A morning of games with the Dumagat tribe at River Ranch

Simple things bring much delight to me, like waking up to nature and watching the morning mist lift, or falling asleep while counting the stars veiled by nightfall — from beside my tent in a campsite.

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PAGHUHULI NG BIIK - Blindfolded, these young men chase a pig. DUMAGAT CHILDREN show creativity at the art class. STRETCHING A HERITAGE - A Dumagat young man shows the art of archery.

There, every sign of routine, like the aroma of coffee, is savored mostly because you have to go through the ritual of making a cup without help from modern appliances.

A few weekends ago, that delight was flavored by the presence of the Dumagat tribe who were in River Ranch, a campsite I frequent. At least 300 of them were there for the 15th Hane Festival held by the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal, on Nov. 16. The games which were part of the festival — Palarong Lahi — was an extra treat of delight to campers like me. What more can add to an outdoor experience than a morning of games and “getting-to-know-you” conversations with the Dumagat tribe who live in the mountains of Tanay?