This book delves into the life and music of the T’boli epic singer Mendung Sabal and traces her journey from a young girl in a rapidly transforming society to a revered keeper of her people’s stories. It meticulously unpacks her craft and brilliance, exploring how her mastery of T’boli musical and poetic forms transformed personal and communal narratives into powerful performances, securing her place as a pivotal figure in the preservation and revitalization of her culture’s oral traditions. Through her stories, she conveys the myriad ways her talents sustained her and her family, offering a powerful example of how Indigenous art forms can serve both cultural and economic sustenance. Finally, Mendung’s life and her music stand as beacons for the T’boli and for any who find themselves navigating the challenging currents of cultural conservation in the face of inevitable change.
Published in 2025.