Readings in the Philippine History

MODULE 5
Critical evaluation and the promotion of local and oral history, museums, historical shrines, cultural
performances, indigenous practices, and religious rites and rituals

LESSON 1: The Philippine Museums

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Manifest interest in local history and show concern in promoting and

preserving the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
Evaluate the value and importance of Filipino Museums in relation to the
Filipino Culture.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

DISCUSSION

Usually when it comes to travelling you probably narrow down your options to
beaches or some hill station. But could a place like Philippines be visited to
explore the museums there? For few it may be a question as why
museums? But Yes! This is the time to go and try out time travel. Let your souls
unravel the exciting features of the past.

Pre - Activity

List at least one of your favorite museums in the Philippines that you’ve already
visited or that you want to visit soon then share the reason why did you choose
that museum?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

In this lesson, get yourself close to the culture of Philippines a bit more. Get to
the museums there and be awed with the traditional culture of a southeast
nation.

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8 Museums In Philippines 2020: Digging Deeper Into History Culture

& Arts!
https://traveltriangle.com/blog/museums-in-philippines/ by: Sushmita Ghangas

1. National Museum of Anthropology

This is the government-owned museum of
the Philippines which should be visited
when you are there. It presents to you the
ethnic art, culture, ethnology and
preserves various traditional crafts. It
displays Philippines in one go. It has
artifacts representing their rich and varied heritage. It is located in Manila and
remains open on all days of the week except on Mondays. Where: Padre Burgos
Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

2. Ayala Museum
It is also located at Manila, in the Ayala
district of Makati. It has collections
which depict the story of the evolution of
the Philippines. It must be surely
interesting to see a country other than
our home country evolving to what it
stands as today. This is shown with the
help of dioramas. It shows various artifacts with the specialties of the locals.
Unlike the former one, it is a privately owned museum and so a small amount
is charged as admission fee.

Where: Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati, Metro

Manila, Philippines

3. University of Santo Tomas

Museum of Arts and Sciences

Does anything from the antique

world awe you? Then this is a place
to go. This museum is the oldest
museum of the country. It takes
you back in the 17th century and
presents to you a vivid description of the culture of Philippines. It is located in

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Manila, so connectivity isn’t a problem.

Where: Paraninfo, Main Building, University of Santo Tomas, España
Boulevard. 1015, Philippines

4. Escolta Museum
This is a cultural treat to the history of an
interesting city Manila. It rewinds the
city’s vintage things used back during
those ages. Mostly the bottles, boards are
in either Spanish or old Tagalog. It lets you
tour in the old setting of an elegant city.

5.

The Mind Museum

For the science lovers this one is really

a gift. The engaging activities are all
curated to soothe the curious minds
amongst you. With so many specific
activities to dwell in, you will be spoilt
for choice. An amazing experience awaits you. Their website could be your
friend for more.

Where: JY Campos Park, 3rd Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines

6. Clark Museum

This recently renovated museum weaves

a story of its own. With its collection
containing scenes from the history, it
celebrates the history, culture and brave
spirits. It adorns this through four of its
galleries. It will tell you how the place
called Metro Clark evolved into the way it
is today. Where: Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines

7. Museo Pambata

Located in manila, it is surely a wonderful

experience for not only the art lovers but
also the non-art lovers too. Not every art is
developed from the old era, probably the
modern, contemporary artists have their

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appealing factor. This museum gets you just that. Its name signifies the
importance of the place and makes one aware of the aesthetics and its
importance.

Where:1 Sierra Madre St, Subdivision, Antipolo, 1870 Rizal, Philippines

8. Bencab Museum

Ever thought you could appreciate

art, art pieces and artists’ ideas
while sipping coffee. Well this place
brings to you exactly this creative
idea. It sprawls over 4 floors, gives
you a glimpse of varied art installations, fine architecture and unique designs.
This will surely let you be in conversation or a debate over who was the best?
Or which was the best piece, sipping coffee and munching snacks on the fourth
floor which stages a café.

Where: 6 Asin Rd, Tuba, 2600 Benguet, Philippines

__________________________________________________________________________________

SELF CHECK Direction: Identify where or what particular museum it

refers to the given information below.

__________________1. It presents to you the ethnic art, culture, ethnology and

preserves various traditional crafts.

__________________2. This museum is the oldest museum of the country. It takes you
back in the 17th century and presents to you a vivid
description of the culture of Philippines.

__________________3. This museum gets you just that. Its name signifies the
importance of the place and makes one aware of the
aesthetics and its importance.

__________________4. This is a cultural treat to the history of an interesting city Manila.

It rewinds the city’s vintage things used back during those ages.

__________________5. It has collections which depict the story of the evolution of the
Philippines.

__________________6. With its collection containing scenes from the history, it

celebrates the history, culture and brave spirits.

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__________________7. With creative idea of appreciating art, art pieces and artists’ ideas
while sipping coffee.

__________________8. This is the government-owned museum of the Philippines which

should be visited when you are there.

__________________9. It displays Philippines in one go. It has artifacts representing

their rich and varied heritage.

__________________10. Museum for the science lover and able to engage activities that
are all curated to soothe the curious minds amongst you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

ENRICHMENT
ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Answer the following questions with 3S (short, simple and

substantial)

1. In a country with the emergerging foreign influenced, such as food restuatrants,

café etc. Now, how will you going to promote the various museums of our
country including its historical heritages museums?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. As a Filipino Citizen, that encultured with arts and historical heritages,
evaluate the importance and value of Museums in this 21 st century.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTD READINGS AND REFERENCES:

https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/#page=page-1

https://www.tripzilla.ph/must-visit-museums-philippines/4559

Alarcon, Norma (2008). The Imperial Tapestry, American Colonial

Architecture in the Philippines. University of Santo Tomas Publishing
House. p. 133. ISBN 9789715064743.Branches of the National

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Museum. National Museum of the Philippines

"Info". www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph. Retrieved October 14, 2019.

Ferdinand Marcos, New Filipinism: The Turning Point, State of the Nation
Message to the Congress of the Philippines, January 27, 1969 [on-line]
accessed from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1969/01/27/ferdinand-
e-marcos-fourth-state-of-the-nation-address-january-27-1969/.

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MODULE 5
Critical evaluation and the promotion of local and oral history, museums, historical shrines, cultural
performances, indigenous practices, and religious rites and rituals

LESSON 2: Famous Monuments and Shrines in the Philippines

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Determine the various famous monuments and shrines in the Philippines

Able to promote country’s historical and cultural heritage through
understanding its essence and role to the Filipino Culture.

_________________________________________________________________________________

DISCUSSION

The Philippines is not only an archipelago with beautiful beaches,

colorful festivals and hospitable people but also a country that is rich in
historical heritage and landmarks. If you are travelling across the islands of the
Philippines, you will not only be travelling through different places but also
through different historical points in time.

12 Famous Monuments and Shrines in the Philippines

By Rig Man

1. Rizal Monument (Bantayog ni Jose Rizal)

The monument of Rizal in

Rizal Park or Luneta. This
picture was taken on June
27, 2015. Photo by FAQ.ph
Basic information:
Location: Rizal Park
(Luneta), Manila
Designer: Richard Kissling
Date of inauguration: December 30 , 1913
Dedicated to: To the memory of José Rizal, patriot and martyr.
The monument of Rizal in Rizal Park (Luneta) is considered by many as the
most popular, most visited and most photographed monument in the
Philippines. It housed the remains of Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist, novelist,
poet, journalist, ophthalmologist, and a national hero.

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Rizal wrote the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to expose the
cruelty and injustice of the Spanish ruling government in the Philippines during
his time. Because of his revolutionary writings, he was executed by a firing
squad in Luneta on December 30, 1896.

There are at least 118 Rizal monuments in the Philippines and at least 10 in
the other parts of the world. There’s even a replica of the Rizal monument in
Luneta in Madrid, Spain.

2. Bonifacio Monument (Monumento)

The Bonifacio Monument or

Monumento in Caloocan City,
Metro Manila. Photo by FAQ.ph
Basic information:
Location: Grace Park, Caloocan
City, Metro Manila
Designer: Guillermo Tolentino
Date of inauguration: November
30, 1933
Dedicated to: To the memory of
Andrés Bonifacio, the founder and Supremo of the Katipunan.

Andres Bonifacio is popularly known as the father of the Philippine Revolution,

and the founder and Supremo of the Katipunan or the Samahang
Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK). He is
an icon of bravery and pride of the Filipinos.

The monument is one of the most beautiful works of art in the Philippines. It
was designed by national artist Guillermo Tolentino, who also sculpted the
famous University of the Philippines’ Oblation statue.

An important historical and cultural landmark in the Philippines, the

monument has twenty-three figures, including Emilio Jacinto (popularly known
as the brains of the Katipunan ) and the three martyred priests Mariano Gomez,
Jose Apolonio Burgos and Jacinto Zamora (well known by many Filipinos as the
GOMBURZA).

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3. Lapu-Lapu Shrine

The monument of Lapu-Lapu in Liberty Shrine or Mactan Shrine. Photo by FAQ.ph

Basic information:
Location: Liberty Shrine, Punta
Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Dedicated to: Lapu-Lapu, a native
chieftain of Mactan who defeated
Magellan in the battle of Mactan in
1521.
Date built: Sometime in 1969
through RA. 5695
Lapu-Lapu is considered as the first Filipino hero who successfully defended
the Philippines from the Spanish invasion. He’s a symbol of courage and
success in defeating enemies. In fact, his image is the central figure in the seal
of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

He is best known as the hero of the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. The
battle of Mactan stopped the invasion of Magellan in Cebu and delayed the
Spanish occupation of the islands by over forty years until the expedition of
Miguel López de Legazpi in 1564.

The monument of Lapu-Lapu is located in Liberty Shrine (Mactan Shrine),

where the historic battle of Mactan took place at dawn on April 27, 1521. The
area is also the place where Magellan Shrine and the marker of the spot the
Portuguese conquistador was killed are located.

4. Magellan Shrine

The monument of Ferdinand

Magellan in Libery Shrine or Mactan
Shrine. Photo by FAQ.ph

Basic Information
Location: Liberty Shrine (Mactan
Shrine), Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu
City, Cebu
Dedicated to: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan
Date built: 1866
The monument of Magellan is the oldest in this list. It was built in 1866 – that

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makes the monument almost 150 years old now. The monument or shrine of
Magellan is just a few steps from the statue of Lapu-Lapu. Both monuments
and other important markers of events that happened during the historic battle
of Mactan are found in Liberty Shrine or Mactan Shrine.

Ferdinand Magellan may be remembered by Filipinos as an enemy of the

legendary hero Lapu-Lapu but the Portuguese explorer is also recognized by
many as the man who brought Christianity in the Philippines.

The Portuguese explorer is also recognized by the world as the one who
organized the Spanish expedition from 1519 to 1522 that resulted to the first
circumnavigation of the Earth. A few steps from the monument of Magellan is a
marker on the exact spot where the Portuguese explorer was killed during the
Battle of Mactan.

5. Leyte Landing Monument

The Leyte Landing Monument or

MacArthur Monument in Palo, Leyte.
Photo by FAQ.ph
Basic information:
Location: MacArthur Landing
Memorial Park, Palo, Leyte
Designer: Anastacio Caedo
Date of inauguration: October 20
1981
Dedicated to: General Douglas MacArthur, his entourage, and all the soldiers
who fought and died in the battles of Leyte during the World War II
MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo beach was the site where the Allied
Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944.
The monument also reminds us the fulfillment of MacArthur’s iconic words and
promise “I shall return”. The fulfillment of that promise was the start of the
Leyte invasion and his campaign to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese
occupation during the World War II.

This historic event also led to the naval battle between the Japanese Imperial
Navy and the US Navy (with the help from the Australian Royal Navy).
The Battles of Leyte Gulf is recognized by many historians as the largest naval
battle in history.

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The Leyte Landing monument is composed of seven double-life-sized bronze

statues of General Douglas MacArthur, Philippine President Sergio Osmeña,
Lieutenant General Richard Sutherland, Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo,
Major General Courtney Whitney, Sergeant Francisco Salveron and CBS Radio
correspondent William J. Dunn.

The monument also resembles the iconic photo of MacArthur and his entourage
during the historic A-Day Landing as captured by Gaetano Faillace.

6. Sandugo (Blood Compact) Shrine

The Sandugo (Blood Compact)

Monument in Barangay Bool,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Photo
by P199 at Wikimedia Commons
Basic information:
Location: Barangay Bool,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Designer: Napoleon Abueva
Dedicated to: The peace pact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de
Legazpi in 1565

The province of Bohol in Visayas is not only home to the magnificent Chocolate
Hills and clear water beaches but also to rich historical sites. One of the most
famous landmarks and historical sites in the Philippines is the site of the Blood
Compact (Sandugo) between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi in
1565 to insure the friendly relations between the Spaniards and Filipinos.

Among the monuments in this list, the Blood Compact shrine commemorates
friendship rather than battles or wars.

The Blood Compact monument is one of the works of Napoleon Abueva, a

Filipino national artist and also called as the “Father of Modern Philippine
Sculpture”.

7. Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor)

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Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) cross in Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan,

Philippines. Photo by Diego Roxas at Flickr.

Basic information:
Location: Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan,
Philippines
Designer: Lorenzo del Castillo and Napoleon
Abueva
Date built: 1970
Dedicated to: The Soldiers who fought for
freedom in the Battle of Bataan.
Mount Samat in Bataan was the site where the Philippine and American
soldiers took their last stand against the invading Japanese forces in the Battle
of Bataan. After a three-month battle, Bataan fell and surrendered to the
Japanese on April 9, 1942. This Japanese victory led to the infamous Bataan
Death March that involved 60,000–80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of
war. The march resulted to more than 20,000 dead Filipino and American
prisoners of war.

The Shrine of Valor was built not only to honor the gallantry of the Filipinos
who fought in the Battle of Bataan but to honor all the brave soldiers who
fought and died fighting for our freedom during the Japanese invasion.

To commemorate and honor the heroism and bravery of the soldiers who fought
the Japanese invaders in the Battle of Bataan, the Philippine government
declared April 9 as a national holiday. The day is known as Araw ng Kagitingan
or Day of Valor.

8. Sultan Kudarat Monument

The monument of Sultan Kudarat in front

of the Capitol building of the province of
Sultan Kudarat. Photo
by Manilaoldtimer.net.

Basic information:
Location: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Dedicated to: Sultan Kudarat, the
Muslim brave hero and Mindanao’s
most powerful ruler.

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Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat, popularly known as Sultan Kudarat, is

considered as the greatest Sultan of Maguindanao and the most powerful
Sultan of Mindanao.

His monument located in front of the Provincial Capitol building of Sultan

Kudarat is a testament of his bravery, ingenuity and relentlessness in
conquering Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines from the authority of
Spain.

The sultan of Maguindanao never allowed the Spaniards to conquer his

sultanate. That is the reason why Spain failed to invade the whole of Mindanao
and convert the natives to Roman Catholics.

The valiant ruler of Mindanao was declared a national hero during the
presidency of Ferdinand Marcos.

9. Pinaglabanan Shrine and the Spirit of Pinaglabanan

The Spirit of Pinaglabanan Monument

in Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan,
Metro Manila. Photo by Ramon
FVelasquez at Wikimedia Commons.

Basic information:
Location: N. Domingo corner
Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan, Metro
Manila
Designer: Eduardo Castrillo (designer of the Spirit of Pinaglabanan monument)
Date built: 1974
Dedicated to: The brave Katipuneros who fought and died in that battlefield.
Pinaglabanan Shrine commemorates the Battle of San Juan del Monte, the first
attempt of the Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto to fight
the Spanish forces in late August of 1896.

Although the battle of San Juan del Monte was won by the Spaniards, the
Katipuneros, who were only armed with bolos and homemade guns, did not lose
their spirits. The guts and bravery of the Filipinos who fought during the battle
sent a warning to Spain that their colonization of the Philippines will soon be
over.

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The five-hectare Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine includes the Museo ng

Katipunan, the Battle of Pinaglabanan statue (statue of a woman supported by
two children, holding up a bolo), and the monument of the Spirit of
Pinaglabanan (the shrine’s centerpiece which is a statue of elongated figures
created by Edgardo Castrillo). .

10. Balangiga Encounter Monument

The Balangiga Encounter Monument

in Balangiga, Eastern Samar.

Location: Balangiga, Eastern

Samar
Designer: Napoleon Abueva
Date built: September 28, 2003
Dedicated to: The heroism of the
local freedom fighters in Samar
The Balangiga Encounter Monument reminds us that Filipinos will not back
down to fight for freedom against any foreign invader – even against the mighty
American forces.

On September 28, 1901, the church bells of Balangiga were rung to signal an
attack by native bolo fighters from Balangiga and the nearby villages of Lawaan,
Giporlos and Quinapondan that killed more than 50 US soldiers. The
encounter, popularly known as the Balangiga masacre, was described as the
United States Army’s worst defeat during the Philippine-American War.

The attack outraged Gen. Jacob Smith and instructed his men to kill all
Filipinos who were capable of bearing arms, including boys over 10 years old.
Thousands of locals were killed and homes were burned under Smith’s order.

The historic bells of the church at Balangiga were taken by the Americans as
war booty. The bells have not yet returned to the town’s church even up to this
day.

11. Edsa Shrine

The statue of Our Lady of Peace in EDSA

Shrine, Ortigas Center, Quezon City. Photo
by FAQ.ph

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Basic information:
Location: Ortigas Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Ugong Norte, Quezon
City
Designer: Various artists
Date built: 1989
Dedicated to: The peaceful outcome of the People Power Revolution in 1986

The EDSA Shrine was originally built to commemorate the events during the
People Power Revolution and its peaceful outcome. The People Power Revolution
(also called the EDSA Revolution or the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a
series of nonviolent demonstrations joined by over two million Filipino civilians
including several political, military and religious personalities on February 22-
25, 1986.

The people power revolution caused the departure of the dictator President
Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of the country’s democracy.

The Shrine includes the seven-meter bronze statue of Our Lady of Peace,
sculpted by Virginia Ty-Navarro . It has also two chapels – the San Lorenzo Ruiz
Chapel and the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration – where catholic devotees can
offer a prayer.

12. People Power Monument

The People Power Monument located in

the corner of Epifanio de los Santos
Avenue (EDSA) and White Plains
Avenue in Barangay Camp Aguinaldo,
Quezon City. Photo by Ramon
FVelasquez at Wikimedia Commons.
Basic information:
Location: Corner of EDSA and White
Plains Avenue in Barangay Camp
Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Designer: Eduardo Castrillo
Date built: 1993
Dedicated to: The brave Filipinos who marched on the streets of EDSA during
the People Power Revolution in 1986
The monument is about 0.89 kilometers from the EDSA Shrine. I think it’s a

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great monument to represent the People Power Revolution or EDSA Revolution

in 1986.

The Filipinos earned the respect of the world when they successfully
demonstrated the power of the people without using violence to end dictatorship
and regain democracy in the Philippines.

Final-thoughts
The historic monuments and shrines in the Philippines should remind us about
the bravery, struggles and sacrifices made by Filipinos over hundreds of years
to achieve the freedom that we enjoy today.

In the past, they took care of our independence. In this present time, can we
take care of our freedom?

Our heroes paid bloods and lives. Let us visit them, and repay them with
respect and honor.

So, how many of the monuments and shrines above have you visited already?
What other historical landmarks in the Philippines can you add to this list? Feel
free to make a comment below.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SELF CHECK Direction: Match the side A to that of B.

A B

____1. Balangiga a. Originally built to commemorate the events

Encounter during the People Power Revolution
Monument b. Reminds us that Filipinos will not back down to
fight for freedom against any foreign invader.
____2. Pinaglabanan
c. Represent the People Power Revolution or EDSA
Shrine and the
Revolution in 1986.
Spirit of
d. It includes the Museo ng Katipunan, the Battle
Pinaglabanan
of Pinaglabanan statue and the monument of
____3. Dambana ng the Spirit of Pinaglabanan
Kagitingan e. Testament of his bravery, ingenuity and
(Shrine of Valor) relentlessness in conquering Mindanao and
other parts of the Philippines from the authority

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____4. Sandugo (Blood of Spain.

Compact) Shrine f. the site where the Philippine and American
soldiers took their last stand against the
____5. Rizal Monument
invading Japanese forces in the Battle of Bataan
_____6. Edsa Shrine g. A shrine that commemorates friendship rather

_____7. Bonifacio than battles or wars.

Monument h. Reminds us the fulfillment of MacArthur’s iconic

words and promise “I shall return”.
_____8. Leyte Landing
i. The monument is one of the most beautiful
Monument
works of art in the Philippines. It was designed
____9. Sultan Kudarat by national artist Guillermo Tolentino.
Monument j. Considered by many as the most popular, most
visited and most photographed monument in the
_____10. People Power
Philippines.
Monument

______________________________________________________________________________________

ENRICHMENT
ACTIVITIES Activity 1: Answer the following questions with 3S (short,
simple and substantial)

1. What do you think would be the essence and role of these monuments and
shrines to the Filipino Culture?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. In your own techniques and strategies how will you going to promote the
different monuments and shrine of the Philippines?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTD READINGS AND REFERENCES:

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Other References:
A monument for the monument – NHCP.gov.ph 
The Andres Bonifacion Monument – Malacanang.gov.ph 
Sculptures of Napoleon Abueva 
Bataan Death March – Wikipedia 
Bataan.gov.ph 
Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat – WikiPilipinas.org 
Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine – NHCP.gov.ph
Eastern Samar townsfolk miss historic bells of Balangiga town – Inquirer.net
Balangiga massacre – Wikipedia 
EDSA Shrine – WikiPilipinas 

https://faq.ph/famous-monuments-and-shrines-in-the-philippines-that-you-
should-visit/

https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attractions-g294245-Activities-c47-t26-
Philippines.html

https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/must-visit-historical-sites-and-shrines

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MODULE 5
Critical evaluation and the promotion of local and oral history, museums, historical shrines, cultural
performances, indigenous practices, and religious rites and rituals

LESSON 3: Festivals in the Philippines – Experience True Filipino

Culture

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Determine the Filipino local history through the different festivals in the
Philippines
Promote the Filipino local festivals in the Philippines that experience the
true Filipino

________________________________________________________________________________

DISCUSSION

Festivals are a great way to see and experience the true cultural
experience of a city and/or culture. We evaluate the best festivals in the
Philippines you need to see.
Filipinos love to party. With celebrations for almost anything you can think of,
the itch to throw a fete is deeply ingrained in our culture.

Pre - Activity

Can you share your favorite Festivals in the Philippines? What

specific activity that they usually practiced? How does your favorite
festival promote the local history?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

List of Famous Festivals in the Philippines – Experience True Filipino

Culture
By: Joshua Lagandaon

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Did you know that there’s a fiesta happening in the Philippines every month of
the year? There are approximately 42,000 major and minor festivals in the
country, a majority of which are held in a barangay (village) level.

Travelers looking for a day of merriment, an escape from urban life, or the
occasional debauchery will not be disappointed.

Most of the festivals in the Philippines are traditionally rooted in Christianity,

and rightfully so. Being under Spanish colonial rule for more than 500 years
has largely shaped our festival scene – from celebrating the life of Saints to
honoring baby Jesus.

These festivals were instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout the

locality. Other festivals are held to commemorate significant historical events or
honor seasons, such as seasons of harvest or paying tribute to the survivors of
a tragic earthquake.

Contrary to what you might believe, most Philippine festivals are not the quiet
and meditative kind. They are often celebrated with loud music, frenzied
dancing, outrageous costumes, feasts, and lots of alcohol. To get everyone
involved, peryas, or trade fairs, with make-shift temporary amusement parks
are usually set up.

A variety of events can happen in a Filipino festival but you can expect
processions, Holy Masses, parades, exhibits, trade fairs, pageants, concerts,
religious and cultural rituals, as well as plays and reenactments.

For local revelers, some of these festivals are a big thing. So important are these
fiestas for some Filipinos that they mark their whole year around a particular
celebration.

Sinulog, a festival in Cebu held every January, for example, draws around 2
million people each year. It’s something that you must include in
your Philippines itinerary if you are traveling during this time.

The MassKara Festival in Bacolod is flocked by 3 million people annually. With

thousands of fests in the Philippines, how do you know which ones are worth
attending? Here’s a definitive list of the 10 most famous festivals in the
Philippines.

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SINULOG FESTIVAL

Location: Cebu City

Date: Every third week of January

The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is one of the grandest festivals in the country.
The famous celebration is held to honor the Santo Nino (the Holy Child Jesus),
the patron saint of the City. In a nutshell, the Sinulog is a dance ritual that
marks the Filipino’s pagan past and its transition to Christianity.

When it comes to eye candy, it’s hard to beat the pomp and pageantry that
happens in Sinulog. Parade participants are all decked out in outrageous multi-
colored costumes and dance to drums, native gongs, and trumpets. Streets are
flanked from end to end with food and souvenir vendors, as well as onlookers
raring for a glimpse of the spectacular performances.

Aside from the dancing and street parties, the Sinulog Festival also hosts the
SME trade fair where Cebu export products are sold. If you’re looking for just
one festival to attend, Sinulog should definitely be on your list.

PINAGBENGA FESTIVAL

Location: Baguio City

Date: During the Holy Week in

March or April

In Pinagbenga, you’re going to see

more flowers in a day than you
would in a lifetime. Named after the Kankanaey term that means “season of
blooming”, the festival highlights the traditions, values, and history of Baguio
and the Cordilleras. It is also a tribute to Baguio’s thriving flower plantations
and its rise from the 1990 Luzon earthquake. Lasting over a month-long, this
festival is one of the longest in the Philippines.

For travelers looking for Instagram-worthy photos, the festival is a feast for the
eyes.  As one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines, you can expect a
plethora of vibrant flower-covered floats, lots of street dancing by dancers
clothed in flower-themed costumes, and a number of exhibits featuring local
products.

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The Grand Street Parade, one of the festivals’ most popular highlights, is a
dance and costume competition where participants dance to Cordilleran music.

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

Location: Iloilo City

Date: Every fourth weekend of January

If Sinulog is one of the most globally-

renowned festivals in the Philippines,
then Dinagyang is probably the most attended. “Dinagyang” is the Ilonggo term
for merrymaking or revelry, and true to its name, the festival is one of the
biggest world-class festivals in the country hosting a variety of different events.
The celebration is held to once again commemorate the Santo Nino, or the Holy
Child Jesus, and to celebrate the arrival of Malay settlers in the city.

There are a lot to see and a plethora of events to attend. The festival is a city-
wide effort, so all schools and local institutions participate in making the event
remarkable for visitors.

The most popular event is the Dagyang Tribes Dance Competition. Here, Ilonggo
tribes are smeared in body-paint, present a tableau of folkloric scenarios, and
parade throughout the city while dancing, donning props, and wearing
outrageous costumes.

MASSKARA FESTIVAL

Location: Bacolod City

Date: October

Bacolod isn’t called the City of Smiles

for nothing. People here are a fun-
loving bunch, and the city’s biggest
festival reflects that. Attended by around 3 million people around the world,
annually, the Masskara Festival is 20 twenty days of non-stop street-dancing,
drinking, and merrymaking. The festival began in 1980 during a period of
agricultural crisis as a means for escapism.

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The word Masskara is derived from the Filipino word mascara, which means

mask. In the festival, dancers, performers, and onlookers are all encouraged to
wear a smiling mask (a nod to Bacolod being the “City of Smiles”). Historically,
the masks were Filipino-inspired and featured ornate hand-painted details,
flowers, and feathers. Today, the masks are more influenced by the Rio Carnival
or the Carnival of Venice with plastic beads and sequins.

Expect a variety of events like dance competitions, parades, pageants, food

festivals, concerts, garden shows, trade fairs, bugle corps competitions, and
carnivals. The Electric Masskara is one of the festival’s most popular events,
featuring floats equipped with lights and music.

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

Location: Kalibo, Aklan

Date: The Third Sunday of January

The Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan is the

oldest festival in the Philippines,
which has earned it the distinction of being “The Mother of all Philippine
Festivals”. As the country’s first festival, the event is said to have inspired most
of the Philippines’ festivals including the Sinulog and Dinagyang. The name Ati-
Atihan is derived from the Ati-people: short, dark-skinned, and frizzy-haired.
Celebrated for over 800 years, the festival is held in honor of the Holy Child
Jesus.

It is worthwhile to note that while the festival is pagan in origin, it was the
Spanish that turned the celebration into Christian event.

The festival is a week-long event of street parties and dancing competitions.

Unlike other festivals in the Philippines where onlookers are limited to staying
at the sidelines, anyone can jump into the parade and bust a move with the
performers!

Surviving Ati-Atihan is all about knowing how to save your energy. There’s lots
of booze, food, and dancing, and the weeklong event can be draining for the
uninitiated!

HIGANTES FESTIVAL

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Location: Angono Rizal

Date: November 23 – 23, 2020

Angono, Rizal is known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines.” Aside from this,
the town is also famous for its Higantes Festival.

Based on the Angono folklore, the “Higantes” or paper-mache giants were done
by locals as a form of protest during the Spanish colonization. Now, these
paper-mache giants now play the part of one of the most unique festivals in the
Philippines.

Higantes Festival is celebrated every 4th week of November in Angono, Rizal to

honor San Clemente, the town’s patron saint.

Main Highlights: Higantes Parade and Water Splashing Activity

PAHIYAS FESTIVAL

Location: Lucban, Quezon

Date: Every May 15

Nothing puts a spotlight on Filipino

creativity more than the Pahiyas
Festival, a harvest celebration held
annually in May. The word “Pahiyas”
means to decorate, a fitting name for
the festival’s ultimate goal – to see
which house in the neighborhood is
best decorated with farm produce like vegetables, fruits, and kiping (a type of
wafer made with rice and food coloring).

The festival traces its root back to the 15 th century when farmers would display
their harvests at the local church to honor their patron saint – St. Isidore the
Laborer. The priest would then bless the harvest as a way of thanking the Lord
for providing them. As time went by and for convenience’s sake, farmers chose
to display their harvests at their homes instead so the parish priest could visit
and bless their harvests.

The modernized Pahiyas festival is less religious and more pomp and pageantry.
Apart from the house decorating competition, the festival also hosts contests,

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exhibits, parades, and various cultural shows. All of these are aimed towards
putting a spotlight on Lucban’s thriving tourism industry.

MORIONES FESTIVAL

Location: Marinduque

Date: During the Holy Week in

March or April

Come to Marinduque during the

Holy Week and you’ll be surrounded
by a throng of men clad in full
Roman armor, complete with breastplates, vibrantly colored tunics, imperial
helmets, and spears. No, it’s not Halloween. You’re in the Moriones Festival, a
religious event held every year to commemorate the life of St. Longinus – a
centurion who pierced Jesus with a spear as he was hanging on the cross.

According to the bible, Longinus’ faltering sight was healed when some of Jesus’
blood spilled into his eyes. This miracle urged him to convert, causing him to
leave the army and serve as a monk in Cappadocia.

The festival’s name is derived from the word “morion” – the helmet of Roman
soldiers. The Moriones is a week-long event aimed at re-enacting the search for
Longinus and the “Passion of the Christ”. In the festival, throngs of men
dressed as Roman military roam the streets and playfully scare children.

Though there’s not much interaction for onlookers, witnessing the

reenactments is a treat in itself. This is also the perfect time to explore
Marinduque’s beaches, caves, and hot spring resorts!

PINTADOS-KASADAYAN FESTIVAL

Location: Tacloban City

Date: Every June 29

The Pintados-Kasadayan Festival in

Tacloban is one of the most
anticipated festivals in the city. It
was first celebrated in 1987 as a

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way of showcasing the tattooed tribespeople of Leyte and Samar called the
Pintados. It’s one of the most colorful cultural-religious festivals in the country,
and for travelers visiting Tacloban in June, it’s a definite inclusion to the
itinerary.

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival features lots of street dancing where

participants were vibrant costumes and ornate body paint that resembles the
armor used by tribal warriors. Apart from the parade, the festival community
also hosts beauty pageants.

TUNA FESTIVAL

Date: September 2020

Location: General Santos City

Aside from being the hometown of

the world boxing champion,
a.k.a. Pambansang Kamao, Manny
Pacquiao, General Santos City is
also the premier fish producer of the Philippines. It houses the country’s 7 tuna
canning plants, thus, making it the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

During the Tuna Festival, locals showcase the province’s bountiful catch with
colorful, ocean-themed floats. Another activity that everyone’s looking forward
to is the Sugbahan sa Dalan where a long line of grills is set up on the street
and hundreds of kilos of tuna are grilled on the spot. And the best thing about
this is, everything’s FREE.

Main Highlights: Tuna Float Parade and Sugbahan sa Dalan

SIRONG FESTIVAL

Location: Surigao del  Sur

Date: Every August 15

From vibrant warrior costumes to

intricate dances, the Sirong Festival
in Surigao del Sur is truly an

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unforgettable experience. Sirong is an ethnic mardi-gras parade aimed at

reenacting the battle between Christians and Muslims. In the history of
Cantilan, early Christians led by the Spanish had to defend themselves against
Muslim raids, and this is where the festival has derived inspiration.

The festival began in the Municipality of Cantilan in 2004 and was flocked to by
various people from the neighboring Surigao municipalities. The festival is
essentially one big dance competition, with each contingent reaching at least a
hundred costumed performers.

The winner takes home a huge cash prize, but if you aren’t performing, staying
at the sidelines and watching the events unfold is worth the visit!

GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

Location: San Fernando

Date: The weekend before

Christmas Eve

Trust in San Fernando, the

Christmas Capital of the
Philippines, to throw one of the
biggest Christmas-themed festivals in the country. The Giant Lantern Festival is
an event that revolves around a lantern-making competition. In this event,
participants are encouraged to craft up to 15-foot diameter giant Christmas
Lanterns with one rule: each lantern must be crafted from only local materials.

Residents of each barrio volunteer to contribute to its creation, from the design
to sourcing its materials and providing labor. As the years go by, the lanterns
become bigger and more intricate in design. Once all lanterns have been made,
they are paraded around each barrio on Christmas Eve.

LECHON FESTIVAL

Lechon (roasted pig) is always

present in special Filipino
occasions, especially on fiestas.
During this festival, lechons are
paraded dressed in fun
characters, while the whole town

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is participating in a water splashing tradition. After the whole activity, everyone

can already feast on the lechons in the festival.

Date: June 24, 2020

Location: Batangas

Parada ng Lechon is held every 24th of June in honor of St. John the Baptist.

Main Highlights: Parades of Lechon and Water Splashing Activity

KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL

Location: Davao City

Date: August 2020

Kadayawan is a native expression

in the Dabawnon tongue. It’s
derived from the word “madayaw”
which means good, valuable and
superior. Dabaweños celebrate
the annual Kadayawan as a thanksgiving festival and a tribute to its indigenous
people. This is usually held every 3rd week of August.

Main Highlights: Indak Indak sa Kadalanan Street Dancing, Kadayawan Floral

Parade and Parada sa Dagat

______________________________________________________________________________________

SELF CHECK Direction: Determine what particular practices of

the following festivals listed below.

Festivals Historical definition Date and Location

Sinulog

Panagbenga

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Dinagyang

Masskara

Ati-Atihan

________________________________________________________________________________________

ENRICHMENT
ACTIVITIES
Activity 1: Aside from the given list of the Famous Festivals in
the Philippines, Provide at least one local festival that are
celebrated by the Filipino people every year and determine
some ways on how to promote or advertise your chosen local
festival to make it known.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTD READINGS AND REFERENCES:

https://viatravelers.com/festivals-in-the-philippines/
https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/festivals-in-the-philippines/
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/history-culture/best-festivals-philippines
Balbutin, Albert (February 1, 2018). "Festival highlights conservation". The Manila
Times. Department of Tourism (official website). 2009. Archived from the original on
November 20, 2015. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
Festivals in the Philippines; February". National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
April 20, 2015. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
Lancion, Jr., Conrado M.; cartography by de Guzman, Rey (1995). "The Provinces;
Bukidnon". Fast Facts about Philippine Provinces (The 2000 Millenium ed.). Makati,
Metro Manila, Philippines: Tahanan Books. p. 45. ISBN 971-630-037-9.
Retrieved November 30,2015

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MODULE 5
Critical evaluation and the promotion of local and oral history, museums, historical shrines, cultural
performances, indigenous practices, and religious rites and rituals

LESSON 4: Indigenous People in the Philippines

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Manifest interest in local history and show concern in promoting and

preserving the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
Able to integrate Indigenous people to that of Filipino culture in the
Philippine history.
Analyzed the influence of Indigenous people to the Philippine history.

______________________________________________________________________________________

DISCUSSION

The islands of the Philippines are inhabited by a number of different

ethnic groups. The majority of the population is composed of ethno linguistic
groups whose languages are Austronesian, also known as Malayo-Polynesian,
in origin.

Many of these groups converted to Christianity, particularly the lowland-coastal

groups, and adopted many foreign elements of culture.

About 15% of the population is made up of what are generally defined as

indigenous people. They are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the
Philippines. Many of these groups were virtually untouched by Spanish and
American influence and largely retained their customs and traditions.

Most well known of these indigenous people are the Igorot, a group that
includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao and Kalinga. They inhabit the Central
Cordillera Mountain Range on North Luzon.
Owing to the difficult terrain, the Cordillera tribes are among the few peoples of
the Philippines who have successfully resisted foreign domination and
preserved their authentic tribal culture.

With over 7,600 islands in the Philippines and three major island groups, it’s no
wonder that different cultural practices, traditions, and groups are present in
the country. Among the archipelago’s existing communities, there are

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indigenous tribes who have managed to keep their cultural identity, despite the
non-recognition and marginalization they’re facing.
Although there are quite a number of indigenous tribes or ethnic groups in the
country, they remain some of the most poor, least privileged, and impeded
members of society. They mostly reside in the mountains, and hence were not
affected by Spanish or American colonization, which is the primary reason they
were able to retain their customs and traditions.

There are two main ethnic groups comprising several upland and lowland
indigenous tribes living within the Philippines – from the northern and southern
parts of the Philippines. The indigenous people living in the northern part of the
country are called the Igorots, whereas those non-Muslim indigenous tribes
living in the south are referred to as Lumad.

Igorot Tribes from the Northern Philippines

The Igorots, which comprises numerous

tribes in the northern part of the
country, are mostly residing in the
mountain ranges of the Cordillera
Region. They are popularly known for
being rice cultivators. An assortment of
the group called the Ifugaos built the
Banaue Rice Terraces – frequently
called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. The ancestors of this indigenous tribe
carved a system of irrigated rice terraces in the mountains of Ifugao more than
2,000 years ago.

The Igorot tribe also includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankanaey and
Tinguian groups. Other tribes living in the north are Isnag from Apayao,
Gaddang (found between Kalinga and Isabela provinces), and the Ilongots living
within the east mountains of Luzon called the Sierra Madre and the Caraballo
Mountains. The Ilongots are known for their intense aggressiveness and
cultural conservatism.

Lumad Tribes from the Southern Philippines

Meanwhile, in the southern part of the

country, indigenous tribes are mostly
found in Mindanao and Western
Visayas. In Mindanao, these existing
non-Muslim indigenous groups are

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collectively known as the Lumad – a Cebuano term which means ‘native’ or

‘indigenous’. There Lumad tribes comprise about 13 ethnic groups which are
the Blaan, Bukidnon, Higaonon, Mamanwa, Mandaya, Manobo, Mansaka,
Sangir, Subanen, Tagabawa, Tagakaulo, Tasaday, and T’boli. Their tribe is
generally known for tribal music produced by musical instruments they’ve
created.

Among those mentioned above, the Manobo tribe includes further big ethnic

groups such as the Ata-Manobo, Agusan-Manobo, and Dulangan-Manobo to
name a few. The total population of the Manobo group is unknown as they
occupy core areas in main provinces of the Mindanao Region.

Other major tribes in the country

Apart from the two main indigenous groups mentioned above, the following
tribes have also kept their customs and traditions.

Badjaos

Originally from the islands of Sulu in

Mindanao, they’re known as the sea
tribes living on houseboats. They try
to make ends meet by depending on
the sea as divers, fishermen, and
navigators. Because of conflicts in the
region, the majority of them has migrated to neighboring countries such as
Malaysia and Indonesia, whereas those who stayed in the Philippines moved to
some areas in Luzon.

Ati and Tumandok

One of the few clans in Visayas, the Ati and Tumandok tribes of Panay Island

are the first to call the island their home. Genetically related to other
indigenous groups in the country, they mostly resemble
the Aetas or Negritos who are characterised by their dark skin. While some
adopted Western religions, they still carry some animistic beliefs and rituals
passed down by their ancestors.

Palawan Tribes

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Palawan is also home to various tribes such as the Batak, Palaweño,

Palawano, and the Tagbanwa. Mostly living in mountains or lowland dwellings,
some of these groups have also been included in the large Manobo tribe of the
South. They have not totally embraced urban living, with the majority living in
more rural settings.

Mangyan

The Mangyans of Mindoro are well-known clans in the Philippines because they

have the biggest populace. Comprising eight different Mangyan groups, they
have a peaceful reputation, unlike the headhunting tribes of the North and
warrior tribes from the South. While some has already converted into
Christianity, there’s still a large percentage of those who practice animistic
religious beliefs.

Aetas or Negritos

The Aetas (or Agta or Ayta) are one of
the earliest known inhabitnats of the
Philippines who are now living in
scattered mountainous areas of the
country. They were called by the Spanish
colonizers as the ‘Negritos’ because of
their dark to dark-brown skin. They are
nomadic but are very skilled in weaving and plaiting, and Aeta women are
considered experts in herbal medicine.

YAKAN
Yakan are probably the original inhabitants of Basilan, an island just off the
southwestern point of Mindanao. In some respects, they are culturally related
to the other South Philippines Muslim groups, not merely in religious affiliation.
However, they still have their own identifiable culture.
The Yakan are primarily farmers who use plows drawn by water buffaloes to
cultivate the soil. Rice is their main crop; cassava and coconut are also grown.
Sadly, few people grow enough rice to last from season to season.

There are no major Yakan villages. Instead, the Yakan live in settlements that
are based on mosque affiliation. As Muslims, the Yakan are allowed to have as
many as four wives, but this practice is becoming rare. Formerly, marriages
were arranged, but now the children's wishes are considered.

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The Yakan follow the Islamic calendar and celebrate the annual Muslim feasts.
The Yakan have incorporate many of their traditional animistic beliefs (belief
that non-living objects have spirits) into their Islamic rituals. They believe in evil
spirits that sometimes attack people. One such devil is believed to attack and
torture people during the second month of the Muslim year.

MORO
The Moro people comprise the 13 Islamized ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao,
Sulu and Palawan. Along with the group known as Lumad in Mindanao, the
Moros are an indigenous population that had been living on the islands long
before the coming of Spanish colonialism.

Today, the Moro people are found all over the Philippines. However, they are
dominant in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and
Tawi-Tawi. They are also numerous in some municipalities of North Cotabato,
Lanao del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur,
Zamboanga Sibugay and Palawan. Racially and culturally, the Moro people
share a common origin with the majority of Filipinos. Linguistically, they belong
to the Malayo-Polynesian group of languages.

Etymologically, the word Moro was derived from the term “Moor,” itself
originating from “Mauru,” a Latin word that referred to the inhabitants of the
ancient Roman province of Mauritania in northwest Africa, which today
comprises the modern states of Algeria, Mauritania and the Kingdom of
Morocco. (By: Jamail A. Kamlian)

WARAY

Waray people inhabit the whole island of Samar and there they are called
Samareños while on the island of Leyte they are called Leyteños. On Leyte
island. The Warays are descendants of the Austronesian-speaking immigrants
who came to the Philippines during the Iron Age. In 1521, the Warays were the
first Filipinos to be sighted by Europeans under the leadership of Ferdinand
Magellan. The Warays were among the first Filipinos converted to Christianity.
Paradoxically, they are also among the last Filipino ethnicities to retain
traditional pagan practices alongside their practice of Roman Catholicism. From
the Spanish Colonization onwards, they have been considered the underdog of
Filipino ethnicity. The ancient Waray tribal folk of Samar, Leyte, and Pintuyan
Island were masters of the sea.

The Waray people are one of the most religious people in the Philippines. Most
of them belong to Roman Catholicism, while others have been converted to

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various Christian denominations/groups, and still a small percentage of the

population practice other religion (sometimes alongside Catholicism) such as
Buddhism for a few Chinese descendants in the area.

The Waray people speak the Waray-Waray language, a major Visayan language.
They also speak Cebuano as their second language. Some people who are of
Waray descent also speak Waray-Waray as their second or third language,
especially among emigrants to Metro Manila, other parts of the Philippines and
in other parts of the world. Other notable foreign languages spoken include
English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese which is spoken by its community and
among others.

TAGBANWA

The Tagbanwa (Tagbanuwa, Apurahuano, Tagbanua, Kalamian, Calamiano,

Kalamianon, Kalamianen, Tangdula’nen, Silanga’nen, Tagbanoua) are the more
dominant of the ethnic groups of Palawan. Mainly associated with dry regimes
of cultivation, they are found in central Palawan and northward of the island.
The area of concentrations are in Coron (4,366 NSO 1990), Aborlan (3,115 NSO
1980), and Puerto Princesa (1,415 NSO 1980). The known subgroups in the
mainland are (1) Apurahuan, (2) Inagauan, (3) Tandula’nen, and (4)
Silanga’nen, while (5) the Kalamianen of the Calamian island group constitute
more variable groups that are marine-oriented. The estimated total population
is 13,643 (NSO 1990).

       The group is known for their highly involved ritual, the pagdiwata, which
is held in celebration of different occasions: a bountiful harvest, weddings, and
others. The ritual includes the drinking of rice wine using bamboo straws from
stoneware jars traded in from China. The group, too, is one of the few remaining
ethnic groups that still utilize their own syllabic writing. Slash-and-burn
cultivation is the primary subsistence source.

       The main crop in swiddens is rice, although cassava is a preferred staple.
Rice is a ritual food and considered a divine gift from which ritual wine is
fermented. Corn is intercropped with rice and others like taro, cassava, and
sweet potato. Fishing is an important subsistence source, together with
hunting. Income is also partially obtained from forest resources like copal,
rattan, and wax. Metal craft is done with the double-bellows forge. The
Tagbanwa are one of the few peoples who still use the blowgun.

       While kinship is reckoned bilaterally, there is a bias towards the

matrilineal side in terms of residence after marriage. Relationships with affines
are tenuous such that “in-law avoidance” is practiced.

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BUGKALOT

The “Bugkalot” like any other people

have an innate pride in their unique
culture. Outsiders and lowlanders often
wonder why we unashamedly refer to
ourselves as such. We call our tribe and
language “Bugkalot” from the root word
“Ka-lot” – meaning “interweave” or
“interwoven”. Our lifestyle is generally
interwoven as can be seen in the way we
build our houses which must be interwoven with rattan. Our costumes and
native attire must also be interwoven with many colorful decorations. Our
artifacts too, are traditionally interwoven with rattan or bamboo and other
endemic natural materials like feathers, animal fur, etc. The Bugkalot Tribe,
more commonly known to lowlanders as “Ilongots”, are located in the Northern
part of the island of Luzon in the Philippines, primarily in the provinces of
Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. As of this year 2016, it has a
population of more or less 15,000.

Lately, we found out that we have some similarities to the peoples of the Bible.
We are called by our first names and identified by using the names of our
fathers & forefathers (ie.: Isaac the son of Abraham), like the genealogy of Jesus
in the book of Matthew (Mt. 1:1 to 16). We are also called by our clans, as in
“John iGumiad” (in English: John from Gumiad). One big mistake of the non-
Bugkalot and even of the Anthropologists who lived with us in the villages is
that they sometimes called us by using pseudo names like ‘italon’, ‘abacas’,
‘ibilao’.  Those are the names of the places where our forefathers lived a long
time ago.  The meaning of ‘italon’ is rice-field, while ‘abacas’ is the name of the
village in Abaca where our relatives live up to this time, and ‘ibilao’ is also a
place where our relatives lived and which they have adopted as their family
name: “Biyao”.

ISNEG
The earliest residents of Apayao Province (Cordillera Administrative Region) and
one of the remaining tribes in Luzon, the Isneg are a small ethnoliguistic group
inhabiting the wide mountains of the area. They are concentrated mainly in the
municipalities of Kabugao, Conner, Luna, and Pudtol. Various names have
been used to differentiate the Isneg. The Spaniards referred to them as los
Apayaos (referring to the river along which they live) and los Mandayas (taken
from the Isneg term meaning “upstream”). Isnag, the Isneg language, is spoken
by around 300,000 people. They also speak Ilocano.

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The Isneg settlements are mostly along the river, but they do farming up the
hills at certain times of year. Their villages are small and houses, close together,
for security and companionship. The traditional house sits on four large
wooden posts and has colourful adornments. There are two important rituals
that bind the Isneg. Say-am is a feast celebrated by an affluent Isneg family,
usually accompanied by wining, eating, and dancing. In contrast, pildap is
celebrated by the poorer members of the tribe when a family transfers to
another place or when someone seeks healing.

Today, the indigenous groups in the country remain in their original ancestral
lands as they preserve their cultural practices and traditions. And while the
Philippine government passed the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, there
are still issues left unsolved, including their right for inclusion.

____________________________________________________________________________________

SELF CHECK Direction: Identify the following statement.

________________1. Comprise the 13 Islamized ethno linguistic groups of Mindanao,

Sulu and Palawan.

________________2. This group is known for their highly involved ritual,

the pagdiwata, which is held in celebration of different
occasions

_______________3. More commonly known to lowlanders as “Ilongots”, located in the

provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and
Quirino

_______________4. One of the earliest known inhabitnats of the Philippines who are
now living in scattered mountainous areas of the country.

_______________5. Well-known clans in the Philippines because they have the biggest
populace particularly in Mindoro Province.

_______________6. Genetically related to other indigenous groups in the country, they

mostly resemble the Aetas or Negritos who are
characterised by their dark skin.

_______________7. Originally from the islands of Sulu in Mindanao, they’re known as

the sea tribes living on houseboats.

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_______________8. This tribe is generally known for tribal music produced by musical
instruments they’ve created.

_______________9. This tribe also includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Isneg, Kalinga,

Kankanaey and Tinguian groups.

______________10. Comprises numerous tribes in the northern part of the country,

are mostly residing in the mountain ranges of the Cordillera
Region.

____________________________________________________________________________________

ENRICHMENT
ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: In your own understanding and research integrate the

influence of the following tribe to the Filipino Culture and to the History
of the Philippines.
1. Igorot Tribe

2. Lumad Tribe

3. Aetas or Negritos

4. Moro tribe

______________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTD READINGS AND REFERENCES:

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Archived 2013-10-28 at

the Wayback Machine Accessed November 15, 2013.
Verora, L.P. Reaching the Igorots: Unreached Peoples ’82. World Vision
Philippines, 1982.
CAR Tourism Situationer. Department of Tourism. Accessed September 9, 2010.

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National Commission for Culture and the Arts Apayao E-book,

http://www.ncca.gov.ph/
(Moro) https://opinion.inquirer.net/39098/who-are-the-moro-
people#ixzz6W28SFqBC
(Tagbanwa)
https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/glimpses-peoples-
of-the-philippines/tagbanwa/
(Bugkalot) http://bugkalot-tribe.com/about-us/background-beginnings/
(Isneg) http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/people/ethnic-groups-in-the-
philippines/isneg/
(Yakan) https://www.univie.ac.at/Voelkerkunde/apsis/aufi/yakan/yakan.htm
(Waray) http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/people/ethnic-groups-in-the-
philippines/waray/
https://sites.google.com/site/humanities2visayas2015/home/c-eastern-
visayas/waray

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