Reparo, Nasugbu, Batangas: Historical Data
Full transcription of the so-called “Historical Data” for the barrio of Reparo in the Municipality of Nasugbu, 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 REPARO
PART ONE: HISTORY
1. Present official name of the barrio. – Reparo
2. Popular name of the barrio, present and past, derivation and meanings of these names. Names of sitios included within the territorial jurisdiction of the barrio:
[p. 2]
4. Date of establishment – 1901
5. Original families:
A. Reparo – Jugo Bayoneto, Julian Filler, Damasino de la Cuesta, Bayaborda
[p. 3]
B. Pingkian
C. Tampisaw
Kinabugsukan
6. List of tenientes from the earliest to date:
7. No old barrio or sitio was depopulated or extinct.
8. Data on historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins, etc.
9. Important facts, incidents that took place.
[p. 4]
10. Destruction – The sugarcane was not milled. The bad elements, like the robbers, who thought that war was the solution to domestic problems, frequented Reparo because they saw that the evacuees settled in Reparo. The era of lawlessness ushered and continued for a period of months until the helping hands of the constabulary men came.
PART II – FOLKWAYS
II. (A) Traditions, Customs and practices:
[p. 5]
Hospitality:
Other practices:
[p. 6]
B. Birth:
[p. 7]
C. Baptism:
Courtship:
[p. 8]
Marriage –
[p. 9]
F. Death:
[p. 10]
8. The 40th day is also celebrated by praying.
9. “Nagbabang-luksa” – Babang Luksa means putting off the mourning clothes. This is held some days or months before or after the death anniversary. The old women pray for the repose of the soul of the dead on this day.
10. All Saints’ Day is celebrated by bringing flowers and candles to the tomb or grave.
Burial:
Visits:
[p. 11]
PAGPAPARUSA:
Ang mga kaparusahan noong unang panahon sa mga bayan ay ang mga sumusunod:
Origin of Songs:
According to the old folks, songs were known to mankind. Soon, they grew restless and lonesome because their lives were so monotonous. They just hunted for wild animals, ate and slept. Because birds abounded, they heard all kinds of songs and chirping of the birds. The songs of these birds attracted the wisest of the cavemen, so he learned to imitate the flow of the tunes of the birds’ songs. After the lapse of years, improvements were made and here we are now with all kinds of songs to make us happy.
BELIEFS:
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8. They believe that the earth is round.
9. That there is life after death.
10. God punishes the world in parts, no deluge will come.
MGA PAMAHIIN (SUPERSTITIONS)
[p. 13]
[p. 14]
20. Huag magtaklob ng bakid o sima pag hapon, pagka’t baka [maging] matahing manok.
21. Ang pusod ng bata ay huwag pababayaang makuha ng daga sapagka’t magiging mang-uumit.
22. Ang mag-aanak sa binyag ay dapat magpakimkim sa inaanak upang sila ay huag maging masasaktin.
23. Sa baso ilagay ang inunan ng bata para pumuti ang ngipin paglaki.
24. Ang inunan ng bata ay dapat labhan bago ibaon upang huwag maging matigas ang ulo paglaki.
25. Ang mga pusod ng mga magkakapatid ay dapat sama-sama upang huwag mag-away-away.
26. Ang babaeng nagdadalang-tao kapag pumanhik sa bahay ay dapat tuloy-tuloy agad upang huwag mahirapan sa panganganak.
27. Ang batang bagong anak ay huwag buhusan sa ulo kung paliliguan pagka’t baka maging siponin.
28. Ang asawa ng babaeng nagdadalang-tao ay masamang magtukod ng bahay pagka’t mahihirapan sa panganganak ang asawa niya.
[p. 15]
INTERPRETATIONS:
Ang ilan sa mga pangitaing pinaniniwalaan ng mga taong-bayan ay ang mga sumusunod:
PUZZLES:
[p. 16]
lumapit sa tanod. Paano siya nakakuha ng niyog gayong bunot ang espada ng mga tanod?
4. Ano ang nalakad sa aso? S – purgas
5. Ano ang nangunguna sa motor? S – relis
6. May isang palalong mayaman ang nagpaskil sa kaniyang tarangkahan ng ganito “Sa dunong ko, sa yaman ko, anuma’y magagawa ko.” At ang makapagbigay sa kanya ng suliraning hindi niya malulutas ay siya niyang bibigyan ng lahat ng kanyang yaman. Ano ang suliraning ibinigay sa kanya? S – Isang batang lalake ang nagbigay sa kanya ng ganitong suliranin, “Dalhin mo ang martilyong putol at ipako mo ang pakong putol sa langit.”
7. May dalawang mag-anakan na tigatlo ang sa magkabilang isang ilong. Ang isang mag-anak na tatlo ay naghirap kaya’t ang ginawa ay lumipat sa bahay ng kabilang ilong. Pagdating noong isang tatlong mag-anak sa tatlong mag-anak ay ganito ang sabi ng batang dumating, “Tayo po ngayon at pito na.”
8. Kung ikaw ay magtitinda at ngayong araw na ito ay nakapagbili ka ng kwarenta’y singko (45), bukas ay noventa at sa makalwa ay kwarenta’y singko (45) uli, magkanong lahat ang inyong napagbilhan?
MGA BUGTONG
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5. Ang turiti’y may sungay na
6. Ako’y nagtanim ng hiya,
7. Kabiyak na niyog, magdamag na nagalipod. (buan)
8. Wala sa langit, wala sa lupa,
9. Iisa ang sinuotan, tatlo ang nilabasan. (kamiseta)
10. Maputing parang busilak, kalihim ko sa pagliyag. (papel)
11. Hindi pa natatalupan, nanganganinag na ang laman. (kamatsili)
12. Hindi naman hari, hindi naman pari,
13. Divina, divina, de gracia
14. Nagbibigay na, sinasakal pa. (bote)
15. Ako’y nag-ihaw ng apoy, tubig ang iginatong. (ilaw)
16. Maitim na parang tinta, pumuputi’y hindi kinukula. (buhok)
17. Hinalo ko ang nilugaw, nagtakbo ang inihaw. (Bangka)
18. Ito na si amain, nagbibili ng hangin. (musiko)
19. Kung kailan nananahimik, saka binubuwisit. (lamok)
20. Bahay ng kalapati, iisa ang haligi. (payong)
21. May isang dalagang naligo, di nabasa ang ulo. (kiyapo)
22. Ang aso kong si Pantaloon,
23. Kung araw ay nasa hapunan,
24. Nabuksan ang libro, nagkamatay ang tao. (banig)
25. Dalwang magkumpare, mauna’t mahuli. (paa)
Notes and references:
Transcribed from “History and Cultural Life of Reparo,” 1953, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
[p. 1]
1. Present official name of the barrio. – Reparo
2. Popular name of the barrio, present and past, derivation and meanings of these names. Names of sitios included within the territorial jurisdiction of the barrio:
The small place or barrio of Reparo has been called [by] that name since the Spanish occupation until now.
It was said that during the olden days, Reparo was very mountainous and almost uninhabited. It is very near the mountains of Latag (which is [the] connecting link to Marigondon, Cavite). “Buhay Usa” and “Kabong Leon.” During that time, the bad elements, called “mangloloob” or the robbers, used Reparo as their meeting place. Before they raided any place, they met in Reparo and after the raid, they met there again. “Reparohin” ang mga nangyari, ang mga nakuhang salapi, hayop at mga alahas at iba pang mga bagay na ari-arian ng mga tao.”
Later, it became also the meeting place of the Katipuneros who were under the leadership of Capitan Sales, especially when they had a fight with the Casadores.
Reparo, therefore, is a word of Spanish origin. To the folks, [it] means to review or words to that effect.
Reparo has three sitios under it, namely:
A. Pingkian – This was so called “Pingkian” because on it are found abundantly a kind of stone called pingkian which is hard, metal-like and having the color of dry leaves and sometimes white. This kind of stone was used for making fire. (To build fire, strike the pingkian stone with steel and place between them the “konbad,” a kind of kindling material from [the] “kaong” tree.
The name “Pingkian” became more fixed when the “makikisig na lalaki” or men who had “anting-
It was said that during the olden days, Reparo was very mountainous and almost uninhabited. It is very near the mountains of Latag (which is [the] connecting link to Marigondon, Cavite). “Buhay Usa” and “Kabong Leon.” During that time, the bad elements, called “mangloloob” or the robbers, used Reparo as their meeting place. Before they raided any place, they met in Reparo and after the raid, they met there again. “Reparohin” ang mga nangyari, ang mga nakuhang salapi, hayop at mga alahas at iba pang mga bagay na ari-arian ng mga tao.”
Later, it became also the meeting place of the Katipuneros who were under the leadership of Capitan Sales, especially when they had a fight with the Casadores.
Reparo, therefore, is a word of Spanish origin. To the folks, [it] means to review or words to that effect.
Reparo has three sitios under it, namely:
A. Pingkian – This was so called “Pingkian” because on it are found abundantly a kind of stone called pingkian which is hard, metal-like and having the color of dry leaves and sometimes white. This kind of stone was used for making fire. (To build fire, strike the pingkian stone with steel and place between them the “konbad,” a kind of kindling material from [the] “kaong” tree.
The name “Pingkian” became more fixed when the “makikisig na lalaki” or men who had “anting-
[p. 2]
anting" used this place in trying the worth of their “anting-anting” on Good Fridays.
The school of barrio Reparo, which was an extension class, was opened on Nov. 10, 1952. It is located in Pingkian and during the meetings of the P.T.A. or the purok organization of the Young Men and Ladies Clubs, called “Sagisag ng Kabataan,” the word pingkian is a source of inspiration for instant action. Some of their popular sayings as motivation are:
2. Kinabugsukan – It is a low place as compared with other places near it. What more, it is said to have been composed of [a] very soft kind of soil during the olden days. That kind of soil was not much eroded yet and during the rainy season, there were plenty of muddy whirlpools called “kominoy.”
The sitio of Kinabugsukan was the ideal passage of the people of Tala, Reparo, Latag, and others in going to the town because of its nearness to the town and during that time, it was the only cleared place, so that it was impossible for the people not to pass through this place.
The people, as well as the horses and other cattle, used to be trapped by these “kominoy.” They were said to be “busugaok” and the place was the “kinubugsukan” or “kinabugsukan” “ng mga tao sa una.”
3. Tampisaw – During the Spanish occupation, the tree called “tampisaw” grew abundantly in the said place and so, the place was called “Tampisaw” from that time on until the present.
The school of barrio Reparo, which was an extension class, was opened on Nov. 10, 1952. It is located in Pingkian and during the meetings of the P.T.A. or the purok organization of the Young Men and Ladies Clubs, called “Sagisag ng Kabataan,” the word pingkian is a source of inspiration for instant action. Some of their popular sayings as motivation are:
“Atin nang pagpingkiin ang bato para magningas ang konbad, kung walang pingkian ay di maglilingas ang konbad!”
2. Kinabugsukan – It is a low place as compared with other places near it. What more, it is said to have been composed of [a] very soft kind of soil during the olden days. That kind of soil was not much eroded yet and during the rainy season, there were plenty of muddy whirlpools called “kominoy.”
The sitio of Kinabugsukan was the ideal passage of the people of Tala, Reparo, Latag, and others in going to the town because of its nearness to the town and during that time, it was the only cleared place, so that it was impossible for the people not to pass through this place.
The people, as well as the horses and other cattle, used to be trapped by these “kominoy.” They were said to be “busugaok” and the place was the “kinubugsukan” or “kinabugsukan” “ng mga tao sa una.”
3. Tampisaw – During the Spanish occupation, the tree called “tampisaw” grew abundantly in the said place and so, the place was called “Tampisaw” from that time on until the present.
4. Date of establishment – 1901
5. Original families:
A. Reparo – Jugo Bayoneto, Julian Filler, Damasino de la Cuesta, Bayaborda
[p. 3]
B. Pingkian
| 1. Rafael Bayaborda | 3. Estanislao Atic |
| 2. Antonia Barranggas | 4. Umandal |
1. Baldomero Gonzales
2. Florentino Cailing
3. Nicolas Dasal
2. Florentino Cailing
3. Nicolas Dasal
Kinabugsukan
1. Alpiano Avirin – from Negros
2. Fernando Chuidian – a Spanish mestizo
2. Fernando Chuidian – a Spanish mestizo
6. List of tenientes from the earliest to date:
(They are listed in the order of time in which they served.)
1. Francisco Cabases
2. Zuelo de la Cuesta
3. Eugenio de la Cuesta
4. Felipe de la Cuesta
5. Tiborcio Meneses
1. Francisco Cabases
2. Zuelo de la Cuesta
3. Eugenio de la Cuesta
4. Felipe de la Cuesta
5. Tiborcio Meneses
7. No old barrio or sitio was depopulated or extinct.
8. Data on historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins, etc.
The only piece of site that may be of historical importance to the people in the jurisdiction of Reparo is the place where the oldest “tarapitse” or crude sugar mill was located. Near it was built the beautiful house of the oldest settler of the barrio, the Bayoneto family. Today, the place has no power of luring or attracting the general public because the ruins were excavated during the era of the sugar “boom” in the said place.
9. Important facts, incidents that took place.
A. During the Spanish occupation – Nothing much happened in Reparo during this period. The only thing that might be of interest was that whenever there was a fight between the Katipuneros and the Casadores, the Katipuneros used Reparo as their meeting place. Capitan Dales was the important figure who led the Katipuneros in Reparo and the neighboring places. It is said that he was a man of power, bravery, and tact, that during the course of their fight, they won over the Casadores.
[p. 4]
B. During the American occupation –
C. During and after World War II –
No know important events happened. Reparo became a good place for evacuees from neighboring towns like Tuy and Balayan.
C. During and after World War II –
Nothing important happened.
10. Destruction – The sugarcane was not milled. The bad elements, like the robbers, who thought that war was the solution to domestic problems, frequented Reparo because they saw that the evacuees settled in Reparo. The era of lawlessness ushered and continued for a period of months until the helping hands of the constabulary men came.
II. (A) Traditions, Customs and practices:
(a) In domestic and social life.
1. It is the custom to say “tao po” when one arrives in a house to let the people in the house know that somebody has arrived.
2. The folks greet each other in the morning with “magandang umaga po,” “magandang tanghali po,” when it is noon, “magandang hapon po,” and “magandang gabi po” when it is night time.
3. Kissing the hands of the old folks at night, especially after praying the Angelus and upon arriving from the church.
4. When somebody passes by one’s house, the passerby says, “makikiraan po” meaning “may I pass” and the owner of the house says “daan muna kayo” or won’t you drop in first if the passerby is an acquaintance.
5. In the barrios, it is the custom to greet or say “hello” to a friend or acquaintance with very personal questions, such as “saan kayo galing" or “where have you been” and “saan kayo pupunta” or “where
1. It is the custom to say “tao po” when one arrives in a house to let the people in the house know that somebody has arrived.
2. The folks greet each other in the morning with “magandang umaga po,” “magandang tanghali po,” when it is noon, “magandang hapon po,” and “magandang gabi po” when it is night time.
3. Kissing the hands of the old folks at night, especially after praying the Angelus and upon arriving from the church.
4. When somebody passes by one’s house, the passerby says, “makikiraan po” meaning “may I pass” and the owner of the house says “daan muna kayo” or won’t you drop in first if the passerby is an acquaintance.
5. In the barrios, it is the custom to greet or say “hello” to a friend or acquaintance with very personal questions, such as “saan kayo galing" or “where have you been” and “saan kayo pupunta” or “where
[p. 5]
are you going?” This custom is admired because it is said that it makes no one go astray without knowing where he had been and where he is bound.
6. Praying at Angelus time.
7. Visiting the sick relatives and friends.
8. Extending condolences to the bereaved family.
9. Visiting the dead.
6. Praying at Angelus time.
7. Visiting the sick relatives and friends.
8. Extending condolences to the bereaved family.
9. Visiting the dead.
Hospitality:
(1) When the persons in the house are eating, and when a visitor arrives, they invited him to eat with them by saying, “Kain na kayo!”
(2) Giving cigarettes or sweets, “nga-nga,” wine if there is any, as a gesture of hospitality.
(3) Visitors are allowed to eat first before the host or hostess eats.
(4) Women are given priority in eating in parties, etc.
(5) Helping the old folks carry their things.
(6) Respecting the elders or “matanda sa nayon” by saying “po” or “opo” in conversations.
(7) Introducing parents, friends and acquaintances to each other.
(8) Celebrating holidays and feast days.
(9) Entertaining moderately during weddings, birthdays, baptismal parties and feasts.
(10) Entertaining visitors when holding forums and assemblies in small tiendas and in the school.
(2) Giving cigarettes or sweets, “nga-nga,” wine if there is any, as a gesture of hospitality.
(3) Visitors are allowed to eat first before the host or hostess eats.
(4) Women are given priority in eating in parties, etc.
(5) Helping the old folks carry their things.
(6) Respecting the elders or “matanda sa nayon” by saying “po” or “opo” in conversations.
(7) Introducing parents, friends and acquaintances to each other.
(8) Celebrating holidays and feast days.
(9) Entertaining moderately during weddings, birthdays, baptismal parties and feasts.
(10) Entertaining visitors when holding forums and assemblies in small tiendas and in the school.
Other practices:
(1) Going to church on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
[p. 6]
(2) Educating their children for civic efficiency.
(3) Giving the dead a decent burial
(4) Helping each other in performing some activities like planting or harvesting crops or in moving a house.
(5) Acting modestly, dressing modestly, and talking modestly.
(3) Giving the dead a decent burial
(4) Helping each other in performing some activities like planting or harvesting crops or in moving a house.
(5) Acting modestly, dressing modestly, and talking modestly.
B. Birth:
Almost all parents feel the need of giving proper care and guidance to their child. However, practices, customs and traditions vary in the different social classes. What they think is best, they follow and what they learned, they follow, too. These are the things that the barrio folks learned:
Great care is given as to where and how the placenta of the newly-born baby is placed and buried. The placenta of the baby is placed in the gales [?] so that the teeth of the child will become white and brilliant. The placenta is buried either in the field so that the baby will be brave against the heat of the sun or in the awning of the house to be resistant to cold.
During the first bath of the baby, articles like [a] needle, thread, and others are placed in the bathing solution if the baby is a girl in order to be a good modista and hammer, nails and chisel if the babyis a boy in order to become a good carpenter.
Before baptism, another ceremony called “buhos tubig” is performed in order that that the child will not always be susceptible to sickness. During the ceremony, the godfather or godmother, as the case may be, holds with one hand a lighted candle while the one presiding over the ceremony says some prayers. After the prayers, the person performing the ceremony pours water over the head of the child and the godfather or godmother blows on the face of the child so that the child’s ways will be more or less identical to those of the godfather or godmother.
Great care is given as to where and how the placenta of the newly-born baby is placed and buried. The placenta of the baby is placed in the gales [?] so that the teeth of the child will become white and brilliant. The placenta is buried either in the field so that the baby will be brave against the heat of the sun or in the awning of the house to be resistant to cold.
During the first bath of the baby, articles like [a] needle, thread, and others are placed in the bathing solution if the baby is a girl in order to be a good modista and hammer, nails and chisel if the babyis a boy in order to become a good carpenter.
Before baptism, another ceremony called “buhos tubig” is performed in order that that the child will not always be susceptible to sickness. During the ceremony, the godfather or godmother, as the case may be, holds with one hand a lighted candle while the one presiding over the ceremony says some prayers. After the prayers, the person performing the ceremony pours water over the head of the child and the godfather or godmother blows on the face of the child so that the child’s ways will be more or less identical to those of the godfather or godmother.
[p. 7]
C. Baptism:
Baptism in the barrio means not only christening the child and having a grand party but also having a second parent for the child. Usually, he selects his “Person of the Season” as the “Comadre” or “Compadre.”
However, the selection of the “Compadre” and the “Comadre” rest upon the hands of the parents of the child’s mother because they are given that privilege when the first born of the couple comes.
The godfather buys clothes, shoes and other articles to be used by the baby during the baptismal ceremony. They usually pay for the necessary expenses like the registering of the child, paying the transportation expenses, and the like. He or she also invites ladies to make the party colorful.
The godfather or the godmother gives something to the child in the form of money, clothes or jewels etc. so that both of them will not be susceptible to sickness.
Sometimes, the parents of the child do not give a party but, instead, they slaughter and roast a pig to be given to the godfather or godmother in the form of “sabit.” Usually, the bigger the offering or “sabit,” the bigger the gift or “pakimkim” received.
It is also a common practice that after the baptismal ceremony, the godfather or godmother runs out of the church as fast as he could in order that he or she may be the first in going out, because they believed that the child would always be forced and successful in every undertaking when he grows up.
However, the selection of the “Compadre” and the “Comadre” rest upon the hands of the parents of the child’s mother because they are given that privilege when the first born of the couple comes.
The godfather buys clothes, shoes and other articles to be used by the baby during the baptismal ceremony. They usually pay for the necessary expenses like the registering of the child, paying the transportation expenses, and the like. He or she also invites ladies to make the party colorful.
The godfather or the godmother gives something to the child in the form of money, clothes or jewels etc. so that both of them will not be susceptible to sickness.
Sometimes, the parents of the child do not give a party but, instead, they slaughter and roast a pig to be given to the godfather or godmother in the form of “sabit.” Usually, the bigger the offering or “sabit,” the bigger the gift or “pakimkim” received.
It is also a common practice that after the baptismal ceremony, the godfather or godmother runs out of the church as fast as he could in order that he or she may be the first in going out, because they believed that the child would always be forced and successful in every undertaking when he grows up.
Courtship:
Courtship is an old, old tradition. Even among the slaves, courtship was a practice, and to this barrio folks are no exception.
Serenading has the romantic splendor of showing that a man was attracted by a certain girl. He will have himself introduced to the girl and her parents to get an access to the house. From then on, he will begin his nocturnal visits, whereby he hears his heartthrobs and prob-
Serenading has the romantic splendor of showing that a man was attracted by a certain girl. He will have himself introduced to the girl and her parents to get an access to the house. From then on, he will begin his nocturnal visits, whereby he hears his heartthrobs and prob-
[p. 8]
lems of his heart.
Other symptoms of romantic appeals are writing love letters to the girl (which are not answered by the over-careful girl), going with this girl to places (with chaperone, of course), giving gifts, helping the parents when at work and the like.
The verdict of the girl can be known when the man does what we call “nagkakahoy.” Here, the parents of the man go with him and bring food with them together with the other relatives. The near relatives of the girl are given bundles of fuel also without their knowledge.
The girl shows signs of disapproval by answering that she is too young yet to think of matrimony so the parents will tell the man’s parents to bring with them their boy. The girl says, “It’s up to you my dear parents” if she means “yes,” thus, the parents say “You can leave Juan with us.”
After a week, the girl’s parents call the boy’s parents and the latter bring the food with them. This is called “bulongan” – they talk (the parents of both parties) about the date of the marriage, the matrimonial demands which are required [for] a decent wedding, like the girl’s trousseau, jewels, house, land, etc. Now, the man’s heart is almost in a sure spot, but his pocket will soon be washed.
Other symptoms of romantic appeals are writing love letters to the girl (which are not answered by the over-careful girl), going with this girl to places (with chaperone, of course), giving gifts, helping the parents when at work and the like.
The verdict of the girl can be known when the man does what we call “nagkakahoy.” Here, the parents of the man go with him and bring food with them together with the other relatives. The near relatives of the girl are given bundles of fuel also without their knowledge.
The girl shows signs of disapproval by answering that she is too young yet to think of matrimony so the parents will tell the man’s parents to bring with them their boy. The girl says, “It’s up to you my dear parents” if she means “yes,” thus, the parents say “You can leave Juan with us.”
After a week, the girl’s parents call the boy’s parents and the latter bring the food with them. This is called “bulongan” – they talk (the parents of both parties) about the date of the marriage, the matrimonial demands which are required [for] a decent wedding, like the girl’s trousseau, jewels, house, land, etc. Now, the man’s heart is almost in a sure spot, but his pocket will soon be washed.
Marriage –
From generation to generation, it is the belief that marriage is the bridge to haven [heaven?] “El matrimonio es la Fuente para el cielo.”
Courtship most often ends in marriage is either incidental or intentional.
The old folks are given the privilege to select the best day and the best month of the year for the day of days called wedding day. May is supposed to be the month of blossoms and is often selected because it is believed that couples married in this month will tread a flowery path. September, a month of harvest and abundance, wins the favor of the selectors because of the meanings it suggests.
Courtship most often ends in marriage is either incidental or intentional.
The old folks are given the privilege to select the best day and the best month of the year for the day of days called wedding day. May is supposed to be the month of blossoms and is often selected because it is believed that couples married in this month will tread a flowery path. September, a month of harvest and abundance, wins the favor of the selectors because of the meanings it suggests.
[p. 9]
Early in the morning, the bride and the bridegroom dress themselves to be on time for the mass. Meanwhile, the kin of the groom are head-to-toe busy in preparing everything to make the wedding a successful event – one which everybody will remember.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds, together with the bridesmaids and ushers and the other visitors, go to the bride’s home to participate in the celebration.
At the stairs, they are showered with rice so that their life will be prosperous. Besides, sweets are offered to them to make their marriage a happy one. The kissing of the hands of the old folks and congratulations follow.
After the celebration, before the day ends, the bride goes with the relatives of the groom to his house. She opens the door, waters the stove, and squats at the center of the house. This will lead to a peaceful, harmonious relationship with the in-laws.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds, together with the bridesmaids and ushers and the other visitors, go to the bride’s home to participate in the celebration.
At the stairs, they are showered with rice so that their life will be prosperous. Besides, sweets are offered to them to make their marriage a happy one. The kissing of the hands of the old folks and congratulations follow.
After the celebration, before the day ends, the bride goes with the relatives of the groom to his house. She opens the door, waters the stove, and squats at the center of the house. This will lead to a peaceful, harmonious relationship with the in-laws.
F. Death:
1. The dying goes to his last confession and communion.
2. The dead wears his or her best dress like the wedding dress and the like.
3. The relatives, friends and neighbors keep vigil for one night.
4. They notify far-away relatives of death in the family.
5. The immediate relatives mourn for the dead for one year.
6. They celebrate the fourth and ninth day ritual. On the fourth day, clothes are washed and the yards are swept. The house is also cleaned thoroughly.
7. During the nights, people show their sympathy with the bereaved family by praying with them and also making them happy by playing parlor games, like the following:
2. The dead wears his or her best dress like the wedding dress and the like.
3. The relatives, friends and neighbors keep vigil for one night.
4. They notify far-away relatives of death in the family.
5. The immediate relatives mourn for the dead for one year.
6. They celebrate the fourth and ninth day ritual. On the fourth day, clothes are washed and the yards are swept. The house is also cleaned thoroughly.
7. During the nights, people show their sympathy with the bereaved family by praying with them and also making them happy by playing parlor games, like the following:
[p. 10]
| a. Punong Halamanan | f. Duplo, tulaan at dalit |
| b. Ulo-uluhan | g. Batisan |
| c. Lipatan ng susi | h. Plorum |
| d. Patungan ng susi | i. Bapor-baporan |
| e. Isturbo | j. Bulong-pare |
9. “Nagbabang-luksa” – Babang Luksa means putting off the mourning clothes. This is held some days or months before or after the death anniversary. The old women pray for the repose of the soul of the dead on this day.
10. All Saints’ Day is celebrated by bringing flowers and candles to the tomb or grave.
Burial:
1. Making of wreaths.
2. Corpse placed before the altar and the priest blesses it.
3. Before the funeral, the old women pray in the house.
4. Roman Catholics take the dead to church before it is laid to rest.
5. If the dead is an old person, his young relatives kiss his hand and they pass over his corpse. (Not stopping on the body, of course.)
6. Soil is thrown into the grave to get rid of any disease which they might have.
7. The floor upon which the corpse was placed before the burial is removed and water is poured over the place. This will drive any sickness in the family.
2. Corpse placed before the altar and the priest blesses it.
3. Before the funeral, the old women pray in the house.
4. Roman Catholics take the dead to church before it is laid to rest.
5. If the dead is an old person, his young relatives kiss his hand and they pass over his corpse. (Not stopping on the body, of course.)
6. Soil is thrown into the grave to get rid of any disease which they might have.
7. The floor upon which the corpse was placed before the burial is removed and water is poured over the place. This will drive any sickness in the family.
Visits:
1. Visitors are entertained by offering them sweets, drinks and other foods.
2. Those visiting bring gifts for the person being visited.
2. Those visiting bring gifts for the person being visited.
[p. 11]
PAGPAPARUSA:
Ang mga kaparusahan noong unang panahon sa mga bayan ay ang mga sumusunod:
1. Pagbabartolina – Dungeon
2. Pagtutubig – Drowning
3. Pagpalo – Beating
4. Ipinahihila sa kabayo – Pulled by a horse.
5. Sipa, sampal, atbp. – kicking, slapping.
2. Pagtutubig – Drowning
3. Pagpalo – Beating
4. Ipinahihila sa kabayo – Pulled by a horse.
5. Sipa, sampal, atbp. – kicking, slapping.
Origin of Songs:
According to the old folks, songs were known to mankind. Soon, they grew restless and lonesome because their lives were so monotonous. They just hunted for wild animals, ate and slept. Because birds abounded, they heard all kinds of songs and chirping of the birds. The songs of these birds attracted the wisest of the cavemen, so he learned to imitate the flow of the tunes of the birds’ songs. After the lapse of years, improvements were made and here we are now with all kinds of songs to make us happy.
BELIEFS:
1. They believe in the existence of one Supreme Being called “Bathala.”
2. They believe in the existence of heavenly bodies and planets.
3. They believe that money provides everything except happiness and salvation of the soul.
4. The good is rewarded by God and the bad is punished by Him.
5. Love is blind.
6. A comet with a broom-like ray that rises on the west is a sign that people will die.
7. Every important thing that happens in this world has visible signs, like for example World War II.
2. They believe in the existence of heavenly bodies and planets.
3. They believe that money provides everything except happiness and salvation of the soul.
4. The good is rewarded by God and the bad is punished by Him.
5. Love is blind.
6. A comet with a broom-like ray that rises on the west is a sign that people will die.
7. Every important thing that happens in this world has visible signs, like for example World War II.
Three signs were seen by the barrio folks:
(a) A comet with a broom-like tail.
(b) Thousands and thousands of tadpoles roamed around.
(b) Thousands and thousands of tadpoles roamed around.
[p. 12]
(c) Millions of very tiny butterflies were seen.
8. They believe that the earth is round.
9. That there is life after death.
10. God punishes the world in parts, no deluge will come.
1. Masama ang maligo sa mga araw ng Martes at Biyernes.
2. Masama ang maligo sa araw ng kapanganakan.
3. Pag-iingatang huag makipag-usap ang dalaga sa binata sa oras ng kapanganakan.
4. Huag mauupo sa sangkalan sapagka’t gawing sangkalan sa masasamang bagay.
5. Pag ang kasal at ang patay ay nagkatagpo sa simbahan, ang bagong kasal ay medaling mamamatay.
6. Pag ang patay ay napatakan ng luha, ang kanyang kaluluwa ay hindi matatahimik.
7. Ang kahol ng aso ay masamang pangitain.
8. Pag ang bagong paligo ay tumulog, siya ay maloloko.
9. Pag ang dalaga o binata ay may maputing bakas sa kuko, iya’y tanda ng pagkasalawahan.
10. Kapag nanaginip kang ang isang ngipin mo’y nalaglag o nabungi, ang isa sa iyong kasamahan ay mamamatay.
It is bad to take a bath of Tuesdays and Fridays.
2. Masama ang maligo sa araw ng kapanganakan.
It is bad to take a bath on one’s birthday.
3. Pag-iingatang huag makipag-usap ang dalaga sa binata sa oras ng kapanganakan.
A girl must not talk with a boy on the hour of her delivery.
4. Huag mauupo sa sangkalan sapagka’t gawing sangkalan sa masasamang bagay.
5. Pag ang kasal at ang patay ay nagkatagpo sa simbahan, ang bagong kasal ay medaling mamamatay.
6. Pag ang patay ay napatakan ng luha, ang kanyang kaluluwa ay hindi matatahimik.
If tears fall on the body of the deceased, his soul will not rest in peace.
7. Ang kahol ng aso ay masamang pangitain.
The howling of a dog is a sign of bad luck.
8. Pag ang bagong paligo ay tumulog, siya ay maloloko.
A person who sleeps right after taking a bath is likely to become crazy.
9. Pag ang dalaga o binata ay may maputing bakas sa kuko, iya’y tanda ng pagkasalawahan.
If you have a white spot on your fingernails, you are unfaithful in love.
10. Kapag nanaginip kang ang isang ngipin mo’y nalaglag o nabungi, ang isa sa iyong kasamahan ay mamamatay.
If you dream that one of your teeth is missing, a relative will die.
[p. 13]
11. Kapag kabilugan ng buwan ay may vampire.
12. Pa gang isang tao ay pumatay ng pusa, siya ay magbibilang ng balahibo ng pusa sa langit.
13. Kung ikaw ay pupunta sa sabungan at sa daan ay may nasalubong kang ahas o pusang puti, ikaw ay mananalo.
14. Kung ikaw ay nakagat ng bangkalang, uminom ka kaagad sapagka’t kung ikaw ay maunahan, ikaw ay mamamatay.
15. Pag ang babaeng nagdadalang-tao ay naupo sa may pintuan ng bahay, siya ay maghihirap sa panganganak.
16. Bago ka manaog ay magantanda ka muna.
17. Pag ang tala sa umaga ay malapit sa buway ay mayroong magtatanan.
18. Mabuti ang magtanim ng pinya sa hapon upang ang mga mata ng pinya ay maging mababaw.
19. Sa paghahasik ng palay, dapat ilaylay ang manggas ng baro, upang lumaylay ang dahon ng palay.
When it is full moon, vampires come out. They have wings and are bloodthirsty creatures. It is believed that they are the followers of Dracula.
12. Pa gang isang tao ay pumatay ng pusa, siya ay magbibilang ng balahibo ng pusa sa langit.
If a person kills a cat, he will count the cat’s hairs in heaven after death.
13. Kung ikaw ay pupunta sa sabungan at sa daan ay may nasalubong kang ahas o pusang puti, ikaw ay mananalo.
If, on your way to the cockpit, you meet a snake or white cat, you’ll surely win.
14. Kung ikaw ay nakagat ng bangkalang, uminom ka kaagad sapagka’t kung ikaw ay maunahan, ikaw ay mamamatay.
If you are bitten by an alligator, drink at once, because if this venom drinks ahead of you, you will die.
15. Pag ang babaeng nagdadalang-tao ay naupo sa may pintuan ng bahay, siya ay maghihirap sa panganganak.
If a woman on the family way sits beside the door, she will suffer on her delivery.
16. Bago ka manaog ay magantanda ka muna.
Make the sign of the cross before leaving the house.
17. Pag ang tala sa umaga ay malapit sa buway ay mayroong magtatanan.
When the morning star is near the moon, someone will elope.
18. Mabuti ang magtanim ng pinya sa hapon upang ang mga mata ng pinya ay maging mababaw.
It is advisable to plant pineapple in the afternoon so that its eyes will be shallow.
19. Sa paghahasik ng palay, dapat ilaylay ang manggas ng baro, upang lumaylay ang dahon ng palay.
In sowing palay, the sleeves should be let to hang so that the leaves of the palay will hang at harvest.
[p. 14]
20. Huag magtaklob ng bakid o sima pag hapon, pagka’t baka [maging] matahing manok.
Do not put over your head a net because you will have poor eyesight at night.
21. Ang pusod ng bata ay huwag pababayaang makuha ng daga sapagka’t magiging mang-uumit.
The [umbilical] cord of the child should be kept so that the rat cannot get access to it, otherwise the child will become a thief.
22. Ang mag-aanak sa binyag ay dapat magpakimkim sa inaanak upang sila ay huag maging masasaktin.
The godparents should give something to the godchild so that they will not be susceptible to illness.
23. Sa baso ilagay ang inunan ng bata para pumuti ang ngipin paglaki.
Place the placenta of the child in a glass so that the child will have white and brilliant teeth.
24. Ang inunan ng bata ay dapat labhan bago ibaon upang huwag maging matigas ang ulo paglaki.
The placenta of the child should be washed first before it is buried so that she will not be stubborn.
25. Ang mga pusod ng mga magkakapatid ay dapat sama-sama upang huwag mag-away-away.
The [umbilical] cords of the brothers and sisters should be kept together so that they will not quarrel.
26. Ang babaeng nagdadalang-tao kapag pumanhik sa bahay ay dapat tuloy-tuloy agad upang huwag mahirapan sa panganganak.
A woman who is on the family way, when going upstairs, should go directly without stopping so that she will not suffer much during delivery.
27. Ang batang bagong anak ay huwag buhusan sa ulo kung paliliguan pagka’t baka maging siponin.
In bathing a newly-born baby, do not pour water over his head because he will be susceptible to cold.
28. Ang asawa ng babaeng nagdadalang-tao ay masamang magtukod ng bahay pagka’t mahihirapan sa panganganak ang asawa niya.
[p. 15]
INTERPRETATIONS:
Ang ilan sa mga pangitaing pinaniniwalaan ng mga taong-bayan ay ang mga sumusunod:
1. Birth of twins or more – The women, during the period of conception, like to eat twin fruits like twin bananas and others.
2. Pag humuni ang usa ay uulan.
3. Pag ang tandang-hawo ay nagpakanluran sa tag-ulan, nangangahulugang mag-iinit at pag magpasilangan ay mag-uulan.
4. Pag ang “hulawan” (isang uri ng ibon) ang humuni sa medaling araw ay kakaunti ang palay, maglulugaw. Pag ang bahaw ang humuni sa medaling araw ay tama ang palay sapagka’t magkakabahaw.
2. Pag humuni ang usa ay uulan.
When the deer shouts, it will rain.
3. Pag ang tandang-hawo ay nagpakanluran sa tag-ulan, nangangahulugang mag-iinit at pag magpasilangan ay mag-uulan.
When the tandang-hawo (a kind of bird) flies westward during the rainy season, sunny days will follow, and vice-versa.
4. Pag ang “hulawan” (isang uri ng ibon) ang humuni sa medaling araw ay kakaunti ang palay, maglulugaw. Pag ang bahaw ang humuni sa medaling araw ay tama ang palay sapagka’t magkakabahaw.
When the bird called “bahaw” first tweets in the early morning, there will be a good harvest of rice; when the oriole first tweets in the early morning, there will be famine.
PUZZLES:
1. Ako’y may trabaho, araw-araw ang gawa ko’y peso, makapapagpautang pa sa tao.
2. Ilan ang pito pa po para sampu, ang aking huling labuyo, ang sagot ng anak sa kanyang tatay noong siya ay tanungin kung ilan ang nahuli? – tatlo
3. May isang mayaman na may mga niyogan na hitik na hitik sa bunga. Napakadamot ng mayamang ito at walang nakahingi ng kanilang niyog. At pinatatanuran sa dalwang soldado. May isa namang taong pangahas na
S – Kulang ang kinikita ng tao kaya’t marami na siyang utang. Kung hindi na siya makautang ay nakiki-usap sa isang kaibigan na siya ay iutang naman. – “Nagpapa-utang sa tao.”
2. Ilan ang pito pa po para sampu, ang aking huling labuyo, ang sagot ng anak sa kanyang tatay noong siya ay tanungin kung ilan ang nahuli? – tatlo
3. May isang mayaman na may mga niyogan na hitik na hitik sa bunga. Napakadamot ng mayamang ito at walang nakahingi ng kanilang niyog. At pinatatanuran sa dalwang soldado. May isa namang taong pangahas na
[p. 16]
lumapit sa tanod. Paano siya nakakuha ng niyog gayong bunot ang espada ng mga tanod?
S – Nakakuha siya ng niyog sapagka’t “bunot” lamang ng niyog ang kanilang espada.
4. Ano ang nalakad sa aso? S – purgas
5. Ano ang nangunguna sa motor? S – relis
6. May isang palalong mayaman ang nagpaskil sa kaniyang tarangkahan ng ganito “Sa dunong ko, sa yaman ko, anuma’y magagawa ko.” At ang makapagbigay sa kanya ng suliraning hindi niya malulutas ay siya niyang bibigyan ng lahat ng kanyang yaman. Ano ang suliraning ibinigay sa kanya? S – Isang batang lalake ang nagbigay sa kanya ng ganitong suliranin, “Dalhin mo ang martilyong putol at ipako mo ang pakong putol sa langit.”
7. May dalawang mag-anakan na tigatlo ang sa magkabilang isang ilong. Ang isang mag-anak na tatlo ay naghirap kaya’t ang ginawa ay lumipat sa bahay ng kabilang ilong. Pagdating noong isang tatlong mag-anak sa tatlong mag-anak ay ganito ang sabi ng batang dumating, “Tayo po ngayon at pito na.”
Tanong – Bakit naging pito ang dalawang mag-anak na tiga-tigatlo?
Sagot – Hindi pa totoong nakakaalam bumilang ang batang lalake, kaya ang tawag sa anim ay pito.
Sagot – Hindi pa totoong nakakaalam bumilang ang batang lalake, kaya ang tawag sa anim ay pito.
8. Kung ikaw ay magtitinda at ngayong araw na ito ay nakapagbili ka ng kwarenta’y singko (45), bukas ay noventa at sa makalwa ay kwarenta’y singko (45) uli, magkanong lahat ang inyong napagbilhan?
S - ₱0.90 lamang ang pinagbilhan sapagka’t noong sumunod na araw ay noventa o walang benta.
MGA BUGTONG
1. Iisa-isa na, kinuha ko pa.
2. Lumabis si Rita, kanyang saya’y pula. (puso ng saging)
3. Tumindig siya’t sumigaw, ako’y matapang. (tandang)
4. Ako’y may biting sangkalan, inaamoy, tinititigan. (langka)
Kaya ang natira ay dadala-dalwa. (tulya)
2. Lumabis si Rita, kanyang saya’y pula. (puso ng saging)
3. Tumindig siya’t sumigaw, ako’y matapang. (tandang)
4. Ako’y may biting sangkalan, inaamoy, tinititigan. (langka)
[p. 17]
5. Ang turiti’y may sungay na
Ang turo’y wala pa. (tulyasi o kawali)
6. Ako’y nagtanim ng hiya,
Sa laguerta ng Kastila.
Ang dahon ay mahaba,
Ang bunga ay matataba. (niyog)
Ang dahon ay mahaba,
Ang bunga ay matataba. (niyog)
7. Kabiyak na niyog, magdamag na nagalipod. (buan)
8. Wala sa langit, wala sa lupa,
Ang daho’y nanariwa. (dapo)
9. Iisa ang sinuotan, tatlo ang nilabasan. (kamiseta)
10. Maputing parang busilak, kalihim ko sa pagliyag. (papel)
11. Hindi pa natatalupan, nanganganinag na ang laman. (kamatsili)
12. Hindi naman hari, hindi naman pari,
Nagsusuot ng sari-sari. (sampayan)
13. Divina, divina, de gracia
Malayo ang bulaklak sa bunga. (mais)
14. Nagbibigay na, sinasakal pa. (bote)
15. Ako’y nag-ihaw ng apoy, tubig ang iginatong. (ilaw)
16. Maitim na parang tinta, pumuputi’y hindi kinukula. (buhok)
17. Hinalo ko ang nilugaw, nagtakbo ang inihaw. (Bangka)
18. Ito na si amain, nagbibili ng hangin. (musiko)
19. Kung kailan nananahimik, saka binubuwisit. (lamok)
20. Bahay ng kalapati, iisa ang haligi. (payong)
21. May isang dalagang naligo, di nabasa ang ulo. (kiyapo)
22. Ang aso kong si Pantaloon,
Lumuksong pitong balon,
Lumukso ng pitong gubat,
Bago nagtanaw sa dagat. (banig)
Lumukso ng pitong gubat,
Bago nagtanaw sa dagat. (banig)
23. Kung araw ay nasa hapunan,
Kung gabi ay nasa galaan [unsure, blurred]. (unan)
24. Nabuksan ang libro, nagkamatay ang tao. (banig)
25. Dalwang magkumpare, mauna’t mahuli. (paa)
Notes and references:
Transcribed from “History and Cultural Life of Reparo,” 1953, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
