Mahabang Dahilig, Batangas (Town), Batangas: Historical Data
Full transcription of the so-called “Historical Data” for the barrio of Mahabang Dahilig, Batangas Town, Batangas, the original scanned documents at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections not having OCR or optical character recognition properties. This transcription has been edited for grammar, spelling and punctuation where possible. The original pagination is provided for citation purposes.
[p. 1]
HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE OF THE BARRIO OF MAHABANG DAHILIG
1. Present official name of the barrio. The present official name of the barrio is Mahabang Dahilig.
2. Popular name of the barrio, present and past; derivations and meanings of these names. Names of sitios included within the territorial jurisdiction of the barrio.
[p. 2]
3. Date of establishment: The exact date when the barrio was established can nowhere be found, but according to old barrio folks, the earliest settlement can be placed during the early part of the Spanish discovery of the Philippines.
4. Original families: The earliest known inhabitants of the barrio were the members of the “Ebora” family. Others were the “Ronquillos” and the “Panganibans.” These still form a greater part of the present population.
5. List of tenientes from the earliest time to date:
6. At present, the sitios mentioned above are all inhabited.
7. Data of historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins. The first public school building was built in 1925. The improved school house was burned in 1939; establishment of the Japanese camp in 1943.
8. Important facts, incidents, or events that took place.
[p. 3]
9. a. Destruction of lives, properties, and institutions during war, especially 1896-1900 and 1941-1945. No life and property were destroyed during the war in 1896 to 1900. In 1941-1945, properties were destroyed. When the Japanese soldiers made camp in the barrios in 1943, some homes were destroyed. Working animals were taken for food and same as beasts of burden.
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FOLKWAYS
10. Mga kaugalian sa pantahanan at panglipunan at pamamahay, paglilibing, pagdalaw, pistahan, pagpaparusa, at iba pa. Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga kinauugalian ng mga nagsisipanira sa Mahabang Dahilig ng panahon ng Kastila ay umiiral pa rin sa pamumuhay ng mga taga nayong ito. Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan lamang sa kinagagawian.
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11. Myths, legends, beliefs, interpretations, origin of the world, land, mountains, caves, seas, lakes, eclipses, earthquakes, thunder, lightning, thunder, clouds, rain, storms, rivers, plants, trees, animals, sun, moon, stars, wind, changes of climates, other natural phenomena, first man and woman, birth of twins or more, sickness, magic, etc.
Mga alamat, pamahiin, paniniwala sa:
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12. Popular songs, games and amusements
Mga kinagigiliwang awitin, laro at libangan.
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Ang mga kinagigiliwang mga awitin sa nayon ng Mahabang Dahilig ay ang mga sumusunod:
1. The most popular songs in Mahabang Dahilig are:
2. Games – laro
3. Amusements – libangan
13. Mga bugtong – Puzzles and riddles
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14. Mga Salawikain – Proverbs
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15. Paraan ng pagtingin sa oras, mga tanging kalendaryo.
16. Ibang kwento tungkol sa nayon – Other folktales
Noong unang pahanon ng Kastila ay may isang kawal na pinatay ng isang magsasaka. Ito diumano’y totoong mapanikil at malupit na kawal (Kastila). Isang gabing namamasyal ang Kastila, ang magsasakang pinaglupitan niya ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na siya ay nasundan. Pagdating sa isang ilang na pook ay sinaksak ng magsasaka ang kawal hanggang sa mamatay. Mula noon ay sa may tabing-sapa sa Mahabang Dahilig ay nababalita ang isang aninong lumalabas sa kalaliman ng gabi. Ito, ayon sa sabi ng isang malaking tao na lumiligid sa may paaralan ngayon. May nagsasabi pang may mga bakas ng galamay ng malaking tao sa dinding ng paaralan. Ito ay nakikita sa kinaumagahan. Ang paniwala ng taga roon ay ang multo ng Kastila ang lumalabas kung gabi.
During the Spanish time, there was a cruel Spanish soldier. One of the victims of his cruelty was a farmer. One evening, while he was taking a walk, the farmer followed him. When they came to a thicket, he stabbed the Spaniard to death. After several nights by the riverside appeared the dark shadow of a person resembling that of the soldier. According to stories, this could be seen lingering around the school near the place where the killing happened. Still others say that fingerprints could be seen on the walls of the school building the next morning. They believe that the Spaniard’s ghost goes around the night.
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Notes and references:
Transcribed from “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio of Mahabang Dahilig,” 1953, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
[p. 1]
1. Present official name of the barrio. The present official name of the barrio is Mahabang Dahilig.
2. Popular name of the barrio, present and past; derivations and meanings of these names. Names of sitios included within the territorial jurisdiction of the barrio.
a. The former name of the barrio was “Buayahan.” Buayahan was derived from the word buaya meaning crocodile. It was believed that the river in this barrio Buayahan (which was formerly made up of the present barrios of Mahabang Dahilig, San Isidro, and Sto. Niño) was infested by crocodiles. The settlers called the place “Buayahan.”
b. The present popular name of the barrio is Mahabang Dahilig. This originally meant long hill. This came to be called by such a name because when the river came to be infested by crocodiles, the inhabitants sought a safer place for refuge on the hillsides. When the river became peaceful, the people instead of returning to their former homes, they settled in the valley just below the place where they built their temporary homes. Since then, the outlying villages (Sto. Niño and San Isidro) were separated and Mahabang Dahilig proper became a separate barrio. The people gave that name because in going to the place, one has to climb a slightly sloping but long hill.
c. Names of sitios:
b. The present popular name of the barrio is Mahabang Dahilig. This originally meant long hill. This came to be called by such a name because when the river came to be infested by crocodiles, the inhabitants sought a safer place for refuge on the hillsides. When the river became peaceful, the people instead of returning to their former homes, they settled in the valley just below the place where they built their temporary homes. Since then, the outlying villages (Sto. Niño and San Isidro) were separated and Mahabang Dahilig proper became a separate barrio. The people gave that name because in going to the place, one has to climb a slightly sloping but long hill.
c. Names of sitios:
1. Malalim, meaning deep, is situated in the northern part of the barrio.
2. Loko-loko is another sitio at the southeastern tip of Mahabang Dahilig.
3. Sosyo means cooperative business. The sitio is in the southern part of the barrio.
2. Loko-loko is another sitio at the southeastern tip of Mahabang Dahilig.
3. Sosyo means cooperative business. The sitio is in the southern part of the barrio.
[p. 2]
3. Date of establishment: The exact date when the barrio was established can nowhere be found, but according to old barrio folks, the earliest settlement can be placed during the early part of the Spanish discovery of the Philippines.
4. Original families: The earliest known inhabitants of the barrio were the members of the “Ebora” family. Others were the “Ronquillos” and the “Panganibans.” These still form a greater part of the present population.
5. List of tenientes from the earliest time to date:
a. Rufino Ronquillo (known as “Kabesa” (first known)
b. Pedro Cueto
c. Serafin Ronquillo
d. Esteban Panganiban
e. Juan Ebora
f. Pedro Ebora
g. Simeon Panganiban (present)
b. Pedro Cueto
c. Serafin Ronquillo
d. Esteban Panganiban
e. Juan Ebora
f. Pedro Ebora
g. Simeon Panganiban (present)
6. At present, the sitios mentioned above are all inhabited.
7. Data of historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins. The first public school building was built in 1925. The improved school house was burned in 1939; establishment of the Japanese camp in 1943.
8. Important facts, incidents, or events that took place.
a. During the Spanish occupation, there were few skirmishes between the Spanish soldiers and the insurrectos. There were excellent hiding places for these Filipino revolutionists because of the thick woods. The Spanish Civil Guards had a better chance of capturing their enemies because they used superior weapons, but the brave natives would not surrender. Many men were killed on both sides. Some Spanish veterans were still living, one of whom is Domingo Ebora. During this time, the old folks taught the young in their homes. They learned the Spanish “A B C.” The farmers learned to till the soil and plant crops, introduced by the Spaniards like the papaya, beans and others.
[p. 3]
b. During the American occupation up to World War II. When the Spaniards left the Philippines in 1899, the Americans took the former’s place as Filipino conquerors. However, the Americans left the recorded events in the history of Mahabang Dahilig. On the other hand, the barrio people aspired for the improvement of the community economically, politically, and socially. The farmers learned better ways of farming because they learned to use fertilizers to produce better crops. Schools progressed because of the well-trained teachers who at present teach in the barrio. During this period, when a barrio head was selected to become the leader of the barrio.
c. During World War II: In December 1941, when the war broke out, Mahabang Dahilig became an evacuation place. During the early part of the war, the evacuees and the barrio residents were not much troubled except on occasional frightful experiences due to the news of the coming of the Japanese soldiers. In the year 1943, the people fled to a farther place for the presence of the Japanese soldiers in the sitio of Malalim. Tunnels were built, domestic animals were used as their food and as beasts of burden. Farm work was abandoned for fear and at times due to loss of working animals. Some people formed secret guerrilla organizations.
d. After World War II: When the town of Batangas was liberated in the early part of 1945, the barrio folks found themselves too poor, under-nourished, and sickly. The coming of the Americans brought new life to the people. Had the Americans not arrived within that period, the barrio of Mahabang Dahilig might have also been a victim of Japanese slaughter. That was in January 1945 when all barrio people cheered and thanked God for the return of the Americans in our country. The jobless were able to find work and their home lives were restored.
c. During World War II: In December 1941, when the war broke out, Mahabang Dahilig became an evacuation place. During the early part of the war, the evacuees and the barrio residents were not much troubled except on occasional frightful experiences due to the news of the coming of the Japanese soldiers. In the year 1943, the people fled to a farther place for the presence of the Japanese soldiers in the sitio of Malalim. Tunnels were built, domestic animals were used as their food and as beasts of burden. Farm work was abandoned for fear and at times due to loss of working animals. Some people formed secret guerrilla organizations.
d. After World War II: When the town of Batangas was liberated in the early part of 1945, the barrio folks found themselves too poor, under-nourished, and sickly. The coming of the Americans brought new life to the people. Had the Americans not arrived within that period, the barrio of Mahabang Dahilig might have also been a victim of Japanese slaughter. That was in January 1945 when all barrio people cheered and thanked God for the return of the Americans in our country. The jobless were able to find work and their home lives were restored.
9. a. Destruction of lives, properties, and institutions during war, especially 1896-1900 and 1941-1945. No life and property were destroyed during the war in 1896 to 1900. In 1941-1945, properties were destroyed. When the Japanese soldiers made camp in the barrios in 1943, some homes were destroyed. Working animals were taken for food and same as beasts of burden.
[p. 4]
b. Measures and accomplishments towards rehabilitation and reconstruction following World War II. Upon the coming of the liberators, government offices were restarted. The parents of the Filipino veterans were given pensions by the organized Philippine Veterans Board. Jobs for job-seeking people were given, homes and public buildings were reconstructed through the Rehabilitation program of the United States government.
10. Mga kaugalian sa pantahanan at panglipunan at pamamahay, paglilibing, pagdalaw, pistahan, pagpaparusa, at iba pa. Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga kinauugalian ng mga nagsisipanira sa Mahabang Dahilig ng panahon ng Kastila ay umiiral pa rin sa pamumuhay ng mga taga nayong ito. Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan lamang sa kinagagawian.
Traditions, customs and practices in domestic and social life, birth, baptism, courtship, marriage, death, burial, visits, festivities, punishments, etc.
At present, the beautiful traditions and practices of the barrio during the Spanish days are still noticeable among the lives of the barrio folks. The following are some of the customs and practices.
At present, the beautiful traditions and practices of the barrio during the Spanish days are still noticeable among the lives of the barrio folks. The following are some of the customs and practices.
a. Panganganak – Kapag ang isang ina ay nagdadalang tao, siya ay maraming sinusunod na pamahiin. Siya ay di nararapat pumunta sa silong ng bahay kapag nakalubog na ang araw sa hapon. Ang kanyang asawa ay hindi pinahihintulutang gumawa ng bahay at tumulong sa pagbubuhat sa patay. Ang babae ay pinagbabawalang tumigil, maupo o tumayo sa mga pintuan o hagdanan. Pagkagising niya sa umaga, dapat niyang ihagis ang kanyang unan sa kaniyang paanan. Hindi dapat siya tumawa o magalit kaya sa mga taong may kapinsalaan sa katawan sa paniwalang baka tumulad sa kanyang natawanan o nakagalitan. Ang malilinis na damit ay sa paglalagay sa baol o sa ano mang lalagyan ay dapat pantay-pantay ang mga dulo nito o di kaya’y pantay-pantay. Ang batang kasisilang lamang ay nakitaan ng di pangkaraniwang ayos sa katawan, ito ay tinatawag na “pinag-ibigan.”
Birth – When a mother is about to give birth, she adheres to some superstitions.
Birth – When a mother is about to give birth, she adheres to some superstitions.
[p. 5]
She does not go under the house when the sun has already set. Her husband is prohibited to build a house nor to help lift or carry a dead person. She must not stay at doorsteps. When she wakes up in the morning, she must immediately throw her pillow to her feet. She must refrain from laughing at or become angry with feeble-minded persons or with physical incapacities. If she wears a dress to protect her clothes from becoming dirty, she must wear it with even edges. When [a] newly born child appears to be somewhat having an abnormal appearance, they say that she has a maternal marking of any sort.
b. Pagbibinyag – Kapag ang isang bata ay dadalhin sa simbahan upang binyagan, ang ina ay pinadurungaw sa bintana at susundan ng tingin ang anak upang kung ito’y lumaki ay maging masunurin.
Baptism – When a child to be baptized is to be taken to church, the mother looks out of the window so that the child grows or she may be obedient.
c. Pagliligawan – Sa pagliligawan ng binata’t dalaga sa nayon ay mayroong tinatawag na “pagpapakilala.” Ang isang binata ay hindi makapagpahayag ng pag-ibig sa dalaga hanggang hindi niya naipapamalay sa mga magulang ng babae ang kanyang matapat na pag-ibig sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa ano mang gawain sa bahay ng dalaga. Ang unang kanyang pagpapakilala sa magulang ng dalaga ay ang pagdadala ng panggatong, tubig, at iba pa. Sa unang pagluhod ng binata sa magulang ng dalaga ay kapag siya ay ginawaran ng bendecion ay mangangahulugang tinatanggap siya ng magulang ng dalaga bilang isang mangingibig, ngunit kapag siya ay di ginawaran ng bendisyon, nangangahulugang huag rin siyang magpatuloy sapagkat siya ay di naiibig. Ito ang tinatawag na “pangangasawa” na tumatagal ng ilang taon. Ang binata ay lagi sa bahay ng dalaga at tumutulong sa bahay ng dalaga. Kung inaakala ng magulang ng babae na sapat na ang pagsubok sa kadakilaan ng pag-ibig ng binata, ay kanilang ipinagbibilin ang magulang ng binata upang pag-usapan ang kasalan ng dalwang magsing-irog. Ang magulang ng binata sa pagpunta sa bahay ng magulang ng dalaga ay may dalang mga ano mang pangpalubay-loob tulad ng alak, pagkain at iba pa at sa kanilang pagpuntang iyan ay kanilang mapapag-usapan ang bagay sa kasal ng kanilang mga anak. Ang pag-uusap na ito ay tinatawag na “bulungan.” Sa bulungang ito mapapagkasunduan nila ang anyo ng pagdadaos ng kasal,
b. Pagbibinyag – Kapag ang isang bata ay dadalhin sa simbahan upang binyagan, ang ina ay pinadurungaw sa bintana at susundan ng tingin ang anak upang kung ito’y lumaki ay maging masunurin.
Baptism – When a child to be baptized is to be taken to church, the mother looks out of the window so that the child grows or she may be obedient.
c. Pagliligawan – Sa pagliligawan ng binata’t dalaga sa nayon ay mayroong tinatawag na “pagpapakilala.” Ang isang binata ay hindi makapagpahayag ng pag-ibig sa dalaga hanggang hindi niya naipapamalay sa mga magulang ng babae ang kanyang matapat na pag-ibig sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa ano mang gawain sa bahay ng dalaga. Ang unang kanyang pagpapakilala sa magulang ng dalaga ay ang pagdadala ng panggatong, tubig, at iba pa. Sa unang pagluhod ng binata sa magulang ng dalaga ay kapag siya ay ginawaran ng bendecion ay mangangahulugang tinatanggap siya ng magulang ng dalaga bilang isang mangingibig, ngunit kapag siya ay di ginawaran ng bendisyon, nangangahulugang huag rin siyang magpatuloy sapagkat siya ay di naiibig. Ito ang tinatawag na “pangangasawa” na tumatagal ng ilang taon. Ang binata ay lagi sa bahay ng dalaga at tumutulong sa bahay ng dalaga. Kung inaakala ng magulang ng babae na sapat na ang pagsubok sa kadakilaan ng pag-ibig ng binata, ay kanilang ipinagbibilin ang magulang ng binata upang pag-usapan ang kasalan ng dalwang magsing-irog. Ang magulang ng binata sa pagpunta sa bahay ng magulang ng dalaga ay may dalang mga ano mang pangpalubay-loob tulad ng alak, pagkain at iba pa at sa kanilang pagpuntang iyan ay kanilang mapapag-usapan ang bagay sa kasal ng kanilang mga anak. Ang pag-uusap na ito ay tinatawag na “bulungan.” Sa bulungang ito mapapagkasunduan nila ang anyo ng pagdadaos ng kasal,
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handaan at kung ano pagpapasimulang na magiging baga ang mag-asawa. Karaniwang ang magulang ng babae ay nagmumungkahi sa magulang ng lalaki na bigyan ang magkakasal ng kapirasong lupa, mag-inang baka at mga kagamitan sa pagbubukid na kadalasan nama’y sinasang-ayunan ng magulang ng lalaki. Ito ang tinatawag na “bilang.”
Courtship – In the phase of the social life there is the so-called pagpapakilala. A young man could not go directly to the woman he loves until after he has made known his noble intention to the parents of the lady. He goes to the woman’s place, bringing with him some firewood, water and the like. When he reaches the house, he kneels to the lady’s parents and waits for the blessings of said parents. If he is not blessed by them, he stops going there because he is not welcomed as a suitor. But if he is awarded or anticipated in his behalf, he is allowed to serve for [a] number of months or years. He stays in the lady’s house [and] helps [with] whatever work the family performs. This is the so-called “pangangasawa.” As soon as the lady’s parents have verified the sincerity of the man, they send for the man’s parents and talk over for the wedding. This is called “bulungan.” During this bulungan, the wedding as to how and when will be settled. A “bilang” in the form of money or a parcel of land is given to the newly-weds.
d. Pagkakasal – Sa pagdating ng bagong kasal sa bahay ng babae ay pinakakain sila ng “kalamay” upang sila ay magkaroon na malamig na kalooban sa bawa’t isa at magkasundo ng mahusay, maging mapayapa ang kanilang pamumuhay. Karaniwan na rin ay masasaksihan na magbabasag ng palyok upang matingnan kung magkakaroon ng mga supling ang mag-asawa. Kasabihan ay kung ilang piraso ang pagkabasag ng palyok ay siyang dami ng magiging anak ng bagong kasal. Sa paglipat ng bagong kasal sa bahay ng lalake ay sino mang ka-anak ng lalake ay nagdadala ng ano mang kagamitan sa pamamahay ng babae sa paniniwala nilang ang gawaing iyon makakapagpawili sa babae sa kanyang magiging bianan.
Marriage – Upon reaching the woman’s house, the newly married are given “kalamay” so that they will have a happy and peaceful life in the future. It is common to see that a pot is broken to see if the couple will have many children, that is the number of pieces the pot breaks, the number of children they are going to have. As the couple leaves the
Courtship – In the phase of the social life there is the so-called pagpapakilala. A young man could not go directly to the woman he loves until after he has made known his noble intention to the parents of the lady. He goes to the woman’s place, bringing with him some firewood, water and the like. When he reaches the house, he kneels to the lady’s parents and waits for the blessings of said parents. If he is not blessed by them, he stops going there because he is not welcomed as a suitor. But if he is awarded or anticipated in his behalf, he is allowed to serve for [a] number of months or years. He stays in the lady’s house [and] helps [with] whatever work the family performs. This is the so-called “pangangasawa.” As soon as the lady’s parents have verified the sincerity of the man, they send for the man’s parents and talk over for the wedding. This is called “bulungan.” During this bulungan, the wedding as to how and when will be settled. A “bilang” in the form of money or a parcel of land is given to the newly-weds.
d. Pagkakasal – Sa pagdating ng bagong kasal sa bahay ng babae ay pinakakain sila ng “kalamay” upang sila ay magkaroon na malamig na kalooban sa bawa’t isa at magkasundo ng mahusay, maging mapayapa ang kanilang pamumuhay. Karaniwan na rin ay masasaksihan na magbabasag ng palyok upang matingnan kung magkakaroon ng mga supling ang mag-asawa. Kasabihan ay kung ilang piraso ang pagkabasag ng palyok ay siyang dami ng magiging anak ng bagong kasal. Sa paglipat ng bagong kasal sa bahay ng lalake ay sino mang ka-anak ng lalake ay nagdadala ng ano mang kagamitan sa pamamahay ng babae sa paniniwala nilang ang gawaing iyon makakapagpawili sa babae sa kanyang magiging bianan.
Marriage – Upon reaching the woman’s house, the newly married are given “kalamay” so that they will have a happy and peaceful life in the future. It is common to see that a pot is broken to see if the couple will have many children, that is the number of pieces the pot breaks, the number of children they are going to have. As the couple leaves the
[p. 7]
lady's house, the man’s relative (one) steals any utensil from the woman’s kitchen with the belief that the bride will always want to stay in the man’s house.
e. Pagkamatay – Ang malapit na kamag-anak ng isang namatay ay hindi makapagluto ng sariwang gulay lalong-lalo na yaong mga gumagapang na gulayin. Ito ay sinusunod hanggang sa ika-siyam na araw mula ng pagkamatay. Sa loob ng siyam na araw, ang mga tumitira sa bahay ng kinamatayan ay hindi nagwawalis ng sahig at looban. Ang mga platong ginagamit sa pagkain ay hindi pinagpapatong sa kanilang pag-iimis.
The relatives of the deceased are not allowed to cook fresh vegetables especially those vine plants as squash, beans and others until the ninth day from death. Within nine days, the persons left by the deceased are prohibited to sweep in and out of the house. Within the same length of time, the plates used are not piled on top of the other.
f. Pistahan – Kung may salo-salo sa isang bahay, ang mga ka-anak ng may salosalo ay tumitigil roon sa buong maghapon. Ang mga dumalo sa kasayahan ay ang kadalasang suot ay ang kanilang pinakabagong kasuotan. Karaniwang hindi nawawala ang mga inuming alak o ponche. Ang mga babae ay pinaiinum nang kahit ng kaunti sa paniniwalang pinatatamis daw ng timtim ng dalaga.
If there is a feast in one’s house, all the relatives of the host go to the house and often stay there the whole day. The people concerned or those who attend wear their newest attire for display. Drinks served are also offered to women for the belief that women’s tastes make the liquor sweeter.
e. Pagkamatay – Ang malapit na kamag-anak ng isang namatay ay hindi makapagluto ng sariwang gulay lalong-lalo na yaong mga gumagapang na gulayin. Ito ay sinusunod hanggang sa ika-siyam na araw mula ng pagkamatay. Sa loob ng siyam na araw, ang mga tumitira sa bahay ng kinamatayan ay hindi nagwawalis ng sahig at looban. Ang mga platong ginagamit sa pagkain ay hindi pinagpapatong sa kanilang pag-iimis.
The relatives of the deceased are not allowed to cook fresh vegetables especially those vine plants as squash, beans and others until the ninth day from death. Within nine days, the persons left by the deceased are prohibited to sweep in and out of the house. Within the same length of time, the plates used are not piled on top of the other.
f. Pistahan – Kung may salo-salo sa isang bahay, ang mga ka-anak ng may salosalo ay tumitigil roon sa buong maghapon. Ang mga dumalo sa kasayahan ay ang kadalasang suot ay ang kanilang pinakabagong kasuotan. Karaniwang hindi nawawala ang mga inuming alak o ponche. Ang mga babae ay pinaiinum nang kahit ng kaunti sa paniniwalang pinatatamis daw ng timtim ng dalaga.
If there is a feast in one’s house, all the relatives of the host go to the house and often stay there the whole day. The people concerned or those who attend wear their newest attire for display. Drinks served are also offered to women for the belief that women’s tastes make the liquor sweeter.
11. Myths, legends, beliefs, interpretations, origin of the world, land, mountains, caves, seas, lakes, eclipses, earthquakes, thunder, lightning, thunder, clouds, rain, storms, rivers, plants, trees, animals, sun, moon, stars, wind, changes of climates, other natural phenomena, first man and woman, birth of twins or more, sickness, magic, etc.
1. Pinagmulan ng daigdig – Origin of the world.
[p. 8]
Ang mga taga Mahabang Dahilig ay naniniwala na ang pinagmulan ng daigdig na ito ay ang pagkakalikha dito ng Diyos.
The barrio folks of Mahabang Dahilig believe that God created the world.
The barrio folks of Mahabang Dahilig believe that God created the world.
2. Araw, buwan, bituin – Kapag ang kulay ng araw sa oras ng paglubog ay tulad sa dugo ay may kapanganibang naghihintay sa mga tao.
While the sun sets and its color resembles the color of blood, some calamity will befall the people.
Kung sa mga unang gabi ang pagsikat ng buan ay timbang, kaunti lamang ang iuulan, ngunit kung ito ay nakatagilid sa alin mang gawi, nagpapakilalang masagana ang ulan.
If during the first few evenings when the moon begins to rise, it has the shape of a comb and balance, it shows there is little rain, whereas if its position is that it is bent on either side, there will be an abundance of rain.
Kung ang pagkakita natin dito sa lupa ang buwan at ang isang tanging bituin ay magkatabi ay nangangahulugang mayroong dalaga’t binatang magtatanan.
When the afternoon star is near the moon as seen on earth, a young man and woman will elope.
Kapag ang buwan ay naliligid ng bahaghari kung gabi ito ay pangitain ng tag-ulan.
If a rainbow is seen around the moon at night, it shows the coming of the rainy days.
Kapag ang buwan ay mapula, ang kulay nito’y nangangahulugan ng pagkamatay ng maraming tao.
If the moon is of deep red at night, it is a sign of pestilence.
While the sun sets and its color resembles the color of blood, some calamity will befall the people.
Kung sa mga unang gabi ang pagsikat ng buan ay timbang, kaunti lamang ang iuulan, ngunit kung ito ay nakatagilid sa alin mang gawi, nagpapakilalang masagana ang ulan.
If during the first few evenings when the moon begins to rise, it has the shape of a comb and balance, it shows there is little rain, whereas if its position is that it is bent on either side, there will be an abundance of rain.
Kung ang pagkakita natin dito sa lupa ang buwan at ang isang tanging bituin ay magkatabi ay nangangahulugang mayroong dalaga’t binatang magtatanan.
When the afternoon star is near the moon as seen on earth, a young man and woman will elope.
Kapag ang buwan ay naliligid ng bahaghari kung gabi ito ay pangitain ng tag-ulan.
If a rainbow is seen around the moon at night, it shows the coming of the rainy days.
Kapag ang buwan ay mapula, ang kulay nito’y nangangahulugan ng pagkamatay ng maraming tao.
If the moon is of deep red at night, it is a sign of pestilence.
[p. 9]
3. Mga hayop – Animals
4. Halaman, punong-kahoy ulan, hangin, bagyo, alapaap. Plants, trees, rain, winds, storms, clouds.
Ang mga tao ay naniniwala na ang kulog
a. Kapag ang pusa ay ikinikiskis ang kanyang mga paa sa mukha ay sinasabing siya ay naghilamos at ito’y palatandaan na may panauhing darating.
If a cat washes his face (brushing his paws against his face), a visitor is coming.
b. Kapag ang aso sa gabi ay tumahol ng kakaiba, nangangahulugang mayroong namatay sa pook na kinaroroonan ng aso.
If a dog howls differently with a frightful sound, somebody in there will die.
c. Kapag ang baka o baboy ay lagging bumabahin o umuubo, ito ay nangangahulugang malapit na ang tag-ulan.
When a cow or pig sneezes, it is a sign of [the] coming of rainy days.
If a cat washes his face (brushing his paws against his face), a visitor is coming.
b. Kapag ang aso sa gabi ay tumahol ng kakaiba, nangangahulugang mayroong namatay sa pook na kinaroroonan ng aso.
If a dog howls differently with a frightful sound, somebody in there will die.
c. Kapag ang baka o baboy ay lagging bumabahin o umuubo, ito ay nangangahulugang malapit na ang tag-ulan.
When a cow or pig sneezes, it is a sign of [the] coming of rainy days.
4. Halaman, punong-kahoy ulan, hangin, bagyo, alapaap. Plants, trees, rain, winds, storms, clouds.
a. Kapag ang mga dahon ng halaman at punong kahoy ay tikan at nakayuko sa pababa, ito ay nagsasabing may darating na bagyo o malakas na hangin.
If the leaves of plants and trees are closed and turned upside down to the ground, it shows the coming of a storm or typhoon.
b. Kapag ang alapaap ay salungat sa hihip ng hangin, nangangahulugang may bagyong darating.
When clouds travel against the flow of [the] wind, it shows the coming of a typhoon.
c. Ang ulan sa kaarawan ng patay ay sinasabing luha ng mga kaluluwa ng mga patay.
Rain during All Saints’ Day is believed to [be] the tears of the deceased.
5. Kidlat, kulog – Thunder, lightning.If the leaves of plants and trees are closed and turned upside down to the ground, it shows the coming of a storm or typhoon.
b. Kapag ang alapaap ay salungat sa hihip ng hangin, nangangahulugang may bagyong darating.
When clouds travel against the flow of [the] wind, it shows the coming of a typhoon.
c. Ang ulan sa kaarawan ng patay ay sinasabing luha ng mga kaluluwa ng mga patay.
Rain during All Saints’ Day is believed to [be] the tears of the deceased.
Ang mga tao ay naniniwala na ang kulog
[p. 10]
ay nagbubuhat sa isang puting baboy na gumugulong sa lupa at kapag ito’y nasagi sa puno ng kahoy ang malakas na tunog ay nadidinig.
The people believe that the thunder is caused by a white pig rolling on the ground and when it strikes a tree trunk, the loud noise of the thunder is heard.
6. Iklipsi, lindol – Eclipses, earthquake
7. Panganganak ng kambal o higit pa – Birth of twins or more.
The people believe that the thunder is caused by a white pig rolling on the ground and when it strikes a tree trunk, the loud noise of the thunder is heard.
6. Iklipsi, lindol – Eclipses, earthquake
a. Kapag ang isang tao ay nalugmok dahil sa lindol, ang taong ito ay nagkaroon ng sakit na pagkahimatay.
When a person stumbles due to an earthquake, this person becomes sick with unconsciousness.
b. Kapag ang lindol ay nangyari sa tag-araw, ang paniwala ng tao, ito ay panahon ng pagkatuyo.
When the earthquake occurs during the dry season, the people believe that is a sign of dryness.
c. Ang paniwala ng taga Mahabang Dahilig ang iklipsi ay nangyayari dahil sa paglalaban ng buwan at araw. Kung minsan, ang buwan ay nalulunok ng araw. Kung minsan naman, ang araw ang lulunin ng buwan at pagkatapos ay iluluwa. Kapag ang buwan ang siyang nanalo, ang manganganak ay maghihirap.
The barrio folks believe that an eclipse happens when the sun swallows the moon or vice-versa. Then, when it becomes dark, they say that it is the moon which is able to swallow the sun. Another beliefs is that when an eclipse occurs, the expectant mothers will have a hard time in their delivery.
When a person stumbles due to an earthquake, this person becomes sick with unconsciousness.
b. Kapag ang lindol ay nangyari sa tag-araw, ang paniwala ng tao, ito ay panahon ng pagkatuyo.
When the earthquake occurs during the dry season, the people believe that is a sign of dryness.
c. Ang paniwala ng taga Mahabang Dahilig ang iklipsi ay nangyayari dahil sa paglalaban ng buwan at araw. Kung minsan, ang buwan ay nalulunok ng araw. Kung minsan naman, ang araw ang lulunin ng buwan at pagkatapos ay iluluwa. Kapag ang buwan ang siyang nanalo, ang manganganak ay maghihirap.
The barrio folks believe that an eclipse happens when the sun swallows the moon or vice-versa. Then, when it becomes dark, they say that it is the moon which is able to swallow the sun. Another beliefs is that when an eclipse occurs, the expectant mothers will have a hard time in their delivery.
7. Panganganak ng kambal o higit pa – Birth of twins or more.
Ang kambal ay lumalabas kapag ang ina ay kumakain ng kambal na saging o anumang uri ng kambal na bungang-kahoy sa panahon ng kanyang paglilihi.
Twins appear when the mother eats twin bananas or any kind of twin fruits when she was conceiving.
Twins appear when the mother eats twin bananas or any kind of twin fruits when she was conceiving.
[p. 11]
8. Pagkakasakit – Sickness
Kapag ang isang tao ay sumalok ng bendita at pagkatapos ay naligo siya ay lalagnatin. Ito’y dahil sa ang tubig na bendita ay nahugas sa kanyang katawan.
If anybody gets fever after going to church because he takes a bath, it is because the holy water in is body was washed away.
Kung ang isang bahagi ng inyong katawan ay biglang sumakit at kayo ay may nakasalubong na tao at bumati sa inyo, kayo ay malalalinan.
If a part of the body becomes painful, they say another person happened to greet him. That is called “naalusan.”
Ang lunas doon ay yaong inaakalang nakalaling tao ay hinahagod ng ikmo yaong taong nalalinan.
The cure for this is that the suspected person chews ikmo and the chewed ikmo is spread over the aching part of the person.
Kapag ang isang babae ay nagsilang agad ng isang sanggol na kulang sa gulang, naniniwala silang “patianak” ang sumusunod.
A pregnant woman who delivers a premature child is said to have been followed by a patianak.
Pinaniniwalaan din nila na mayroong mangkukulam na nakakilala sa pamamagitan ng nagniningas na kamay. Kapag nakakita ng tubig sa mga pusali ng bahay. Pagkatapos ang mga nagsisipanirahan sa bahay na iyan ay magkakasakit.
It is believed also that there is a mangkukulam who is identified by having burning fingers at night and black nails during the day. When he sees water under houses, he soaks his hot fingers and after this the family gets sick.
Kapag ang isang tao ay sumalok ng bendita at pagkatapos ay naligo siya ay lalagnatin. Ito’y dahil sa ang tubig na bendita ay nahugas sa kanyang katawan.
If anybody gets fever after going to church because he takes a bath, it is because the holy water in is body was washed away.
Kung ang isang bahagi ng inyong katawan ay biglang sumakit at kayo ay may nakasalubong na tao at bumati sa inyo, kayo ay malalalinan.
If a part of the body becomes painful, they say another person happened to greet him. That is called “naalusan.”
Ang lunas doon ay yaong inaakalang nakalaling tao ay hinahagod ng ikmo yaong taong nalalinan.
The cure for this is that the suspected person chews ikmo and the chewed ikmo is spread over the aching part of the person.
Kapag ang isang babae ay nagsilang agad ng isang sanggol na kulang sa gulang, naniniwala silang “patianak” ang sumusunod.
A pregnant woman who delivers a premature child is said to have been followed by a patianak.
Pinaniniwalaan din nila na mayroong mangkukulam na nakakilala sa pamamagitan ng nagniningas na kamay. Kapag nakakita ng tubig sa mga pusali ng bahay. Pagkatapos ang mga nagsisipanirahan sa bahay na iyan ay magkakasakit.
It is believed also that there is a mangkukulam who is identified by having burning fingers at night and black nails during the day. When he sees water under houses, he soaks his hot fingers and after this the family gets sick.
12. Popular songs, games and amusements
Mga kinagigiliwang awitin, laro at libangan.
[p. 12]
Ang mga kinagigiliwang mga awitin sa nayon ng Mahabang Dahilig ay ang mga sumusunod:
1. The most popular songs in Mahabang Dahilig are:
a. Pandanggo
b. Sinilangan
c. Mga makabagong awitin
b. Sinilangan
c. Mga makabagong awitin
2. Games – laro
a. Patintero
b. Sakate
c. Luksong tinik – Jump the spine
d. Pata
e. Luksong lubid – Jumping rope
b. Sakate
c. Luksong tinik – Jump the spine
d. Pata
e. Luksong lubid – Jumping rope
3. Amusements – libangan
a. Drinking tuba – Pag-inom ng tuba
b. Gambling – Sugal
c. Cockfighting – Sabong
d. Reading Tagalog magazines – Pagbasa ng babasahing Tagalog
b. Gambling – Sugal
c. Cockfighting – Sabong
d. Reading Tagalog magazines – Pagbasa ng babasahing Tagalog
13. Mga bugtong – Puzzles and riddles
| 1. | Lumalakad, walang paa Lumuluha'y walang mata. – Paunten pen Without feet, it walks It cries, but no eyes. – Fountain pen |
| 2. | Baboy sa pulo Balahibo'y pako. – Langka I have a pig in an isle Which has hair like nail. – Jackfruit |
| 3. | Isang magandang dalaga Kinakain ang sarili niya. – Kandila A beautiful lady Eating her own body. – Candle |
| 4. | Nagtago si Pedro, labas ang ulo. – Pako Pedro hid, his head could be seen yet. – Nail |
| 5. | Isang butil ng palay, sikip sa buong bahay. – Ilaw A grain of palay crowds a room. – Lamp |
| 6. | Walang puno't walang ugat Hitik ng bulaklak. – Bituin It has no roots but has flowers. – Stars |
| 7. | Buhok ng pari, hindi mahawi. – Tubig. The priest's hair which can't be combed. – Water |
| 8. | Buhok ni Adan, hindi mabilang. – Ulan Adam's hair which could not be counted. – Rain |
| 9. | Apat na sundalo, iisa ang sumbrero. – Haligi Four soldiers who wear a hat. – Post |
| 10. | Hugis puso, kulay ginto. – Mangga Heart-shaped and golden Hard to get, but delicious to eat. – Mango |
| 11. | Noong walang ginto ay saka palalo Nang magkaginto na'y saka nakayuko. – Palay When she was empty of gold she was proud When she possessed gold, she became [a] coward. – Palay |
| 12. | Hindi hayop, hindi tao Tanungan ng buong mundo. – Orasan Neither an animal nor a person [The] Whole world asks questions. – Clock |
| 1. | Kung ano ang hinala ay siyang gawa |
| What one suspects, it is what he does. | |
| 2. | Magpakahaba-haba ng prosisyon, sa simbahan uurong. No matter how long the procession is, the church is its destination. |
| 3. | Ang lumalakad ng matulin, matinik man ay malalim. Ang lumalakad ng marahan, matinik man ay mababaw. One who walks fast, when it hurts, hurts gravely. One who walks slow, when it hurts, hurts slightly. |
| 4. | Ang bayaning masugatan, nag-iibayo ang tapang. A wounded hero becomes braver. |
| 5. | Kung ano ang bukang bibig ay siyang laman ng dibdib. What one speaketh, her heart keepeth. |
| 6. | Kapag may sinuksok ay may titingalain. If you keep something up in the roof There is something you will look up at. |
| 7. | Kapag may itinanim ay may aanihin. If something is planted, something will be harvested. |
| 8. | Ang hipong tulog ay dinadala ng agos. A sleeping shrimp is carried away by the current. |
| 9. | Daig ng maagap ang masipag. It is better to be up-to-date than to be industrious. |
| 10. | Matalino man ang matsin Mapaglalamangan din. |
| Though a monkey is intelligent He can be fooled. | |
| 11. | Mahirap ang mamangka sa dalwang ilog. It is difficult to go boating in two rivers. |
| 12. | Pag ang tubig ay maingay, tarukin mo at mababaw. Pag ang tubig ay matining, tarukin mo at malalim. If the water is noisy, be assured that it is shallow If the water is still, it runs deep. |
Methods of measuring time, special calendars.
a. Ang Mahabang Dahilig ay isang nayon kung kaya’t hangga ngayon ay mayroon pa ring tumutukoy sa oras sa pamamagitan ng pagtingin sa lagay ng araw. Kung ang araw ay nasa silangan nangangahulugang umaga pa. Kung ito naman ay nasa gawing kanluran na, nagpapakilalang hapon na o lagpas na sa katanghalian.
Kung sa gabi at medaling araw ay nalalaman nila ang oras sa pamamagitan ng tilaok ng manok.
Marami na rin sa kanila ang may sari-sariling orasan at nauunawaan nila ang paggamit.
Mahabang Dahilig being a barrio has still some old folks that tell time by looking at the direction of the sun. If the sun is still in the east, it is still morning, but if it goes to the west, it shows afternoon time.
At night and at dawn, the barrio folks watch or listen for the crowing of the cocks for it alarms the four to five o’clock in the morning.
Some already own clocks and time pieces.
b. Ang mga kalendaryo ngayon sa bukid
[p. 16]Kung sa gabi at medaling araw ay nalalaman nila ang oras sa pamamagitan ng tilaok ng manok.
Marami na rin sa kanila ang may sari-sariling orasan at nauunawaan nila ang paggamit.
Mahabang Dahilig being a barrio has still some old folks that tell time by looking at the direction of the sun. If the sun is still in the east, it is still morning, but if it goes to the west, it shows afternoon time.
At night and at dawn, the barrio folks watch or listen for the crowing of the cocks for it alarms the four to five o’clock in the morning.
Some already own clocks and time pieces.
b. Ang mga kalendaryo ngayon sa bukid
na ito ay mga kalendaryong ginawa na at nagsasaad ng tumpak ng mga ngalan ng araw at buwan gayong din ang taon.
The calendars used in this barrio are calendars purposely made which relates the exact names of days, months and years.
The calendars used in this barrio are calendars purposely made which relates the exact names of days, months and years.
16. Ibang kwento tungkol sa nayon – Other folktales
Noong unang pahanon ng Kastila ay may isang kawal na pinatay ng isang magsasaka. Ito diumano’y totoong mapanikil at malupit na kawal (Kastila). Isang gabing namamasyal ang Kastila, ang magsasakang pinaglupitan niya ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na siya ay nasundan. Pagdating sa isang ilang na pook ay sinaksak ng magsasaka ang kawal hanggang sa mamatay. Mula noon ay sa may tabing-sapa sa Mahabang Dahilig ay nababalita ang isang aninong lumalabas sa kalaliman ng gabi. Ito, ayon sa sabi ng isang malaking tao na lumiligid sa may paaralan ngayon. May nagsasabi pang may mga bakas ng galamay ng malaking tao sa dinding ng paaralan. Ito ay nakikita sa kinaumagahan. Ang paniwala ng taga roon ay ang multo ng Kastila ang lumalabas kung gabi.
During the Spanish time, there was a cruel Spanish soldier. One of the victims of his cruelty was a farmer. One evening, while he was taking a walk, the farmer followed him. When they came to a thicket, he stabbed the Spaniard to death. After several nights by the riverside appeared the dark shadow of a person resembling that of the soldier. According to stories, this could be seen lingering around the school near the place where the killing happened. Still others say that fingerprints could be seen on the walls of the school building the next morning. They believe that the Spaniard’s ghost goes around the night.
Notes and references:
Transcribed from “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio of Mahabang Dahilig,” 1953, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
