The spectacle of handsome men with Some of the candidates, in addition, were

sculpted bodies strutting on a runway while also featured in numerous online posts
wearing "bahag," the male Igorot loincloth, within sexualized poses and several
has sparked a new discussion towards the comments are rife with sexual innuendo.
commercial exploitation of the Cordillera This was only one of the most famous
people. Several photographs and even scenarios of "cultural appropriation" to ever
videos of the "Man of the World" pageant occur in the nation.
have debated citizens on social media. Many
individuals also began arguing that the
"Bahag Competition," which was promoted
as the swimsuit category of the competition,
primarily disrespected the culture of
Indigenous People (IP) group — Igorot.

With all these controversies, it only became

evident that the "bahag" was culturally
appropriated by the organizers of that
pageant. All candidates primarily misapplied
the clothing in an effort make it suitable as
a swimwear. This only gave off the wrong
impression that the bahag is just used for
merely entertainment and exhibition.
Regardless of the consent, it was crystal
clear how the pageant organizers
intentionally disregarded the culture by
using the apparel as part of the competition,
misrepresenting its significant value and
purpose for the Igorots.

CALDITO, KRIEZL L. | BSA 2A.

Missology.
https://www.facebook.com/MANOFTHEWORLDPAGEANT/posts/1712619635756970

Beyond the bahag: Male pageant reignites debate on use of Cordillera culture.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/bahag-male-pageant-reignites-debate-cordillera-cultural-appropriation/?
fbclid=IwAR0KDVfiCOClbMvN8GX4TOecCFe8lsxg1lA_CS21W7vDplcfLRqlHK7u-7w