Antero Cabrera, known as "Balonglong" in his family, stands out in history for his remarkable journey from a young orphan to a celebrated figure at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. The fair, officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, opened on April 30, 1904, and featured the Philippine Reservation, one of its most controversial attractions. This exhibit displayed native Filipinos, including Igorot, Negritos, Bagobos, Moros, and Visayans, often as spectacles of colonialism.
Of the 1,100 Filipinos showcased, Antero emerged as a media favorite, becoming the most photographed and written-about celebrity at the fair. His journey began when he was adopted by the Cabrera family, a group of Ilocanos. At about 12 years old, he was employed by anthropologist Albert Ernest Jenks and his wife to work as an interpreter alongside other Bontoc boys for an ethnology project focused on the Igorot.
Early Life and Linguistic Skills
Growing up in Bontoc, Antero developed his language skills through interactions with Americans. He was fluent in English, the most proficient among his peers. He even assisted Rev. Walter Clayton Clapp, a benevolent Episcopalian missionary, in writing a Bontoc-English dictionary, which was published in 1908.
When Jenks was appointed the director of Philippine ethnology for the St. Louis World's Fair, he selected Antero as a member of the Igorot delegation. Another recruiter, Truman Hunt, tasked Antero with finding 40 other Igorot of specific ages to join the Igorot Village at the fair.
At 15, Antero traveled to America, arriving just in time for the fair's opening. As the only English-speaking Igorot in his group, he attended an American model school led by Maria Pilar Zamora, a graduate of the Philippine Normal College. Antero excelled as a star pupil, impressing his teachers with his remarkable intelligence. Zamora noted, "Antero always stands straight and carries himself gracefully, so that he commands respect."
A Historic Meeting at the White House
Antero's proudest moment came in August 1904 when a select group of Igorot chiefs was invited to the White House to meet President Theodore Roosevelt. Acting as an interpreter for the delegation, Antero performed an impromptu rendition of "My Country Tis of Thee," singing slowly and clearly. His performance earned compliments, to which he replied with a smile and a "Sank Yoh!"
Antero enjoyed his time at the fair and traveled with Jenks to Wisconsin to meet his parents after the exposition. He returned to the U.S. in 1905 with an American performing troupe organized by showman Richard Schneidewind. Antero participated in various exhibitions, including the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exhibition in Oregon and shows in Chicago and San Francisco in 1906.
Family Life and Later Years
In 1907, Antero signed up with Schneidewind again, bringing along his wife, Takhay (Cristina or Esting) Ulapan. They welcomed their first child, Sylvia, supposedly born in Pennsylvania. Over the years, they had a total of ten children-two sons and eight daughters. Antero and his family participated in the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle in 1909, promoting the development of the Pacific Northwest.
After the shows concluded, Antero returned to Bontoc, where he continued his work as an interpreter and farmer. His interest in global news never faded, and he supported American teachers in their efforts to promote education. Antero encouraged his own children to finish their studies, instilling the value of education in them.
His second daughter, Maria, married transport magnate Bado Dangwa. After Maria's passing, Dangwa married Antero's younger daughter, Lola, keeping the family's connections strong.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Antero Cabrera, the English-speaking Igorot sensation of the 1904 World's Fair, passed away around 1940. His legacy endures through his family, particularly through his granddaughter, Mia Antero Apolinar Abeya, who returned to St. Louis decades later to deliver a powerful message about treating fellow human beings with respect, regardless of their background.
In a time marked by discrimination and exploitation, Antero Cabrera's story shines as a testament to resilience and grace. He stood tall and triumphant before the world at the St. Louis World's Fair, leaving an indelible mark on history and paving the way for future generations to celebrate their heritage.
