MUNICIPALITY OF BAILEN,(GEN. EMILIO AGUINALDO), CAVITE, Historical Data of Part 3
PART III
The transcription of this page was done using AI technology.
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FOLKSWAYS OF THE TOWN OF BAILEN
Filipinos are a superstitious people. Every event in their lives, be they good or bad, is attached to a superstition. The people of Bailen, both in the barrio and in the poblacion, have many customs and practices in their domestic and in their social life that are governed by superstitions.
BIRTH & BAPTISM
When a woman gives birth, the godparent will come from a far town if the infant has a loud cry. If the infant cries feebly, the godparent will be one from the neighborhood. Even before the baby is born, it is bound by so many superstitions. The mother must not walk over any rope because the baby's cord will be wound around its neck. The mother must not wipe her hands in her skirt because the baby will be full of fatty substance (sebo) when it comes out. The mother must not eat any food that discolors because the baby will always turn black (taul). She should not eat twin bananas to avoid giving birth to twins. She should not sit on the steps because she will have difficult labor. She should not go around after dark because the weredog will eat up her baby. During delivery, if it is a difficult one, the husband is asked to jump from the top of the stairs so that the baby will also jump out of the womb. When the baby finally comes out and it has marks on its forehead, people say it will die because it has a crown.
When the mother is in confinement, she should not sleep with her back towards the baby. If she does, an unseen power will get her baby, meaning, the baby will die.
The selection of the godmother or the godfather is influenced by superstitions. If a certain person has been fancied,
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the choice should not be changed. A cousin should not stand sponsor for a baby, because it is improper to be the comare of an aunt or uncle. During the baptismal rites, a boy who happens to be alone with several girls will not have difficulty in courting because he will be popular with the opposite sex. The same is true with a girl. If she is baptized alone with several boys, she will be popular with the boys. She will have many lovers when she becomes a maiden.
COURTSHIP
During the early part of the American regime, courting was a difficult task. A boy is not allowed to talk to a girl just anywhere. He must first visit the girl in her house but he must not tell his intentions. Repeated visits of his will be understood by the elders. If it happens that there are several girls in the family, the case must remain a puzzle until the elders of the boy have presented gifts. Presenting gifts is done several times. If the first is accepted, the boy may continue his visits. If it is rejected, he had better look for another girl to visit. If the boy is lucky and is allowed to continue his visits, his elders may present gifts again after a lapse of a few months. This interval is now becoming a matter of only a few weeks. Sometimes a second gift has been accepted but still the boy does not know when his adventures will end. And by the way, a lucky day is selected for this gift-presenting. When the elders of the boy are in the girl's home, the boy should not be present. The girl is also not allowed to listen to the conversation and agreement that might follow. A third gift-giving is necessary so as to learn when the culminating activity may be expected. During this gift-giving, the elders talk of the dowry and the marriage plans. The dowry in this case comes from the boy, not from the girl. Most usually, it is agreed upon that the girl will be given a house, a piece of land, a cow or a carabao, and a certain amount of money to buy
[p. 43]
clothes and trinkets. The amount ranges from ₱20 to ₱500. The most common is from ₱50-₱100. In addition to these, the girl’s house is repaired if it needs repair. A balcony is added if it has none. Whatever work there is in the farm, the boy’s party does it for the girl. This farm work may include plowing, weeding, planting, and general cleaning of the farm. All these things are done with the boy’s family shouldering all the expenses. During this period, the boy lives in the girl’s home. The purpose of this is to give all his services and to be tried or observed. It used to be from six months to one year. This period is shortening. The most common length is one or two months now. During this probation period, the boy is virtually a member of the girl’s family. He wakes up early to prepare water and fuel. He goes to the farm to help. Whatever manual work there is, he is expected to be the chivalrous knight offering his services.
When the money for the girl’s clothes have been given, she goes shopping with his and her parents for companions. She spends all the money for shoes, dresses, and jewelry.
WEDDING
All wedding parties in our town are held in the girl’s home and all expenses are shouldered by the boy’s parents. The bride invites only a few relatives or maybe none at all. It is shamefull to invite because the food is not hers. It usually happens that she invites only the nearest relative or kin.
[p. 44]
HOW BAILEN GOT ITS NAME
( A Legend )
During the Spanish occupation of the Philippines when there were only few towns in Cavite Province, Bailen was only a small village commonly known as Baritan and was a part of the town of Maragondon.
Once some Spanish Priests accompanied by some native soldiers and Spanish Officers came to visit the place for an undisclosed purpose. On their arrival, some soldiers and a Lieutenant strolled around the place. They met a small old man whose amazing actuation attracted their attentions. The soldiers became so rude that they even came to the extent of teasing the old man whom they called "Totoy". They finally requested the old man to dance before them. The old man danced for a while and then in turn requested the Lieutenant and his soldiers to dance for him, but they refused to heed his request. The soldiers even came to indecent jokes and laughed at the old man. The old man felt uneasy at the actuations of the group, so he made them dance against their will. They all danced and danced and could not stop dancing even if they wanted to. Some were lying down but were not able to stop swinging their legs and arms.
The next morning the small man appeared and found the soldiers still dancing. The soldiers asked for forgiveness so they were able to rest.
On their return to Cavite, the Lieutenant reported their unpleasant experience to the Spanish Provincial Governor. The Governor was amazed on the story of the Lieutenant and they agreed to call this place Bailen. Bailen was derived from the Spanish verb "Bailar" meaning dance.
Submitted by Arsenio Castillo
[p. 45]
THE LEGEND OF BALON NG SANTO
It was in the year 1850. The tyranical Spanish regime was nearing its end. The fire of the Philippine Revolution was then slowly scattering throughout the country. The people were already silently craving for an opportunity to revolt against the despotic government set up by the Spaniards. During that time, Capitang Gregorio Panganiban was the chief executive of the town. He was a liberal and democratic president. The priest was a sort of demigod. His words were oftentimes the law. Nobody dared to disobey his orders even the Capitan himself for fear of severe punishment at the hand of Guardia Civil. All the inhabitants were blind followers of the church because of the priest.
One day, at about three o'clock in the afternoon, a poor farmer was on his way home from the field. He was walking slowly and stopping once in while. His head was bending forward while walking. He was holding his stomach with one of his hands. He got stomach trouble so he went very much earlier than the usual hour for the farmers to return to their respective homes. When he arrived at a brook which formed the eastern boundary of the town, he felt like drinking. He remembered the little well dug a foot west of the stream, so he slowly went there to drink. On arriving beside the well, the pain of his stomach became more tense. He cried for help but nobody answered him for there was not a soul passing that way. He was at a loss. He did not know what to do. A moment later an idea struck him. His face grew brighter. He knelt beside the well facing the church and whispered a prayer to the Patron St. Joseph of the town. After the prayer he drew a little water from the well and drank it. Immediately his thoughts became clearer and the pain of his stomach seemed to be lessening. Again he drew water from it and drank with full satisfaction. Just after the last drop of water had gone to his aching stomach, the pain completely relieved and he was totally cured of his illness. He knelt once more and offered
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a prayer of thanks to the Almighty and to St. Joseph.
After the incident, he ran to the convent. He found the priest strolling about the yard. He at once knelt in front of him and kissed his hands. The priest was very much surprised. He was dumbfounded for a moment. When his full senses returned he asked the former why he madly ran to him. At first the poor farmer could not utter a word because he was very tired. But after a few moments, he was able to relate the whole story. The priest was very much impressed of what he heard. He told the farmer that it was a miracle of St. Joseph, and that the well must be owned by him. He thanked the farmer and then they parted. He went up the convent while the farmer went home.
The following day the priest summoned Capitan Gregorio. In his presence, he told the people the story of the farmer regarding the miracle done by St. Joseph and the holy water of the well which served as an effective medicine. After the mass, the priest with the Capitan, other officials and a good number of church devotees went down the brook and consecrated the well. He baptized and named it as Balon ng Santo (St. Joseph's Well). The news of the miracle of St. Joseph and the mystery of the water of the well scattered far and wide. It reached the neighboring towns and provinces. People from different places made pilgrimage to this town and paid homage to our Patron Saint. After going to church, they went to the brook to take a little bath in the well. They even brought water from the well to their homes. Many of the people who came were usually suffering from some illness. With their devotion to St. Joseph plus bathing and drinking water from the Patron's well, they were cured and relieved of their illness. Sometimes persons suffering from their sickness could not be brought here, so their relatives or friends were the ones coming to get water from the well. Once at home, they would give a drink to the patient or wash the part of the body suffering from pain with the water and sooner or later they were cured. Thus
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St. Joseph had a well, the so called BALON NG SANTO became very famous. Its name was received by the people from different places. To this present date, BALON NG SANTO, is still in existence, but its bygone mysteries are fading from the minds of the populace.
Submitted by Filemon Bautista
[p. 48]
THE LEGEND OF KUSOT HILL
Long, long ago there live Sotera, a lovely maiden with her parents in the fine house on top of the hill. She was kind and gentle as she was pretty and her parents loved her dearly and were very proud of her. Most of the days of the week she was seen by the river washing clothes for she was a laundry woman.
Not far from her home was the home of Andres, living with his father who was a hunter. Andres learned the skill in hunting from his father with bow and arrow. He was a good shooter. His arrow never miss. Whenever Sotera will go down the river to wash clothes she used to call her boy friend Andres to go with her. Andres with a smile would run to meet Sotera to carry the big basin of dirty clothes. They were good friends. They were true to each other.
One day Sotera thought of calling Andres to ask for help in washing clothes in the river. Andres happily went with Sotera. He brought with him his bow and arrow. These two souls were very happy by the bank of the river. Sotera was washing clothes while Andres was singing. After the song Andres unconsciously asked Sotera, "When will you marry?" His question was almost unfinished when a pair of oriole perched on the branch of the tree over their heads.
"Look," whispered Sotera, "two beautiful birds!"
"Do you know well I can shoot with my bow and arrow?" He asked.
Andres got slowly his weapon over his shoulder and aimed at the birds. Ssss s-s- away flew the arrow direct to the beautiful bird. It clung to the branches of the trees and finally dropped into the water. The arrow was still fastened to the neck of the bird.
"You are a good shooter!" Sotera said with surprise.
Without waiting a minute Andres jumped into the water to catch the sinking bird with the arrow. He forgot that he did not know how to swim. He came out of the water and was able to shout.
[p. 49]
"Naku Sotera, save me." Instead Sotera ran up the hill to call for help. When the people came Andres had drunk much water and almost unconscious. He was about to sink in the water for the third time. But the people still heard what Andres said, "Naku Sotera save me. Naku Sotera, naku Sot" and he sank in the water unable to survive.
From that time on the people call the hill "Kusot" from the two words "Naku Sotera."
[p. 50]
HOW PULO NG KARIYAS GOT ITS NAME
This is a sitio in Castanos called "Pulo ng Kariyas." This place is south of Kaymisas and west of Castanos proper. In this place there is an old mango grove, that has grown so high that there are few climbers that could climb these mango trees. The name given to this place derived from the name of the man who owned and planted this mango tree. When this man came to this place in the year 1805, it was still a part of a vast forest. He was the first man that cleared this forest. That is why he came to own this piece of land. This man was Zacarias Castillo. When he died and left his land to his daughter, Bimana Castillo. The people called it "Pulo ng Kariyas" in honor of the man who planted the mango tree.
[p. 51]
LEGEND OF GUYONG GUYONG
There was a boy who lived in a village of Guyo. He was fond of wandering. He was kind, industrious and helpful.
It happened that an old man in the neighborhood became sick and no one cared for him. The boy wandering in many places happened to come to the place of the old man. The boy fed, bathed, dressed, and cheered the old sick man.
The sick man soon recovered from his illness. The boy became dear to him. He thought of a way to reward him for his kindness and charitableness.
He called the boy Guyo. One afternoon a friend of Guyo came. His friend's name was Guyong. Guyo and Guyong went to the forest together to gather firewood. They met a misfortune. A snake bit their legs that made them drop dead.
When it was getting late the old man looked for them. The old man found Guyo and Guyong dead. In his remorse he shouted at the height of his voice, "Guyo, Guyong." Passers-by who heard the old man came to help him. Guyo and Guyong were buried side by side. Not long after, there grew on the spot where they were buried a tree different from the trees around. The tree that grew had upright branches. The people of the place called it Guyong-Guyong tree in memory of the two boys. That was how the place got its name.
[p. 52]
THE LEGEND OF TALUNG BUTAS
"Talung Butas" is situated Northwest of Kaypaaba and passed by a trail leading to Magallanes. This place was given the name by the early people of Bailen because during the rainy season when there is water flowing in this creek, the water passes this fall and goes through a hole under the ground. The water passes through an underground tunnel built by nature and the water will be seen again about ten meters away from this waterfall. That was the story behind the name of this particular waterfall.
[p. 53]
HOW THE SITIO OF "ITO" GOT ITS NAME
This is one of the many sitios in the municipality of Bailen, which got their name in an interesting and legendary manner. It had a tragic and romantic derivations.
This sitio was in the eastern part of the barrio of Castanos. How it got its name is of interest and is worthwhile to relate. There was a man from Alfonso, by the name of Marianito. He had a faithless wife, who was enamored to another man. To show her infidelity to Marianito, she hatched plans to dispose and murder her true and innocent husband.
Marianito, not knowing of the love triangle that he was in, was a marked man. He is a farmer by profession. He went to the fields daily early in the morning and returned late at night. One afternoon while going home tired and hungry he was ambushed and treacherously waylaid by his wife's paramour, hitting him on the head with a piece of wood. He fell unconscious with a groan. His adversary not giving him a chance to defend himself tied him tightly with the rope of his carabao. He was carried to the bank of the river and tied a large stone to his belly. He was thrown to the deep water.
After a week of fruitless search a couple by the name of Roman Dinlasan and Romana Favia fished in the river. They found the decomposed corpse of Marianito. The couple notified the Teniente del Barrio. The Teniente del Barrio, upon hearing of the matter went to investigate.
The people became afraid of the place. They were reminded of the gruesome and dastard act. Many would not go to the vicinity of the place. The sad fate of "ITO" reminded the people of the accident. They call the place "ITO" to be an example to all the people of the community, "THAT CRIME DOES NOT PAY." From that time on the place was named "ITO" by the people.
Submitted by Jorgelita H. Añonuevo
[p. 54]
THE LEGEND OF NAPAYONG
Long time ago there once lived an old couple with an only daughter named Maganda. Maganda lived with her aged parents near the biggest and tallest tree. She had long black hair that almost reached her ankles. Her red cheeks attracted the attention of the young men in the place. She used to spend her leisure hours under the shade of her favorite tree that topped all the trees around.
One day his father became ill and soon died. Not far from Maganda's house lived a handsome young man named Makisig. It so happened that while Maganda was at the base of the tree Makisig came and shared with Maganda's precious moments in silence. This was their first meeting. Makisig that evening visited Maganda also for the first time. He took off his hat and greeted good evening to Maganda and her mother. For a number of evening he was entertained by the mother. He then expressed his desire by working, together with courtesy, gentleness and meekness. After years of faithful service Makisig succeeded in his long sought marriage.
Before their marriage was solemnized a house of their own was built under the shady tree. When children were born to the couple, the tree that served Maganda since her childhood served the same purpose for their children. The tree served as a protection from the shower and heat of the sun. Napayong was the name given to the place because of this tree that served many.
[p. 55]
THE LEGEND OF KAYPA-ABA
Rufino was the only son of a rich couple. When his parents died, a vast area of abaca plantation was left to him. He lived alone in a small hut in a secluded elevated place. The place was separated from the East by a deep river with steep sides. When lonely he would stand on the doorway of his hut. From there he could see passers-by, animals, farmers on their fields, and tall trees that lined the steep sides of the river. There are weekdays when friends come to visit him. Friends shout at him before crossing the river to find whether he is at home. Upon hearing the friends' call, he would look over to the other side of the river and would answer back by saying "come." This was how the place was called "TANAW."
He was a lover of beautiful places. He often crossed the river to visit his friends and relatives. One sunny day, as he walked, he came upon a beautiful maiden resting under a leafy shade tree. Her cheeks were red. Her hair was long that hang over her shoulders. She had a fair skin, her feet was bare, The maiden came from her relatives when he visited. Her grace, her beauty, and simplicity won the admiration of Rufino. From the first time he saw the maiden, he marked the place and named it "BIGTASIN" for he loved to pass the place when over he goes to visit or take a walk.
From "Bigtasin" Pinong's eyes followed Monang, the maiden as far as his eyes could see. Rufino who before wished to see beautiful places only was changed to a lover of both human and nature, A tender love was cherished in his heart. This love taught him to wander until he found Monang's house farther North. Love that tried to free itself from its wound found expression in service, service to Monang's family. For a pace of three years, Pinong, made himself serve with patience.
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He served his in-laws-to-be in almost all their needs and desires so that he was soon always in labor, never idle. Due to these difficulties he met while claiming for the hand of Menang, the place was called by him "TAKTAK."
At the end of the third year the hand of Menang was lent to Pinong. As for Menang, real courtship began only when they were married. Her parents had a wise choice. A house of their own was built, then her other wishes such as money, clothes, jewels and good foods were offered to her.
As for Rufino, he was not extravagant in his clothing. All he wished for was the happiness and contentment of his loved wife. To maintain a pleasant home atmosphere he remains true and faithful to Menang. It was for this happy worth-mentioning married life of the couple was the place called "TALA."
They were nearing old age when a bit of unhappiness marred their peacefulness and faithfulness towards one another. They were childless. Their minds were troubled. They wanted a baby of their own. They wished for a baby, the joy of a home. Every night the couple prayed ". God be kind to us. Give a child."
For almost a year they waited and prayed in earnest. A surprise came to them. There was the first sign of pregnancy. They invited friends and had a feast in "Tala." At the approach of the ninth month, they moved to the south where there were relatives and friends. A small house was built with the help of kind relatives. The group of houses increased to five.
It was early dawn, Sunday when a baby girl was born to the couple. At the first cry of the baby born, Rufino in his rejoicing could only utter Aba Aba Anak malusog, mataba tulad sa Ina na pinaligaya sa "Tala. From his first utterances at the birth of their only child was Kaypa-aba.
Submitted by Romana I. Dimapilis
[p. 57]
THE STORY OF MATEONG ENCANTO
Once upon a time there was a handsome young man named Mateo who lived in a little cogon house with his wife and five children. Their means of livelihood was from the farm. As a farmer Mateo was very industrious. During moonlight night sometimes he worked on his farm.
One night when Mateo was about to go home someone appeared to him. At first he thought that it was his wife, but later on he noticed that it was a fairy because of her unusual appearance. She greeted Mateo, but he did not say anything, instead of talking with her he mounted his horse and made it run as fast as it could. When he reached home he related the story to his wife.
The next morning he went to his farm to do his daily work. On his way he was thinking what to do in case the fairy appeared again, At last a good thought came to his mind. He planned to leave his farm earlier than before. In the afternoon when Mateo was still working the fairy appeared. She told him not to be afraid of her. She said that she wanted to be a friend with him. Since that time Mateo was often times visited by the fairy. He was given costly gifts and foods in beautiful plates. After a few months they became intimate friends.
One day Mateo was invited by the fairy to her underground home. Being eager to see her home he accepted the invitation without telling his family. He left his home early but failed to return. The following morning Mateo's wife went to their farm in order to know what happened with him. She called his name but no one was answering. The search began, Many men joined in searching but failed to locate where he went. It was presumed that he was enchanted in the nearby cave. Every night Mateo's wife prayed God for his return. At last she dreamed that he was really enchanted.
Submitted by Filemon Bautista
[p. 58]
After two years of his enchantment he was allowed to return to his family. Before leaving the cave he was given a sack of money by the fairy. He was told not to let his wife and children touch him otherwise he could not return to the cave. When he reached home his wife and children were very happy. There were cries of joy. His children clung around his neck and told him not to leave them again.
That evening when everybody was sleeping he left for the cave. The cave was closed. He could not open it. He knocked and knocked but no body dare to open it. He could hear cries of a baby but he could not enter the cave. At last he became impatient and left the place. He returned home to his family to love them forever.
After a few days Mateo's wife noticed that his attitude was different. There were times when he was meek and there times when he was talkative. He was easily moved to anger by anything that displeased him. When he lost his good mind he revealed the story of his enchantment to his wife. He told her that the fairy became his wife and left a child to her. From that time he was called Mateong Encanto.
Submitted by Filemon Bautista