Magahis, Tuy, Batangas: Historical Data

Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines.

Full transcription of the so-called “Historical Data” for the barrio of Magahis in the Municipality of Tuy, 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.

[Note to the reader.]

Batangas History wishes to advise the reader/researcher that may be inevitable errors in the transcription of the documents for the poblacion as well as barrios of the Municipality of Tuy because the original documents were either typed using poor typewriter ribbons or poorly scanned. Many of the pages, therefore, were very difficult to read.

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CULTURAL HISTORY OF MAGAHIS

Magahis, located in the northeastern part of Tuy right at the foothills of Mt. Batulao, is one of the leading progressive barrios of this municipality. Its four geographical boundaries are from north, Toong, east Mt. Batulao, south Bolboc and west the poblacion. The barrio is composed of Magahis proper and five prosperous sitios namely: Kapihan, Bangkalan, Kalamundingan and Munting Coral. Magahis Proper is divided into three: Magahis No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3. It is the largest barrio in terms of land area in the municipality with about 880 inhabitants.

At the time of the arrival of the Spaniards, this settlement already existed. It is believed that the natives were descendants of the ten datus, two of which settled in Nasugbu, Balayan and Batangas. Its present name is Magahis. A story that passed from generation to generation tells us how it got its name through a heroic act of one of its chieftains before the arrival of the Spaniards by the name of Datu Lao. Datu Lao was wise, just and a leader with keen vision. They lived peacefully at the foot of Mt. Batulao. In the nearby village was also a powerful datu. Many times, this datu tried to attack Datu Lao but was always repulsed. Because of the disturbance perpetuated by their rival, Datu Lao fortified their stronghold in the mountain. He gathered stones and rocks on top of it. He could see that his enemy would not stop to avenge their countless defeats. One night, while there was a truce going on between him and his foe, their village was treacherously raided. Datu Lao and his men fought bravely against their enemies who had the Aetas as their allies. They were greatly outnumbered. Their huts were burned down and women killed. Sensing defeat, Datu Lao ordered his men to their mountain fort to retreat. Their enemy followed them there. Upon the signal of Datu Lao, they rolled the huge rocks and stones and their pursuers were mercilessly killed. The soldiers cried in joy, “Hindi maaaring magahis!” From that time on to the present, the barrio was called Magahis and their mountain fortress “Batulao” in honor of the brave datu and the stones they rolled down to stop the invading hordes.

The barrio carries the enviable reputation of being the melting pot of several municipalities. In fact, the sitio of Munting Coral has been dubbed as

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“Little Taal.” Family names prominent in Taal are traceable here such as Umali, Aliling, Cabral, Gamo, Marcellana and Dimailig. Moreover, the people speak with [the] Taaleño accent. Expressions heard only in Taal are used here such as “tahing” (little boy), “tagay” (little girl) and “manong” (brother). People flocked here, too. [The] Family names of Macalalad, Gomez, Murillo, Mercado and Macalindong are noticeable here. Settlers [from] as far as Magallanes, Alfonso and Indang, Cavite flocked here to till the rich and virgin fields. The original families in Magahis were the Carandangs and Anchorezes. This tremendous attraction of settlers was primarily due to the sugar industry boom in this place when a sugar central was established in Nasugbu. Many landowners induced their tenants to engage actively in the sugar industry.

Due to the fact that there were no written records, the old men of the barrio could not furnish the exact dates of office of the first barrio lieutenant nor could his name be remembered. However, here is a list of some bo. lt. in their chronological dates of service and tenure of office:

1. Maximo Umali 2. Urbano Noche 3. Marciano de Omampo 4. Vidal Arsobal 5. Hilarion Gamo

1912-1919 1919-1925 1925-1931 1931-Dec. 31, 1952 Jan. 1, 1952 to date

During the occupation, this place was a very ideal one for guerrilla soldiers. In fact, people here were very hospitable [and] hid an American soldier by the name of Patrick on the mountain. A certain Placido Caballes should be credited here for his untiring effort in caring [for] and hiding the American soldier from the Japanese. Guerrillas often visited this place to map out their ways of combating the enemies and Filipino spies.

When liberation came, people helped protect the town by fighting Japanese stragglers. One by the name of Agustin de Omampo gave his life during a skirmish between the guerrilla outfit, the Blue Eagle Regt. and the Japs sometime and May 1945. There was no destruction against life and property.

Sometime in the year 1940, a school was established here with Mr. Domingo Manaloto ask the first teacher. He did not stay long because he was succeeded by Miss Alino until the outbreak of the war and 1941. The school was again opened in 1949 with Miss Rosita Macalalad as the pioneer.

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The barrio has made great strides in agriculture since liberation. Powerful tractors now are being used in vast tracts of land. Agriculture now is being rehabilitated and is gradually rising now from the ruins of the war. The barrio produced so many tons of basic food products like palay, corn, sugar, coconut, peanut, root crops, etc. The total land area planted to all crops reached 2,500 hectares. The sugar output has surpassed pre-war production and it is expected that more sugar will be produced the next milling season.

RIDDLES AND PROVERBS

1. Isang bayabas, pito ang butas. (A guava fruit with seven holes.)
2. Natago si Tsikito, nakalabas ang ulo. (Tsikito is hiding but his head is showing.)
3. Hindi hayop, hindi tao, kumakain ng guisado. (It is neither animal nor man, yet it eats sautéed food.)
4. Kulay ginto, hugis puso, mabangong hasmin, masarap kanin. (It has the color of gold, the shape of the heart, and the fragrance of jasmine. It is nice to eat.)
5. Lumalakad ay walang humihila, tumatakbo ay walang paa. (It walks though no one pulls it, it runs though it has no feet.)
6. Hindi hayop, hindi tao, walang paa’y tumatakbo. (It is neither animal nor a man, it has no feet but it can run.)
7. Nang hawak ko ay patay, nang ihagis ko ay buhay. (While I held it, it was dead; when I threw it, it became alive.)
8. Bagama’t may takip ay nakasisilip. (Although they are covered, they can still peep.)
9. Malalim kung bawasan, kung dagdagan ay nababaw. (Take from it and it grows deep, add to it and it becomes shallow.)
10. Pagsipot sa maliwanag kulubot na ang balat. (Since the very beginning, it had wrinkled skin.)
11. Nakaluluto’y walang init, umaaso kahit malamig. (It can cook without heat, it smokes though it is cold.)
12. Dinadala ko siya, ako’y dinala niya. (I carry it, it carries me.)
13. Kalamay ng hari, hindi mahati-hati. (The king’s “kalamay” cannot be divided.)
14. Bumili ako ng alipin, mataas pa sa akin. (I bought a slave who is taller than I.)
15. Ang anak ay nauupo na. Ang ina’y gumagapang pa. (The child is already sitting but the mother is still crawling.)
16. Bahay ng anluwagi, iisa ang haligi. (A carpenter’s house but with one post.)
17. Bahay ni Kuba hindi matingala. (I cannot see Kuba’s house even if I look up.)

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18. Maliit pa si kumari, naakyat na sa tore. (Kumare is still small yet she can climb a tower.)
19. Dalwang bolang sinulid, nakaaabot sa langit. (Two balls of thread can reach the sky.)
20. Eto, eto na, bago ay wala pa. (It is here, it is here, yet it is nowhere.)
21. Aso kong puti, inutusan ko’y di na umuwi. (I commanded my white dog, but it did not return.)
22. Kung saan masikip, doon nagpipilit. (Where it is crowded, it inserted.)
23. Ang amain kong buo’y may kapatid na babae, nguni’t siya naman ay hindi ko ale. (My uncle has a sister, but she is not my aunt.)
24. Pumuputok, di naririnig, tumatama’y di masakit. (It bursts but I can’t hear, it hits but not painful, either.)
25. Baboy ko sa Sorsogon, kung di sakya’y di lalamon. (My pig in Sorsogon will not eat when not rode on.)
26. Kung kailan ko pa pinatay, saka humaba ang buhay. (When I put out its light, the longer its light.)
27. I call it “Bato.” You call it “Bato.” Guess what it is. (Bato na ang tawag ko bato pa rin ang tawag mo, turningan mo kung ano.)
28. Ang hayop ni Igme, malaki pa ang mata kay sa tuhod. (The animal of Igme has eyes which are bigger than the knee.)
29. May kabayo akong payat, pinalo ko ng patpat, lumukso ng pitong gubat. (I have a thin horse. I whipped it with force. It jumped over seven forests.)
30. Sa pitong magkakatoto, lima lamang ang naging santo. (Of seven friends, only five are saints.)

KASAGUTAN OR ANSWERS

1. mukha – face 2. pako – nail 3. kawali – frying pan 4. mangga – mango 5. banka – banca 6. agos ng tubig – current of water 7. trumpo – top 8. matang may salamin – eyes with glasses 9. tubig sa tapayan – water in a jar 10. ampalaya – [bitter gourd] 11. yelo – ice 12. bakya – wooden shoes

13. tubig – water 14. sambalilo – hat 15. kalabasa – squash 16. bahay ng kalapati – dovehouse 17. noo – forehead 18. langgam – ant 19. mga mata – eyes 20. hangin – wind 21. lura – saliva 22. labong – bamboo shoot 23. ina – mother 24. araw – sun 25. kudkuran – coconut grater 26. kandila – candle 27. bato-bato – (a kind of bird)

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28. tutubing – dragonfly 30. Lunes Santo hanggang Biyernes Santo – The Holy Week from Monday to Friday

29. alon – sea waves

Mga Salawikain – Proverbs

1. Bawa’t gubat ay may ahas. – There is a snake in every forest. (In a group of people, there will be someone who will betray his companions.)
2. Ang lumalakad ng marahan, matinik man ay mababaw. Ang lumalakad ng matulin, matinik man ay malalim. – If one walks slowly, his feet will be hurt by thorns only slightly. (One who thinks before he acts makes a very serious mistake. [Batangas History thinks this is a mistranslation and that the opposite is true.])
3. Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo> – What good will the grass do after the horse is dead? (Be prompt to lend a helping hand to one who is in need, otherwise the help might be too late.)
4. Naghangad ng kagitna, isang salop ang nawala. – He desired half a ganta and lost a ganta instead. (Often, in our attempts to get a thing of comparatively little value, we lose another of much greater worth.)
5. May pakpak ang balita, may tainga ang lupa. – News has wings and the ground has ears. (A secret revealed to a second person ceases to be a secret.)
6. Nasa tao ang gawa, nasa Dios ang awa. – God helps those who help themselves.
7. Ang walang puhunan di dapat makinabang. – One who does not invest any capital should not receive any profit. (If a piece of work needs to be done by several persons, everyone should do his bit. He who does not help should not expect to be rewarded.)
8. Yamang kinita sa tubig, [sa] tubig din magbabalik. – Wealth earned in water returns to its source. (If a person becomes wealthy in some dishonest way, his wealth does not bring him lasting benefit.)
9. Bagong hari, bagong ugali. – New king, new ways. (We should learn to adapt our ways to the changing conditions.)
10. Ang hipong tulog ay naaanod ng agos. – A sleeping shrimp is carried by the current. (A person who is always lazy is easily swayed.)

Marriage:

1. Hindi nararapat isukat ang damit kung hindi sa araw ng kasal. (The trousseau should not be worn before [the] marriage.)
2. Nilalagyan ng pera ang loob ng sapatos ng ikakasal upang maging masaganaang buhay. (Coins are put inside the shoes of the bride and the groom so that their lives will be prosperous.)

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3. Ang babae ay umuuna sa paglabas ng simbahan kaysa lalake upang mapangibabawan ang lalake. – When leaving the church, the bride tries to walk faster than the groom so that she will be the boss.
4. Ang mga kasama ng ikinasal ay binibigyan ng pagkaing matamis upang maging matamis ang pagsasama ng dalawa. – All those who go with the newly-wedded couple are given desserts to eat so that the two will lead a happy life.
5. Kapag umaakyat na an ikinasal ay sinasabugan ng bigas at bulaklak upang maging sagana at masaya ang buhay. – Rice and flowers are thrown at the newlyweds so that they will live a happy and prosperous life.
6. Nagbabasag ng palayok upang magkaroon ng anak ang ikinasal. – They break pots so as not to be childless.
7. Ang lalake ay di kasabay sa dapit. – The groom is not included in being invited.
8. Kapag sinusundo ng lalake ang babae, siya ay may kasama sapagka’t kung wala ay sinasabayan ng tikbalang. – The man should not go alone when fetching his wife as the “tikbalang” will go with him.
9. Ang bagong kasal ay sa bahay ng babae unang natuloy. – The newlyweds spend their first night in the bride’s home.
10. Walang nagsusuot ng damit na itim sa kasalan. – Nobody is in mourning during a wedding feast.

Pagdadalang-Tao (Stage of Conception):

1. Ang ina ay di kumakain ng talong na itim sapagka’t ang anak ay magkakasakit. – The mother should not eat black eggplant as the child will be sickly.
2. Hindi naglalakad ng [unreadable] kung hapon sinusundan ng lumalabas. – The mother should not go alone during dim light as those unseen things go with her.
3. Hindi nararapat mamintas sa kapinsalaan ng iba pagka’t ang anak ay magkakaroon din ng kapinsalaan. – Never laugh at the defects of others as the child will also be defective.
4. Huwag mananahi ng damit sa katawan. – Don’t sew clothes on the body.
5. Hindi pumupunta sa patay o sa libingan pagka’t maghihirap sa panganganak. – The mother should not visit the dead or go to the cemetery as there will be hardships during delivery.
6. Hindi tumatayo sa pintuan. – Never stay near the door.

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Sa Panganganak (Delivery):

1. Ang kumakaon ng hilot ay di umaakyat ng bahay upang huwag maghirap sa panganganak ang ina. – The person calling for a nurse should stay downstairs so as not to have pain in the delivery.
2. Kung nahihirapan ang ina, at mayroong alkansiya o tibuyo kailangang mabiak kaagad ito. – If there is too much pain during delivery, the shell bank should be opened immediately.

Childhood:

1. Ang bata ay di sinusuotan ng ibang kulay na damit maliban sa puti hangga’t walang pang isang taong gulang. – Never let the child wear colored dresses until the first year of his life.
2. Sa unang panliligo ng bata, ito ay nilalapitan ng papel, aklat, pera atbp. upang maging marunong at maginhawa sa pamumuhay. – During the first bath of the child, money, books, paper, pencils, etc. are placed near the child so as to be intelligent and to live in prosperity.
3. Hindi ginugupitan ng buhok hangga’t wala pang isang taong gulang. – The child’s hair should not be cut until he reaches the age of one year.
4. Ang bata ay di nilalaro kung hapon pagka’t mananaginip sa gabi. – Don’t play with the child during dim light as the child will dream at night.
5. Kung ang bata ay masasakitin, ito ay ipinagbibile ng kahit na magkanong halaga sa ibang tao. – When the child is sickly, he is sold to anybody.
6. Ang bata ay di pinaliluguan kung Martes ang Biyernes pagka’t magiging masasakitin. – Never bathe the child on Tuesdays and Fridays for the child will be sickly.
7. Kung ang bata ay malubha ang sakit, ang ninang ay di nararapat dumalaw at kung dumalaw ay kailangang magdala ng kahit na anong gamot. – The godmother should not visit the sick child and if she is going to visit, she should bring with her any kind of medicine.

Sa Patay (Dead):

1. Kung ang isang tao ay masaktin, ito ay humihiga sa loob ng kabaon. – A sickly person lays inside a coffin.
2. Kung ang isang tao ay may kailangan o hinihintay, siya ay bumubulong sa patay upang dumating ang hinihintay at makamtan ang kailangan. – A person waiting for someone whispers to the dead whom he is waiting for or what he needs.
3. Ipinipinid na lahat ng durungawan kung ipinapanaog na ang patay. – Windows are all closed when the coffin is taken down the house.
4. Ang mga tao ay di dapat dumungaw kung inaalis na ang patay. – Persons left in the house should not look outside when the dead body is being carried down.

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5. Hindi magwawalis sa loob ng apat na araw. – Within four days, the near relatives of the dead don’t sweep the yard or the house.
6. Kung may padasal, ang mga pinggan ay di pinagpapatung-patong. – Plates are not put on top of the other during the fourth or night [ninth?] day.
7. Pagkatapos ng unang kain, ang lahat na ginamit sa lamesa ay inaalis bago ilagay na muli. – After the first setting of the table, all the things are cleared away then placed in again for the next use.
Ang mga kasamahan ng namatay ay di naliligo sa loob ng apat na araw. – The near relatives of the deceased don’t take a bath until after fourth day.

Notes and references: