"Kami sang kabalayan, Magseserbi kay Ampo"
By: Josephine Gacko

The Batak Tribe, scattered in the mountains of Palawan, is no longer considered an unreached people group. For the past seven years, Pastor Joseph Demafelis has been ministering to the Batak tribe located in the mountains of Caramay, Palawan. From tribal wars and Christless lives, the Batak has now found peace and salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Last September 4, 2005, MTP Batch 8 trainees and ACM Staff (myself and Joseph Cañete) had the opportunity to meet the Batak tribe during a two-week exposure trip in Palawan.

THE JOURNEY
With all the backpacks and bags ready, plus the 4 sacks of gifts for the Batak, the team journeyed for three days on sea before reaching Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Then from Puerto to Caramay, it took a 3-hour drive. And from Caramay to Ananabu, we took a 6-hour walk under the rain and crossed 16 rivers to reach the Batak tribe.

FINALLY, MEETING THE BATAK PEOPLE

The rain poured even more when the team arrived in the Batak community. Pastor Armando, the newly assigned pastor for the Batak tribe, together with the Chieftain and some youth, came to greet us. The Batak smiled, shook hands and exchanged words with us. The Batak people have been known for being aloof and shy but now, they welcomed our team eagerly to talk about their fellowship with us as brothers and sisters in the Lord.

On the 2nd and 3rd night, we were divided by pair. The pairs were assigned to different houses of the Batak to live and experience a day with them. The families who hosted them said that they were blessed to have been visited. They were more than willing to share their culture and food with us.

THE BATAK EXPERIENCE
The food. The team ate their food like "pako-pako" (fern leaves cook in coconut milk), "kaingin rice" (rice planted on the mountainside), "kamansi" (ginataang kamansi), and many others. Coconut milk is common to most of their dishes. We didn't have the chance to eat their exotic meat delicacy like "baboy ramo" or wild pig and monkey because it is difficult and dangerous to hunt for them when it is raining as it was during our stay there. Hmmm…..
The language. It wasn't totally different from the team's own Cebuano language so it wasn't as hard to learn the Batak language. It was surprising to notice that they have certain words in Cebuano, Tagalog and Spanish.
The people. The Batak are basically shy but when they come to know you and sense that you are not a threat to them, they could be very accommodating even though they don't have much to offer. Their houses have only one room used for sleeping, eating, and even comfort room at times. The whole family even the extension families cuddle up in that one room-mothers, fathers, and children.

ONE IN WORSHIP

It might have been a usual Sunday morning service for the Batak tribe when the team was there, but for the team, it was extraordinary. We did not understand the songs they sang or even know how to speak the words, yet we were worshipping with the Batak. When it comes to worship, what counts is the heart. And at that time, we were with one heart in worshipping the Lord.

"KAMI SANG KABALAYAN"
We only had stayed for four days with the Batak but it was joyous to know that they have accepted us as part of their family. Calling our host parents "Tatay" and "Nanay" is appropriate but for us it was more than propriety. We have come to love and respect them and them to us. That is why the Batak song "Kami Sang Kabalayan" had made a great impact on us.

Kami sang kabalayan
(We as a family)
Magseserbi kay Ampo
(We will serve the Lord)
Magseserbi kada aldaw
(We will serve everyday)
Magseserbi maski kae
(We will serve wherever we are)

We may have different backgrounds, ways and lifestyle, but that didn't stop us to become part of the Batak family. We may be far from each other now; still the song will be a constant reminder that we will continue to serve the Lord as a family, everyday, wherever we may be.