In the Cordillera and other parts of Northern Luzon, indigenous people have long relied on backpacks with names as diverse as their designs — pasiking, takba, sangi, hape-eng, among others. Each is more than just a bag; it’s a piece of living culture, a testament to craftsmanship, and a glimpse into everyday life.
Couple Armand and Voltaire Cating are paying tribute to this heritage with their exhibit, “Carriers of Tradition: Backpacks of the Northern Philippines,” which officially opens at the Baguio Museum on the afternoon of 13 December 2025. The exhibit celebrates the artistry, functionality, and cultural significance of the pasiking, handwoven from natural fibers into backpacks that have carried generations.
The showcase features over 150 rare and unique pieces, mostly from Armand and Maricel Cating’s personal collection, with additional contributions from private collectors. Visitors will also see selected chagi pack frames, highlighting variations in design across communities.
Armand, or “Rocky,” a Baguio native, started collecting pasiking materials in his early twenties. Drawn to their practicality and distinctly Filipino character, Rocky has amassed a rich archive of books, photographs, and artifacts related to indigenous backpack traditions.
“Each pasiking tells a story,” he says. “It’s not just about carrying things; it’s about carrying culture, history and identity.”
Cordilleran pasiking are known for their functional design and meticulous craftsmanship. Some even reveal early weatherproofing techniques dating back to the late Spanish period. Yet the exhibit doesn’t shy away from contemporary challenges: declining interest and limited access to natural materials have made sustaining the craft increasingly difficult.
To address this, the collection juxtaposes traditional designs with modern interpretations — backpacks made from nylon detonating cords and conveyor belts from mines, demonstrating how indigenous creativity adapts to contemporary life. From ritual use to everyday utility, antique pieces to modern innovations, the exhibit traces the evolving story of Northern Philippine backpack-making.
Local artist and cultural advocate Aldwin Quitasol highlights the exhibit as an essential platform for cultural education. “Seeing these backpacks, you realize they are living artifacts,” Quitasol says. “They connect us to our roots while inspiring new ways to carry our stories forward.”
“Carriers of Tradition: Backpacks of the Northern Philippines” runs from 13 December 2025, to 6 January 2026, at the Baguio Museum, DoT–TIEZA Complex, in front of Baguio City National High School along Governor Pack Road. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays.