Araw Hospitality Group, known for such inspiring ventures as Lihim Resort in El Nido, Palawan, Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas, UNWND boutique hotel chain, and Commons by Camino in Boracay, has introduced its social initiative, Araw Aruga. Committed to living up to its social responsibility, Araw Hospitality Group has positioned itself not only as a hospitality company, but also as a vital contributor to Philippine society, with the ethos of Araw Aruga at the core of its mission.
Most recently, they held a moving tribute to Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities (IP/ICC) from May 6 to 8, 2024 at Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas. Following a ground-breaking partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in September 2023, Arau Aruga invited amazing women from various ICCs to a luxurious retreat at Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas . These women, Tessie from Isnag ICC, Arlene and Maribel from Summer Bajau ICC, and Daisily from Dumagat ICC, are leaders and representatives of their communities. Representatives from NCIP, Socio-Economic Development Director Glenda Poore, and Administrative Assistant Shana Villad also attended.
The IP women enjoyed a well-deserved break by indulging in Nawa Wellness’ spa treatments, including a relaxing Haplos massage and rejuvenating all-natural facial therapy. They made the most of Nawa Wellness’ signature offerings, including breathing exercises, meditation, Himalayan salt rooms, steam rooms and saunas, to create moments of rest and relaxation. As part of Arau-Aruga’s sustainable livelihood program, under the guidance of Nawa Wellness’ skilled wellness therapists, the women participated in a livelihood workshop and explored the fundamentals of traditional Filipino Hilot massage.
The program was not just a wellness retreat, but also a platform for IP women to share their stories. All women shared their advocacy, struggles, and dreams for the ICC and for all Philippine IPs. ” [na makita ng iba na] “Pwede ling kaming magbago. Pwede kami magsikap.” [“That is my advocacy, that others will see that we can also change. We can also dream.”] Arlene from Sama Bajau ICC shared the struggles IPs face regarding discrimination and difficulties in completing their education. Additionally, she wanted others to see intellectual property as their equals and worthy of pursuing their dreams and careers just like everyone else.
Tessie from Isnag ICC had the same sentiments, saying that when she was younger, she used to say, “‘Yunyun, inspiration, ko, gust, magaral.'” (“That was my inspiration, that I could study.”) Studying was difficult for Tessie, she said. On her daily journey from her home in the mountain range to the school in the village below, she faced multiple challenges, but she did not. It’s unusual that so many people downplay her career. Still, she is persistent and continues her efforts towards proper documentation with her fellow IPs and her ICC representatives.
The program concluded with a special cultural evening where each woman was invited to present a piece of ICC culture and art. Daisylee from Dumagat ICC performed an inspiring poetry reading while Maribel and Arlene from Sama Bajau ICC performed various forms of cultural dance. Not to be outdone, Tessie from Isnag ICC also performed a dance and explained the meaningful costumes and traditions of her cultural community.
At the end of the event, all participants were deeply moved and motivated to continue their work. As the women of IP have said, there is still much work to be done for our Indigenous brothers and sisters. This event is just the beginning of a larger effort to positively impact society, rooted in honest connections, powerful voices, and shared culture. In this light, Araw Hospitality Group, through the Araw Aruga program, is committed to supporting the efforts of NCIP and looks forward to building a more sustainable ecosystem that will have a ripple effect on society.
This article is brought to you by Nawa Wellness NCIP.
ADVT.
