Araw Hospitality Group introduced their social initiative, Araw Aruga. Committed to social responsibility, the group sees itself not only as a hospitality entity but also as a vital contributor to the Filipino community, with the ethos of Araw Aruga at the core of their mission.
Recently, they held a touching tribute to Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities (IPs/ICCs) from May 6 to 8, 2024, at Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas.
Following a landmark partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in September 2023, Araw Aruga invited incredible women from different ICCs to a pamper retreat at Nawa Wellness in Calatagan, Batangas.
Tessie of Isnag ICC, Arlene and Maribel of Sama Bajau ICC, and Daisyrie of Dumagat ICC, who are all leaders and representatives in their respective communities, enjoyed their well-deserved break, immersing themselves in Nawa Wellness’s spa treatments and distinctive offerings.
As part of Araw Aruga’s sustainable livelihood program, and guided by the skilled wellness therapists of Nawa Wellness, these women engaged in a livelihood workshop, exploring the fundamentals of traditional Filipino Hilot massage.
More than a wellness retreat, the program also aimed to provide a platform for the IP women to share their stories. All the women shared their advocacies, struggles, and dreams for their ICC and for all IPs in the Philippines.
The program culminated with a special cultural night, where each woman was invited to present a piece of their ICC’s culture and art.
By the end of the event, each participant felt deeply moved and motivated to continue their advocacies. As shared by the IP women, much work remains to be done for our indigenous brothers and sisters.
Araw Hospitality Group, through their Araw Aruga program, is committed to supporting the initiatives of the NCIP and looks forward to building more sustainable ecosystems that can have a ripple effect in society.
