The Itawes ethnic group, also known as the Tawitawi or Tawitawi Itawis, is one of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines. They primarily live in the province of Cagayan in Northern Luzon. The Itawes people have a rich culture and history, and have contributed greatly to the arts, literature, and society in general. Here are ten famous individuals from the Itawes ethnic group:
- 1. Eusebio Villaruz – A renowned Filipino dance critic, Villaruz is known for his expertise in Philippine dance and his contributions to Philippine dance literature.
- 2. Jose Yap Dalisay Jr. – A prolific Filipino writer, Dalisay has authored numerous books and has received numerous awards for his contributions to Philippine literature.
- 3. Romulo Baquiran Jr. – An award-winning Filipino playwright and fictionist, Baquiran is known for his thought-provoking works that tackle societal issues.
- 4. Jose Ma. Espino – A former governor of Pangasinan, Espino was recognized for his excellent leadership and governance in the province.
- 5. Atty. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. – A lawyer and politician, Belmonte served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Philippines from 2010 to 2016.
- 6. Justice Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla – A retired Associate Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court, Baltazar-Padilla served as a member of the highest court in the Philippines from 1987 to 1998.
- 7. Roger Dapug – A renowned Filipino painter, Dapug is known for his realistic and vibrant artworks that depict the culture and traditions of the Philippines.
- 8. Chef Myrna Segismundo – An accomplished Filipino chef, Segismundo has been awarded multiple times for her culinary mastery and her efforts in promoting Filipino cuisine.
- 9. Dr. Teresita Sabellina-Gandionco – A respected Filipino doctor and educator, Gandionco has made significant contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
- 10. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile – A prominent Filipino politician and lawyer, Enrile has held various high-ranking positions in the government and has been an influential figure in Philippine politics for decades.
These individuals from the Itawes ethnic group have not only brought pride and recognition to their community, but they have also made significant contributions to the Philippines as a whole. Whether in the fields of arts, literature, politics, or science, their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations.
Most Famous Itawes Celebrities
Itawes is a language and ethnic group in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. Itawes people have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment and media. Here are some famous celebrities who have roots in Itawes:
- Lorna Tolentino – Born Lorna Tolentino-Gomez, she is a well-known Filipina actress and host. She has received numerous accolades for her performances in both film and television. She hails from Gattaran, Cagayan, which is predominantly Itawes.
- Cherry Pie Picache – Real name Regina Buensuceso Picache, she is an award-winning actress known for her versatile roles in movies, television dramas, and theater productions. She traces her roots back to the Itawes-speaking community of Amulung, Cagayan.
- Mylene Dizon – Born Milagros Mylene Dizon, she is a popular actress and model who has starred in numerous films and television shows. Dizon’s family comes from Enrile, Cagayan, which is known for its Itawes heritage.
- Jericho Rosales – Rosales is a highly acclaimed actor, singer, and model in the Philippines. He has starred in various critically acclaimed films and successful television dramas. Jericho’s maternal lineage can be traced back to the Itawes-speaking community in Amulung, Cagayan.
- Ernie Baron – Known as the “Walking Encyclopedia of the Philippines,” Baron was a well-respected Filipino weatherman, television host, and science educator. Baron was proud of his Itawes heritage, as his mother came from Gattaran, Cagayan.
These celebrities with roots in Itawes have achieved great success in their respective fields. They continue to inspire others with their talent and dedication, serving as proud representatives of their culture and heritage.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Itawes People
| Population | Approximately 85,000 |
|---|---|
| Region | Cagayan Valley (Region II) |
| Provinces | Cagayan, Isabela |
| Cities and Municipalities | Tuguegarao City, Ilagan City, other towns in Cagayan and Isabela |
| Language | Itawit (Itawes) |
| Religion | Mainly Roman Catholic |
| Traditions and Culture | Rich oral tradition, traditional music and dances such as the Dinaparan and Cagayan Valley Sayaw, craftsmanship in basket-weaving and pottery |
References to the Itawes Ethnic Group
1. Wikipedia – This Wikipedia article provides a general overview of the Itawes people. It covers their history, culture, language, and other relevant information.
- History – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itawes_people#History
- Culture – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itawes_people#Culture
- Language – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itawes_people#Language
2. Ethnologue – Ethnologue is a reliable resource for language information. This page specifically provides details on the Itawes language, including its classification, dialects, and usage.
- Language details – https://www.ethnologue.com/language/itv
3. Joshua Project – The Joshua Project is a database dedicated to ethnic and religious groups around the world. This page offers information on the Itawes people, such as their population, location, and religion.
- Population and location – https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11914
- Religion – https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11914/PH
4. Cagayan Historical Society Foundation – This source provides a detailed history of Cagayan, the region where the Itawes people are primarily found. Understanding the historical context can shed light on the Itawes people’s experiences.
- Cagayan history – https://www.pwc.org.ph/philsmed/cagayan/download/cagayan%20history.pdf
If you’d like to delve deeper into about the famous people of Itawes, we encourage you to utilize our search feature in KOBI International or visit the official websites and references for accessing relevant materials.
