Unlock the Hidden Secrets of Ifugao Culture: UNESCO-Inscribed Punnuk and Living Traditions Exhibits Now Open in Intramuros!

Manila’s NCCA Gallery in Intramuros is currently hosting two monumental exhibitions that celebrate the vibrant, living cultural heritage of the Philippines. From October 13 to 30, 2025, these exhibits showcase the power of Filipino traditions and rituals, particularly focusing on the UNESCO-inscribed Ifugao Punnuk tug-of-war and the NCCA’s Schools of Living Traditions. Curated by a team led by Renee Talavera, these exhibitions provide a unique glimpse into how Filipino communities preserve their intangible cultural heritage through rituals, crafts, and teachings that transcend generations.

What Are the Exhibits About?
The exhibitions, “Haggi̱yo, Huwah! A Living Heritage of the Tuwali Ifugao of Hungduan, An Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” and “Community, Creativity and Continuity: The Story of the NCCA Schools of Living Traditions,” offer visitors an immersive experience into the heart of Filipino culture. The first exhibit centers around the Huwah celebration, a post-harvest event practiced by the Tuwali Ifugao communities of Hungduan, located in the Cordillera highlands. The celebration culminates in the Punnuk, a traditional tug-of-war performed in the waters of the Hapao River.

The second exhibit focuses on the NCCA’s Schools of Living Traditions (SLT), a nationwide program that preserves and transmits indigenous Filipino crafts and practices. This exhibit highlights the critical role of cultural masters in passing on knowledge to younger generations and showcases traditional Filipino arts, from weaving and basketry to ceremonial attire.

Together, these exhibitions provide a living testament to how traditions are maintained and evolve, not merely as relics of the past but as dynamic elements of modern Filipino culture.

When and Where Are the Exhibits Taking Place?
Both exhibitions are on display at the NCCA Gallery in Intramuros, Manila, from October 13 to 30, 2025. The gallery is located at 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, and is open to the public during regular museum hours. The exhibitions are part of a nationwide celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month and Museums and Galleries Month, which further emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation in the country’s identity.

Why Are These Exhibits Significant?
These exhibitions are not just displays of artifacts or historical records; they are vibrant celebrations of Filipino culture that remain alive today. The Punnuk, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015, serves as a key example of how traditional rituals can continue to play a role in shaping community ties, reinforcing kinship, and celebrating collective memory. The ritual itself is a convergence of tradition, play, and spirituality, marking the end of the year’s labor on the rice terraces and reaffirming the connections within the community.

On the other hand, the Schools of Living Traditions provide an essential framework for ensuring that traditional crafts are not lost to time. The NCCA’s SLT program, which started in 1995, has now established over 300 schools nationwide, offering community-managed centers where indigenous knowledge is shared and passed down. The program was recognized by UNESCO in 2021 for its outstanding efforts in safeguarding Filipino cultural traditions, making this exhibition even more crucial for understanding how the younger generations are actively engaged in preserving their heritage.

How Are the Exhibits Presented?
Both exhibitions are brought to life with powerful visuals, thanks to the works of renowned photographer Roel Hoang Manipon. His photos capture the dynamic energy of the Punnuk tug-of-war and the rituals surrounding it, from the sacred rituals performed by mumbaki (priests) to the dramatic tug-of-war itself. The display features traditional Ifugao items, such as the kina-ag—anthropomorphic figures used in the Punnuk, rice wine jars used for divination rituals, and the wooden tools used in the tug-of-war. These objects serve as a physical manifestation of Ifugao heritage, bridging the gap between past and present.

Manipon’s photographs not only showcase the physical elements of the celebrations but also capture the emotion and devotion of the community. A short documentary produced by Manipon further immerses visitors in the spirit of the Punnuk, offering a more in-depth exploration of the ceremony’s significance and its role in spiritual and community life.

Alongside this exhibit, the “Community, Creativity and Continuity” exhibit highlights the SLT program through displays of crafts produced by students and cultural masters—woven textiles, traditional attire, and intricately crafted baskets. Photographs by Gerald Marcfred Dillera complement these objects, showing cultural masters and their apprentices at work, creating a vivid portrayal of the learning process that sustains Filipino traditions.

What Can Visitors Expect to Learn?
Visitors to the exhibitions will learn not only about Filipino rituals and crafts but also about the mechanisms that ensure these traditions continue to thrive. The first exhibit, focusing on the Punnuk, gives a deep dive into the Ifugao people’s connection to nature, community, and spirituality. The second exhibit showcases how the NCCA’s Schools of Living Traditions offer tangible ways for communities to keep their cultural practices alive. From weaving and basketry to dance and music, these traditions are not just taught but experienced, providing a direct link between the elders and the youth.

Conclusion:
The exhibitions at the NCCA Gallery offer an enriching, immersive experience into the enduring strength of Filipino intangible cultural heritage. Through the Punnuk and the NCCA Schools of Living Traditions, these displays show that heritage is not a stagnant artifact to be preserved behind glass, but a living, breathing part of a community’s everyday life. As visitors walk through the exhibitions, they will understand how these traditions, grounded in memory, craftsmanship, and community, continue to shape Filipino identity today.

With the exhibitions running until October 30, 2025, this is a rare opportunity to witness the vitality of Filipino cultural heritage in one place—an unmissable celebration of the Philippines’ indigenous traditions.

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