Malalim na Lodlod, Lipa City, Batangas: Historical Data
Full transcription of the so-called “Historical Data” for the barrio of Malalim na Lodlod in the City of Lipa, 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.
HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE OF THE BARRIO
PART ONE : History
I. Present Official Name of the Barrio – Malalim na Lodlod.
II. 1. Popular Name of the Barrio – Lodlod (Past and present).
III. Date of establishment – On or about 1605 when the town of Lipa, Batangas was founded.
IV. Original families of the barrio:
V. List of tenientes del barrio from the earliest time to date:
[p. 2]
It will be noticed that Mr. Juan Mayor had served three terms, each for many years because the people liked his administration very much and they did not like to change him. He is no longer residing in the barrio but he was still the teniente because he had a great influence over the people.
VI. The former barrio of Malalim na Lodlod included only the territory from the bridge bounding old Tambo or Tambong Luma up to Pangao. On or about 1948, Tambong Luma was annexed to it because the people of the place became angry one time when the procession of the Blessed Virgin did not reach their place. They complained that they had shared in the expenses for the fiesta and yet they were not reached by the procession. So, the parish priest, Rev. Father Apolinario Lingao, worked for the annexation of Tambong Luma to Malalim na Lodlod.
VII. The present school site was not the first location of the school building. When the first school building was established in the barrio way back in 1924, during the supervisorship of Mr. Galicano Luansing, it was located at the western end of the barrio on the lot donated by Mr. Guardiano Lingao.
In 1950, there was a felt need for a wider space for the increasing number of school children. The barrio PTA under the leadership of Mr. Juan Mayor and Mrs. Consuelo T. Umali, the Elementary School Principal, worked for the transfer of the school building to its present site of one hectare, one-half of which was donated by Mr. Faustino Lingao.
VIII. Important facts, incidents or events that took place during the Spanish, American and Japanese occupations.
[p. 3]
IX. During World War II, the people of Lodlod suffered incredible hardships under the Japs. All kinds of food became scarce and the people were all panic-stricken. Between 1941 and 1945, the barrio people witnessed and underwent the most horrible destruction of human lives and properties. Hundreds of innocent lives human lives were mercilessly massacred. Their houses and other belongings were burned. Those belongings that were spared by the fire were neither robbed or stolen.
From trial or proof of courage, the barrio people, after the liberation, began to revive their former businesses in textiles. Some did fail, but others in their ventures succeeded to the extent that the barrio has become one of the most prosperous barrios in the whole province. This barrio has, at present, twenty-nine radio receiving acts, ten pianos and seventeen jeeps, showing the progress that it has achieved.
PART TWO : Folkways
X. Traditions and Customs
[p. 4]
2. Birth Customs
3. Serenading Practices
[p. 5]
4. Courtship
5. Marriage
6. Death and Burial
7. Festival
8. Punishments
[p. 6]
XI. Myths, legends, beliefs, interpretations, etc.
THE LIVING PAST OF THE BARRIO OF LODLOD
To explain the genesis of this universe is very confusing as one cannot discuss this topic in a purely scientific manner. People, especially here where religion prevails, insist on what is believed by their elders and ancestors. On the religious side, the world is said to be a God-created one. The first things created by God with the lands, she's, stars and other heavenly bodies, then He divided a certain length of time into day and night. Feeling dissatisfied with His creations, God tried to mold an exact replica of himself out of mud and put life into it – this was Adam. God saw that Adam was lonely, as lonely as when He was when He had not yet created anything, so He took every from Adam and produced a woman out of it. Eve was really created to accompany Adam in Paradise as this world was then called. They lived in Paradise until both were tempted by a devil to eat the apple of sin. God, enraged by their disobedience, drove them away so that they sought a place where they could hide their guilt. God, being merciful to His own creations, pardoned them but they no longer could live in luxury and comfort as they had been in Paradise. Other living creatures we're created to meet the needs of these created human beings. Him term, Adam and Eve were granted wisdom and power so that they could think of ways in securing their livelihood and other basic needs. They learned how to use their minds and bodies in an effort to look for an easier way of living. They were children and in turn, their children and turmeric, producing multi-million populace as it is now.
Although population is fast multiplying, disasters are also made to check up the increased number of inhabitants. Natural calamities such as lightning, droughts, floods, storms, and earthquakes are dangers to mankind. But man of firm faith in the Divine Creator believes that these calamities are used only to punish the sinners. Take for instance, the lightning and thunder. We know these two always follow each other. This is explained as a monstrous devil having teeth all in canine form that when enraged, or like to fight it prey, next noise and attacks violently producing lightning and thunder.
Earthquakes or the shaking of earth is one of the calamities which mankind fears. The earth is believed to be on the top of a giant tortoise so that when it gets tired, it changes its position; this results in the shaking of the universe. Although this belief is so absurd, still many believe contrary to its scientific explana-
[p. 7]
tion that [an] earthquake is a result of a very sudden change of temperature.
Sea waters, ocean, lakes, springs and river waters when evaporated and then saturated fall as droplets, as rain. This is an explanation of science but to the men of conservative minds, rains fall when the guilt of man is so great, or rain falls as symbols of the tears of the souls of the dead, especially on All Saints Days.
Scientists have been sparing and devoting their lives, convincing others to believe sciences by giving actual proofs and explanations to existing theories, but still many prefer in what science says to be superstitions. Take for instance the giving birth to two children at the same time or what is termed as twinning. Because this gave wonder to mankind, both scientists and superstitious men are digging their knowledge to seek its explanation. Science believes that this is the result of two ova being fertilized at the same time or an ovary fertilized but was split during the two-cell stage. Triplets or quadruplets may result in accordance to the number of parts into which the fertilized egg is being split. On the other hand, twinning is explained as either a punishment or compensation to the parents. If the parents had been good, they bear children, either twins or triplets to console them. Dual child-birth may also result if the parents had misbehaved through their lives. The children come in twos or more so as to burden these parents. Bad children come out of them to punish their deeds.
Another belief which science absolutely does not admit is witchcraft. Whether true or not though, knowledge of this proves to be an asset as it commands others. For instance, a lady in love with a young man can make this man crave for her. She offers prayers to certain spirits and begs for their help in order that she may carry on her wish. The spirit may, in turn, give her some medicines to be placed in the young man's drinks. This is sufficient to make the man like her. People who know this also can make their enemies sick and cannot be cured by physicians unless he is treated by a powerful quack doctor. This quack doctor performs what is called “tawas,” in order to determine the cause of the sickness. He gets [a] candle, lights it and melts it drop by drop on a basin of water. But before he does this, he utters prayers to spirits. Not all who wish to observe are allowed to witness this performance, but it is exclusively for the believers. Out of the melted candles, he can picture the things which caused the sickness. He even offers prayers now and then and begs the spirits to cure the sick. Sometimes, the sickness is not caused by spirits but by witchcraft by an enemy. He then tries to utter names of the enemies of the sick. The curing is then completed when the troubles with their enemies ended. Another way of determining the cause of sickness is by what we call the “Iniitlog.” the quack doctor gets a newly laid egg, makes signs of the cross at
[p. 8]
the forehead, palms and soles of the feet of the patient. Then, the egg is divided into two and then poured the contents on a cup of water. There, the quack doctor we'll vividly see the cause. If the cause is due to some kinds of food, a piece of this is being toasted till half-burned. This is placed in a cup of water to be drunk by the sick person.
Vampirism is a type of witchcraft which until now is being feared by many people. [A] Vampire attacks persons especially the sick and the pregnant ones. Human blood is said to be the food of vampires.
In spite of this evil knowledge of man, the Divine Creator is also pleased as men remains interested in his Creator. He seeks several wonders and worships them as he greatly respect Him. For his devotion, he worships the sun, the moon, and other heavenly bodies. He also regards some animals as sacred beings such as the dove and the sheep. He believes in the presence of spirits, fairies, goblins and other spirits in oceans, rivers, hills, caves and forests. Give the foot of the hills, fairies are present, called the tianaks. These are small fairies which will confuse man who steal others’ things. They pour perfumes of forgetfulness on the air near the men with bad intentions so that they forget and lose their ways. Spirits are also present near the hills or at the forests and are meant to punish the impolite ones. If a man tries to cross a cross-branch of trees without begging permissions from the spirits, he gets wounds which cannot be cured by physicians.
There are plenty more, myths and legends on recorded so that whether these beliefs are true or not, it is always a good idea to hand this to the younger sets as customs and traditions blended with present scientific knowledge are a perfect guidance to man’s moral and spiritual life.
XII. Popular Songs, Games and Amusements –
To soften the hardships during the busy times, both the young and old folks do some forms of recreation. The old and the conservative types have entirely different forms of recreation from the younger and smarter set, whom they believed to be.
In social gatherings, old men and women amuse themselves by singing the “Kotang,” the “Passion,” dancing the “Pandanggo” or playing on the harp from early evening to the wee hours of the morning. Those who do not have the special abilities to sing, to dance or to play any musical instrument, amuse themselves by playing cards such as “Baklay,” “Tres y Siete,” and “Pangguengue.”
Still others play “Bingo,” the “Tupada” and the “Huego de Anillo.”
During the day, old folks have other forms of amusement such as the “Pata,” the “Tupada” and the “Huego de Anillo.”
[p. 9]
The younger and smarter set now entertain themselves by singing love songs, usually with the accompaniment of the guitar or piano. They even use a loud speaker from morning till the next morning if the occasion is very grand. Sometimes, they dance with the music furnished by radio phonographs.
Still others amuse themselves by tuning the radios and playing basketball and softball against teams of other barrios during community fiestas.
XIII. Puzzles and Riddles –
Old barrio folks at night entertain their small children by giving some puzzles and riddles.
[p. 10]
XIV. Proverbs and Sayings –
XV. A. Methods of Measuring Time
[p. 11]
B. Special Calendar
Notes and references:
Transcribed from “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio (of Malalim na Lodlod)” 1953, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
PART ONE : History
I. Present Official Name of the Barrio – Malalim na Lodlod.
II. 1. Popular Name of the Barrio – Lodlod (Past and present).
2. How Malalim na Lodlod Got Its Name –
In the old town of Taal, Batangas, there was a barrio called Mahabang Lodlod. Its equivalent is Malalim na Lodlod of Lipa City.
In this place, there lived long ago, a dyer. When the dry season came, the spring which was the main source of the water supply of the early inhabitants dried up. This particular dyer, who depended most of his trade upon the spring thought of a plan by which he could get a continuous supply of water. He dug a wide well in the lowest part of the place because he thought that by doing so, water would spring sooner from it than when it was dug in a higher altitude and he would need a shorter rope with which to get the water from it. The well, then, became the main source of water supply of the barrio people and its neighboring barrios. Up to the present, this well exists but people no longer draw their water from it because they have put up artesian wells and open wells in their own homes. That old big well is now converted into a little swimming pool for the barrio people. It is located in the deepest place of the barrio along the main road. Because of this deep big well, the early inhabitants of the place had come to call the barrio Malalim na Lodlod
In this place, there lived long ago, a dyer. When the dry season came, the spring which was the main source of the water supply of the early inhabitants dried up. This particular dyer, who depended most of his trade upon the spring thought of a plan by which he could get a continuous supply of water. He dug a wide well in the lowest part of the place because he thought that by doing so, water would spring sooner from it than when it was dug in a higher altitude and he would need a shorter rope with which to get the water from it. The well, then, became the main source of water supply of the barrio people and its neighboring barrios. Up to the present, this well exists but people no longer draw their water from it because they have put up artesian wells and open wells in their own homes. That old big well is now converted into a little swimming pool for the barrio people. It is located in the deepest place of the barrio along the main road. Because of this deep big well, the early inhabitants of the place had come to call the barrio Malalim na Lodlod
Boundaries:
North : - Banaybanay )
South : - Bolbok ) all barrios of
East : - Mataasnalupa ) Lipa City
West : - Pangao )
South : - Bolbok ) all barrios of
East : - Mataasnalupa ) Lipa City
West : - Pangao )
III. Date of establishment – On or about 1605 when the town of Lipa, Batangas was founded.
IV. Original families of the barrio:
1. Monico Lingao and Teodorica Landicho
2. Sebastian Mayor and Eusebia Landicho
3. Manuel Landicho and Damiana Alvarez
4. Simon Maralit and Clemencia Mayor
5. Andres Katigbak and Antonia Rodelas
2. Sebastian Mayor and Eusebia Landicho
3. Manuel Landicho and Damiana Alvarez
4. Simon Maralit and Clemencia Mayor
5. Andres Katigbak and Antonia Rodelas
V. List of tenientes del barrio from the earliest time to date:
| 1. Monico Lingao | 2. Guardiano Lingao |
| 3. Juan Inciong | 10. Juan Mayor |
| 4. Andres Lingao | 11. Solomon Lingao |
| 5. Juan Leynes | 12. Juan Mayor |
| 6. Faustino Lingao | 13. Juan Lingao |
| 7. Sixto Guce | 14. Pedro Magsino |
| 8. Felipe Mayor | 15. Martin Katigbak |
| 9. Alfonso Lingao | 16. Juan Mayor |
VI. The former barrio of Malalim na Lodlod included only the territory from the bridge bounding old Tambo or Tambong Luma up to Pangao. On or about 1948, Tambong Luma was annexed to it because the people of the place became angry one time when the procession of the Blessed Virgin did not reach their place. They complained that they had shared in the expenses for the fiesta and yet they were not reached by the procession. So, the parish priest, Rev. Father Apolinario Lingao, worked for the annexation of Tambong Luma to Malalim na Lodlod.
VII. The present school site was not the first location of the school building. When the first school building was established in the barrio way back in 1924, during the supervisorship of Mr. Galicano Luansing, it was located at the western end of the barrio on the lot donated by Mr. Guardiano Lingao.
In 1950, there was a felt need for a wider space for the increasing number of school children. The barrio PTA under the leadership of Mr. Juan Mayor and Mrs. Consuelo T. Umali, the Elementary School Principal, worked for the transfer of the school building to its present site of one hectare, one-half of which was donated by Mr. Faustino Lingao.
VIII. Important facts, incidents or events that took place during the Spanish, American and Japanese occupations.
During the Spanish occupation, the inhabitants of the barrio of Lodlod were very few. There were only [a] few houses in this place. Important facts, incidents or events that took place in this particular place during those days were not recorded in documents. If ever there existed such in those Spanish days, they were either burned or destroyed. The old people of the place could still recall that one time during the Spanish occupation, a famine occurred in this place. The people had to keep their meager supply of rice in secret containers. Some hoarded their rice in small bamboo tubes called the bamboo spindles. The people feared very much the “guardia civil.” The guardia civil did not perform their duties as were ex-
[p. 3]
pected of them. The abused the poor inhabitants. The men were forced to hide themselves whenever those guardias were in sight in order to free themselves from their unbecoming acts.
During the early part of the American occupation, this barrio was one of those places included in the zonification by General Bell. The people encountered untold difficulties during the zonification.
During the early part of the American occupation, this barrio was one of those places included in the zonification by General Bell. The people encountered untold difficulties during the zonification.
IX. During World War II, the people of Lodlod suffered incredible hardships under the Japs. All kinds of food became scarce and the people were all panic-stricken. Between 1941 and 1945, the barrio people witnessed and underwent the most horrible destruction of human lives and properties. Hundreds of innocent lives human lives were mercilessly massacred. Their houses and other belongings were burned. Those belongings that were spared by the fire were neither robbed or stolen.
From trial or proof of courage, the barrio people, after the liberation, began to revive their former businesses in textiles. Some did fail, but others in their ventures succeeded to the extent that the barrio has become one of the most prosperous barrios in the whole province. This barrio has, at present, twenty-nine radio receiving acts, ten pianos and seventeen jeeps, showing the progress that it has achieved.
X. Traditions and Customs
1. Baptismal Practices –
Widespread in this barrio is the race to the church door right after a mass baptismal ceremony. As soon as the church bells peal to announce the end of the ceremony, each sponsor carrying his or her godchild stages a race down the aisle. It is believed that the child whose sponsor reaches the door first will be healthy, prosperous and will live a long life, or will be a leader among men.
Other baptismal practices designed to give a child advantages in life are as follows:
Other baptismal practices designed to give a child advantages in life are as follows:
1. Firecrackers are fired on the baptismal party’s return home. The baby, it is believed, will not be deaf in maturity.
2. During the baptismal ceremony, the sponsor places a little feeds of the dove in the baby’s mouth to make him intelligent.
3. The sponsor pinches the baby during the ceremony to make him cry. It is believed that a baby who cries during the
2. During the baptismal ceremony, the sponsor places a little feeds of the dove in the baby’s mouth to make him intelligent.
3. The sponsor pinches the baby during the ceremony to make him cry. It is believed that a baby who cries during the
[p. 4]
rite will lead a long and prosperous life.
4. While the baptismal group is still in church, a member of the baby’s family places bottles of soft drinks at the head of the stairs. As soon as the party arrives, the bottles are kicked down the stairs and everybody in the party is supposed to bring good luck to the baby’s family.
4. While the baptismal group is still in church, a member of the baby’s family places bottles of soft drinks at the head of the stairs. As soon as the party arrives, the bottles are kicked down the stairs and everybody in the party is supposed to bring good luck to the baby’s family.
2. Birth Customs
Birth is still accompanied by much pain and much superstition. Mothers still give birth under the same conditions which obtained [prevailed] during the days of their great-great-grandmothers. Very few or none give birth the modern scientific way. A woman’s delivery is assisted by the “hilot,” an unlettered obstetrician, usually old, who a few minutes before she was called by a nervous father, might have been feeding pigs or cleaning some fish. Talk to the hilot of bacteria and she doesn’t know the word. Ask her if she should not sterilize her hand before handling the patient and [she] would tell you to your face that she had delivered hundreds of babies and none of them had died.
The hilot depends on local herbs, native concoctions, and brute force in delivering a mother. While a woman goes through her first pains, the hilot asks the husband or some member of the family to look for this or that kind of grass or leaves. When the baby has some difficulty coming out, the “hilot” sits above the patient using her muscles to force the child out. There have been cases where babies were torn apart or suffered much injury in the hands of the village midwives.
Once the baby is out, the “hilot” applies the herbs to stop the bleeding. If the baby or the mother dies in the hands of the “hilot,” the ignorant folks attribute it to God’s will. The “hilot” escapes blame since she has delivered hundreds and not one of them died. If mother or child survives, however, it is one more feather on the midwife’s cap.
It is believed that a pregnant woman who becomes fond of fruits of a tree will make all the fruits of the tree sour.
It is the duty of the father to bury the placenta (called in Tagalog inunan). As soon as the placenta is out, the “hilot” delivers it to the father, who goes to the yard, digs a hole and dumps the placenta in. Sometimes, books, pencils or any articles connected with education are buried with the placenta to make the child a wise man. It is usually buried where the first sun rays shine on it so that the cheeks of the baby will become rosy.
The hilot depends on local herbs, native concoctions, and brute force in delivering a mother. While a woman goes through her first pains, the hilot asks the husband or some member of the family to look for this or that kind of grass or leaves. When the baby has some difficulty coming out, the “hilot” sits above the patient using her muscles to force the child out. There have been cases where babies were torn apart or suffered much injury in the hands of the village midwives.
Once the baby is out, the “hilot” applies the herbs to stop the bleeding. If the baby or the mother dies in the hands of the “hilot,” the ignorant folks attribute it to God’s will. The “hilot” escapes blame since she has delivered hundreds and not one of them died. If mother or child survives, however, it is one more feather on the midwife’s cap.
It is believed that a pregnant woman who becomes fond of fruits of a tree will make all the fruits of the tree sour.
It is the duty of the father to bury the placenta (called in Tagalog inunan). As soon as the placenta is out, the “hilot” delivers it to the father, who goes to the yard, digs a hole and dumps the placenta in. Sometimes, books, pencils or any articles connected with education are buried with the placenta to make the child a wise man. It is usually buried where the first sun rays shine on it so that the cheeks of the baby will become rosy.
3. Serenading Practices
Serenaders are oftentimes entertained in the home of the girl. Sometimes, a group of men goes serenading just for
[p. 5]
the sake of pleasure. Sometimes, the girl being serenaded just peeps through the hole in the wall and waits for the third song. After this has been finished, she just extends her thanks.
Serenades are held as early as eight P/M.
Serenades are held as early as eight P/M.
4. Courtship
Sometimes, in the course of the courtship, three or more suitors arrived at the girl’s home at the same time. Each of these boys stations himself near the girl in the order they entered. In other words, proximity of the man to the girl is determined by the order of arrival. That is, the first to enter is nearest the girl and the last the farthest from her. A man in the far end of the bench, for example, is supposed not to go near the girl. That is a sign of this courtesy and the price for such discourteous behavior is bodily harm.
5. Marriage
After arriving at the house after the marriage ceremony, the couple is met by a shower of rice, flowers and coins and order to assure a happy and abundant life. Coins for prosperity, flowers for a gay and happy life together, and rice in order to have a big family. The couple is supposed to live in the house of the groom until they build their own house, although the wedding feast is held in the house of the bride. After the feasting, the bride is taken to the groom’s house while the groom is left in the bride’s. He is not supposed to go to his bride neither to see her for at least four days in order that the groom will not be left sided in his relationship with his in-laws.
6. Death and Burial
When there is a dead person in the house, the family of the deceased, together with a sympathizers and others, stay awake the whole night. A basin of water is placed under the bed of the deceased in the futile hope that it will call his life back. Immediately before burial, the members of the immediate family kiss the cold hand of the deceased although usually, they just left the hand to the forehead.
7. Festival
Life in the barrio is not complete without its yearly festival which usually falls on the feast day of their patron saint. The festival is not complete without the band and a program at the end of the day.
8. Punishments
Punishments on social offenses is meted out in terms of ostracism, that is, the offending party is sentenced to live a
[p. 6]
life with neither friends nor acquaintances. When he finds it unbearable to live in such a situation, he is forced to go away. And, of course, gossip among other folks is, perhaps, the greater punishment for it is a terrible thing to be talked about.
XI. Myths, legends, beliefs, interpretations, etc.
To explain the genesis of this universe is very confusing as one cannot discuss this topic in a purely scientific manner. People, especially here where religion prevails, insist on what is believed by their elders and ancestors. On the religious side, the world is said to be a God-created one. The first things created by God with the lands, she's, stars and other heavenly bodies, then He divided a certain length of time into day and night. Feeling dissatisfied with His creations, God tried to mold an exact replica of himself out of mud and put life into it – this was Adam. God saw that Adam was lonely, as lonely as when He was when He had not yet created anything, so He took every from Adam and produced a woman out of it. Eve was really created to accompany Adam in Paradise as this world was then called. They lived in Paradise until both were tempted by a devil to eat the apple of sin. God, enraged by their disobedience, drove them away so that they sought a place where they could hide their guilt. God, being merciful to His own creations, pardoned them but they no longer could live in luxury and comfort as they had been in Paradise. Other living creatures we're created to meet the needs of these created human beings. Him term, Adam and Eve were granted wisdom and power so that they could think of ways in securing their livelihood and other basic needs. They learned how to use their minds and bodies in an effort to look for an easier way of living. They were children and in turn, their children and turmeric, producing multi-million populace as it is now.
Although population is fast multiplying, disasters are also made to check up the increased number of inhabitants. Natural calamities such as lightning, droughts, floods, storms, and earthquakes are dangers to mankind. But man of firm faith in the Divine Creator believes that these calamities are used only to punish the sinners. Take for instance, the lightning and thunder. We know these two always follow each other. This is explained as a monstrous devil having teeth all in canine form that when enraged, or like to fight it prey, next noise and attacks violently producing lightning and thunder.
Earthquakes or the shaking of earth is one of the calamities which mankind fears. The earth is believed to be on the top of a giant tortoise so that when it gets tired, it changes its position; this results in the shaking of the universe. Although this belief is so absurd, still many believe contrary to its scientific explana-
[p. 7]
tion that [an] earthquake is a result of a very sudden change of temperature.
Sea waters, ocean, lakes, springs and river waters when evaporated and then saturated fall as droplets, as rain. This is an explanation of science but to the men of conservative minds, rains fall when the guilt of man is so great, or rain falls as symbols of the tears of the souls of the dead, especially on All Saints Days.
Scientists have been sparing and devoting their lives, convincing others to believe sciences by giving actual proofs and explanations to existing theories, but still many prefer in what science says to be superstitions. Take for instance the giving birth to two children at the same time or what is termed as twinning. Because this gave wonder to mankind, both scientists and superstitious men are digging their knowledge to seek its explanation. Science believes that this is the result of two ova being fertilized at the same time or an ovary fertilized but was split during the two-cell stage. Triplets or quadruplets may result in accordance to the number of parts into which the fertilized egg is being split. On the other hand, twinning is explained as either a punishment or compensation to the parents. If the parents had been good, they bear children, either twins or triplets to console them. Dual child-birth may also result if the parents had misbehaved through their lives. The children come in twos or more so as to burden these parents. Bad children come out of them to punish their deeds.
Another belief which science absolutely does not admit is witchcraft. Whether true or not though, knowledge of this proves to be an asset as it commands others. For instance, a lady in love with a young man can make this man crave for her. She offers prayers to certain spirits and begs for their help in order that she may carry on her wish. The spirit may, in turn, give her some medicines to be placed in the young man's drinks. This is sufficient to make the man like her. People who know this also can make their enemies sick and cannot be cured by physicians unless he is treated by a powerful quack doctor. This quack doctor performs what is called “tawas,” in order to determine the cause of the sickness. He gets [a] candle, lights it and melts it drop by drop on a basin of water. But before he does this, he utters prayers to spirits. Not all who wish to observe are allowed to witness this performance, but it is exclusively for the believers. Out of the melted candles, he can picture the things which caused the sickness. He even offers prayers now and then and begs the spirits to cure the sick. Sometimes, the sickness is not caused by spirits but by witchcraft by an enemy. He then tries to utter names of the enemies of the sick. The curing is then completed when the troubles with their enemies ended. Another way of determining the cause of sickness is by what we call the “Iniitlog.” the quack doctor gets a newly laid egg, makes signs of the cross at
[p. 8]
the forehead, palms and soles of the feet of the patient. Then, the egg is divided into two and then poured the contents on a cup of water. There, the quack doctor we'll vividly see the cause. If the cause is due to some kinds of food, a piece of this is being toasted till half-burned. This is placed in a cup of water to be drunk by the sick person.
Vampirism is a type of witchcraft which until now is being feared by many people. [A] Vampire attacks persons especially the sick and the pregnant ones. Human blood is said to be the food of vampires.
In spite of this evil knowledge of man, the Divine Creator is also pleased as men remains interested in his Creator. He seeks several wonders and worships them as he greatly respect Him. For his devotion, he worships the sun, the moon, and other heavenly bodies. He also regards some animals as sacred beings such as the dove and the sheep. He believes in the presence of spirits, fairies, goblins and other spirits in oceans, rivers, hills, caves and forests. Give the foot of the hills, fairies are present, called the tianaks. These are small fairies which will confuse man who steal others’ things. They pour perfumes of forgetfulness on the air near the men with bad intentions so that they forget and lose their ways. Spirits are also present near the hills or at the forests and are meant to punish the impolite ones. If a man tries to cross a cross-branch of trees without begging permissions from the spirits, he gets wounds which cannot be cured by physicians.
There are plenty more, myths and legends on recorded so that whether these beliefs are true or not, it is always a good idea to hand this to the younger sets as customs and traditions blended with present scientific knowledge are a perfect guidance to man’s moral and spiritual life.
XII. Popular Songs, Games and Amusements –
To soften the hardships during the busy times, both the young and old folks do some forms of recreation. The old and the conservative types have entirely different forms of recreation from the younger and smarter set, whom they believed to be.
In social gatherings, old men and women amuse themselves by singing the “Kotang,” the “Passion,” dancing the “Pandanggo” or playing on the harp from early evening to the wee hours of the morning. Those who do not have the special abilities to sing, to dance or to play any musical instrument, amuse themselves by playing cards such as “Baklay,” “Tres y Siete,” and “Pangguengue.”
Still others play “Bingo,” the “Tupada” and the “Huego de Anillo.”
During the day, old folks have other forms of amusement such as the “Pata,” the “Tupada” and the “Huego de Anillo.”
[p. 9]
The younger and smarter set now entertain themselves by singing love songs, usually with the accompaniment of the guitar or piano. They even use a loud speaker from morning till the next morning if the occasion is very grand. Sometimes, they dance with the music furnished by radio phonographs.
Still others amuse themselves by tuning the radios and playing basketball and softball against teams of other barrios during community fiestas.
XIII. Puzzles and Riddles –
Old barrio folks at night entertain their small children by giving some puzzles and riddles.
1. May ulo, may leeg, walang bayawang. – (bote)
2. Noong umalis ay lumilipad
11. Baboy ko sa pulo; balahibo ay pako. – (langka)
12. Isang butil na palay; sikip sa boong bahay. – (ilaw)
13. Dala mo, dala ka, dala ka pa ng iyong dala. – (sinelas)
14. Buhok ni Adan, hindi mawahi. – (ulan)
15. Isda ko sa Mariveles
2. Noong umalis ay lumilipad
Nang dumating ay lumulunsad. – (ulam)
3. Munting tampipiMaraming salapi. – (sili)
4. Iisa ang pinasukanTatlo ang nilabsan. – (damit)
5. Apat na taoIisa ang ulo. – (bahay)
6. Dalawang bulang sinulidAbot hanggang langit. – (mata)
7. Ako’y nagtanim ng sagingSa tabi ng birhen. – (kandila)
8. Aso kong putiNang paluin ko
Hindi na umuwi. – (lura)
9. Tubig sa digan-diganHindi na umuwi. – (lura)
Hindi mapatakan ng ulan. – (tubig ng niyog)
10. Isang balong malalim; puno ng patalim. – (bibig)11. Baboy ko sa pulo; balahibo ay pako. – (langka)
12. Isang butil na palay; sikip sa boong bahay. – (ilaw)
13. Dala mo, dala ka, dala ka pa ng iyong dala. – (sinelas)
14. Buhok ni Adan, hindi mawahi. – (ulan)
15. Isda ko sa Mariveles
Nasa ilalim ang kaliskis. – (sili)
16. Ang ina ay gumagapang pa;Ang anak ay lumuloklok na. – (kalabasa)
17. Ang katawan ay gagala-gala;Ang ulo’y nakalaga. – (kawot)
18. Alin dito sa mundoNa ang ngalan ay Esco? – (escoba, a kind of grass)
19. Isang gatang-gatangan,Punong-puno ng laman. – (papaya fruit)
20. Kalabaw ko sa Maynila;Dinig dito ang unga. – (ugong o kulog)
21. Hinigit ko ang bagin;Nag-ututan ang matsin. – (kampana)
[p. 10]
XIV. Proverbs and Sayings –
1. “He who covets a chupa,
Often loses a ganta.”
2. “The santol tree,Will never produce mabolos.”
3. “On the lips of the liarTruth becomes doubtful.”
4. “Of what use is the grassIf the horse is dead.”
5. “No matter how high you flyThe ground is where you will fall.”
6. “Where you fallThere should be a rise.”
7. “He looks not whence he cameWill never reach his goal.”
8. “When the river moves muchIt is shallow.”
9. “When it begins to thunderThere will be no rain.
10. “Nothing in this world isHidden to the eyes of God.”
11. “In the closed mouthThis do not enter.”
12. “Whoever sows windsWill reap storms.”
13. “East it is to be born [a] manBut hard to maintain oneself [a] man.”
14. “Ripe at first glanceGreen when duly observed,
And difficult to swallow.”
15. “He who walks slowlyAnd difficult to swallow.”
Will get a shallow thorn.”
16. “What he utters,He does it.”
XV. A. Methods of Measuring Time
In the old days, the people in the barrio did not possess precious watches and clocks as they do these days. They had, however, different ways of telling time as follows:
1. The Sundial –
The people had devised ways of telling the time by placing a stick on a board where on a clock face is printed. They adjusted it in such a way that the shadow of the stick falls on a certain number on a part of the day. During bright days when the stick could cost shadows, this time piece was serviceable but at night and during cloudy days, this device was absolutely useless.
[p. 11]
2. The position of the shadows of trees –
3. The Crowing of the Roosters –
4. The man’s stomach –
5. Position of the different constellations –
The barrio folks could tell the time by looking at the shadows of trees. At a certain part of the day when the shadow assumes a certain position, they could tell that it was time for the wife to prepare the family’s meal.
3. The Crowing of the Roosters –
The roosters were also very significant in the telling of the time. According to [the] experience of the barrio people, roosters crow every hour at night, hence they could tell the time by listening to the crowing of the roosters. When roosters crow very fast, morning is approaching.
4. The man’s stomach –
During the old days, the poor inhabitants could tell the time when they should prepare food by feeling their stomachs. When they felt hungry, then it was time to prepare food.
5. Position of the different constellations –
At night, they look at the different constellations and by their positions, they could tell the time. When [the] Morning Star appears, they know morning is fast nearing.
B. Special Calendar
People long ago remembered dates of births and some other significant events by associating them with the seasonal crops, and the incumbency of different officials.
EXAMPLES:
Pedro was born during harvest time. And since five harvests had passed since he was born, he was already five years old. Or Pedro was born during the time of Capitan Juan so he was now ten years old. You would hear the old folks say: “Si Pedro ay tao na noong tayo’y pumasok sa zona. Si Juan ay noong ianak ay nakalabas na tayo sa zona kaya matanda si Pedro kay Juan. Si Maria [ay] inianak noong pumutok ang bulkan. Si Luisia inianak noong hindi pa naputok ang bulkan. Kaya si Luisa ay matanda kay Maria.”
Pedro was born during harvest time. And since five harvests had passed since he was born, he was already five years old. Or Pedro was born during the time of Capitan Juan so he was now ten years old. You would hear the old folks say: “Si Pedro ay tao na noong tayo’y pumasok sa zona. Si Juan ay noong ianak ay nakalabas na tayo sa zona kaya matanda si Pedro kay Juan. Si Maria [ay] inianak noong pumutok ang bulkan. Si Luisia inianak noong hindi pa naputok ang bulkan. Kaya si Luisa ay matanda kay Maria.”
Submitted by:
LODLOD TEACHERS
LODLOD TEACHERS
Notes and references:
Transcribed from “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio (of Malalim na Lodlod)” 1953, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.