08/11/2026
Understanding Ba-diw (Bahdew): The Sacred Soul of Ibaloy Chants and Poetry 🌾🎶
Part 99
What is Ba-diw (or Bahdew), and why does it hold such a central place in the identity of the Ibaloi people of Benguet?
Through the pioneering research of respected scholars, community tradition bearers, and linguistic documentations, we gain a deeper appreciation of this sacred oral tradition that bridges ancestral wisdom with present and future generations.
📖 According to Prof. Eufronio L. Pungayan, Ph.D.
Author of "The Temper and Charisma of the Ba-diw in Three Ibaloi Towns" in "Some of the Writings on THE IBALOIS"
A Unique Cultural Marker: The Ba-diw is a distinct class of vocal singing, discourse, and social practice. Aside from the Kalangoya Igorots (the sister-tribe of the Ibalois), no other ethnic group in the Philippines practices it.
Heartland of Classicality: While practiced across Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, and Ifugao, the Ba-diw reaches its highest, most standardized degree of "classicality" along the Agno River area—specifically in Itogon, Bokod, and Kabayan.
The 5 General Types of Ba-diw: Drawn from the authentic oral knowledge of community elders, Prof. Pungayan categorizes Ba-diw into five main types:
Batbat / Pinsh*tan Ba-diw
Kapi Ba-diw
Pinatjan Ba-diw
Ngilin Ba-diw
Adadkos Ba-diw
🗣️ According to the "Ibaloy: Dictionary, Phonology, Grammar, Morphophonemics"
A Ba-diw is never just a solo chant—it requires the collective response of the community to complete its spiritual and expressive intent.
The Response Chorus (Asbayat / Atob): The dictionary defines asbayat (synonymous with atob) as the laryngeal, undulating response chorus in ba-diw chants.
The Role of the Chorus: In the asbayat, women and fellow elders repeat and echo specific words chanted by the leader ("Asbayati jo ngo a!" — "You, join in the asbayat!"). The lead chanter delivers the core message, but it is the asbayat that amplifies, echoes, and carries the prayer to the spiritual realm and the community.
📜 According to Victor Adaoc Cosalan
Author of "A Compilation of BAHDEW NI INGKULOS: Ibaloy Rhymes and More" (Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet) Bahdew (or Bahbahdew) as indigenous poetry is applied across four core settings:
Prayers, Petitions, and Wishes for various occasions;
Entertainment or Adibay during community gatherings;
Marriage Messages (Kibadey, Ngilin, Kapi, Sangbo); and
Wake Topics & Messages (Mahmahkes).
The Strict 7-Syllable Meter: Master composers strictly observe a seven-syllable structure per line with meaningful rhyming schemes.
Unstructured compositions by beginners that break this rule are referred to by critics as "anan awgwal".
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge Systems & Practices (IKSP): Reading and reciting these rhymes reconnects generations, keeping traditional values relevant and active in present-day life.
Whether chanted around the fire at community gatherings, recited in solemn rituals, or shared in peaceful solitude, the Ba-diw / Bahdew remains a living testament to the rich spiritual depth, history, and poetic artistry of the Ibaloi—brought to life by the lead chanter and echoed back by the community through the asbayat. 🌲✨
Jose "Joemol" Mencio Molintas
