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.

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
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Readings in the Philippine History

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 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 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,

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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.
__________________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 21st century.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTD READINGS AND REFERENCES:

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

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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 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/.

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.

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.

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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).

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

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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 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.

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
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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)

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.

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.

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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.

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.
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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
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 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?

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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 Encounter a. Originally built to commemorate the events during the
Monument People Power Revolution
b. Reminds us that Filipinos will not back down to fight
____2. Pinaglabanan for freedom against any foreign invader.
Shrine and the Spirit of c. Represent the People Power Revolution or EDSA
Pinaglabanan Revolution in 1986.
____3. Dambana ng d. It includes the Museo ng Katipunan, the Battle of
Kagitingan (Shrine of Pinaglabanan statue and the monument of the Spirit of
Valor) Pinaglabanan
e. Testament of his bravery, ingenuity and relentlessness
____4. Sandugo (Blood in conquering Mindanao and other parts of the
Compact) Shrine Philippines from the authority of Spain.
f. the site where the Philippine and American soldiers
____5. Rizal Monument
took their last stand against the invading Japanese
_____6. Edsa Shrine forces in the Battle of Bataan
g. A shrine that commemorates friendship rather than
_____7. Bonifacio Monument battles or wars.
_____8. Leyte Landing h. Reminds us the fulfillment of MacArthur’s iconic words
Monument and promise “I shall return”.
i. The monument is one of the most beautiful works of
____9. Sultan Kudarat art in the Philippines. It was designed by national artist
Monument Guillermo Tolentino.
j. Considered by many as the most popular, most visited
_____10. People Power and most photographed monument in the Philippines.
Monument

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

ENRICHMENT
simple and substantial)
ACTIVITIES

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:

Other References:
A monument for the monument – NHCP.gov.ph
The Andres Bonifacion Monument – Malacanang.gov.ph
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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

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
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.
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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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

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).
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The festival traces its root back to the 15th 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, 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 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.

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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
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.

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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 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
Dinagyang
Masskara
Ati-Atihan

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ENRICHMENT Activity 1: Aside from the given list of the Famous Festivals in
ACTIVITIES 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

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.

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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 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 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.

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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

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 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.
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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.

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.

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.

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____________________________________________________________________________________

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.
_______________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.
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CAR Tourism Situationer. Department of Tourism. Accessed September 9, 2010.
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Readings in the Philippine History

(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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