 Alonzo Saclag is a Kalinga master of dance and the performing arts from

Lubuagan, Kalinga. He has mastered not only the Kalinga musical

instruments but also the dance patterns and movements associated with his
people’s ritual. He received no instruction, formal or otherwise, in the
performing arts. His tool was observation, his teacher and experience. He is
the founder of the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe that tours around the
world to represent and introduce Kalinga performing arts. He is a GAMABA
(Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) 2000 awardee.
Alonzo Saclag
 Musician and Dancer
 Lubugan, Kalinga
 Aug. 4, 1942 / 75 yrs. old
 He lobbied that the abandoned Capitol Building be turned into a museum, that
schools implement the practice of donning the Kalinga costume for important
events, and that traditional Kalinga music should be broadcasted alongside
contemporary music in the local radio station.
 A musician from Kalinga helps preserve Kalinga culture through music
and instruments.

 Alonzo Saclag from Lubuagan, Kalinga is known for his talent in

playing different Kalinga musical instruments. He has contributed a lot in
preserving Kalinga culture through dances, music and customs.

 In 2000, The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
declared Saclag as a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardee (National
Living Treasure).
 After receiving the award, he continued his advocacy to promote culture.
He bought hectares of land in Lubuagan and transformed it into a village
called Awichon.
 It is a village where one can experience Kalinga’s rich culture. There are
native houses at the village, collection of native instruments such as gong
and bamboo flute.
 Visitors can also try Kalinga attire and an overnight stay at the village.
Cultural performances are also presented when there are visitors.
 In front of the village is a breathtaking view of Pasil and Lubuagan mountains,
terraces and rivers, believed to be the route used by General Emilio Aguinaldo to
escape.
 Saclag also shared some stories about Aguinaldo and Kalinga natives.
 "Dumaan siya ng Pasil, Lubuagan tapos tumakas siya papuntang Isabela, hindi
alam ng marami na malaki ang naitulong ng mga taga-Kalinga sa kanya kasi for
seventy two days dito siya natulog at kumain, free lahat," he said.
 Saclag will continue to nurture and bequeath what he has learned from their
elders to future generations.
AWICHON VILLAGE