'Toy napigket nga daga
Pitpitenmi nga umuna
Danggayanmi't kankanta
Takkiagmi a napigsa
Kettang ken bannogmi
dikam igingina 

     Mannamili
     Ilokano Folk Song

ABSTRACT

The paper deals with the identification, documentation, and restoration attempts of the last remnants of the baldi in Ilocos Sur particularly in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur. It tries also to present the traditional processes of the local folks of the past—this is no longer practiced--in the making of anyil (indigo) as one important product during the famous Galleon Trade between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico.

In this presentation, two short stories written by the author (one in Ilokano and the other in Filipino; both shall be loosely translated in English) will be attached as supplementary materials in understanding the intricate indigo production and concomitant practices of the people and the local cacique.

This paper tries to describe the factors surrounding the baldi; the bricks, stones a s well as the plastering materials used in the construction, the height, diameter among others relative to the stone structure are given emphasis. 

Interviews of people who have extensive knowledge about it highlight the presentation. Questions that revolve on the building of the stone structures, and the well beside these baldi as well as the traditional knowledge of the people in the making of the indigo dye are discussed.

The many uses of the produced indigo dye and that of the plant (tayum) used in the anyil production laced with the unique culture of the Ilokanos are likewise underscored.

The conclusion of this presentation is dubbed as ‘the lost glory’ of the stone structures that once thrived during the Spanish period. The restoration attempt to preserve at least the last remnants of the baldi is the paper's most significant recommendation. This ultimately gives the people a sense of historical perspective and awareness that our forebears have their own unique way of making things great and significant.

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