MUNICIPALITY OF PEÑABLANCA (CAGAYAN), Historical Data of Part 3
PART III
[p. 17]
hospitality.
(h) Festivals
Town and barrio fiestas are still common. The town, together with particularly every barrio, has its own patron saint. Yearly, these patron saints' days are celebrated. The Poblacion has its fiesta on March 19; the barrio Dodan has its on April 15; Malibabag has its on April 21; Lagum on June 13, etc. The celebration of the town or barrio fiesta is a pompous and expensive one. Every house has to prepare for the numerous visitors coming from the neighboring town or barrios.
(i) Punishments
In the early days, the use of the rod in disciplining a child was imperatives. For any misbehavior committed by a child would mean severe whippings from the parents. Sometimes, the child was asked to kneel down on mongos scattered on the floor for several hours. The parents sometimes resorted to not giving any dinner, supper, or breakfast to the child. There are still parents of today who still resort to these kinds of corporal punishments.
(j) Legends
In this connection, it is worthwhile to mention here the legend of Don Francisco Gumabung.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, a man by the name of Francisco Gumabung wandered in Callao, Nannarian, and Litto-c, all barrios of Peñablanca, for the purpose of preaching his fanatical religious beliefs. This man came from Aquilaquilao, a barrio of Iguig, Cagayan.
Days in and days out, he went from house to house to do his preachings. In those days, the people in the above men-
[p. 18]
tioned barrios were mostly ignorant then. No wonder they were easily convinced and misled. People gathered around him to hear him preach. He had hundreds of followers. Men, women, boys, and girls worshipped him.
News of what he was doing reached the ears of the municipal officials of the town. To evade the trap set for his capture, he secretly chose a big cave in the middle of the thick forest just east of the barrio of Nannarian. He declared this cave as his church. His followers were instructed to assemble in the cave only in the evening. He placed himself on top of a big rock in the middle of the cave, and his followers knelt in front of him to say their solemn prayers.
The time came when his followers began to pour into the cave tributes in the form of money and foodstuffs. The foodstuffs consisted of rice, chickens, eggs, meat, vegetables, fish, and fruits. It may be of interest to hear that these tributes were secretly brought home by Francisco Gumabung for the support of his family, for he had a big family, then. From these tributes, he became very rich.
One Sunday morning in the year 1902, the municipal president, no other than the late Don Severino Perez, together with two of his policemen, entered the cave unnoticed and caught Francisco Gumabung red-handed. They bound him with rope and brought him to the Poblacion. He was investigated and severely punished until he could promise to stop his foolishness. He was allowed to go home, but not very long afterwards, he got sick and died. Even today, Francisco Gumabung still has followers, particularly in the barrios of Callao, Nannarian, and Litto-c, who
[p. 19]
still cling to his fanatical religious beliefs. These people never fail to go up the cave once a week to make their solemn worships. The cave is known as "GUMABUNG CAVE." There are about two hundred of them. Their supposed head is a man from the barrio of Nannarian by the name of Pedro Nonato.
(k) Witchcraft
In olden times, right in the deepest parts of rivers, dwelt witches commonly called by the Ibanag people as "serenas." Oftentimes, these witches appeared on the land in the evenings to carry away persons and brought them home to the bottom of the water. The witch, as the story runs, was one-half human being from the head to the waist and one-half fish from the waist to the feet. These witches were feared for they ate human beings. Even today, the people still fear them for they believe that there are still some of them still roaming aound in the rivers. So, the people where the witches are found are always conscious of bringing with them wherever they may go in the evening, especially when they happen to cross a river, something like a pin, a needle, a pair of scissors, a knife, or a bolo to outwit, or rather to overcome the power of such witches.
The moment a person is caught by a witch, he simply pricks her (the witch) with a pin and, all of a sudden, she disappears from sight.
(1) Popular Somes, Games, and Amusements
Ninety-nine per cent of the people of the town are Ibanags. To these people, the "verso" is the most popular song. The "versista" is especially needed in giving sound ad-
[p. 20]
vice to the newly-wed couple through his verses in song. This "versista" is usually paid for his services. He sings day and night as long as the wedding lasts. A pompous wedding generally lasts for two or three days. The verso or singing is accompanied by a native guitar called "cinco-cinco," a five-string guitar. The following verses below are some of the verses sung together with the "mascota" piece, a very popular piece among the Ibanag people.
|
Ari cami macabalo-c Ta y Dios minaggallallo-c, Ta azzao ngana ta lima mi Y lappao nga quinelugam mi. |
Lord, we can't thank thee For your goodness and generosity, For having now taken This day, our long-loved maiden. |
|
Azzao ngana nala-c mi Y lappao nga quinelugam mi, Nu auan y taram na zila-c Paggui ariam mi nga nala-ca. |
Now that we've succeeded To get the girl we had pleaded, For we almost have failed If not for the silver tongue we had. |
|
Ari cami mappasiran Ta lappao nga emmi inaleran, Ari lappao basiadu Nu ari lappao necandaru. |
Never shall we be ashamed For the flower we now have It's not a flower that is free But a flower locked with strong key. |
|
Azzao nga mangataua ca Mepang-ngo-c tu mannono-c ca, Ta quiniddom ta cani Amam Y annung na pangatauam. |
Now that you have a wife Be patient, think, and be wise, For from your parents you've pledged The consent for your marriage. |
|
Magayaya-c camu lagu Ta nala-c nu y manugang nu, Nguem arian nu sa ipaguiddu-c Y tuppag na ipabbaddu-c. |
You ought to be glad and show Your love to your daughter-in-law, But don't love her to the extent That you'll spurn her to your heart's content. |
|
Nala-c mu y atauam Annung mu nga idducan, Ta negagangay la garay Tu mapalalay y babay. |
Your wife, you've taken today It's your duty to love and care, For it's the usual way That a woman should be handled with care. |
(m) Amusements
One of the most common amusements among the people is cockfighting. Most parents rear game cocks with much care to the extent of neglecting their children. Another popular amusement
[p. 21]
is the horse race. The ones who are not cockpit or horse race addicts resort to some other worthwhile undertakings such as raising a vegetable garden, flower garden, or hearing radio news broadcasts.
(n) Puzzles and Riddles
Some of the common puzzles or riddles in the community are the following:
|
1. Bulauan y unag na
Pira-c y pallebu na.
(Illug)
|
1. Gold inside
Silver outside.
(Egg)
|
|
2. Batu y unag na
Sitan y lauan na.
(Nangca)
|
2. Stones inside
Thorns outside.
(Jackfruit)
|
|
3. Magaannano-c umulug
Mappalaguiu umune-c.
(Sifun)
|
3. It comes down slowly
Hurries in going up.
(Mucus)
|
|
4. Nu sigguerac cu y bulan
Malaguiu si Ifan.
(Abalabalacay)
|
4. When I touch the moon
Juan will run.
(Spider)
|
|
5. Umulug ume maccaturug
Umune-c ume maccauae-c
(Caralang)
|
5. Going down to sleep
Comes up to move its bowel.
(Earthworm)
|
|
1. Maddob ca nga doban
Tadday ca nga aripan
|
1. Slave is he who orders another
After the master has given the order
|
|
2. Mappia ca gabba cacuan
Nu magguinna ca ta tabarang.
|
2. You ought to have been better
Had you heeded the advice of your father.
|
|
3. Auan nicao tu mesimmu
Nu guinnam mu y tuddu.
|
3. Nothing will happen to you
If you heed what is directed to you.
|
|
4. Ittam nga nevanna-c
Y magana-c ay mazzigariga-c
Mepang-ngo-c tu tangngagac tam Y cagui na daracl tam. |
4. Remember that when we're born
Our mothers were cared for by
That's why we should always believe What they say as long as we live. |
[p. 22]
Proverbs and sayings cont.
|
5. Mapia la y mamarulo-c
Ta adde ngamin na merob nio-c
Panaddamman nio-c na tolay Nu sacan y olu nga matay. |
5. It's always good to obey
And to act without delay,
Your name will for'er be remembered Tho you'll be resting in your grave. |
|
6. Pacanan y mabisin
Penuman y mapangal.
|
6. Feed those who are hungry
Quench those who are thirsty.
|
|
7. Mataqui-c ta baggui
Mataqui-c ta icattolay.
|
7. What is painful to you
Is painful to others.
|
|
8. Nu lubbe-c nicao y batu
Mabbilang ca bi ta mafulu.
|
8. When angry
Count ten
|
|
9. Cucua nga ari nagui baban-
Ay mabi-c nga mapauan.
|
9. A thing easily procured on the way
Immediately vanishes on the same day.
|
|
10. Cucua nga nazzigarigatan
Yatun y manayun ta limam.
|
10. A thing obtained with difficulty
Will surely last to eternity.
|
|
11. Cuccu nu maccagui nga-c
Masserbi la y mauayya-c
Masserbi nu masserbi Ari gapa nu ari. |
11. I act whenever I say
To show service everyday
Whether it may serve or not Come what may, I care not. |
|
12. Magattam ca pacallallo-c nga baggui
Ta caru nicao na cagui,
Mallangui-c noca nga curug Tolay magattam ta ubobug. |
12. Suffer O faither [?] self
Bitter words, please turn deaf,
For he who is humble Will reach heaven little by little. |
|
13. Magattam ca nga palag
Ta panotolim ta gucab,
Lubbe noca y dagun Ay sicao mabi y magan utun. |
13. Be patient to your fate
If you go down, never fret,
Time shall come to you When happiness will change the blue. |
|
14. Bulauan paga nacuan
Y baggui-c ao ta maningan,
Sinni gapa nio-c y maya-c Nu maracay y pangngua pangngua. |
14. Although pure gold may it be
My personality for anyone to see,
Whoever will come to admire If my dealings are not worthwhile. |
|
15. Gafu ta naleg ca ngana
Ta payung mu bordado seda,
Linicuram mu si ananga Nga nangua bi nica ta mapia. |
15. Now that you newly have found
Silk umbrella embroidered around,
You're forsaking the farmer's raincoat which gave you first thought. |
|
16. Yeacca cu laggapa'y bagguil
Haber ta lan nu malaui-c,
|
16. Let me see if I can
Succeed and be a man,
|
[p. 23]
[p. 22]
Proverbs and sayings cont.
|
5. Mapia la y mamarulo-c
Ta adde ngamin na merob nio-c
Panaddamman nio-c na tolay Nu sacan y olu nga matay. |
5. It's always good to obey
And to act without delay,
Your name will for'er be remembered Tho you'll be resting in your grave. |
|
6. Pacanan y mabisin
Penuman y mapangal.
|
6. Feed those who are hungry
Quench those who are thirsty.
|
|
7. Mataqui-c ta baggui
Mataqui-c ta icattolay.
|
7. What is painful to you
Is painful to others.
|
|
8. Nu lubbe-c nicao y batu
Mabbilang ca bi ta mafulu.
|
8. When angry
Count ten
|
|
9. Cucua nga ari nagui baban-
Ay mabi-c nga mapauan.
|
9. A thing easily procured on the way
Immediately vanishes on the same day.
|
|
10. Cucua nga nazzigarigatan
Yatun y manayun ta limam.
|
10. A thing obtained with difficulty
Will surely last to eternity.
|
|
11. Cuccu nu maccagui nga-c
Masserbi la y mauayya-c
Masserbi nu masserbi Ari gapa nu ari. |
11. I act whenever I say
To show service everyday
Whether it may serve or not Come what may, I care not. |
|
12. Magattam ca pacallallo-c nga baggui
Ta caru nicao na cagui,
Mallangui-c noca nga curug Tolay magattam ta ubobug. |
12. Suffer O faither [?] self
Bitter words, please turn deaf,
For he who is humble Will reach heaven little by little. |
|
13. Magattam ca nga palag
Ta panotolim ta gucab,
Lubbe noca y dagun Ay sicao mabi y magan utun. |
13. Be patient to your fate
If you go down, never fret,
Time shall come to you When happiness will change the blue. |
|
14. Bulauan paga nacuan
Y baggui-c ao ta maningan,
Sinni gapa nio-c y maya-c Nu maracay y pangngua pangngua. |
14. Although pure gold may it be
My personality for anyone to see,
Whoever will come to admire If my dealings are not worthwhile. |
|
15. Gafu ta naleg ca ngana
Ta payung mu bordado seda,
Linicuram mu si ananga Nga nangua bi nica ta mapia. |
15. Now that you newly have found
Silk umbrella embroidered around,
You're forsaking the farmer's raincoat which gave you first thought. |
|
16. Yeacca cu laggapa'y bagguil
Haber ta lan nu malaui-c,
|
16. Let me see if I can
Succeed and be a man,
|
[p. 23]
Proverbs and sayings cont.
|
Guinibao mabba y panelian Nu mesimmu angarigan tu auan. |
But if I feil, I suppose There's no danger of any loss. |
|
17. Mapia la y mammacacua
Tolay masqui sinni lara
Mabucao paga y caruan Egga gabba laman y mabattang. |
17. It is nice to show courtesy
To friends or anybody
Some may be blotted out But there's something to be talked about. |
|
18. Bulauan paga angngarigan
Tolay arayyu emmu idedducan
Nguem ya brillante y aranni Ta ira y mabi masserbi. |
18. Warm affections you may give
To far away friends you may have
Your neighbors will always be better For they help you in any weather. |
|
19. Sinni bi y mine nanlaguiu
Ume Mabboluntariu
Nu ari ca bi dan nammula Ta bullung na aya-c nga mapia. |
19. Whoever will be in a hurry
To come to you voluntarily
If you have not planted before the morning Good deeds and charitable dealings. |
|
20. Mata paga angarigan
Y cayu nu macattal,
Nguem nu mayaranni ta darfugan Fuersadu mesibo-c gabbalaman. |
20. Tho the weed may be green
Incombustible as it may seem,
But when near a fireplace May suddenly turn to blaze. |
|
21. Ariam mu ipattagga tagga
Y caru nicao na pira-c,
Nu y Dios nicao y mababangan Piga ca la ta auan. |
21. Never be proud of your wealth
With all your titles, power, and self,
For if God makes His decision In a sudden you will lose your ambition. |
|
22. Bulauan nu macagui
Buli nu mapacoli.
|
Gold when uttered
Lead when fluttered.
|
| 23. Y mappalaguiu madduffu. | 23. He who runs shall fall. |
|
24. Y gucug nga iyaua mu
Ay yaya gabba laman y alauatam mu.
|
24. The measure you give
Is the measure you will receive.
|
|
25. Anni y cacayum cayu
Binilagam mu y fum mu
Ya emmu liniruman Fun na cayu tanacuan. |
25. What kind of tree you are
You exposed your trunk
What you have sheltered Are trunks of other trees. |
|
26. Ari ca la mamappalla-c
Ta bagu ca la nappaya-c
Bulauan paga y cucum Ammu y guienafu gafum. |
26. Never pretend to be somebody
For your feathers have just grown
Your fingernails may be of ivory Still, I know where you were born. |
[p. 24]
(o) Methods of Measuring Time
In the absence of time pieces such as the clocks and watches in the early days, the people resorted to the hornbills, a particular species of birds known to the Ibanags as the calao for measuring time. In the evening, when these birds come home to roost, they usually call out cal--------ao, cal--------ao. The people mark it 6:00 P.M. In the morning, when they wake up ready to go out to look for food, they again call out cal--------ao, cal--------ao. The people mark it again 6:00 A.M. Besides the calaos that gave them the time, they also resorted to the crowing of the cocks. The cocks crow at different stages. The first crowing is marked 10:00 P.M.; the second one is marked 12:00 A.M; the third one is marked 2:00 A.M.; and the fourth one is marked 4:00 A.M. Sometimes, the people can also tell the time by the position of the sun in the sky.
(p) Other Folktales
N o n e .
Part Three - Othern Information
It is regretted that no books and documents treating of the Philippines are available in the community.
It is also further regretted that no persons born or residing in the community has or has ever dared or endeavored to write any book long before the place was made a town to the present, except a handful of men who copied from plain copy in manuscript forms the "Pacion," the "Solomon," the "Leccio," the "Mangurug," and the "San Roque," all common religious hymns sung during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Practically every Catholic
[p. 25]
and Aglipayan home has a copy of each.
COLLECTED AND COMPILED BY:
(SGD.) NARCISO P. COMO
Teacher