San Pedro, Malvar, Batangas: Historical Data

1. Kissing the hands of elders.

2. Using the term “po” as a sign of respect.

3. Mourning a dead person for one year.

4. Gossiping at stores and barbershops.

5. Close family ties.

6. Celebration of Patron Saint’s Day.

7. Sharing special dishes with neighbors.

8. Reading the “Passion.”

9. Exchanging gifts on Christmas Day.

10. Letting animals astray.

It is the custom of the people in the locality that when a woman has menstruations, she does not visit a woman who gave birth.

Sour fruits are never given to a woman who has newly given birth.

A child born at night is said to be bolder than one born during the daytime.

A mother who gave birth is massaged morning and afternoon by a midwife from ten to fifteen days of birth.

It is a common practice in this locality to baptize a child at once after several days of birth.

If the family can afford, a feast is prepared for the baptismal party.

Marriage is the happiest moment after several months or so of nominal or manual service to a woman or her relatives.

Before marriage is done, the groom is asked to donate a portion of their land, if any, and if the groom accepts.

A big party is oftentimes prepared during the wedding for the entertainment of visitors and relatives. The man’s relatives serve while the woman’s relatives are the ones served.

As the newlyweds go up the stairs, they step side by side at the same time. Someone throws raw rice and serve them some sort of sweets as they reach upstairs. They eat together using one spoon and drinking from the same glass, dividing the water contained therein.

When a person dies, it is announced to the person’s relatives near and far. A coffin is made by volunteer carpenters. Alms are given by people to the bereaved family.

A nine-day prayer is said in the house of the dead. Some sort of games are played after the prayer.

In the locality, people celebrate different festivals such as Christmas festivals. All Saints Day festivals. The month of May is a month full of festivals, everyday festivals. Neighbors, friends, and relatives are invited to a house celebrating a flower festival. This festival is called the May Flower Festival.

After the whole month of May is over, a bigger feast is prepared for the barrio fiesta. A band or several bands are hired. Stage shows are also hired for the entertainment and happiness of the folks in the barrio as well as for the neighboring barrios.