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The Tinguian tribe, also known as Itneg, resides in the Abra province of the Philippines, with two
main groups: valley Tinguian and mountain Tinguian.
The term "Tinguian" is synonymous with "Itneg," meaning "the interior," reflecting their identity
as people of the interior uplands.
The Tinguian population was around 57,000 in 1988, with 51,089 in Abra and 5,350 in Ilocos Sur
as of 2000.
The history suggests that the Tinguian originally inhabited coastal areas, later moving to the Abra
province and intermarrying with the local population.
Spanish colonization-initiated contact with the Tinguian in 1598, leading to unsuccessful
attempts to convert them and resettlement efforts.
The Tinguian practice dry and wet agriculture, fishing, and iron tool making, and engage in trade
with lowland regions.
Tinguian socioeconomic life faced changes in the economic mainstream, including the
introduction of Virginia tobacco and the decline of traditional practices.
The Tinguian village system includes a council of elders led by a lakay, emphasizing justice
(kalintegan) and community involvement.
Tinguian cultural practices include head taking, elaborate religious ceremonies for childbirth, and
a traditional betrothal process called "tani."
Marriage ceremonies involve rituals, the exchange of sab-ong (bride price), and consummation,
with the Tinguian population now predominantly Roman Catholic.
Tinguian livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and logging, with property and
land ownership influencing economic and political power.
Despite being marginalized, the Tinguian retain respect for traditional customs and the wisdom
of elders.
Marriage Ceremonies:
The marriage process involves a bumaag (marriage proposal) after a courtship, with a formal
engagement period lasting about a year.
The engagement period is used for saving up and raising animals for the wedding feast, typically
involving 10 pigs, 2 cows, and 4 sacks of rice.
Wedding festivities last for two nights and two days, combining traditional dances like tadek with
modern music played by a DJ.
Catholic wedding ceremonies are held in a church, followed by traditional rites officiated by the
village panglakayen.
The wedding reception includes both modern elements like cake eating and wine toasting, as
well as traditional customs like sab-it and bitor.
Death rituals involve washing and dressing the corpse, with various offerings and rituals to guide
the deceased to the afterworld.
The wake includes singing, dancing, and ritual whippings to free the spirit from the mortal body.
Burial practices include placing the corpse under the house or within the yard, accompanied by
lamentation and recounting the life of the deceased.
Mourning taboos and rituals continue for a specific period, including restrictions on diet and
behavior.
After a year, a cleansing ceremony (golgol) is performed to mark the end of mourning.
The bride-price and other arrangements strengthen interfamily relations, involving assistance in
activities like clearing, planting, and harvesting.
The ammoyo is a custom of neighborhood cooperation for building and repairing homes, as well
as planting and harvesting crops.
Religious Beliefs and Practices:
Tinguian cosmogony includes supernatural beings called anito, falling into categories like eternal
spirits, spirits of varying rank, and ancestral spirits.
Bagatulayan is the Supreme Being, and Kadaklan is a friendly spirit teaching practical skills and
offering guidance.
Shamans (alopogan) communicate with spirits during rituals, and sacrificial offerings are made to
seek their favor.
Evil spirits exert social control, and various spirits are believed to cause mischief or illness.
Violating traditional beliefs results in curses or punishments in the form of misfortune, sickness,
or death.
Tinguian houses are built with bamboo, cogon grass, and hardwood trunks, often elevated to
protect against nocturnal attacks.
Rice granaries are constructed away from settlements to prevent fire damage.
Ritual structures are built for special occasions, including the say-ang ceremony.
Traditional Attire:
Traditional Tinguian attire includes woven clothing for both males and females, with distinct
designs and patterns.
Body tattooing is practiced, especially among women.
Beads and jewelry are worn as accessories, often serving as charms against evil spirits.
Tinguian are known for creative designs in weaving, bead making, basketry, and pottery.
Traditional looms are used for weaving clothing and blankets, featuring various motifs and
designs.
Pottery is decorated with scroll-like designs, and beadwork is a notable craft.
Baskets are used for various purposes, including storing food and carrying crops.
The Tinguian population has experienced Christian conversion, but some traditional practices
and beliefs persist alongside modern influences.
SUBANON TRIBE
The Subanon people believe in a supreme being called Gulay, who is considered the creator of
heaven and earth, giver of life, and creator of the first man and woman.
Instead of a hierarchy of supreme beings, the Subanon believe in spirits inhabiting natural
features like trees, rocks, caves, and mountains, with different categories such as luminilong,
mamanua, and salot.
The Subanon concept of self consists of a physical body and a gimod or soul, which can wander
independently and needs to be recalled by a balian (shaman) in case of illness.
Balian holds a special place in Subanon religious and social life, acting as a medium, priest, and
healer in various rituals and ceremonies.
The Subanon make offerings to spirits called matibug, which include rice, eggs, meat, betel
quids, betel leaves, and areca nuts, to placate them and prevent harm.
Some Subanon converted to Islam during the Sultanate of Sulu, while others resisted and fled to
the mountains, becoming the uplanders.
Subanon dwellings include tree houses for protection, field huts for temporary shelter, and
permanent rectangular houses with thatched roofs and no windows.
Houses have a platform in front for various purposes, and granaries are built near houses, raised
above the ground, to store rice.
Subanon engage in various crafts, including pottery, basket weaving, and cloth weaving, using
materials like rattan, bamboo, cotton, and abaca fiber.
The Subanon also practice metalcraft, with some weapons obtained through trade with Muslims
and others produced locally using steel.
Wedding Speeches:
Trickster Tales:
Antonio Enriquez:
Contemporary fictionist in English depicting Subanon in works like "The Turtle-Egg Hunter" and
"Gatherer of the People."
Instrumental music with brass gongs, lutes, drums, and bamboo instruments.
Different song categories: basamba, lundi, tubadtubad, gumaman, and giloy.
BUKIDNON TRIBE
Bukidnon People (Talaandig Tribe) Overview:
Meaning of "Bukidnon": "Mountain people" from bukid (mountain) and non (people).
Native name: Talaandig, also used by the Manobo.
Northern Bukidnon: Higaonon, meaning "shrimp removed from the water" or "one who ascends
the mountains from the coastal plains."
Language: Binukid, spoken by Bukidnon, Talaandig, Higaonon, and Banwaon subgroups.
Cultural and racial ties with Manobo; part of the proto-Philippine stock from south China.
History:
Proto-Manobo settlements on riverbanks and coasts of northern Mindanao.
Sri Vijayans and Madjapahit invaders led to displacement, termed "Bukidnon" by Visayan
immigrants.
Talaandig's defense against Moro raiders and tribes from east and south.
Spanish influence in mid-19th century; Misamis-Bukidnon region under politico-military
government by 1869.
American period: Land Registration Acts, forced acquisition of indigenous territories.
Bukidnon as a subprovince, exploitation of resources, logging boom, and foreign mining
operations.
Bukidnon's Way of Life:
Economic Impact:
Subsistence shift due to large corporations; loss of ancestral lands, environmental degradation.
Rise of cash economy, engagement in anotong (cutting and trading of wild trees).
Current Status:
The tulugan serves as the center for authority and ceremonial functions.
It houses the datu, retainers, and fighting men and acts as a gathering place during ceremonies
and times of danger.
Shell trumpets are used to summon people to meetings.
House Construction:
Houses are designed for slash-and-burn cultivation, making them light and easily demolished.
Framework consists of upright saplings, bamboo floors, thatch roofs, and walls of beaten bark or
mats.
Entrance is by ladder, and there's no door; a knot of leaves signifies the family's absence.
Interior and Furniture:
Sparse furniture includes raised beds, mats for various uses, and simple wooden chests.
The hearth serves as the learning center for family gatherings and oral traditions.
Storage, field, and fish baskets, as well as pottery jars and bamboo containers, are scattered
around.
Traditional Attire:
Women's clothing traditionally made of abaca or hemp; now cotton obtained through trade.
Skirts (saya) and blouses (ginilangan) are intricately decorated with patchwork or embroidered
designs.
Men wear embroidered coats, trousers, and belts, all featuring decorative elements.
Sampitan: Anecdotes illustrating relevant points to occasions like arbitration, weddings, or installation
ceremonies. Examples include stories about settling feuds through duels and the origin of lumbu-
bulawan.
Folktales:
Origin of the monkey: Woman's children turned into monkeys due to laughter, and their shells
became tails.
Tales of Walu: Immaculately conceived man conquers challenges through luck or unconventional
means.
Creatures marrying princesses: Unlikely creatures propose to princesses, undergo challenges, and reveal
their human form later.
MANDAYA TRIBE
Mandaya Tribe Overview:
"Mandaya" means "people living upstream" and refers to various groups along the
mountain ranges of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in the
Philippines.
Mandaya communities are found in specific municipalities across Davao Oriental, Davao
del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
In 1988, there were approximately 33,000 registered Mandaya, with around 22,000
residing in Davao Oriental.
Historical Origins:
Mandaya's origins are traced back to Indonesians who migrated to the Philippines in
waves from 3000 to 500 BC.
The Malays, migrating around 300 to 200 BC, intermarried with the Manobo, giving rise
to the Mandaya.
Chinese influence in the 13th century further contributed to the Mandaya's racial
development.
The split occurred when some Kalagan converted to Islam, leading to conflict and the
formation of the river-bound Mandaya and sea-faring Kalagan.
Economic development in Davao and Cotabato during the early 20th century affected
Mandaya districts.
Japanese bombing of Davao City in 1941 and post-World War II migrations further
impacted Mandaya ancestral lands.
An influx of settlers from Luzon and Visayas marginalized the Mandaya, leading to loss of
hunting grounds and land titles.
Contemporary Challenges:
Opening of roads for logging activities brought rapid landscape changes to Mandaya
communities.
The Mandaya continue to struggle to adapt to changing times while preserving their
cultural heritage.
Current Status:
Despite efforts at integration, the Mandaya face challenges in maintaining their cultural
identity in the face of environmental, demographic, and socio-economic changes.
Economic Activities:
The Mandaya recognize two types of families: nuclear families (parents and children) and
polygynous families (multiple wives with their children). Grandparents may also join the family
occasionally.
Genealogy is traced through various terms such as kaompo-ompoan, kaompo-an, ama (father),
ina (mother), lumon (brother and sister), ompo (nephew or niece), ompo-tuhod (great-grandson
or granddaughter), and kalomunan or katagsa (cousin).
Marriage Customs:
The Mandaya have several types of marriages, including buya, bukug, pagul-log, dyayon, tupa,
and binaydan, each with its own unique characteristics and customs.
Marriage involves multiple stages such as pakasayod, pamuka or kagon, pagtawas, and
kasamongan.
Wedding ceremonies may involve rituals like feeding each other with specially prepared food,
receiving tuwada (advice), and concluding with the pakong or bongkog.
During pregnancy, the woman's food cravings (pyagapangala-an) are believed to influence the
child's characteristics.
Various rituals are performed during pregnancy, such as monthly massages and the application
of a talimughat mixture during labor.
Umbilical cords are cut using a sharpened bamboo piece, and certain rituals are performed to
protect the child from malevolent spirits.
Mandaya children undergo initiation rituals, including filing their teeth between the ages of 10
and 12.
Naming is based on events during childbirth, and the father typically names the child.
The child's first birthday is celebrated with a cleansing ritual called yabangka nang luwag.
Personal items, such as toiletries, matches, candles, and calendars, are extracted from natural
elements.
Tobacco was traditionally grown for personal use, and sugar from a tuber is turned into wine for
communal feasts.
Planting customs, such as forming human pyramids before planting coconut trees, are believed
to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Death involves thorough washing of the corpse, and burial traditionally occurs on the same day.
Traditional burial methods included wrapping the dead in bark or leaving them exposed on a
tree.
Secondary burials were practiced, involving cleaning bones, wrapping them in dagmay, and
storing them in Chinese jars inside caves.
The Mandaya have, on occasion, reverted to ancient traditions to address social dilemmas
created by Philippine laws.
Traditional practices, such as the Isama wedding for underage couples (bukug), have been
revived in response to legal changes.
Impact of Modernization:
The introduction of electricity and modern appliances, like television and refrigerators, has
influenced social status within the community.
Modern amenities, such as generators for movie nights, have brought changes to traditional
practices and communal activities.
Family Structure and Kinship:
The Mandaya recognize two types of families: nuclear families (parents and children) and
polygynous families (multiple wives with their children). Grandparents may also join the family
occasionally.
Genealogy is traced through various terms such as kaompo-ompoan, kaompo-an, ama (father),
ina (mother), lumon (brother and sister), ompo (nephew or niece), ompo-tuhod (great-grandson
or granddaughter), and kalomunan or katagsa (cousin).
Riddles:
Mandaya riddles are not only entertaining but also serve as a window into the Mandaya
worldview. They often use natural imagery and require creative thinking to decipher. For
example, the riddle about a small girl who knows how to spin in the dark refers to a honey bee.
Proverbs:
Mandaya proverbs are a means of imparting wisdom and moral values. They use metaphor and
assonance to convey lessons about life. For instance, "An egg once broken will never be the
same" illustrates the irreversibility of certain actions.
The Mandaya have an ancient tradition of epic poems known as dawot. These long narratives,
chanted by a skilled magdadawot (native bard), recount tales such as "Gambong" and "Yang
Mangngagaw." These epics are performed over several nights and involve intricate versification.
Creation Myth:
The Mandaya creation myth features a bird called limoken, which lays two eggs—one hatches
into a woman, and the other into a snake. The snake becomes a man after exploding at the
meeting point of the sea and river, leading to the origin of the Mandaya people.
Folktales:
Mandaya folktales, such as "Kimod and the Swan Maiden" and "Amô aw Buwaya" (The Monkey
and the Crocodile), offer both entertainment and moral lessons. These tales are narrated with
facial and bodily expressions, emphasizing their collective expression of the Mandaya group's
experiences.
Folk Songs:
Mandaya folk songs, including lullabies (oyog-oyog) and rhyming couplets (bayok), are integral to
their cultural expression. The oyog-oyog, expressing maternal love, is soothing and poetic, while
bayok employs various literary devices to tell stories.
Folk Dances:
Mandaya folk dances, like the courtship dance imitating a mountain hawk's movements,
showcase the cultural significance of dance in expressing emotions. Dances such as tandak,
basal, sinakaysakay, and katik are performed during various occasions, including weddings.
Rituals:
Rituals like balilig are performed by balyan (shamans) to cure illnesses caused by spirits. The
rituals involve dances, sacrifices, and the invocation of spirits. Other rituals, such as pag-umbas
for installing a warrior, are associated with farming, fishing, or hunting.
PLACES
1. Abra:
Geography: Abra is known for its mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes. It is
surrounded by the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Apayao. The Abra River
flows through the province, contributing to its natural beauty.
Culture: The Tingguian and Binongan tribes in Abra have distinct cultural practices,
including traditional music, dances, and rituals. The province is also home to historic
churches, such as the St. James the Elder Cathedral in Bangued.
2. Zamboanga:
Culture: The Subanen and Yakan tribes have rich cultural heritage, with traditional crafts,
colorful textiles, and vibrant festivals. The city is a melting pot of cultures due to its
historical influences from Spanish, Muslim, and indigenous communities.
3. Mountain Province:
Culture: The Bontoc, Kankanaey, and Ifugao tribes are known for their agricultural
practices, intricate rice terraces, and unique customs. The Banaue Rice Terraces, often
referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," are a testament to the engineering and
farming skills of the indigenous people.
4. Bukidnon Province:
5. Mindanao:
Geography: Mindanao is the Philippines' southernmost major island, known for its
diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to coastal areas. It is rich in natural
resources and is home to various ethnic groups.
Types of Stories:
Fable:
Definition: A short narrative featuring animals or inanimate objects with human-like qualities,
conveying a moral lesson.
Example: "The Tortoise and the Hare"
Fairy Tale:
Definition: A fantastical story often involving magical elements, mythical creatures, and
enchanted settings.
Example: "Cinderella"
Myth:
Definition: A traditional narrative explaining the origins of the world, natural phenomena, and
the customs and beliefs of a people.
Example: Greek mythology, including the story of Zeus and Hera.
Legend:
Definition: A story based on historical events or figures but often exaggerated or with added
fictional elements.
Example: The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Folktales/Folklore:
Definition: Traditional stories passed down orally through generations, reflecting the customs,
beliefs, and values of a culture.
Example: "Anansi the Spider" from African folklore.
Magic Realism:
Definition: A literary genre that combines realistic settings with magical or fantastical elements
seamlessly.
Example: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Fantastical Tales:
Definition: Imaginative and extraordinary narratives that often involve magical elements but may
not conform to a specific genre.
Example: "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll.