Munkurpot: Fog in a Bottle

In the heart of Fog City, amidst the bustling streets and modern facades, there resides a guardian of tradition, Julie Dago Mahiwo. Her hands, steeped in the art of Baya making, weave a tale of culture, heritage, and an unspoken bond with the past.

Julie's journey into the world of Tapuy, the cherished rice wine of the Cordilleras, began in Sablan, Benguet. There, she observed her husband, Adriano Mahiwo, an artisan with roots in Hapao, Hungdan, Ifugao, meticulously craft this traditional beverage. With each careful step of the process, from selecting the perfect grains of 'malagkit' rice to the precise fermentation, Julie absorbed the essence of this ancient craft.

Yet, it wasn't mere observation that shaped Julie's path. Her mastery of Baya making blossomed into a personal art form, infused with her unique flair. Unlike many artisans who pass down their methods, Julie believes in the intimate nature of wine making. She views it as a deeply personal act, where the same ingredients and processes yield different results in different hands. This philosophy has kept her from teaching her methods, at least for now.

One fog-laden evening, as we shared stories over glasses of her rich, brown-colored wine, a name emerged for her creation – "Munkurpot," meaning "The Fog Grows Thick" in Ifugao. The name not only captures the essence of Fog City's ambiance but also mirrors the mystical quality of her Baya.

In the villages of Ifugao, Tapuy or Baya is more than a beverage; it's a bridge to the spiritual world. Used in weddings, Thanksgiving, and other festive ceremonies, it is believed that, in the right amounts, Tapuy can summon the spirits of ancestors to impart wisdom to the living.

However, as modernity encroaches, with rice lands giving way to concrete and steel, there lies an undercurrent of concern. Julie humorously yet thoughtfully muses about a future where foreign rice might brew unfamiliar spirits, a reflection of the changing times and evolving traditions.

Recently, whispers have circulated about Julie's Baya claiming victory in a Tapuy contest, a testament to her skill and dedication. Such recognition underscores the cultural richness of her craft.

As we delve into Julie Dago Mahiwo's world, where each sip of Munkurpot tells a story of fog, tradition, and memory, we're reminded of the fragile threads that connect us to our heritage. In the hands of artisans like Julie, these threads are not only preserved but woven into the tapestry of our collective history, a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition in an ever-changing world.