Cultural Memory Loss and Identity Crisis of Canumay Remontado

Abstract

Over the years, the indigenous peoples have been considered as minority groups in the fast-paced Philippine society. With the globalization and other process of culture change, these groups fell behind the locus of the macro progression. Subsequently, it is important to note the personal consequences of these events to the indigenous peoples as well as the future implications of these events to their group. The focus of this study is the Remontado group in Canumay, Antipolo, Rizal. This study primarily describes the ethnicity or the ethnic identification of the members to the group, specifically the grade six children. Their perceived distinctive group characteristic is explored to see whether their group identity is a salient part of their “self’ despite the growing number of exogamous influences. Furthermore, the probable factors that may affect their ethnic construction are also identified. To go around with the objectives of this research, 7 children of remontado descent were asked to draw their self portrait and portrait of the out-group. A separate interview with them and their parents are utilized to further delve into their cultural ways and how they impart it to the children. The results show that their perceived group characteristics that make them different from the lowlanders are physical attributes, speech intonation, economic activities and personal values. However, the study showed that their ethnic classifications are blurry due to the peaceful interaction between them and the lowland migrants. Therefore, their culture and identification to the group becomes vague and even imperceptible to some of the respondents.