The word Applais are sometimes referred to as "kankanaeys" of Mountain Provinces because of some similarities. Noting however, the difference in culture from the Benguet kankanaeys, especially in ritual observance, then Congressman Alfredo Lam-en, himself an Applai, had the "Applai" accredited as a separate tribe.

The Applais engage in a variety of economic activities all year round like wet farming, slash and burn agriculture, camote, farming, trade and handicraft like backloom weaving, bamboo basket weaving and pottery. They also raise fruits and vegetables in all seasons of the year. Just like in early times, they raise domesticated animals such as chickens and dogs. Pigs are raised in their dugungan or gongo (pigpens) which are usually built within the premises of their houses. 

The Applai villages are compact settlements which are divided into sections. Every section belongs to one dap-ay or abong. The number of dap-ay depends on the population of the village. The dap-ay is a place to meet and settle disputes and hold meetings. It also serves as a center of all religious rites the amam-a (council of elders) forms the decision making body for the dap-ay.

In the Applai tribe there are only two social classes, the rich Kadangyan and the poor Kodo. The Kadangyans attain their social status by lineage, inter-marriage or accumulated wealth.

The Applai tribe has its own customs and traditions to observe during occasions like weddings, death or other community related affairs. The old folks of good standing of the community serve as the master of the ceremonies. They solemnize, and settle matters pertaining to community cultural affairs. They are covened to do the ceremonies Kabunyan, as the supreme being. 

The Applais are one united community sharing each other's happiness and burden, having mutual understanding among the villagers, and cooperating especially in community rituals associated with the agricultural cycle and other ritual affacting the whole community.

References:

Igorot: Ethnographies of Major Tribes 1990 Census of Population and Housing-NSO.

Katutubo Directory: "A Global YES Event fro the UN Decade of Indigenous People."