DIFFERENT

ETHNIC
GROUPS IN THE
PHILIPPINES

MONTILLA, MAMPUSTI,
BANTIQUE
 LUZON
VISAYAS
MINDANAO
Diffirent Cultures,
Different Stories,
Different Faces
But Same Blood
OBJECTIVES
1. The objective of this lesson is to
study the culture, tradition religion, and
beliefs of the ethnic group or
indigenous people from LUZON,
VISAYAS, AND MINDANAO.
2. Understand the diversity of cultural
groups in the Philippines and recognize
ethnic groups' historical and social
background.
Ethnic Groups in
Luzon
Aeta people Negrito
Igorot people Mangyan
Ibaloi people Bontoc people
Bugkalot Isnag people
Ilocano people Visayans
Ivatan people Ifugao
Ta g a l o g p e o p l e Kalinga
Bicolano people Kalanguya
Kapampangan Batak
Pangasinan Itnog
Sambal People Kankanaey
Itawes Ibanag
No wonder that Philippines is called
" Asia's pearl of the orient."
Philippines is known for the richness
of our beautiful landscapes, culture
and of course our people. we
Filipinos are lucky that we are
diverse in many aspects one of
which is our unique ethnic groups.
aeta, igorot, ibaloi, Mangyan, are
just a few examples of it.
 Aeta

According to aetatribes.org, Aeta "eye-

ta" are believed to be the first
inhabitants of the Philippines and their
ancestors aborigines from Australia.
Anthropological consensus is that they
migrated from the island of Borneo
about 30 thousand years ago using land
bridge that is now partially covered by
water 5 thousand years ago.
• Aeta" is derived from the Malay
term "hitam," which means "black,"
or from its cousin in the Philippine
languages, "itom or itim," which
means "people."
• the Aeta are also dark-skinned;
their typical height is 1.35 to 1.5
meters; their frame is petite; their
hair is kinky; and they have large
black eyes.
 CULTURE
• Traditionally, Aetas are hunting and gathering
indigenous people. They’re actually among the
most skilled when it comes to jungle survival –
they are even able to make use of plants as
herbal medicine and possess tools and
weapons.
• Aeta dances are dances for enjoyment among
the Aetas. Their dances are mostly imitations of
their daily activities and mimicry of the
movements of animals they see around them.
• Their social and cultural environment was
forever change when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in
1991 and they went back on 1997.
CULTURE
 LANGUAGE

All aeta communities have adopted the

language of their Austronesian Filipino
neighbors, which have sometimes diverged
overtime to become different language. this
includes in order of numbers of speakers,
Mag-indi, Mag-antsi, Abellen, Ambala, and
Marivelo.
 RELIGION

Aeta tribe believe in a supreme being who

rules over lesser spirits or deities.They believe
that good and evil spirits inhabit the
environment, such as the spirits of the river,
sea, sky, mountain, hill, valley and other
places. The Aeta of Mt. Pinatubo worship or
they believe in “Apo Na” and Aeta of animist
believes in Anito and Kamana.
 RELIGION
Those who believe they are polytheistic say
that there are four manifestations of the 'great
creator' (Gutugutumakkan) who rules the
world:
1. 'Tigbalog' is the source of life and action
2. 'Lueve' takes care of production and growth
3. 'Amas' moves people to pity, love, unity,
and peace of heart
 RELIGION

4.'Binangewan- is responsible for change,

sickness, and death There are also other gods:
'Kedes' – The god of the hunt 'Pawi' – The
god of the forest 'Sedsed' – The god of the sea
There are also other gods:
'Kedes' – The god of the hunt
'Pawi' – The god of the forest
'Sedsed' – The god of the sea
 CLOTHING

Their traditional clothing is very simple.

The young women wear wrap around skirts.
Elder women wear bark cloth, while elder men
wear loin cloths. The old women of the Agta
wear a bark cloth strip which passes between
the legs, and is attached to a string around the
waist. Today most Aeta who have been in
contact with lowlanders have adopted the T-
shirts, pants and rubber sandals commonly
used by the latter.
CLOTHING
 Food
Being hunters and gatherers, the Aetas source
food primarily from the forest. Forest food,
whether roasted, boiled or eaten raw is key to
their diet. These foods include leaf and root
vegetables including ferns and wild tubers,
various fruits and flowers, palm heart, and
wild mushrooms. The animal sources of food
include bush meat especially wild boar, insect
larvae, fish, crabs, and other aquatic animals.
 Now that we met and learn the
different culture, tradition, dialect,
traditional clothing and food, let’s
now study the culture and tradition of
Igorot people.
 IGOROT

The Igorot are an ethnic people of the

philippines, clustered in the Cordillera
region of Luzon. Igorot or Iglot, literally
means people from the mountains. They
highland race and are well adapted to life
in raise altitudes.

Where did they originated?

Igorots are believed to have originated in

Southeast Asia embarked on a migratory
journey to the mountain ous landscape of
Northern Luzon around the 7th century
AD.
 IGOROT
There are different groups of Igorots
namely:
• Bontoc
• Ibalao
• Ifugao
• Isneg (Apaya)
• Kalinga
• Kankanaey/kankana-ey
 BONTOC
Known for their vibrant culture and intricate rice
terraces. They have transitioned away from head
hunting and now emphasize communial living and the
preservation of traditional customs. They live in
mountainous areas near the chico river, where mineral
resources like gold, copper, limestone and gypsum
can be found.
 IBALOI

Predominantly inhabit the Benguet

province and they are recognized for their
agricultural practices. They also have a
unique weaving tradition, creating intricate
garments and textiles. They are also known
for their mummification practices.
 IFUGAO

Renowned for their breathtaking rice

terraces a UNESCO world heritage site.
They have rich agricultural tradition and
intricate rituals associated with rice
cultivation.
 ISNEG

They reside in ther Northermost part of the

cordillera region they have deep connection
to nature and ate skilled hunters and
gatherers.
 KALINGA

are known for their distinctive body

tattoos and head hunting history. They have
strong warrior tradition and are celebrated
for their artistry in various form.
 KANKANAEY

Known for their agricultural practices and

vibrant festival.
 DIALECT

The cordillera region is renowned for

being the “most diversified ethno-
linguistic region in the Philippines.”
The regions linguistic diversity is
attributed to its mountainous
topology which has given rise to
numerous "sub-dialect variations” of
major language/dialects. These
language belong to the Malayo-
Polynesian language family.
 DIALECT
Major Dialect: Ilocano
Ilocano serves as the regions "Lingua franca,”
as shared means of communication among
people from the diverse Igorot groups. Spoken
in Apayao,abra, kalinga, mountain province,
Benguet and Ifugao.
Example: Napintas ka - Maganda ka.
Nag-bayag ka- Mabagal ka.
SUB-DIALECT
Kankanaey Kalinga
Ibaloi
Isneg
Ifugao
 CULTURE
FAMILY VALUES AND EXTEND
HOUSEHOLDS

at the heart of igorot culture and

traditions lies a profound respect for family.
Their society reveres elders and ancestors,
nurturing a sense of unity within extended
household. This strong familial foundation
ensures that no member is left behind in
times of need.
 CULTURE

RESPECT FOR THE LAND AND NATURE

Igorot people have intimate connection with

their home land. They view their ancestral
domains as sacred, and their agricultural
practices reflects this reverence.
 Festival and
Celebration
PRESERVATION OF TRADITION THROUGH
ORAL HISTORY

Their, life culture and traditions come to life

during festivals and celebrations. Events like
Panagbenga, the Flower Festival of Baguio, and
Cordillera Day Offer a glimpse of their vibrant
calendar. They showcase their traditional dances,
music, and elaborate costumes takes center stage,
providing window into their world
Festival and
Celebration
 CULTURE
BANADANG SPIRIT:MUTUAL AID AND
COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The banadang spirit is a powerful testament

to their sense of community and the bonds that
tie them together.
 CULTURE
INAYAN CULTURE

the term "Inayan" is derived from the

kankaney language. It signifies the act of holding
back or preventing individuals from engaging in
harmful action towards others or things from
both living and non-living..
 Religion
The igorot tribe believed that their gods were
the ultimate sources of blessings. That's why
they tride to perform rituals to recieve blessings.
The igorot were primarily animistic in practice
and ancestral worshippers.
During the spanish invasion, they were
preserved from spanish religious, political and
cultural influences and they stick to their cultural
habits. But when American colonial rule came,
that was the time that the Igorot exposed
themselve, their training in head hunting
gradually ceased.
 Religion
CATEGORIES OF THE GODS OF THE
IGOROTS

DIOS ADI KAILA - the god we do not see the

creator and supreme deity.

KABUNYAN- which is the son, he implements

the plan of "God Adi Kaila," canao are offered to
him.

ANITOS- spirits of deceased relatives or evil

ancestral spirits, they are often called "Ap-apo"
under the supreme diety of kabunyan
 Clothes

the igorot are known for their distinctive

traditional clothing, which is made from natural
materials such as cotton, abel (abaca fiber) and
bark cloth. The traditional cloting of the igorot
varies from tribe to tribe, but it id typically
consist of a loincloth (Bahag,wanes) for men and
a skirt (gateng) for women. Both men and
women may also wear jackets, capes and head
gear.
Clothes
Clothes
 BELIEFS

The beliefs of the T'boli people is to

heal others and perform
rituals .They perform rituals and
offering to the spirit of water, the
spirit of the trees, and spirit of the
soil they performed rituals to this
spirit whenever somebody is sick.
 FOO
DS

Is there essential staple food includes corn

banana Gabi (Taro) Sweet potatoes and cassava
During festival and other special occasions
they serve especially prepared traditional food
to their families and guests.
 Different Major Ethnic
Groups in the Philippines:
Visayas

• Cebuano

• Hiligaynon

•Waray
The Visayas region of the Philippines,
is home to many different ethnic
groups, each with their own unique
culture and tradition. The Cebuanos,
Hiligaynons, and Waray-Waray are just
a few examples of these groups that
contribute to the diversity of the
Philippines.

The rich customs and

traditions that these
groups practice have a
significant impact on the
Philippines' identity.
The Cebuanos are the largest ethnic group in the
Visayas and make up 55% of the population. They
were originally from the province of Cebu but have
migrated to other parts of the Visayas and other
regions of the Philippines and other nations. They
are known for their love of dancing and music and
their sense of adventure and strong sense of
community.
According to Academia.edu,
Cebuanos play an important role in
the Visayan community. They are
hard-working people who have
contributed significantly to the growth
of the area. Their culture is a complex
fusion of indigenous customs,
Spanish and American influences,
and other nations.
 TRADITIONS

1. Pagmamano is a Filipino ritual that

involves kissing an elder's hand or putting
it on the forehead as a sign of respect.
2. Pasalamat is a Cebuano word that
reflects gratitude and thankfulness.
3. Bayanihan and harana are notable
cultural practices that encompass feelings
of unity and love.
 BELIEFS

In shaping Cebuano culture's identity, beliefs

play a significant role. The highly religious
Cebuanos highly revere the Santo Niño de Cebu
and God. Cebuanos also believe in endurance
and hard effort as prerequisites for success in
life. They are diligent individuals who are
constantly looking for methods to improve their
lives.
 RELIGION

Religion plays a significant role in

Cebuano culture. Roman Catholicism is
predominant, but there are also sizeable
minorities of Muslims and Protestants.
Cebuanos are devoted to their religion
and observe many religious holidays
throughout the year.
 FAMILY

In Cebuano culture, the core principle of

family includes multiple generations living
together, providing its members with
security and support.
 Communities

Cebuanos are known for their strong sense of

belonging, and they are always eager to help
their friends and neighbors. They have a long
history of civic engagement and volunteerism,
demonstrating their commitment to their
community.
 Arts and Crafts

The Cebuanos have a long history of

artistic expression, and they are
renowned for their writing, dance,
music, visual arts community, and
exquisite handicrafts.
 Cebuano Cuisine

Some of the prominent Cebuano foods include kinilaw

(raw fish dish), lechon (roasted pig), and sinigang
(sour soup), as well as the mouth-watering desserts
such as bibingka (rice cake) and puto (steamed rice
cake).
 Festivals

Cebuanos are renowned for their enthusiasm

for celebrations. They observe numerous
religious and cultural holidays all year long.
The Sinulog Festival, the Ati-Atihan Festival,
and the Kadayawan Festival are a few of the
most well-known Cebuano celebrations.
Hiligaynon
The Hiligaynon people, also known
as the Ilonggo or Panayanon, are a
subgroup of the Visayan ethnic
group. They are native to the
province of Iloilo on the island of
Panay and speak Hiligaynon, an
Austronesian language.
Hiligaynon Culture

Hiligaynon people have a rich culture with

strong emphasis on family, food, and festivities.
They have a tradition of oral storytelling and
love of music and dancing. Their culture is a
blend of Austronesian, Indian, Chinese, and
Spanish influences, and they make a variety of
handicrafts including textiles, ceramics, and
basketry.
 LANGUAGE/
DIALECTS

Hiligaynon is a Malayo-Polynesian language

spoken in the islands of Panay, Guimaras,
and Negros in the Philippines. It is the fourth
most widely used language in the country,
with about 9 million native speakers. It is
closely related to Cebuano and Waray, two
other Visayan languages. All three share a
relationship with the national tongue of the
Philippines, Tagalog.
 LANGUAGE/
DIALECTS

Standard Hiligaynon, Urban

Hiligaynon, Bacolodnon Hiligaynon,
Negrense Hiligaynon, Guimaras
Hiligaynon, and Mindanao Hiligaynon
are examples of some of the more
well-known dialects.
 Traditions

The Dinagyang Cultural Festival celebrates the

purchase of Panay Island by 10 fleeing Bornean
datus and venerates the Santo Niño. The festival
serves as a cultural preservation and celebration,
as well as a tourist attraction, in Iloilo City. It is held
every fourth Sunday of January.
 Traditions

The Iloilo Paraw Regatta, which takes place

every February, also aims to preserve
cultural traditions because the paraw, the
racing vessels, are age-old sailboats that the
Hiligaynon have long utilized. Local
fisherman who participate in a week-long
competition at sea and a celebration on land
compete in the Paraw Regatta.
 Religion

The Hiligaynon population is mostly Roman

Catholic, while lesser numbers are
Aglipayan, Protestant, and Muslim. The
indigenous Hiligaynon religions were largely
eradicated during the Spanish era and
continued as Folk Catholicism.
 Cuisine

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and shellfish are

frequently used in Hiligaynon cuisine. La
Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and Chicken
Inasal are a few popular Hiligaynon meals.
Waray
The Waray people (also known as the
Waray-Waray) are a subgroup of the
wider Bisaya people, who live in the
Eastern Visayas Region of the
Philippines. Their major language is
the Austronesian language called
Waray, which they speak natively on
Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. They are
also known as
Samareos/Samarnons, Leyteos, and
Biliranos.
 Waray Culture

The Waray people have a unique cultural

legacy that distinguishes them from other
Filipinos. They have highly developed art
forms, such as crafts, gastronomy, and
performance arts, which are deeply ingrained in
their society. Their religion is also an important
aspect of their culture, as it shapes their
perspective and identity.
 LANGUAGE/
DIALECTS

The Waray language, also called Winaray, is

one of the most spoken Visayan languages
in the Philippines, spoken by 3 million people
primarily in the Eastern Visayas Region. The
language has several dialects and is spoken
by the Waray people who also use other
languages.
 LANGUAGE/
DIALECTS

Waray people speak a variety of languages,

including Waray-Waray, Waraynon, Winaray,
Waray Sorsogon, Waray Bikol, and
Waraynon Leyte. The Waray people also
speak Cebuano, known as Binisaya or
Visayan, and Samar-Leyte Visayan.
 LANGUAGE/
DIALECTS

The writing system for the Waray language is

unique, based on the Latin script brought by
the Spanish colonizers. The language is
mostly spoken in the provinces of Samar,
Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar, as well
as some parts of Leyte and Biliran, where
the Samarnon language is used.
 Traditions and Beliefs

The Winaray people have many cultural

customs, including the Kuratsa dance,
performed at social events, especially
weddings. The Kuratsa involves couples
being showered with cash. The culture is
Visayan, blending Austronesian, Indian,
Chinese, and Spanish influences.
 Traditions and Beliefs

The phrase "basta ang Winaray, hindi uurong sa

away" perpetuates the misconception that the
Winaray-Waray are valiant warriors. Farming and
fishing are their main sources of income, and they
conduct rituals during the cropping season for a
bountiful harvest.
 Traditions and Beliefs

Additionally, fishermen seek protection from the

spirits of the ocean during fishing trips, and the
Winaray incorporate Christian traditions, including
the nine-day novena.
 Religion

The majority of households in the province

in 2000 were Catholic (96.76%). Minor
religious groups include the Aglipays, Iglesia
ni Kristo, Muslims, Buddhists, Baptists, and
Protestant sects (United Church of Christ in
the Philippines and others).
 Cuisine

Fresh seafood, coconut milk, and chili

peppers are used in Winaray cuisine,
including dishes such as sinigang na hipon
(shrimp soup), adobo (chicken or pig stew
with soy sauce and vinegar), and binatog
(boiled corn with coconut milk).
 Arts and Crafts

The traditional arts and crafts of the

Waray people include weaving,
basketry, and woodcarving.
 Festivals

STA. RITA – Situated in the mouth of San

Juanico Strait noted for copra, root crops and
woven mats.
 Other Ethnic
Groups
Visayas is filled with traditions and cultures
from plethora of different groups and it makes
up for the Identity of not only the Visayas
Region but also Philippines as home to
culturally divergent groups.

Minor Ethnic Groups in Visayas includes:

Abaknon
Caluyanon
Aklanon
Capiznon
Karay-a
Magahat
Porohanon
Boholano
Eskaya
There are more than 40 different
ethnic groups in the Philippines.
Each group has a distinct culture
and language. Several of these
ethnic groups can be distinguished
as "tribal groups". They are
indigenous groups who are still live
in a rather traditional way. Each
groups lives in a specific region of
the islands. You can meet them in
parts of Luzon and some of the
Visayas island and on Mindanao.
 ETHNIC
GROUPS IN
MINDANAO
• LUMAD
• MARANAO
• TAUSŪG
• MAGUINDANA
O
• TAGA-BAWA
• BANWAON
• MADAYA
• MORO
 Most characteristics of these
indigenous groups is that they live
in a traditional way, comparable
with how the ancestors live
centuries ago.
• Lumad are composed of numerous indigenous
peoples scattered throughout the Mindanao
island. There are 18 major Lumad groups
namely:
• -SUBANEN
• -B'LAAN
• -MANDAYA
• -MANSAKA
• -TIDURAY
• -HIGAONON
• -T'BOLI
• -MANOBO
• -BAGOBO
• -BUKIDNON
• -TAGKAULO
• -UBO
• -MAMANWA
• -BANWAON
• -KALAGAN
• -DIBABAWON
• -TALAANDIG
• -MANSAUNGAN
The HIGAONON PEOPLE of Northern Mindanao is one
of the mountain tribes in the Philippines. Most Higaonon
still have a rather traditional way of leaving farming is the
most important economic activity. The beliefs in the power
of the spirit of ancestors and in the influence of more than
one God is strongly rooted in the hearts and mind of many
Higaonon.
 TASADAY PEOPLE
Are an indigenous people of the Philippines island of
Mindanao.They are considered to belong to Lumad groups. Is
they attracted do I spread media attention in 1971 when
journalist of the Manila associate Express bureau Chief
reported their discovery I need apparent "stone age" technology
and incomplete isolation from the rest of Philippines they again
attracted attention in the 1980's when some accused the
Tasaday living in the jungle and speaking their dialects as
being part of elaborate hoax and doubts was raised about their
isolation and about being a separate ethnic group .
 CULTURE
T'boli T'nalak fabric is a hand woven fabric made by
the T'boli tribes. This traditional clothes play a very
important role in T'boli culture. It is made from abaca
fibers. The inspiration for the T'nalak comes from
their grand-mother LANG DULAY. When she
dreamed the design, that's when she started making
T'nalak. They get their designs from the patterns they
see in their dreams
Traditional Costu
 The main culture of T'boli people are
their traditional costume. T'boli women
wearing the traditional dress
called"KEGAL T'BOLI".The traditional
femae blouse is " KEGAL BENTILAS"
and the skirt is "LEWEK
TEDEYUNG".The headless
"SEWAL".The necklace is called
"BEKELEW".The women are also
wearing beautiful beaded-belts "HILET
LEMIMET".
 T'boli people eat crabs when it is
The season for planting and
harvesting rice so they put the
image of the food that helps them
to survive on the folk costume.
Another woman's blouse is
decorated with a design inspired by
the rattan fruit.
 The design of the traditional
belts are different .Every
family tries to keep their own
patterns and past them
throughout generations. The
one in the photo belonged to
the woman's parents and it's
called "BANG-GALA".
 DIALEC
T

Tau Bilil, Tau Bulul, Taga Bilil is an

Austronesian language is spoken in
the Southern Philippines mainly in the
province of South Cotabato but also
in the neighboring province of Sultan
Kudarat and Sarangani
 RELIGION

The T'boli people believe in a 7

level upper world inhabited by
many gods for most of whom are
the couple. Kadaw la Sambad
and Bulan la Magoaw. They had
seven sons and seven daughters
who formed couples. S'fedat and
Bong Libun could not have
children.
 B'laan traditional costume
The people of these tribes wear colorful embroidered native
customs and beadwork accessories. The traditional female
tube skirt is called "TABI". Made from hand woven abaca
(Ikat wearing). B'laan women also uses the Maguindanao
plaid malong as an alternative to Tabih and it is called
"GINTLO".B'laan male pants/trousers are generally
called"SALWAL".
Arts and crafts in Mindanao
AMULET
NECKLACE...
Some highland
B'laan can be
seen wearing
necklaces,
consisting of
metal amulets.
(Kamagi)...Are made
by the B'laans. The
chain is connected to a
lower metal section of
the necklace (kamagi)
referred to as the
kawan.
 BELIEF
The B'laan are monotheistic in the sense
S
that they believe that there is but one
supreme being ruling the cosmos. B'laan
cosmology consists of the skyworld, which
is the place of the dieties and the
underworld which is the abode of demons
and malevolent.
 Delicacies

B'laan diet commonly consisted of food that were

either collected grown or hunted from the
surrounding forest and mountains. Banana and
cassava balls with coconut boiled corn on the cob and
Sgetong Faet.
 LANGUAGE

There are two major varieties of B'Laan

1.Koronadal B'laan(tagalagad)
2. Sarangani B'laan(tumanao)
-according to the koronadal B'laan is spoken in Eastern
South Cotabato province Sarangani province.
 RELIGI
ON
The B'laan are animistic in beliefs.
They believe in pantheon of gods.
MELU-creator of the universe
Lamot Ta Mangayo- god of war
Diwata- god of harvest