It’s another beautiful day in Boracay, a perfect time to meet and mingle with different kinds of people. And that’s exactly what Magandang Buhay hosts Melai Cativeros, Jolina Magdangal and Karla Estrada did for today’s episode, as they continue to celebrate the show’s 3rd anniversary. The momshies visited a community, where the ethnic group Ati resides, who are also considered to be the island’s first settlers.
As soon as Karla, Melai and Jolina arrived at the location, they were warmly welcomed by the natives with two tribal songs. The momshies appreciated the gesture so much that they couldn’t help but ask what the songs meant. According to Vangie Tamboon, who is the Project Manager of the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization, the meaning behind the songs was welcoming their guests and that they are happy to have them. “Welcome po namin sa inyo, sa pagdating sa aming village. Malaki ang puso namin para sa mga bisitang dumadating,” Vangie explained enthusiastically. It can be noted that the group is quite creative and resourceful, as they work hard to create soaps, weave bags, wallets and soap containers for a living. The young ones introduced themselves to the momshies, and taught them how to play the drums. Vangie then toured the three guests to the Ati Living Heritage Center called the Bihasin, where they keep and restore old artifacts that belong to their tribe. The momshies were amazed with all the ancient but beautiful collections.
The MB momshies took time to really get to know the people in the village, watched them weave, and visited their homes. Karla, Jolina and Melai tried their luck at weaving as well, but found the process quite complicated. While taking a look inside their humble abodes, Jolina and Melai were able to know more about their families and their lives, which the hosts noticed, were quite simple. Meanwhile, Karla headed off to a souvenir shop and learned more on how the business and how the all-natural products are made. She then realized that they play a significant part in the lives of the natives’ families. After taking a few selfie shots with the grandmothers during their bonding time, she urged visitors to purchase products made by the Atis, to help bolster their livelihood. “Tangkilikin at bilhin lang natin ang kanilang produkto. Gawa nila ito, at para ma-happy na sila,” Karla emphasized, while Jolina and Melai agreed. They were also sweet enough to bring home a couple of bracelets that some community members brought for them. “So meron na tayong friendship bracelet!” Karla said cheerfully.
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