get a close-up picture of the ritual. oh well, i went there that night and mingled with the ifugaos for a bit, and did some dancing too 😀 indeed, we’re very lucky to see this old ritual!

we wanted to be early too, kaso we had a long breakfast from after sunrise watching (albeit failed) at kiltepan. nakaka inggit naman yung pwesto nyo! i felt alien when i mingled with the ifugaos, but the younger ones offered me alcohol and sit with them at the campfire, as well as play with the gong and practice some kewl moves. 😛 here’s a picture of what it looked like at night: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=428271127274458&set=a.287914314643474.50368.285205484914357&type=3&theaterand let me just throw in a panagapoy shot hahaha… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=427823827319188&set=a.287914314643474.50368.285205484914357&type=3&theater

We woke up early to get that perfect spot to take pictures 🙂 We also planned to go there that night, but we finished the cave connection at around 6:30 PM. We were so tired! We decided to go home and rest. How was it? Mas dramatic siguro pag gabi 🙂

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