When Faith Meets Culture: An Explorative (re)construction of the Pakudos of the Hanunuo-Mangyan of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Abstract Pakudos is a visual motif particular only to the Hanunuo-Mangyan of Mindoro. It is regarded not only as a cultural heritage but also as a cultural identity. Kudos comes from the word krus for it bears the design of a cross. This is an everyday find as an embroidered design on their sleeves and other accessories like bracelets and sheaths of bolos. In the interview made by the researcher, respondents hold that this art is handed unto them by their ancestors. Yet they are not sure of its origin. Using ethnographic survey coupled with archival research, the researcher proposes that this particular art may be a product of the early encounters of the Hanunuo with the missionaries in the island of Mindoro. As times went on, the symbol of the cross (kudos) was appropriated and eventually owned by them as part of their cultural identity.