Lost: Iraya Mangyan Culture and Identities Then

This qualitative study explores the cultural identity and heritage of the Iraya Mangyan people through the lived experiences and recollections of community elders aged 50 and above. Using Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) as the primary method, the research documents and analyzes the cultural expressions that shape Iraya Mangyan identity, particularly in the domains of festivals, performing arts (music and drama), visual arts, gastronomy, and traditional games. Elders shared vivid memories of communal festivals grounded in spirituality and seasonal cycles, performing arts that conveyed moral teachings and collective memory, and visual arts such as weaving and wood carving that served as both functional and symbolic cultural artifacts. Traditional food practices, including forest-foraged ingredients and shared preparation methods, reveal a deep ecological knowledge and cultural cohesion. Indigenous games were remembered not only for leisure but for their roles in social bonding, skill-building, and cultural instruction. Through these discussions, the study highlights the role of elders as vital custodians of cultural memory and underscores the urgency of documenting and revitalizing endangered traditions. The findings offer valuable insights for cultural preservation efforts, education, and policymaking aimed at supporting Indigenous identity and resilience in the face of cultural erosion and modernization.