MUNICIPALITY OF PADRE BURGOS, QUEZON, Historical Data of Part 3

1. Sitio Campo was made a temporary camp by the USAFFE.
2. 1941 - 1942 Short lived establishment of Japanese Garrison. People encountered hardship.
3. 1942 - 1944 Guerrilla affairs. The ROTC or hunters’ Guerrillas built camps in the Barrio Marao, Polo and Sitio Basiao. They joined anti-Jap raid and tried UN and other pro-Japanese organizations.
4. Landing of First T.M. Boat in the wharf at Sitio Campo. The people celebrated with the American soldiers and crew.
5. Inauguration of the appointed officials after liberation.
6. 1945 - 1946 depredations - successfully repulsed by P.C.
7. Peaceful rehabilitation of the place. People began to live peacefully.
8. The municipality was raised to third class.

1896 - 1900 According to information from old folks some died during the fight between Guardia Civil and insurrectos.
1941 - 1945 Death of Eduardo Villanueva a young member of the Hunters guerrilla unit brought about by the Japanese soldiers.
Death of Reynaldo Villapen in the going battle between the Japanese and Guerrilla.

1945 - 1950 Much has been done during these years of rehabilitation and reconstruction. From 1945 to 1946 to 1947 to 1950 under the able administration of Mayor Bienvenido Márquez much has been done to rehabilitate the conditions of the municipality. Foremost and most tangible accomplishments were:
1. The dilapidated old municipal building was renovated and repainted.
2. The construction of the landing coupe with bandstand, paddy ground for occasions and gathering.
3. The road to municipal building and other roads in town were cleared and improved.
4. Construction of artesian wells in all the four sitios to help the townspeople in water supply especially during droughts.
5. Construction of the cemented stairway down to Sitio Basiao.
6. Necessary aid given to the town and barrio schools.
7. New site and construction of the Catholic church.

TRADITION. Customs and practices in domestic and social life:

Birth - It has been the practices in domestic and social of the mothers to give birth at her home. Seldom can we see mothers delivering in hospitals. The father stay at home while the mother delivers for it is a common belief that the delivering is easy. During the period of labor no one will be allowed to come near by the attendants. No one especially must stay by the door or else the mother will have hard time. There is the so called “Buenos Tubig” if the child is not healthy or seems as if he is in danger of death. Anybody can get a glass of water pour it in the child’s head, uttering these words “I baptize thee,” in the name of the father, son and holy ghost.

Baptism:

When the child is many months old the father and mother agree to have the child baptized selecting the sponsors. There may be one, two or more sponsors but the common practice is two, one male and one female. The mother and the father inform the sponsors before the date set. If the child is a boy the godfather buys the baptismal dress and the godmother does if the child is a girl. There is usually a small “salo-salo” among the Compadres and the Comadres. If the party is grand many friends and relatives are invited, after the celebration gifts are given to the child or else the “pakimkim” in the form of money.

Courtship:

The period of wooing is courtship. The suitor shows his affection by proposing to the lady and visiting her. Thursday and Sunday are the visiting days. He sends greetings of love or gifts during birthdays, christmas, valentines, and other occasions. He sends flowers as a sign of his love. He escorts the lady to dances and gatherings.

Marriage:

The parents of the suitor visit the lady’s home known as the “pamanhikan”. Both parties agree to set a date for marriage of their son and daughter. Invitations are issued either personally or by letters. There is a week preparation in the bride’s home. Celebration is held in the bride’s house. The marriage is solemnized by the priest, justice of the peace, mayor or non-Catholic clergy as agreed upon. Among those still following the old practices there is “galahan” but the modern ones gifts are given to the bride and groom. Both parties help in the success of the celebration but to the antiquated ones the groom’s party is left alone. It is a common practice to stay at the home of the bride after the wedding and the male’s party help in arranging the house and make it tidy after the celebration.

Death:

A dead person is allowed to lie in state either in bench or in a bed. Friends, and neighbors mourn his death. They stay all night for the “bangkayan”. It is a common practice to serve all mourners in the house. A plate is placed at the foot of the corpse where voluntary help is given called “limos”. In well-to-do family, food is needed but relatives give help to the family need. The family mourns the people who attend the “bangkayan”, play different games to play to cheer the bereaved family. Interment takes place before 24 hours.

Burial:

The rich have a costly burial called “dapit” while the others just carry the corpse to the church to be blessed by the priest, the very poor ones and those who are just nominal Catholics just take their corpse to the cemetery. The well-to-do have niche while those who can’t afford to bury their dead in the soil and covered with stones.

Visits:

Hospitality is a distinct trait. Rich and poor entertain their guest or much they can afford. Eats and drinks is a common refreshment served when you visit them. A guest is given “pasalubong” when he goes home.

Festivals:

Town fiesta which is held every May 3rd is a grand celebration the highlights of which is a High Mass, procession of the Patron Saint in land and sea and the going of band around the town. People are well prepared with the occasion roasted pig, chickens, fishes, and delicious eats. Everybody is entertained. Dances are held two nights before and during fiesta.

Punishments:

Whenever a man commits a crime he is tried in the Justice of the Peace Court. He is given the first punishment of law.

J. Legends:

The two big rocks in the middle of the sea known as “magasawang bato”, was so called because the husband and wife went boating long ago capsized, they were lost and days after two big rocks appeared in the place where they disappeared which were attributed to the “magasawa” husband and wife.

An island between the barrio Polo and the Poblacion was called “Talaban” because who ever reached the place is surprised to see an oyster beds, so many people go there purposely to gather “Talaba” (dialect for oysters) and return with boat loaded with talaba. When asked where they got they answer “Talaban”.

In a certain shore in barrio Polo, there is a place called “Kutukutan” because when you scratch (Kutkut) the sand, drinking water flows and the water is good.

In Purok or sitio Basiao was so named because the place is empty, no inhabitants but a wide shore. The Spaniards called it “Basco”.

Interpretations:

If the rays of the sun reddens it is a symbol of war. When a comet appears in the sky and the tail points downward it is a sign of war, famine and death.
If tail points upward it will mean peace, progress and wealth.

Beliefs and Superstitions:

1. It is not good to sweep when the sun is setting for poverty will knock at your doors.
2. Sweeping at night when you have planted will not give a good harvest.
3. Do not sweep when somebody at home dies for the others will follow.
4. Do not trim nails during Tuesday and Fridays.
5. Do not take a bath during Natal Day.
6. An owl is a bad omen.
7. When the cat faces the door someone is coming; if she washes her face it will rain.
8. Sleeping after taking a bath makes one crazy.
9. When you bite your lips you’re being talked about.
10. If a single man eats alone he’ll marry a widow.
11. Do not give any comments at the house of a dead person or else another member of the family will die.
12. People of the house of the same age when they marry brings bad luck.

Origin of the World:

Time was, when this world was neither inhabited by men nor animals. Nothing could be seen except the vast ocean and the skies. Between this space was a lone bird which kept flying restlessly. When he became dead tired of exploiting the space he thought of cause which will make the sky and the sea to meet. Then the bird with predominated and at last the sky was infuriated. In his fury he blew off his rage to the sea, roaring sea, throwing down big lumps of earth and huge rocks.

The rocks and earth thrown to the sea became continents of the world, Asia, Europa, America, Africa and the scattered islands of Australia, Ceylon, Japan, and the Philippines. Such was the legend of the formation of continents.

The very same bird who sing with happiness and triumph because of his success, flying whenever he sees the trees full of fruits and flowers and singing on the bamboo tree. He was so delighted with the beauty of its fruits and so he pecked and pecked till his wings splitted into two and out stepped a robust young man who was called Malakas and from the other segment came out a woman who was Maganda.

As the old legend says, the pair was known as Adam and Eve of the Philippines and from these two originated the inhabitants of this fair isles.

K. Popular Song:

Lahat ay Kaligayahan

Games and Amusements:

“Bubut” — Played by lining the soil with water. The “it” or “taya” stay in the line while the other team called “pusa” try to cross it. The first liner is called “parol” the rest of the liners are called “kutus.” The game is finish when one gets touched and the other team takes the lines.

This game is usually played during moonlight nights by children, married people and the young men and women. Sitio — There is an equal number of players in each team. The teams take a house (bahay) opposite each other in the center, getting the chance to touch each one first. The one who’s unlucky to have been touched becomes a prisoner of the other house until he has the chance to be saved. The most number of prisoners is the loser.

Other Games:

Juego de Prenda — a game played during fiestas.
Boat Racing — a game played during fiestas.
Palo-Sebo — a game played during fiestas.
Pillow Races — a game played during fiestas.
Cock fighting — “Sabong” — a common amusement during Sundays, mostly male persons.

M. Proverbs and Sayings:

1. The misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never came.
2. A penny saved is a penny earned.
3. It is better to be alone than in bad company.
4. Plow deep while others sleep.
5. It is easier to pull down than to build up.
6. If you want knowledge you must toil for it.
7. The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time.
8. He that hath found a faithful friend hath found a treasure.
9. Shallow water makes most noise.
10. Iron is destroyed by its own rust.
11. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
12. A lazy man’s garden is full of weeds.
13. The worst wheel does the most creaking.
14. Gambling is an express trip to poverty.
15. A santol tree never bears a guava fruit.
16. A good name is better than riches.

N. Method of Measuring Time:

1. When the roosters crow it is 5:00 o’clock.
2. When the sun is overhead it is 12:00 o’clock.
3. When lizards kiss the soil it is 6:00 o’clock or Angelus.

C. Date of establishment --- 1892

D. Name or Social Status of the Founders:

E. Names of persons who held leading official positions in the community, until the dates of their tenure if possible:

Councillors:

1. Francisco Villena
2. Antonio Quebrado
3. Antonio Quinto
4. Arcadio Sulit
5. Eladio Amador
6. Sixto Ramos

Hugo Arellano --- Justice of the Peace
Francisco Villamatar --- Mun. Treasurer
Dionisio Pasia --- Mun. Secretary
Benito Niere --- Chief of Police

F. Data on historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins, etc.

The wharf - symbol of commercial progress.
The old church with the old fashioned “canyon” marker of the people’s religious faith.
The big cement slabs and grandeur of the early foreign settlers.

G. Important facts, incidents or events that took place:

During the Spanish occupation - The English pioneers in 1898 opened the lumbering business and inci-

cidentally influenced the social and economic life of the people. The establishment of a part for inland and foreign vessels.

During the American occupation to World War II:

The extension of railroad line to this town, bringing American engineers and other workers who later established their residence here and led in business and civic enterprise.

During and after the World War II:

This town has been selected as one of the military stations where our soldiers camped. The people extended all possible loyalty and help to the soldiers. First aid lessons were given to the public.

The short lived establishment of Japanese garrison here and the fears and hardships encountered by all, 1942–1944. The people of this town joined the Hunters Guerrillas and participated in various anti-Jap raids and encounters. Many “Yoin” were also tried and sentenced in this town.

First American P.T. boat landed and the consequent raising of the American and Filipino flags were witnessed amidst joyful tears of the populace.

The colorful inauguration of the first appointive municipal officials in the hinterlands.

The Huks depredations which were successfully repulsed by the P.P. and PCS in 1948.

The raising of the classification of this town from fourth to third class.

H. Destruction of lives, properties and institutions during the wars especially in 1896–1900 and 1941–1945.

1896–1900 – During these years there were the revolutionists the so-called “Insurrectos”. They entered the town and fought the constabularies. Some civilians died and others were wounded. It was then successfully repulsed by the Spanish soldiers.

1941–1945 – At the outbreak of the World War II in 1941 ranging from the age of 18 up to 20 were called to duty. They fought in battle together with the American soldiers. Others returned and some died in the battlefield. Between 1942–1943 the Japanese tortured and massacred civilians who were not able to understand them and accused of being spies of the Americans and the guerrillas.

Measures and accomplishments toward rehabilitation and reconstruction following World War II.

1. The renovation and repainting of the municipal building.
2. The improvement of roads going to the school building and roads going to Bastiao and Bondoc.
3. The construction of the new tennis court and bandstand.

Part two – Folkways

I. Traditions, customs and practices in domestic and

Part Two – Folkways

I. Traditions, customs, and practices in domestic and social life: birth, baptism, courtships, marriage, death, burial, visits, festivals, punishments, etc.

Birth:

1. When the mother gives birth, the father should stay home so that the mother will deliver easily.
2. Visitors should not stay at the door of the house of a pregnant woman.
3. Baptizing the child with water after he is born, the so‑called “Buhos Tubig.”

Baptism:

1. The parents of the child select the baptismal sponsors, the godfather and godmother.
2. If the child is a boy, the godfather will buy the baptismal dress; if the child is a girl, the godmother will buy the baptismal dress.
3. After the baptism, there is a celebration. If the celebration is grand, many people are invited—usually friends, relatives, and neighbors. Sometimes it is just a family gathering. After the celebration, the godfather and godmother give their presents (“Pakimkim”) in the form of money or other articles.

Courtships:

1. The time for preparation for marriage is courtship. The days a suitor should visit a lady are Thursday and Sunday. Suitors send flowers to the lady they love. They send greetings of love or gifts during birthdays, Christmas, Valentines, and other occasions. The suitor must respect the parents of the lady; otherwise, he will not win her love.

Marriage:

The “Pamamanhikan” is the day on which both parties agree to set a date for the marriage of their son and daughter. The celebration is held in the house of the bride. The marriage is solemnized either by the priest, justice of the peace, mayor, or non‑Catholic clergy as agreed upon. The “galahan” is traditional among those still observing the old practice, but nowadays some are no longer following this. They practice the modern way of giving gifts to the bride and groom. After the wedding celebration, the bride goes to the house of the groom while the groom is left in the bride’s house. Afterward, the groom follows the bride and they stay together in the groom’s house.

Death:

If a person dies, the body lies in state in the house where he breathed his last. The relatives, friends, and neighbors stay in the house for the whole night and mourn his death.

This is called the “Bangkayan.” While parents and relatives grieve for the loss of their loved ones, young men and ladies play some games to pass the night and cheer the bereaved family. Among poor families, a plate is placed at the foot of the corpse where voluntary help is given by the sympathizers in the form of money. Among well‑to‑do families, voluntary help is given to the head of the family. Interment takes place after twenty‑four hours. The corpse is carried to the cemetery after it has been blessed by a priest in case he is a Catholic. Among the poor, they are just taken to the cemetery without blessing. Among the well‑to‑do families, there is a niche where they place their dead ones. It has been practiced by other families to throw handfuls of soil and used candles on the grave before it is entirely covered.

Visits:

Hospitality among town people is prominent. They entertain their visitors with some food and drinks. The visitor is offered things available in the place that he can bring home.

Festivals:

During town fiesta the highlights are:

1. Mass
2. Bands going around the town
3. Procession either on land or water.
4. General preparation of townspeople for their visitors. The poorest families slaughter a pig, roast chickens, etc., and prepare delicacies.
5. Usually, a dance is held.

Punishment:

Persons who commit crimes are tried by the court and given due punishment if found guilty.

J. Myths:

Formerly the church was facing toward the sea. During that time many people died from epidemics and fishermen drowned. So the clergy, sensing that those occurrences might be attributed to the position of the church, deemed it proper to change the position, making it face the horizon.

Legends:

In the western part of the sitio of Bundok is a secluded place surrounded by rocks. In the center of these rocks is a waterfall which flows to the sea. Before one could reach this spot he has to ascend the stairs. Thus, this place came to be called “Lakadanan.”

Beliefs:

If, in ascending the stairs of a house, you turn left upon entering the room, the occupants may lose their fortune as they would have to encounter some sort of calamities. If children are seen playing with shells, it is a sign of prosperity and abundance. If small boys are playing with toy guns, war is anticipated.

Superstitions:

It is not a good practice to sweep at night, for what has been earned would easily be spent. When taking down a corpse, doors and windows should be kept closed, and one must avoid peeping out; otherwise, anyone in the household might follow the fate of the deceased.

Origin of the World:

During those times, this world was neither inhabited by man nor animals. Nothing could be seen except the sky and the raging sea. Between them was a living bird which kept flying back and forth. Due to its restless flying, it became extremely tired and thought of a way to rest. What came to its mind was to create a cause that would make the sky and the endless sea quarrel. The furious sea blew off its rage toward the sky, and the sky threw down big lumps of earth and huge rocks to the roaring sea.

These rocks and earth which the sky threw down to the sea became the continents of this world: Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and the scattered islands of Australia, Ceylon, Japan, and the Philippines. This ended the legend of the continents, and the bird sang in happiness for its success. It then had a place to alight on whenever it felt tired from its day’s flight.

This very same bird was on the shore when suddenly something fell on its feet. It was hurt by the sudden fall. It flew to a tall, thin tree—the bamboo—and alighted on one of its tender twigs. It pecked and pecked. The bamboo split into two, and out stepped a young, robust man who was Malakas, and a woman who was Maganda. From that moment, Malakas and Maganda were the first pair of humans on earth, according to an old Tagalog story. Malakas and Maganda are the Adam and Eve of the Philippines.

The First Clouds, Thunder, and Rain:

Cabigat and Bunga were husband and wife. They were giants. They lived on the top of a high mountain where they owned a big field of camotes. Early one morning, Bunga took her big basket to dig out camotes. Her husband stayed at home to cut wood. He took his big bolo and cut down a large tree near the house. Then he got tired. He wanted to rest and smoke. He got his pipe and smoked. He blew so much smoke into the air that after a while the sky was filled with it. The people who lived at the foot of the mountain saw the smoke in the air and called it cloud.

Cabigat became hungry, so he called his wife Bunga. She was far away, so Cabigat had to shout. The people called it thunder.

Cabigat had worked hard all morning and his hands were dirty. He went to a waterfall to wash them. He shook the water from his hands. The water fell in drops upon the people at the foot of the mountain, and they called it rain.

K. Popular Songs, Games and Amusements:

Popular Songs:

KUNDIMAN OF 1800

Games:

1. Juego de Prenda 2. Boat Racing 3. Palo sebo

Amusements:

1. Cockfighting 2. Zarzuela 3. Moro-moro

Dances:

Rigodon is usually performed at the beginning of the dance, with government officials and people of high social standing in the community participating. The dancers are arranged in square formation. The head pairs are called “cabeseras,” and the side pairs are called “costado.”

Aringinding-ginding is a simple, delightful courtship dance brought by settlers from Mindoro. The participants sing as they perform the dance steps. The words of the songs, alternately sung by the boy and the girl, speak mostly of love in a tender but humorous way.

L. Puzzles and Riddles:

1. A penny saved is a penny earned.
2. If you want knowledge, you must toil for it.
3. Plow deep while others sleep.
4. It is better to be alone than in bad company.
5. It is easier to pull down than to build up.

M. Methods of Measuring Time. Special Calendar:

During the olden days, the people measured time by means of the sun. When the sun rises, it is six o’clock. When it is overhead, it is time for lunch—twelve o’clock noon. When the sun has set, it is time to pray the Angelus.

Another method of measuring time is when lizards are seen kissing the ground before twilight. It is already six o’clock, time for Angelus.

Other Folk Tales:

Other Folk Tales:

Once a fierce lion was sleeping in a cave. He was suddenly awakened by the noise of a rat. The lion was so angry that he caught the rat and said, "I'm going to eat you." But the rat pleaded, saying, "If you eat me, you will not be satisfied as I am too little. Please don’t eat me." With these words, the lion was touched and set the rat free.

One day, while the lion was hunting for food in the forest, he was trapped in a big net. He tried to get out, but he could not. He roared and asked for help. The rat heard him and approached the lion. Seeing that the lion was in need of help, the rat did not waste time and at once gnawed through the net until the lion was able to get out. The lion thanked the rat so much, and from that time they became friends.

Transcribed from: Historical Data of the Municipality of Padre Burgos, Province of Quezon, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.