Araw Hospitality Group, recognized for its thrilling ventures like Lihim Resorts in El Nido, Palawan, Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas, the UNWND Boutique Resort chain, and Kommons by Kamino in Boracay, launched its social initiative, Araw Aruga. Dedicated to social duty, Araw Hospitality Group sees itself not solely as a hospitality entity but additionally as a significant contributor to the Filipino neighborhood, with the ethos of Araw Aruga on the core of its mission.
Only in the near past, they held a touching tribute to Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities (IPs/ICCs) from Might 6-8, 2024, at Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas. Following a landmark partnership with the Nationwide Fee on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in September 2023, Araw Aruga invited unbelievable girls from totally different ICCs to a pampering retreat at Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas. These girls, Tessie of Isnag ICC, Arlene and Maribel of Sama Bajau ICC, and Daisyrie of Dumagat ICC are all leaders and representatives of their respective communities. They have been additionally joined by representatives from the NCIP, Ms. Glenda Pua, Chief of the Socio-Financial Growth Division, and Ms. Shanna Villado, Administrative Aide.
The IP girls loved their well-deserved break, immersing themselves in Nawa Wellness’ spa remedies just like the stress-free Haplos therapeutic massage and rejuvenating all-natural facial remedy. They made probably the most out of Nawa Wellness’ distinctive choices, together with breathwork, meditation, the Himalayan salt room, steam room, and sauna, creating moments of relaxation and rest. As a part of Araw Aruga’s sustainable livelihood program, and guided by the expert wellness therapists of Nawa Wellness, the ladies engaged in a livelihood workshop, exploring the basics of conventional Filipino Hilot therapeutic massage.
Greater than a wellness retreat, this system additionally aimed to supply a platform for IP girls to share their tales. All girls shared about their advocacies, struggles, and goals for his or her ICC and for all IPs within the Philippines. “Yun po ang aking adbokasiya, [na makita ng iba na] pwede rin kaming magbago. Pwede kami magsikap,” [“That is my advocacy, that others will see that we can also change. We can also dream.”] Arlene of Sama Bajau ICC shared, pertaining to the struggles IPs face in relation to discrimination and the hardships of ending their training. Moreover, she hoped that others would see IPs as their equals, worthy of pursuing their goals and careers similar to anybody else.
Tessie of Isnag ICC shared the identical sentiments, saying that when she was youthful, “‘Yun yung inspirasyon ko, gusto ko mag-aral.” (“That was my inspiration, that I may research.”) It was troublesome for Tessie to review, as she confronted a number of challenges on her each day route from their dwelling within the mountainous Cordilleras to the varsity within the village beneath, and it was not unusual for a lot of to belittle her background. Nonetheless, she persevered and continues to work in the direction of illustration and correct documentation for her fellow IPs and ICC.
This system culminated with a particular cultural evening, the place every lady was invited to current a chunk of their ICC’s tradition and artwork. Daisyrie of Dumagat ICC carried out a stirring work of spoken poetry, whereas Maribel and Arlene of Sama Bajau ICC shared totally different types of their cultural dances. To not be outdone, Tessie of Isnag ICC additionally offered a dance and defined the significant apparel and traditions of her cultural neighborhood.
By the tip of the occasion, every participant felt deeply moved and motivated to proceed their advocacies. As shared by the IP girls, a lot work stays to be performed for our indigenous brothers and sisters. This occasion was simply the beginning of larger initiatives that can have a optimistic societal impression rooted in honest connections, empowered voices, and shared cultures. On this gentle, Araw Hospitality Group, by their Araw Aruga program, is dedicated to supporting the initiatives of the NCIP and appears ahead to constructing extra sustainable ecosystems that may have a ripple impact in society.
This text is dropped at you by Nawa Wellness NCIP.
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