SunStar
January 29, 2021
THE new city ordinance banning chewing betel nut quid has stimulated the resurgence and telling of “Kiangan jokes.” There is no better way to forget and escape the boring atmosphere of home self-quarantine but re-live those funny and entertaining jokes among family members and friends.
Kiangan jokes are raillery banters or good-humorous teasing. And the butt of ridicule is normally a personality from Kiangan.
Kiangan is the ancient town in Ifugao province, a paradise in folklore where the local version of the biblical creation of humans took place, lived and enjoyed the blessings of their creator.
Until recent years, anyone from the 11 towns of Ifugao is popularly identified as “Kiangan.” It’s like the present young generation in the Cordillera proudly identifying themselves as residents of Baguio City when living or working abroad.