Insertion among the Aeta people

Last August 2nd I arrived in Villa Maria. It is a barrio located in a mountainous region of Pampanga. The area is 7km away from the town of Porac. Though it is accessible by all kinds of vehicles the only public transportation being used here is the tricycle.  The community is an ancestral land of the Aetas and was originally home to a small community, but the population of Aetas in the area has swelled as a result of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991; those affected by the eruption resettled here.  Villa Maria is very far from the city and there is no other means of communication except the mobile phone which most of the time has no signal, which is why I cannot send communications?

I live in the sisters' mission house which is located 2km away from the center of the barrio. No television and radio to update me about the happenings and situation in other places? The only sounds I hear are the sounds produced by the different kinds of animals that are not familiar to me especially during night time.  I spend a lot of my time ?in prayer, my constant communication with God.  I also began to appreciate the beauty of God's creation around me, so beautifully made by His hands.  I have befriended them all, including insects (Even snakes became my friends. I see one almost everyday). But most of all, I became closer to God. I am now used to the different sounds I hear even those which are not familiar to me and I am not afraid anymore.

The main source of income for the Aetas is farming. They plant root crops and fruits (such as papaya and bananas) for sale in the town.  The people have black and rough skin and curly hair. Some call them "Baluga" a name with which they do not want to be identified. They prefer to be called "kulot" because of their curly hair that marks their distinctness from others.  It is very frustrating to see them being mocked by lowlanders. People tease and laugh at them, shouting at the top of their voices "Baluga! Baluga!"  By nature or by their difficulties in relating with others, the Aetas prefer to be silent and let these people continue mocking them.  Most do not know how to  read and write even their own names.  Some go from house to house to beg for food. Money is not their concern.