The Gaddang people are an ethnic group in Philippine that has a unique set of religious beliefs and practices. In their traditional religion, the concept of Nanolay, a deity that is both the creator of all things and a culture hero, is prominent. Other deities include Dasal, who is prayed to before going into battle, and the fathers of two heroes that are Bunag, the god of the earth, and Limat, the god of the sea.

Gaddang cosmology includes dufafa, which is the material world, and kalekay, the afterlife. In Gaddang cosmogony, the term describes the place where all living things originated, the place where Nanolay performed his acts of creation. The Gaddang have a paranoidal fear of danger due to a history of headhunting and present times ridden with disease and malnutrition.

According to the Gaddang, the earth is made up of "man, domesticated plants, ghouls, illness, and all," and they believe in two kinds of illness. Most illness is attributed to natural causes, although they also believe that illness can be caused by evil spirits, like the bingil and aran. The Gaddang have several kinds of medium, such as the mengal and mabayan, and they perform anitu rites and other rituals related to planting, harvesting, death, warfare, sickness, or misfortune. Anitu does not refer to an ancestral spirit, but a supernatural power, and it is understood as that which is followed by all. Gaddang have an anitu rite of seven rites of passage, which can be used to cure the sick and avoid misfortune due to breach of a taboo.

Kultura ng Pagdidiwata

(Harmony with the Deities, Creative Forces of Nature and Ancestral Spirits)

The Filipino culture that looks at life in harmony with nature, deities and ancestral spirits. For them, art, myth, ritual, work and activities of everyday life are all integrated into one.

This part of Filipino culture is manifested by many of our indigenous peoples whose lives are connected to nature. They have established a connection with the forests, the trees, the animals, and the climate. This is manifested in their way of life and traditions—their rituals, songs, dances, weaves.

The Kultura ng Pagdidiwata of the Gaddang people in Isabela, Philippines, encapsulates a rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, ecological wisdom, and social cohesion. It is a testament to their resilience, heritage, and profound connection to the natural and supernatural realms that shape their lives and worldview.

Kultura ng Pamamanata
(Devotion to the Patron Saint and Village Community)

It explores how Catholicism has become an important part of Filipino culture especially those in the countryside. Celebrations or fiestas commemorating feast days of the Santo Niño, Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, or a patron saint have brought many communities together.

The Kultura ng Pamamanata fosters a profound sense of community among the Gaddang people in Cauayan City. The patron saint fiestas serve as focal points for social interaction, bringing together families, neighbors, and friends in joyful celebration. These gatherings provide opportunities for reconnecting with loved ones, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and building solidarity within the community.

Kultura ng Pananahan

(Devotion to the Home and Family)

It talks about a culture where family is the ‘bedrock of existence’ and the home is the ‘haven of rest.’ The value of family togetherness is highlighted.

The Kultura ng Pananahan of the Gaddang people in Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines, embodies their cultural identity, values, and way of life related to settlement, housing, and community organization. It reflects their deep-rooted connection to the land, traditional architectural practices, and communal dynamics that have sustained them for centuries.

Kultura ng Pag-aaliw

(Culture of Entertainment or Sensations )

This is the culture of fun, sheer physical energy and sensory excitements. It is about popular entertainers, movie stars, sports heroes, popular icons in all fields.

It looks into the songs, dances, popular celebrities, and terminologies that reflect the natural creativity, wit or humor of Filipinos.

The Kultura ng Pag-aaliw of the Gaddang people in Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines, encompasses a rich tapestry of traditional performances, cultural festivals, recreational activities, and community gatherings that contribute to their cultural identity, social cohesion, and collective enjoyment.

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