Tuy, Batangas: Historical Data Part I - Batangas History, Culture and Folklore Tuy, Batangas: Historical Data Part I - Batangas History, Culture and Folklore

Tuy, Batangas: Historical Data Part I

Full transcription of the so-called “Historical Data” for 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.
Historical Data
[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.

[Cover page.]






HISTORICAL DATA OF THE


MUNICIPALITY OF TUY


PREPARED BY THE


TEACHING FORCE OF


TUY







[Credits page.]

H I S T O R I C A L     D A T A     O F     T H E


M U N I C I P A L I T Y     OF


T U Y

Prepared by the Teaching Force

of the

Municipality


Committee-in-Charge:
1. Mr. Bienvenido Martinez, Chairman
2. Mr. Geronimo Macalalad, Member
3. Mrs. Ester T. Gumbas, Member
4. Mrs. Irene H. Tolentino, Member
5. Miss Consuelo Almanzor, Member
6. Mr. Pedro Delleopao [?], Member

Sub-committees:
 1. Poblacion
Mrs. Ester T. Gambos, Chairman
Mr. Geronimo Macalalad, Member
Miss Consuelo Almanzar, Member
Miss Milagros Villadon, Member
Mrs. Norma L. Maranan, Member
Miss Mauricia Villacrusis, Member
Mrs. Eleuteria V. Pasia, Member
Miss Felisa Encarnacion, Member
Miss Flotilda Castillo, Member
Miss Lourdes Afable, Member
Mrs. Juliana C. Mulingbayan, Member
Mrs. Irene R. Tolentino, Member
Mr. Pedro Delleopas, Member
2. Putol-Guinhawa

Mr. Eliseo Basalao, Chairman
Miss Maria Rodriguez, Member
Mrs. M. M. Panalaigan, Member
Mrs. P. A. Malabanan, Member
Miss Caridad Alaran, Member
Mrs. R. M. de la Cruz, Member
Miss Agueda Ensalan, Member
3. Lumbangan-Talon

Mr. Victoriano Gener, Chairman
Miss Julita Basit, Member
Miss Gloria Encarnacion, Member
Mrs. Enriqueta I. Apacible, Member
Mr. Vicente Apacible, Member
Mr. Marcelino Macalalad, Member
Mrs. Constancia A. Gener, Member
4. Malibu-Palinkaro

Mr. Sancho Afable, Chairman
Mr. Pascual Laque, Member
Miss Angela Rosales, Member
5. Dao

Mr. Alberto Malabanan, Chairman
Miss Efrena Malabanan, Member
[Credits page continued.]
6. Bolbok

Mrs. Felina K. Filler, Chairman
Mrs. Andres Maranan, Member
7. Magahis

Mr. Magdaleno Gomez, Chairman
Miss Iluminada Gomez, Member
8. Toong

Mr. Olegario SereƱa, Chairman
Miss Luminaria Gener, Member
9. Bayudbud

Mr. Valentin Cerrado, Chairman
Miss Josefa Inciong, Member
10. Sabang

Mrs. Socorro I. Cerrado, Chairman
Mrs. Engracia C. Martinez, Member
11. Mataywanao

Miss Adelaida Bahia



- 0 -

[Foreword.]

F O R E W O R D

Destruction wrought by World War II have made it imperative to reconstruct all records that had been lost during the emergency. Important among these scripts were the historical data of the different places in the Philippines. General Memorandum No. 34, s. 1952 of the Bureau of Public Schools has been issued to the field to help gather facts necessary for the reconstitution of these last records. It is, then, that this little book about the Municipality of Tuy has been prepared.

This piece of manuscripts attempts in one way or another, to show whatever collection had been gathered. It is to be noted that the poblacion and the different barrios are treated separately. Some of the stories or data may not be very accurate, but they are related by the old folks of the place concerned. Since no written records are available, oral reproduction has been resorted to. This discussion has been based on the outline given in General Memorandum No. 34, s. 1952.

The preparation of this little book was untaken by the undersigned with the cooperation of the teaching force of the Municipality of Tuy and the resource persons indicated after each story. Aside from the old folks who were asked information about the places mentioned, the writer is greatly indebted to Mrs. Ester T. Gambos, who acted as sub-committee chairman for the poblacion and who took the burden or arranging the different compilations made by the sub-committees for the barrios and giving suggestions on the various phases of the notes submitted; to Mrs. Irene R. Tolentino for reading the manuscript for possible mistakes after it had been typewritten; to Mr. Geronimo Macalalad for helpful suggestions and for typing; to Mr. Eufrosino Gambos for typing; to Mr. Pedro Delleopas for the binding of this manuscript; to the Head Teachers who acted as subcommittee chairmen for the different barrios; and to all who read this assemblage of historical data about the Municipality of Tuy critically and constructively. Finally, acknowledgement is made of all in any way has helped in the preparation of this book.

B. C. Martinez


April 30, 1953
Tuy, Batangas

[Table of Contents.]
Topics Pages
I. Poblacion
   A. History and Cultural Life of the Poblacion
       Part One – History
       a. Present Name of the Town
       b. Former Name
       c. Derivation and Establishment
       d. Names of Persons Holding Leading Official Positions in the Community
       e. Important Facts, Incidents or Events that Took Place
       f. World War II
       g. After World War II (Liberation)
       h. Destruction of Lives, Properties and Institutions
1
1
1
1-2
2-4
4-5
5-7
7-8
        Part Two – Folkways
       a. Traditions, Customs, Practices in Domestic and Social Life...
       b. Popular Songs, Games and Amusements
       c. Proverbs and Sayings
7-15
16-18
18-22
II. Barrios
       1. Tales of Luntal
           a. Paliso, Sitio of Luntal
           b. Dalima, Sitio of Luntal
       2. Talon
       3. Lumbangan
           a. Important Facts, Incidents or Events That Took Place
           b. Folkways
           c. Popular Songs
           d. Games and Amusements
           e. Tagalog Proverbs
           f. Ways of Telling Time
       4. History and Cultural Life of Malibu and Palinkero
           a. Customs and Traditions
       5. History and Cultural Life of Putol
       6. History and Cultural Life of Barrio Guinhawa
           a. Traditions, Customs and Practices in Domestic Life
           b. Popular Songs
           c. Riddles
           d. Proverbs and Sayings
       7. History of Tuyon-Tuyon
       8. Acle
25-26
26
26-27
27-28
28
29-30
30-33
33-35
35
35-28
38
39-42
42-45
45-46
46-47
47-50
51-53
54-60
61-65
67
67-68
[Table of Contents continued.]
Topics Pages
        9. History and Culture of the Barrio Dao
           a. Present Name, Popular Name and Derivation
           b. Important Facts, Incidents or Events that Took Place
           c. Popular Songs
           d. Mga Bugtong (Riddles)
           e. Proverbs and Sayings
       10. History and Cultural Life of Bolbok
           a. Important Facts, Incidents or Events that Took Place
           b. Folkways
           c. Superstitious Beliefs
           d. Popular Songs, Games and Amusements
           e. Methods of Telling Time
           f. Riddles
           g. Proverbs and Sayings
           h. Conclusion
       11. History and Cultural Life of Magahis
           a. Riddles
           b. Proverbs
       12. History and Cultural Life of Barrio Toong
           a. Folk Songs
       13. History and Cultural Life of the Barrio
           a. Sayings
           b. Customs and Traditions
       14. History and Cultural Life of Sabang
           a. Folkways
       15. History and Cultural Life of Barrio Mataywanac
           a. Folkways
69
69
69-70
70-72
72-73
73
75
75-76
76-78
78-79
79-80
80
80
80-81
82
83-85
85-87
87-90
91-93
93-94
95
96
97-98
99
100-101
103-104
104-106
-o0o-
[p. 1]

HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE
OF THE POBLACION

Part One: History

Present Official Name of the Town

Tuy

Former Name – Tuy

Derivation

There are two legends on how the name got its name. One of which in the common belief is as follows: In the early days of the Spanish occupation, there were many trees growing abundantly in this place. One of these was a tree called “tuy,” a tree of white light wood commonly used in making wooden shoes. When the Spaniards first came here, they wanted to know the name of the place. One of the Spaniards saw a native resting in the shade of a tree, approached the man and asked in Spanish for the name of the place. The native, not understanding what the Spaniard meant for he spoke in Spanish, thought he was asked the name of the tree under whose shade he was resting. At the spur of the moment, the man immediately answered, “TUY.” The Spaniard, believing that the man gave him the correct answer, began to call this place Tuy. So, from that time on, the place was called Tuy. Some, however, say that the place was named after a certain town in Spain which bears that same name. This town of Tuy in Spain is still existing today.

Date of Establishment

Tuy was declared a town in 1867 during the governorship of the then-alcalde mayor Don Salvador Elio [uncertain, blurred]. It was reverted to a barrio in 1899 and declared a town again in 1911.

Names of Persons who Held Leading Official
Positions in the Community

A. Spanish time (Dates of tenure unobtainable)
1. Capitan Tararo
2. Capitan Bernalde
3. Capitan Cleto Panaligan
4. Capitan Agustin Apacible
5. Capitan Mariano Marella
6. Capitan Ramon Mangubat
7. Capitan Cirilo Garcia
8. Capitan Santiago Rillo
9. Capitan Santiago Apacible
B. American Regime
 1.  Baltazar Afable
 2.  Gregorio Paradero
 3.  Narciso Afable
 4.  Sixto Rodriguez
 5.  Rafael Carandang
Municipal President
Municipal President
Municipal President
Municipal President
Municipal President
1911-1912
1913-1914
1915-1918
1919-1922
1923-1926
[p. 2]

6. Vicente Almanzar, Municipal President from 1926 – 3 months after assuming office, he died.

7. Eduardo Causapin, Municipal President from 1926 – as successor to the late Vicente Almanzar.

8. Galicano Afable, Municipal President from June 16, 1928 – Oct. 15, 1931.

9. Vicente Calingasan, Municipal President from 1932-1940.

10. Apolinario Apacible, Municipal President from 1941-1942.

C. Japanese Occupation

1. Vicente Calingasan, Municipal President from 1943-1944.

D. Liberation

1. Apolinario Apacible, Municipal Mayor from 1945-1946.

2. Felix Almanzar, Municipal Mayor from 1947 – Feb. 16, 1949.

3. Tirso S. Cruz, Municipal Mayor from Feb. 16, 1949 – Dec. 31, 1951.

4. Pedro C. Macalalad, Present Incumbent.


Important Facts, Incidents or Events that Took Place

A. Spanish Regime

Tuy was declared a proper town in 1867 during the governorship of the Provincial Governor or Alcalde Mayor, Don Salvadro Elio. The barrios comprising Tuy during that time included Obispo, Mataywanac, Lumbangan, Luntal, Bolbok, Mr. Batulao, Acle, Magahis, Sabang, Mt. Buntis, Sangkalan, Malibu, Palingkero, Talon, Bayudbud, Dao, Dalima, Putol and Guinhawa.

The town proper of Tuy was formerly a part of Obispo. The first Capitan Municipal was Don Pedro Arcayno, alias Bingot, and the first priest was Fr. Aguado Marino, both from Taal.

During the Spanish times, Tuy was a big town. People lived in big houses, and fiestas were celebrated with the traditional pomp attributed to Filipinos during those times. According to some old men, Tuy was regarded as the “Antipolo of Batangas” because people who could not go to the real Antipolo due to hardships in traveling worshipped at Tuy because it had the same patron saint.

The people of Tuy lived peacefully until the fateful day in September 1896 during the incumebency of Capitan Santiago Apacible when the Filipino insurrectos entered the town to take it. They

[p. 3]

were able to take command of the town and the inhabitants evacuated the town. Then, help came from the Spaniards from the town of Balayan. Before the insurrectos left, however, they set fire [to] the church, the Municipal Building, and all the houses in the town.

During the invasion of American in 1899, Tuy and Calatagan became parts of Balayan. It was agreed that Tuy and Calatagan would each be given a councilor to represent them at the meeting of the Municipal Council in Balayan.

B. American Occupation

At the beginning of the American occupation, Tuy was a barrio of Balayan governed by two councilors, namely: Councilor Santiago Valdez, and Councilor Jacinto Masalaguin.

From that time, there was a school made of light materials situated in the town plaza. Three grades were organized – I, II and III. There was also a public market where people bought and sold their goods.

By 1911, Tuy became a town again. The first President was Capitan Baltazar Afable, first appointed and then by oral election. He governed the town from 1911-1912. During his time, the municipal building was a rented house. He did not finish his term so Mr. Agustin Apacible took his place.

By 1912, Mr. Gregogio Paradero was elected President. He governed until 1914. There was peace and order during this time. Mr. Paradero also donated the present school site to the town.

Next to Mr. Paradero was Mr. Narciso Afable. He held office until 1918. Much progress was done. He was responsible for the following: 1. a pump well near the municipal building, 2. a municipal building of strong materials, 3. a public market, 4. celebration of Rizal Day and town fiesta, 5. organization of societies [uncertain, word blurred], 6. cleaning and widening of the streets and 7. the organization of a complete primary school. His Chief of Police was Mr. Eliseo Hernandez and the Justice of the Peace was Mr. Marciano Atienza.

Mr. Sixto Rodriguez succeeded Mr. Afable. He continued the good works started by Mr. Afable. Mr. Rafael Carandang succeeded Mr. Rodriguez. He economized everything. Street lights were cut. No special work could be traced under him.

Mr. Vicente Almanzar came after Mr. Carandang. After 6 months, he died. Vice-President Eduardo Causapin took his place, but Mr. Causapin had indifference with his Chief of Police, so he gave up the position to Mr. Pio Sanchez, the first councilor. It was during this time that the intermediate classes were organized.

[p. 4]

Mr. Galicano Afable came after Mr. Sanchez. He was the Municipal President from 1928-1931. The term was peaceful. Under his administration, the shop and home companion buildings were constructed. Two extension rooms were added to the main building.

Mr. Vicente Calingasan took over the Presidency from 1932-1940, three successive terms under Mr. Afable. There was practically no progress made except an artesian well built near his house. Judge Atienza was replaced by Judge Castillo.

Attorney Apoliniario Apacible replaced Mr. Calingasan. It was during his time that World War II broke out.

WORLD WAR II

The Japanese arrived in Tuy about the second week of January, 1942. They established their government in the town in the latter part of April, 1942 with Mr. Vicente Calingasan as Mayor; Mr. Clemente Sale as Treasurer; Mr. Emilio Santos as Chief of Police; and Mr. Mariano Filler as Municipal Secretary. They did not establish a military outpost in the town, but later civilian Japanese came to the town and took charge of the production of cotton. A branch of Dai Nippon Baseki [undertain, blurred] KK was consequently established. The landowners were forced to devote a part of their land to cotton and the tenants worked in the cotton fields. Land owners were given rations with which to buy cloth, soap, sugar, and other commodities from the cotton company. Maria rice was sold to the people to prevent hunger.

In May, 1942, the late Domingo Tuguigui [uncertain, blurred] began organizing the Fil-American Irregular Troops and guerrilla organization with some prominent citizens as his officers. This guerrilla outfit was responsible for the apprehension of Japanese spies in this place, among them the notorious Roberto Banales who was shot in the house of the late Bernardino Mendoza on Oct. 23, 1943. From that time, the Japanese began apprehending persons suspected of guerrilla activities. Among those apprehended was Domingo Tuguigui, who was taken by the Japanese to Mindoro, where he was killed.

In November 1944, the Japanese stationed several hundred soldiers in this town. Many of the big houses were occupied by the soldiers and used as their barracks.

This was followed by the establishment of an office where the Japanese soldiers bought everything needed in their headquarters. This office was divided into several divisions, namely: Food Production, Labor and Transportation. This office helped the people greatly as everything the Japanese needed such as vegetables, fish, etc. were paid for through this office. The officials and employees of this office were paid a salary and also given ratios of cloth, sugar, soap, and other commodities

[p. 5]

On January 31, 1945, the Americans landed at Nasugbu, forced the Japanese soldiers stationed here to retreat to the Aga sector (between Batangas and Cavite). They left the place without destroying and buildings or killing anyone in the community. In their hasty retreat, they left behind many carts, carromatas, cows, horses and furniture.

Because of the fighting in the Aga sector, many Japanese soldiers were killed and others escaped and roamed in the vicinity of Mt. Batulao. There, stragglers were killed by the guerrilla forces in conjunction of the American liberation forces.

After World War II
(Liberation)

After four years of strife under the Japanese regime, the Philippines was once more liberated by the Americans. They liberated these parts when they landed in Nasugbu on January 31, 1945 without any damage to life or property.

During this period, Mr. Vicente Calingasan, who was then the appointed Mayor of the Japanese government, was again appointed to hold the helm of the government of this town.

Schools were reopened by the officials concerned and because of the lack of qualified teachers, many high school graduates were allowed to teach.

Much damage was done to sugarcane during the war years. There was no export and many planters allowed their canes to rot. They preferred to plant other staple crops like rice and corn. So, the first years of liberation saw very little sugar planted.

The Philippines was granted her independence on July 4, 1946. Mr. Vicente Calingasan resigned and Mr. Felix Almanzar was appointed to take his place. By this time, as was true throughout the whole country, the people were beginning to rehabilitate themselves. More canes were planted and everything began to take on the pre-war level. More classes were organized for so many children were kept from school during the war years.

It was about this time that the first high school under the management of the Augustinian sisters, with the help of [the] local parish priest, was established. Thus, the Lady of Peace Academy came into existence during the school year 1948-1949.

In November 1949, the first local election after the liberation was held. Mr. Feliz Almanzar and Mr. Tirso Cruz were the contending candidates for mayorship. Mr. Almanzar was declared elected but Mr. Cruz protested his election. After several

[p. 6]

hearings of the case, Mr. Cruz finally won over Mr. Almanzar, so he took over and held the position until the term of office expired on December 31, 1951.

In 1949, the Puericulture Center Building was built during the incumbency of Mayor Cruz. It had been functioning before the war, although there was no building, but was cut off during the war. When the building was built, it began to function again with the help of the Tuy Women’s Club, with Mrs. Remedios G. Calingasan and Mrs. Rosario C. Sale later on as President. It was during Mrs. Sale’s term that the local women’s club became more active and the center has been in operation continuously. She is still holding that position at present.

It was also about this time that dissident factors seemed to be rampant in the immediate vicinity of Tuy, that on November 15, 1950, the then-incumbent Chief of Police Daniel Sangalang lost his life in a clash with them. Later, on Jan. 11, 1951, two policemen, Francisco Gomez and Epifanio Blancaflor, lost their lives in [the] line of duty when the Municipal Building Mayor Cruz’s and former Mayor Vicente Calingasan’s houses were attacked by the dissidents once more. Another policeman, Daniel Martinez, was also wounded.

When night came during this time, the residents of Tuy were filled with terror. Fear of further attacks were always in their minds. To protect them, a detachment of soldiers of the Receno Company, 21st BCT was stationed here, and temporary barracks were built in the place.

The second local election was held on the first Tuesday of November, 1951, with Mr. Pedro Macalalad, Miss Filomena Avena and Mr. Roberto Manansala running for Mayor. [The] Election was held without any mishap and Mr. Pedro C. Macalalad won over his opponents with an overwhelming majority.

During the school year 1951-1952, the Purok System was introduced and through the efforts of the teachers, with the help of the townspeople, it has done something for the improvement of the community. The school and the community were brought closer together and a community school council was organized with Mr. Venancio Daan as Chairman.

Planters by this time increased the planting of more and more sugarcane almost to the exclusion of other secondary crops.

[p. 7]

Through the efforts of our parish priest, Reverend Father Miguel de Leon, the parish church destroyed during the First World War will be reconstructed. As of today, the construction has begun.

Destruction of Lives, Properties and Institutions

A. Period from 1896-1900

From the time immemorial to the Spanish regime in the Philippines, the Filipinos had little participation in the government. The Filipinos suffered greatly during the Spanish rule from heavy taxation, unjust treatment by the Spanish officials and persecution of many Filipinos.

The period from 1896-1900 sparked the political, economic and religious struggles of the Filipinos against Spain. The Filipinos, in their struggles for freedom, lost many lives, properties and institutions.

The town of Tuy suffered greatly during this period. When the Spaniards, who were known at the time as “Casadores” to the natives, invaded this town, which was first a barrio of Balayan, the first battle was fought in the barrio of Mataywanac now also called Mataywanac. In this barrio, many lives were lost, especially among women and children. The natives of Tuy had a very strong force that the Casadores were not able to overcome the resistance. Because of this strong resistance, when the Spaniards retreated, in vengeance, they burned all the houses and destroyed the bridge found in the northern part of the poblacion. The Spaniards proceeded to the poblacion. When they reached the poblacion and found no people, they burned all the houses, the government building and the church. In view of this, the people then went to Balayan and for [the] meantime, the town of Tuy remained unsettled.

B. The Period from 1941-1945

This period was the time of sickness and grief on the lives of not only the Filipinos but also of other people of the world. This was a period of global war. The nations which took part in this global war were very much affected by the great conflict. Thousands and thousands of lives were lost in the battlefields. Thousands and thousands died from bombs, famine, sickness and torture from the enemies. Millions and millions in worth of properties were destroyed and many industries were paralyzed.

Tuy did not suffer much in the conflict. The destruction of lives and properties in this municipality was not so great as the other towns in the province and other places.

[p. 8]

The Japanese stay in this municipality saw the following destructions:

1. When the Japanese soldiers occupied Tuy, the people’s crops like rice, corn, and other food stuff plantations were destroyed and cotton was planted.
2. Government properties like desks, tables, and the like were destroyed.
3. The people’s hog [uncertain, blurred] wires, work animals, carts and carromatas were collected for their use.
4. Bridges were destroyed.

Part II – Folkways

Traditions, Customs and Practices in Domestic and Social
Life, Birth, Baptism, Courtship, Marriage Death
Burial, Visits, Festivals, Punishments, Etc.

Different places have different customs. Customs are established ways and means of doing things handed down from generation to generation. Ways which were found to be right, advantageous or convenient were preserved and used as patterns of conduct. Customs govern not only our acts, but also our thoughts, our beliefs and our ways of living. Customs tell us what to do and how to do it in the usual way. Some of the customs are good and some are bad.

I. Social and Domestic Life
A. Family Solidarity
1. Showing respect for elders, parents, relatives, godparents by kissing their hands after prayers, after the Angelus, upon leaving or returning home, upon meeting and on special occasions.
2. Letting [the] father sit at the head of the family table. Every member of the family sits at the same place during every meal.
3. Giving gifts to home folks after a trip, at Christmas or on special occasions such as weddings, christenings, birthdays, etc.
4. Asking permission to leave the house to attend social affairs.
5. Caring for the aged and sick.
6. Not answering back when one is scolded. Recognizing the authority of the older brother or sister after the death of the parents.

B. Reverence
1. Taking off the hat or making the sign of the cross when passing a church or cemetery.

[p. 9]

2. Saying family prayers at [the] Angelus. Children who are at play run home for the prayer. Mothers teach their children to play.
3. Having family prayers at night and in the morning.
4. Going to church on Sundays and holidays.

C. Customs Among Neighbors and Acquaintances
1. Inviting callers to eat.
2. Entertaining visitors and strangers with the best in the house. Offering visitors sweets and soft drinks.
3. Calling out when approaching a house or when passing through a neighbor’s or somebody’s yard.
4. Inviting acquaintances to come up your house.
5. Sharing food with neighbors.
6. When calling on someone for a visit, do not enter the house or sit down without being invited to do so.
7. Greeting acquaintances politely. Inquiring after their welfare and shaking hands with them.
8. Helping neighbors do a piece of work in the farm or in the house. Rendering help during calamities.
9. Greeting elders, ladies and officials politely and offering seats to them.

II. Baptism
1. The child is baptized twice, first by an old man called “Magbubuhos Tubig” and second by the priest in a religious ceremony.
2. During the ceremony, a godfather or a godmother is chosen to act as sponsor. The godparents shoulder all the expenses of the baptism, such as buying the clothes and shoes of the child and paying the fee.
3. The godparents also give the child a gift of money or jewelry or anything else which the child may use. This gift is called “pakimkim.”
4. The parents of the child send the godparents a gift of food, maybe a whole roasted pig or half a pig. This gift is called “pasabit.”
5. The godparents rush their godchild out of the church after the christening so that none can beat their godchild.
6. After the ceremony, the godparents and the parents of the child act as brothers and sisters and address each other in [the] terms “comadre” or “compadre.” The godparents act as second parents of the child.

[p. 10]

III. Courtship
1. When asking a girl to attend a party, the boy invites the parents of the girl first. When she attends parties, she is always accompanied by her mother or her mother’s designated chaperon.
2. If a young woman loves a girl, he asks for permission to visit her. The young man is sometimes accompanied by another young man.
3. The parents of the girl put the young man to a test. If he is accepted, he stays in the house of the girl and works for her parents. He repairs the house, works in the farm and in the house. This may last for a duration of time, say three or four months, depending upon the agreement. This custom is called “paninilbihan.”
4. The young man shows his love for a lady by an evening serenade. The parents of the girl ask the boy and his companions to enter the house. Then, they have singing.
5. Later, the boy sends the girl love letters to which the girl sends no reply. After at least a dozen letters, the girl writes the man a short note telling him to stop. If the boy persists, the girl gives many alibis.
6. The boy is then invited to visit the girl. After a number of visits, the man and the girl come to an agreement. This time, the parents of both parties speak for the children.
7. Usually, a feast is held when the marriage is celebrated.

IV. Marriage
1. Parents must sanction the marriage. Couples who marry against the wishes of the parents are liable to be disinherited.
2. The family of the groom is expected to shoulder all the expenses of the wedding.
3. The groom’s family usually prepares food and refreshments for the wedding. The feast is held in the home of the bride, although the latter lives in another place. The relatives of the groom do the serving and entertainment.
4. After the wedding and the feast, the groom is usually left in the house of the bride and the bride goes with the family of the groom. This is often not followed because in some cases, the couple goes for a honeymoon.
5. The lavishness of the feast depends upon the social standing of the couple being married.

[p. 11]

V. Death
1. Friends and relatives send flowers and visit the dead. Alms in the form of money are usually given to help the family.
2. The neighbors and friends help the family of the deceased. Some make wreaths and some help in the preparation of food. Still others help in the making of the grave.
3. The family of the deceased serve food.
4. Prayers for the deceased are set for nine consecutive nights. In the prayer, games are played to cheer the family of the deceased. On the ninth day, usually a feast is held. This feast is called the “pasiyam.”
5. The relatives of the dead abstain from enjoyment as dancing and playing.
6. Relatives of the dead wear black clothes or black armbands for a period of one year.
7. After the mourning period, the family celebrates a feast which is called the “babang luksa.”
8. On the fourth day after the burial, the family of the deceased takes a bath and cleans the house or fixes everything that has become topsy-turvy.
9. The last wishes of the dead are faithfully carried out so that the family may not be haunted.

VI. Burial
1. Relatives and friends follow the coffin of the dead to the cemetery.
2. Relatives usually are cautioned not to let tears drop on the dead, lest something unexpected may happen.
3. The younger members of the family are carried across the coffin so that they will not be haunted by the ghost.

VII. Festivals
A. Christmas
1. All the members of the family get together at Christmas and give gifts to one another.
2. On Christmas Eve, a mass [is] usually said and after the mass, the what we call “media noche” is held.
3. Children and even old folks visit godparents and relatives.
4. Christmas is not usually happily celebrated if no new clothes are worn.

[p. 12]

B. New Year
1. The family gets together on New Year’s Eve and wait for the midnight mass. After the mass, like on Christmas Eve, there is usually a “media noche.”
2. Children make what we call “bamboo cannon,” and they go around making lots of sun and noise. Sometimes, mischievous pranksters hide ladders and other things in the yard so that owners the next morning have to retrieve them.
3. Houses are cleaned very well to greet the New Year; food is cooked for the midnight feast and rice bins and water jars are filled to insure plenty during the coming year.

C. All Saints Day
1. In the afternoon, the people go to the cemetery to visit the graves of their faithful departed. The clean the surroundings of the tomb and give it a coat of fresh paint. They bring flowers, wreaths and candles to decorate the tomb.
2. Masses are said for the dead.
3. At night, groups of young people go around asking for alms in the form of “suman,” bananas, eggs, chickens, or money. They sing songs about the suffering of Christ, Our Lord, usually called “Pitong Sakit.”

D. St. John’s Day
1. Children and their elders take a bath in the river.
2. Children douse all passers-by with water to commemorate the day of St. John, the Baptist.

E. Easter and Lent
1. During the Lenten period, the people refrain themselves from too much enjoyment as dancing, picnics, and the like.
2. The “Pabasa” is usually held during the Holy Week.
3. On Palm Sunday, people go to church to have palms blessed by the priest. Little children participate in the “Hosanna.”
4. On Holy Friday, the “Siete Palabras” are held to commemorate the seven last words uttered by Our Lord.
5. On Easter Sunday, we have what we call “Hallelujah.”

[p. 13]

6. On Easter Sunday, when the bell is rung and “Gloria” is shouted, children are told to jump so that they will grow tall.

Superstitious Beliefs

Man as time goes on continues to improve and learn. Yet, man’s progress in education has not succeeded in wiping away these prevalent customs and superstitious beliefs. Among the superstitious beliefs are the following:

I. Marriage
1. The bride must not fit on the wedding gown prior to the marriage, otherwise the marriage shall not be continued.
2. To insure prosperity and security, the bride and the groom must have money in their pockets at the time of the wedding.
3. In any wedding ceremony, the party who desires to be dominant in the family must do any of the following:
a. To step on the foot of the other party at the time of the ring ceremony.
b. To press tightly on the hand of the other party at the said part of the ceremony.
c. To be first to go out of the church after the ceremony.
d. To be the first one to reach the house, they will first go after the ceremony.
4. To insure happiness throughout the marriage life, the couple, upon ascending the stairway of the house, must before being given anything else, be fed with something sweet.
5. In going to the house of the groom, the bride must not be accompanied by any member of the family, otherwise she will not know how to deal equally [and] fairly with her in-laws.
6. In order that the newly-married couple may be blessed with many children, pots, plates, and other wares are to be broken after the wedding ceremony.

II. For a Woman on the Family Way
1. A woman on the family way shall [not?] stand by the doorway, otherwise she shall undergo [a] difficult delivery.
2. If a woman sees her clothes on herself, she stands the danger of having a child with closed buttocks.
3. If she goes under the house in the late afternoon, she must get out of it directly looking backwards, else she shall undergo a painful delivery.

[p. 14]

4. The woman on the family we must avoid walking under a roof and her husband shall avoid wearing a necktie, else the cord of the child shall be coiled around its neck.
5. To insure a prompt and painless delivery, the midwife shall put a ladle at her back.

III. Baptism
1. The sponsor must see to it and make sure that he goes out of the church ahead of anyone with a child to insure a bright and prosperous future for the child.
2. In order that the child may inherit the good traits of the godparents, the latter must infuse into the child’s head while the child is being baptized.

IV. In Planting
1. To insure a progressive harvest, the stems of the plants must be allowed to fall.
2. The grains or seeds to be planted must be removed to the field at midnight in order that these plants would not be easily destroyed by animals.
3. While planting banana stalks, the planter must not look up in order that the banana plants may not grow tall.
4. While planting watermelon, the planter who desires to have the watermelon very red must chew betel nuts while planting.

V. In Cooking
1. Anyone who sings in front of the stove while cooking shall be married to a widow or a widower.
2. If the fire produces a laughing sound, a visitor is expected.
3. If there are fire streaks under the pot or [blurred word], money or [a] visitor is expected on that day.
4. While the rice is being cooked, the ladle cannot be struck down into it, otherwise, that rice when eaten shall cause stomach ache to anyone who eats it.

VI. In Eating
1. Yes, while eating, a spoon falls, a lady visitor is expected; if the fork falls, a male visitor is expected; and if a knife falls, an unexpected visitor is coming.
2. If there are 13 at the table while eating, one must give way, else something bad may happen.

[p. 15]

3. If, while eating, one among them happens to be the victim of a meat or fish bone stuck into his throat, anyone except the victim must run to the kitchen and turn over any object he may see there.

VII. In Taking a Bath
1. A person who takes a bath on Tuesdays and Fridays stand the risk of getting ill seriously.
2. A person should not take a bath on days when the moon is on its last quarter for it may happen that he may get sick.
3. Taking a bath on Good Friday is not good.

VIII. In Traveling
1. A person, while on his trip meets a black cat or sees a black butterfly, should not continue the travel because a great danger awaits him.
2. One shall not leave if there is someone dead in the house or in the neighborhood.
3. One shall not leave while eating in the house is not finished yet.

IX. In Buying a Pig
1. One who buys a pig must drink at least a glass of water while tying the pig at home in order that the pig may grow healthy.
2. In order that the pig may keep on staying in a fixed place, the first vowel removed must be buried under the stairway.

X. On Death
1. If there is a dead person in the house, the family must avoid sweeping the floor because to do so would mean to wish another death to befall in the family again.
2. In dressing up the corpse, if the person dressing happens to feel that the corpse is soft, it means that another member of the family would soon follow.
3. Prior to the interment, the dirty plates must not be placed on top of the other, otherwise death shall be frequent in the family.
4. Before the eighth day, the family is restrained from eating vegetables of the vine family to prevent frequent deaths in the family.

[p. 16]

Popular Songs, Games and Amusements

I. Popular Songs
a. Chit-Chiritchit
Chitchiritchit, alibangbang, salaginto at salagobang.
Ang babae sa lansangan, kung gumiri’y parang tandang.
Ang anak ni Tandang Liloy
Masama ang amoy.

b. Telebok, telebok, telebok
Tatanggi pa’y subok
Sa puno ng mangga
Duon nakatumbak.

c. Ako ay nagtanim, isang punong kahoy,
Namunga kanina, nahinog kahapon,
Talaga ng Dios, tinutok ng ibon,
Nalaglag sa puno, sa dulo gumulong.

AKO AY NAGTANIM


[p. 17]



II. Popular Songs, Games, and Amusements
A. Punong Halamanan
This game is played when there is a dead person. 1 player is selected as the king and the female players are named after flowers, while the male players are given names of trees. Other names may be used. The game begins, thus: “May kulasisi ang hari, nakawala’t nakalipad, dumapo sa jasmin.” The girl named jasmin replies quickly, “Wala rito,” whereupon the king asks, “Nasaan?” The named player answers by pointing at any of the players included in the game. The game progresses following the same procedure. In the event that the player fails to answer at once, she is counted among those who will receive punishments. An article or anything is given to the king as a forfeit. When many forfeits are collected, the punishments are meted out. A player can be asked to sing, to recite a poem or perform anything that will satisfy the king. When all the punishments are meted out, the game begins all over again.

B. Palakad ng Tabo
Another favorite game is “Palakad ng Tabo.” A coconut shell and a can are used in this game. One player is designated as a leader. Another person not included in the game beats the can. Then, the coconut shell goes around. When the can is struck, the person holding the coconut shall have to pay a forfeit, either to sing a song or recite a poem or anything that will satisfy the leader. The game begins all over again.

[p. 18]

C. Patintero
The players may be from 4 to 8. Lines are drawn on the ground in the form of a rectangle. If there are 6 players, this rectangle is divided into 2 blocks approximately 2 meters by 3 meters. The players are divided into two groups of three players each. On group acts as “It.” Each “It” occupies one of the three main lines and tries to tag the members of the other group when they enter the block. The other group tries to pass the line and enter the first block. If the players succeed in entering the rectangle and in returning to the place where they started, they win the game. When one of the players is tagged, then that group becomes the “It.”

D. “Pong” or the King Can
This game may be played by 4 up to 15 children. The children secure a milk can and select one as “It.” Then, one of the players kicks the can as far as he can, and all the players hide. He “It” gets the can and puts it in its place. Then, he looks around to see some of the players. If he sees one player, he points at the player and shouts “Pong” with his foot on the can. Then he kicks the can and the player who was caught becomes the “It.” In case he shouts “Pong” when he is far from the can, and one of the other players kicks the can, he becomes the “It” again.

Mga Bugtong at Palaisipan

1. Alin dito sa mundo malaki pa ang mata sa ulo? (tutubing)
2. Isang mahabang mabilog, kwarto-kwarto ang loob. (kawayan)
3. Hindi tao, hindi pari, nagsusuot ng sari-sari. (sampayan)
4. Isang bi-as na kawayan, punong-puno ng kamatayan. (baril)
5. Bumili ako ng alipin, mataas pa sa akin. (sumbrero)
6. Buhok ng pari, hindi mawahi. (tubig)
7. Maraming mata nguni’t hindi nakakakita. (pinya)
8. Kung gabi ay dagat, kung araw ay bumbong. (banig)
9. Mayroong limang tao na naglalakad. Ang isa ay bunot ang espada at ang apat ay wala. Sila ay napalaban. Bakit hindi lumabas ang taong may dalang bunot na espada? (Ang espada ay “bunot” ng niyog.)
10. Manok kong puti, maghapon sa baliti [balete], nagpakitang giri. (araw)
11. Baboy ko sa kaingin, nataba’y walang pakain. (kamote)
12. Sibat ni Adan, hindi mabilang. (ulan)
13. Nagtago si Pedro, labas ang ulo. (pako)
14. Lingus-lingusin, hindi abutin. (taynga)
15. Sarsang hindi mapagsawsawan, parilyang hindi mapaglutuan. (sarsaparilya)
16. Tatlong magkakapatid matatag sa init. (tungko)
17. Wala sa langit, wala sa lupa, dumadahon ng sariwa. (dapo)
18. Alisto ka pandak, papatungan ka ng mabigat. (dikin)
19. Tubig sa ining-ining, hindi mahipan ng hangin. (tubig ng niyog)
20. Alin dito sa mundo, nalakad ng walang ulo. (katang)

[p. 19]

21. Dalawang magkumpari, mauna’t mahuli. (paa)
22. Masama ang ngalan, masarap ang laman (baboy)
23. Malayo pa ang sibat, nganga na ang sugat. (bibig)
24. Nanganak ang birhen, nanlaglag ang lampin. (puno ng saging)
25. Kung bago ay mahuna, matibay kung saluma. (pilapil)
26. Kalabaw ko sa Maynila, abot dito ang unga. (ugong)
27. Isang biging palay, sikip sa buong bahay. (ilaw)
28. Magtag-ulan at magtag-init, hanggang tuhod ang bayakis. (manok)
29. Nanganak si Adan, sa tuktok nagdaan. (saging)
30. Trak ng pari, nagpauli-uli. (duyan)
31. Isang bayabas, pito ang butas. (ulo)
32. Umiiyak walang mata, natindig walang paa. (kandila)
33. Namunga muna bago namulaklak. [blurred]
34. Binuksan ko ang bintana, ang sundalo ay naghiga. (posporo)
35. Nang hawak ko ay patay, nang ihagis ko ay nabuhay. (trumpo)
36. Baston ng kapitan, hindi mahawak-hawakan. (ahas)
37. Nang maglihi’y namatay, nang manganak ay nabuhay. (siniguelas)
38. Naibigan pa ang basag kay sa buo’t walang lamat. (kamatsili)
39. Nagtanim ako ng dayap sa gitna ng dagat, iisa ang nagkapalad. (dalaga)
40. Alin ang masarap sa manok? (mais)
41. Bakit natin isinasara ang durungawan kung gabi? (pagka’t nakabukas)
42. Dalawang tindahan, sabay buksan. (mata)
43. Bahay ni kaka, hindi matingala. (nuo)
44. Kamay ng Kastila, punong-puno ng ligata. (pipino)
45. Mag-asawang magsingliyag araw-gabi, magkaharap kaya hindi magkalapat nasasaalaala [uncertain word, blurred] ang anak. (hagdan)
46. Bahay ni kumari, iisa ang haligi. (payong)
47. Mayroong mag-ama. Anong pangalan ng ama? (anong)
48. Tinting na uling nabibitin, puwera duhat nakakain. (kalumpit)
49. Walang puno, walang ugat, humihitik ang bulaklak. (bituin)
50. Hindi Linggo. Hindi pista. Nagladlad ang bandera. (dahon)

Proverbs and Sayings

1. The young crab crawls in the same way as its elders.
(Kung ano ang gapang ng alimasag, ay siyang gapang ng sikatsikat.)

2. Though we may not inherit wealth, we should inherit good manners.
(Di man magmana ng ari, magmamana ng ugali.)

3. What ye sow, so shall ye reap.
(Kung ano ang pananim ay siyang aanihin.)

[p. 20]

4. A young twig may be bent easily; but when it becomes large and old, it is difficult to make it straight or to change it.
(Ang kahoy na liko’t baktot, hutukin hanggang malambot, kung lumaki at tumayog, mahirap na ang paghutok.)

5. Spoil the child and you [blurred word] grief to his mother.
(Ang anak ng palayain, ina ang patatangisin.)

6. Even if the child drowns, the indulgent parents will not save him for fear of giving him pain.
(Ang anak ay malunod man, di sagipin ng magulang, takot na baka masaktan.)

7. However well we take care of a pig, it will always wallow in the mire.
(Pakamahalin man ang hayop na baboy, pag gala’y sa duming lagi rin ang gulong.)

8. The child’s good breeding lies in parental upbringing.
(Ang ibinabait ng palaking bata ay nasa magulang na nag-aalag.)

9. A man of good breeding may go astray, but easily returns to his old ways.
(Ang tao ay kapag sa mabuti galing, kahit sumama ma’y bubuti rin.)

10. When the source is muddy, the stream is also muddy all down its way.
([blurred word] magaling ang labo sa [blurred word], [blurred 2 words] ay abo tang labo.)

11. As the lumber is, so are its shavings.
(Kung ano ang kahoy ay siyang tatal.)

12. Where the tree is slanted, there it will fall.
(Kung saan ang hilig ng kahoy, ay duon ang buwal.)

13. One crushes the crab’s pinchers, not because of hatred but to enjoy its meat inside.
(Sipit-alimango’y kaya pinupukpok, di sa kagalitan ni sa pagkapoot, kundi sa katawan na laman sa loob.)

14. Those whom we dearly love, we make them suffer most.
(Kung sinio ang minamahal, siyang pinahihirapan.)

[p. 21]

15. It is easy to be born; it is hard to become a man.
(Madali ang maging tao, mahirap ang magpakatao.)

16. Our children’s training becomes our manhood’s nature.
(Ang gawa sa pagkabata, dala hanggang sa tumanda.)

17. A child brought up with tears shall live to thank his parental care.
(Anak na pinaluluha, kayamanan sa pagtanda.)

18. Petting and foolish love have wrecked the happiness of many a child; for lazy fathers oft neglect to teach right ways, by love beguiled.
(Sa taguring [blurred word] likong pagsasakal, ang isinasama ng bata’y nasakal, ang iba’y marahil sa kapabayaan ng dapat nagturong tamad na magulang. – Balagtas.) [Batangas History’s confidence in #18 is low. Too many blurred words.]

19. “Those who are reared in wealth and care, walk stripped of good no counsel hear; the father’s wrong care, sons to please, bears bitter fruit and [blurred word] them dear.”
(“Ang laki sa layaw, karaniwa’y hubad, ang bait at muni’t sa hatol ay salat, masaklap na bunga ng maling paglingap, habag ng magulang sa irog na anak.”)

20. There is nothing like a true friend, loyal and faithful.
(Walang gaya ng [blurred word] tapat, kung katapat sa puso mo.)

21. It is easier to empty the bottom of the sea than to find a true and most sincere friend.
(Ang tubig ma’y malalim, malilirip kung lipdin, itong budhing magaling, ang maliwanang paghanapin.)

22. Nothing destroys iron but its own rust.
(Walang sumisira sa bakal, kundi ang sariling kalawang.)

23. We tasted first its sweetness, then afterwards its bitterness.
(Pag ang tamis ay nauna, ang kasunod ay ang pakla.)

24. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
(Kaibigan kung mayroon, kung wala’y patapon-tapon.)

[p. 22]

25. There is a vast difference between glancing at an object and observing it with care.
(Iba ang tinitingnan kay sa tinititigan.)

26. He who is near the well has always water to drink.
(Kung sino ang malapit sa balon, siyang laging naka-iinom.)

27. Our real friend is known in the days of our misfortune.
(Ang mabuting kaibigan, sa gipit malalaman [unsure, blurred word].)

28. While the young bamboo grows, it points up to heaven; but when it grows old, it bends down to lowly earth.
(Ang kawayan habang tumutubo, langit na mataas ang itinuturo; pag ito’y lumaki at saka lumago, sa lupang mababa doon yumuyuko.)

29. The arrogant is useless, in poverty he dwells; everywhere he is despised.
(Ang palalo’y walang [blurred word]; sa hirap nananagana; api saan man magtungo.)

30. The monkey laughs at the cow’s long tail, but to see his own, the monkey does fail.
(Ang matsing ay nagtatawa sa haba ng buntot ng baka bago’y ang buntot niya ay hindi nakikita.)

31. Speaking softly soothes the heart.
(Ang marahang pangungusap sa puso’y nakakalunas.)

32. No diligence to save; no restraint to waste.
(Walang pagod magtipon; walang hinayang magtapon.)

33. Do not quarrel with old people; remember that you will also get old.
(Ang taong lampas sa gulang di dapat pakitinguhan ang iyong pagpaparoonan ay tatanda ka rin naman.)

34. Whoever goes with a muddy carabao gets the mud also.
(Ang sumama sa kalabaw na may putik ay mapuputikan din.)

35. What from the dew you gather must vanish with the water.
(Ang hanap sa hamog, sa tubig naaanod.)

36. If you wish to improve yourself, take the initiative.
(Kung ibig mong gumaling, sa katawan mo manggaling.)

37. Before doing and saying anything, think it over seven times.
(Bago gawain at sabihin, makapitong isipin.)

38. Better a glutton than a thief.
(Mabuti pa ang matakaw kay sa magnanakaw.)

[p. 23]

R e s o u r c e P e r s o n s

The following persons were consulted in the gathering of the data for the Poblacion, Tuy:

1. Mr. Vicente Calingasan
2. Mr. Rafael Carandang
3. Mr. Jose Abiad
4. Mr. Donato Marquez
5. Mr. Simeon Rodriguez
6. Mr. Troadio Argente
7. Mr. Severino Valdez
8. Mr. Epifanio Almanzar
9. Atty. Dominador Pasia
10. Mr. Luis Carandang
11. Mr. Ceferino Deguito

- o 0 o -

Compiled by:

1. Mr. Bienvenido Martinez
2. Mr. Geronimo Macalalad
3. Miss Consuelo Almanzar
4. Miss Milagros Villadas
5. Mrs. Norma L. Maranan
6. Miss Mauricia Villacrusis
7. Mrs. Eleuteria V. Pasia
8. Miss Felisa Encarnacion
9. Miss Flotilda Castillo
10. Mrs. Ester T. Gumbes
11. Miss Lourdes Afable
12. Mrs. Juliana O. Mulingbayan
13. Mrs. Irene R. Tolentino
14. Mr. Pedro Delleopas


Notes and references:
Transcribed from “History and Cultural Data of the Municipality of Tuy,” 1953, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
Next Post Previous Post