MUNCIPALITY OF CABUYAO, LAGUNA, Historical Data of

About these Historical Data

The transcription of this page was done using AI technology.

[p. 1]

HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE OF THE TOWN
PART I – HISTORY

I. Present Official name of the town – Cabuyao

II. Former name or names and their meaning or derivation –

A. “Tabuko” which means bordering the river.

B. “Kabuyao” name of a tree, of mandarin family with uneven shapes or projections on the surface.

C. History – The Origin Of Its Name

Long before the Spaniards occupied our country, the former name of Cabuyao was “Tabuko.” This town was the biggest town during that time. It included the towns of Biñan, Santa Rosa, San Pedro and other towns up to Santo Tomas, Batangas.

The settlement was located along the shores of Laguna de Bay. According to the early settlers, Laguna Lake was only a narrow river, such that a rooster or hen could easily fly to and fro on both banks.

Along the shore of the lake, there stood a village church. A “Kabuyao” tree grew near the church. A “golden bell” was hung in the tree. This bell was used by the settlers during church masses and in case of emergency.

When the Spaniards first reached this town, they established a military organization known as the Kainta Expedition, accompanied by the Augustinian missionaries. They planted a cross at the shores of Laguna de Bay, symbolizing

[p. 2]

the conversion of the settlement to Christianity and their subjection to the rule of the Spaniards:

One bright day, some Spanish soldiers who had been walking a long way felt warm and tired. They stopped to rest under the shade of the “Kabuyao” tree. There were also some natives who were resting under the tree. One of the Spanish soldiers asked them in Spanish, “Qué es el nombre de este pueblo?,” at the same time looking at the fruits of the “Kabuyao” tree. The natives did not understand what he uttered. They thought the soldier was asking for the name of the tree, because he was looking at the fruits, so they replied, “Kabuyao.” From that time on, the soldiers called the town Cabuyao. The natives also called the town Cabuyao, because they thought the soldiers christened the town, disregarding “Tabuko.” From that time on the town was called Cabuyao.

III. Date of establishment – No accurate or exact date of its establishment was available. However it was presumed that the town was established long before the coming of the Spaniards in the Islands. It was said that the town was the oldest and the richest town in Luzon. Calamba, Santa Rosa, and Biñan were only barrios of Cabuyao during that time.

[p. 3]

IV. Names and social status of the founders –

A certain family of Lorenzo Tanyag was believed to be one of the founders of this town. However, record shows that way back in 1793 up to 1800, the following persons held position as Capitan Municipal: Victorio Mariano, Domingo Santos, Juan Paalam, Saturnino Manacsa, Luis Almonte, Hilario Cruz, Calixto Bautista, and Feliciano F. Manacsa.

V. Names of Persons who hold leading official positions in the community, with the dates of their tenure.

[p. 4]

[p. 5]

[p. 6]

VI. Data on historical sites, structures, buildings and old ruins.

Reminiscences of the Spanish era can be traced in this municipality, like aged buildings and old ruins. The church which was constructed through forced labor, reveals the Spanish style of architecture. Many houses of this style are still in existence. They serve as souvenirs of the past generations. With various earthquakes, ravages of war and through wear and tear of time, several houses were constructed to follow the modern trends of architecture. The school building which was constructed of the Gabaldon type was built in 1921. Traces of its old age can be noticed today. Repair through the kind aid of the National Government will be the greatest blessing to the school children and an everlasting remembrance of the Administration. The municipal building was built in 1939. It stands as the living monument of Mr. Nicolas Limcaoco’s administration.

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

A. During the Spanish Occupation – Like other places in the country, the people of this place reaped the fruits of the Spanish tyranny. Forced labor, heavy taxation, and abuses of the corrupt officials were some of the root causes of troubles during that time. Way back in the middle of eighteenth century some barrios of this municipality suffered what we called the “Nacimiento” due to the inability to pay the taxes required by them by the Spanish Government.

[p. 7]

B. During the American Occupation to World War II.

The Sakdal Uprising:

The first town to rise against the Commonwealth Government was Cabuyao. The uprising was instituted by a political party known as the “Sakdal.” The party was established in 1934 by Benigno Ramos, who called himself as the Supreme. He came from the province of Bulacan. He was not a college degree holder but an eloquent speaker. He was able to win the sympathy of the people who were mostly barrio folks and uneducated. He ran a publication in Tagalog, which carried the name of their party, the “Sakdal”. The articles published were alleged grievances against the government. He condemned the public officials who ran the government. He opposed the extravagant expenditures of public funds and the taxes levied on the people. The members of the party were asked to pay 10 centavos every week. Where did the collection go? Only the sakdalistas knew. The sakdalistas grew in number in all places, but the most aggressive ones were from the fishermen from Sta. Rosa, a neighboring town and from this municipality. Secret meetings were held in all places.

Leaders like Aquilino Javier, Nazario Javier, Jose Vicente, and Juan de la Cruz from Gulod, Alejandro Barrozo of Mamatid, Primitivo Algabre, Severo Generala and

[p. 8]

and Salud Algabre Generala of Banlic decided to overthrow the Government. They have chosen a prolific and aggressive leader, Salud Algabre Generala, as their Commanding General.

So early in the morning of May 3, 1935, these determined sakdalistas marched through the railroad tracks toward the town. They brought with them bolos, branches of kakawate tree and a handful of homemade shotguns. Generala Salud Algabre posted herself at the checkpoint on the provincial road to gather firearms from all passengers. Then they proceeded to the town, so confident of their victory. The town hall was taken without any opposition. They lowered the American flag and hoisted their Sakdal banner. A half-dozen policemen who guarded the town fled for safety. The municipal president during that time was Dr. Alberto Carpena. He immediately sent a message to the Philippine Constabulary Headquarters at Calamba, and Sta. Cruz for immediate help.

After a few hours, the constabulary forces from Santa Cruz and Calamba arrived, headed by the Provincial Commander Captain Angeles and the Provincial Governor, Juan Cailles came. The constabulary forces, entrenched themselves behind the walls near the church. Then they deployed ready for action. Before the first fire was shot, Governor Cailles pleaded for the surrender of the sakdalistas. In defiance of this request, Victor, a sakdalista from Banlik fired at

[p. 9]

the Governor, but missed his target. Thus the battle commenced, the constabulary forces with complete arms and ammunition on one side and the sakdalistas with handful shotguns and bolos on the other side.

After an hour or more the sounds of the guns ceased. The sakdalistas ran for their lives. When everything was cleared, fifty-seven sakdalistas lay cold and lifeless on the town plaza. Unfortunately, Eliseo Gatdula, a bystander, was hit by a stray bullet and died for loss of blood. He was the only known civilian casualty. The dead sakdalistas were buried in a common grave at the municipal cemetery of Cabuyao.

The belief which inspired these people to take up arms against our Government, was the false propaganda of Benigno Ramos stating that the Japanese battleship loaded with Japanese soldiers and arms were on the way to aid the sakdalistas who, for a few hours glorified in their borrowed victory, but later paid heavily with their lives.

IX. Destruction of lives, property and institutions during wars:

The people of Cabuyao were not very much affected during the Japanese Occupation, although there were some sakdalistas who turned to be pro-Japanese during the Occupation. These pro-Japanese sakdalistas helped the Japanese in pointing out guerrillas, and supplied foodstuff to the Japanese Army. The

[p. 10]

civilians were not massacred as what the Japanese did in Calamba. Instead it has been the center of evacuation during the later part of the Occupation. The town was safely guarded by the Hunters’ Guerrilla Unit, headed by Capt. Romulo Alcasabas, and some Civilian Guards.

It is gratifying to note that Cabuyao contributed 26 young men, who sacrificed themselves for democracy so that others may live happily. Through the initiative of the San Miguel Club, Parlatone Club and some civic-spirited civilians they were able to put up one everlasting monument in honor of the deceased heroes of World War II. The unveiling was held last May 9, 1953, with a memorable ceremony. Below is a list of the deceased heroes.

DECEASED WORLD WAR II HEROES OF CABUYAO

[p. 11]

- 11 -

PART TWO – FOLKWAYS

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

A. BAPTISMAL CUSTOMS

Today, even if we are living in a modern age, many of our old customs are still being practiced by people. In our town alone can be noticed many of these customs. Let us take baptism. Most of our folks believe in the early baptism of a newborn baby. They believe it to be a sin of the parents when the baby is baptized more than a month later. A baby cannot be taken to mass unless it has been baptized. On the day of baptism, the baby must be made to wear all of the baptismal dresses given by the sponsors-to-be. In case the sponsors do not give any baptismal dress, the child would not acknowledge them as sponsors in Heaven. In going to the church, the mother is not allowed to accompany the child. During the ceremony, the child who cries is believed to become an industrious and helpful child and a baby who sleeps, would become a lazy and idle one. The ceremony should be accompanied with the ringing of the church bells so that the baby grow into an active, intelligent, and industrious child. After the ceremony, the sponsors should get out of the church hurriedly, ahead of the others to make their god-children active. If there are more female babies baptized than the

[p. 12]

males, the male babies, when they grow up into manhood would have many female admirers and if there are more male babies than the females, the female babies when they grow up into womanhood, would have many suitors. Then there is the “Pakimkim,” from the sponsors. It is believed that the gifts given by the sponsors would make the child generous and thoughtful.

B. DEATH CUSTOMS

People are funny! Strange as it may seem, we are so full of customs and superstitions that no wonder in “Death,” we still have a notion to carry on what our forefathers have handed down to us in spite of the advanced state of civilization that we are in.

Take the “Paapat” for young children and the “Pasiyam” for the adults. On the day of the “Paapat” or “Pasiyam,” a mass is offered for the dead or a “Rosario Cantada” is held at the home of the dead for the repose of the departed soul. It is believed that a dead person’s coffin should never be longer than his body or else another member of the family is sure to follow. A dead person with half-opened eyes is said to be waiting for someone and a dead person with soft limbs means another member of the household is sure to follow. Cleaning or sweeping during the burial is prohibited for it is believed that by doing so another one would die. During the lifting of the coffin, never allow it to come in contact with any part of the house or else another death would occur in

[p. 13]

the family.

At the burial grounds, the dead child’s baptismal sponsor holds a lighted candle, while the coffin is being lowered into the grave. Members of the dead person’s family are not allowed to drop tears on the dead’s body for it is believed that the dead would meet hardship in entering heaven. The children and grandchildren of the dead are made to cross the coffin three times before the lowering of the casket in the grave so that the spirit of the dead would not visit them. These children are also made to wear red clothes before going to bed and to use red blankets, for it is believed that the dead could not approach them when dressed in red. It is believed that the dead returns after the third day. A widow or widower marrying before the lapse of one year of the death of his or her better-half would meet difficulties and sorrows in his future married life. These are some of the death customs practiced by our great grandfathers and are still being practiced by the superstitious until now.

C. THE MARRIAGE CUSTOMS

Marriage is considered a sacred ordeal in anybody’s life, and because of this, there are many customs attached to it. These are some peculiarities of our town.

When the young couple agrees to marry, the parents of the groom would ask for the hands of the bride. When they go to the house of the bride, they bring food for the families of both par-

[p. 14]

ties. They talk about the date set for the wedding. In some cases the parents of the bride ask for dowry or sometimes repairs of the house are made. This is common among the barrio folks. Both parents agree on a certain date for the wedding which falls preferably when there is a new moon or full moon, with the belief that that would be a prosperous day for the couple to begin life with. The bride and groom choose their sponsors, bridesmaids and ushers in case they desire to have.

It is the duty of the groom to shoulder all the expenses – the purchase of the wedding dress, church fees, and the wedding feast. However, the groom does not provide for the shoes, for it is a belief that after the wedding, when they live together the bride will have the tendency to be dominant, in Tagalog, they say “maninipa.”

On the way to the church if the bride and groom ride in the same vehicle, there is a race to get out of the vehicle at once. A belief that the one always ahead will be dominant. This is done after the wedding ceremony also. There is a race to get out of the church also.

During the wedding ceremony, when the priest asks them to join hands, each would try to grasp tightly. During the ring ceremony, there are thirteen coins, blessed by the priest. The groom

[p. 15]

takes them in his cupped hands, and lets them fall into the cupped hands of his bride. The groom is very careful not to make noise, lest they would be always noisy or quarreling in their married life. The candles that are lighted should burn brightly or is put out first is a bad omen for the one who is supposed to own the candle. It may mean poor health or early death. In putting the veil, the veil sponsors are very careful. If the veil or cord drops, it is a sign that the couple will not live happily. The bride and groom after the ceremony, would try to get up ahead of each other and step on the toes of the other. All the beliefs in the course of the marriage ceremony express the intentions of being dominant over the other.

To wish for a prosperous married life, when the newly weds are going out of the church, relatives throw rice at them, or this may be done at the foot of the stairs of the house before they ascend. Then before entering the house the bride and groom are given sweets using the same spoon and a glass of water using the same glass, so that they would be sweet to each other.

The wedding feast is held in the house of the bride if the wedding is held in town.

After the feast when the people have dispersed, the bride is taken to the house of the groom. All the left-overs of the

[p. 16]

feast and other things brought by the groom’s family are divided equally. One half is left with the bride’s parents and the other half is taken back by the groom’s party, with the belief that if one party gets the lion’s share, the other party will always have to give in to the wishes of the other.

C. CUSTOMS DURING ALL SAINTS DAY IN CABUYAO

It has been the custom of the Filipinos since time immemorial to give special preparation and consideration for the dead. Most of them are purely conventional and are handed down to us from generation to generation.

In Cabuyao, common among the customs is the offering of masses for the departed souls before and during the set date of paying homage to them. The purpose of these is to ask God to relieve the sufferings of the souls in Purgatory. Most women wear black dresses or other colors that suggest mourning.

The rest of the customs are material rather than spiritual in nature. Lights, lamps, candles of all sizes and colors, wreaths garlands, and flowers fashioned very artistically are used to decorate the painted or unpainted graves and tombs.

While at every house special delicacies are prepared for visitors and for the members of the family.

In the evening the people flock to the cemetery to see the different tombs and watch over the tombs of their kins. It is also a very common practice among the younger people during the halloween

[p. 17]

to catch the fowls they could lay their hands on without the knowledge of their owners. They cook and feast on these if they choose to do so.

The last of these customs is the serenading of almost every house by individuals with or without musical instruments, after midnight. They pretend they are souls asking for alms. These serenaders are given delicacies or money after rendering their songs. Below are some Halloween songs.

[p. 18]

[p. 19]

[p. 20]

[p. 21]

- 21 -

XI. PROVERBS AND SAYINGS.

[p. 22]

XII. OTHER FOLKTALES

A. THE MYSTERY OF THE GOLD BELL

Almost every town in the whole archipelago has its own legend. Countless legends of how towns and provinces came into being were handed down from generation to generation. The town of Cabuyao is no exception but in it, is not involved the town itself but a very costly object belonging to the said town - that of a gold bell. This is its legend.

In the early part of the Spanish domination in the islands, the province of Laguna was said to be the richest province in Luzon. A certain town, Cabuyao, was then enjoying an untold glory and splendor because of its vast wealth. Cabuyao covered every town in the region. It started from Biñan up to Santo Tomas, Batangas. These lands were practically owned by well to do class of the town.

Now, the people built a church and with this, a bell of gold was hung. The church was situated near the seashore so that the peacefulness of the people was disturbed by the rising of the water, and there was the danger of its being sunk. In order to prevent this, they built a chapel near the lake of Kalamyas, and kept the bell in it.

Just as the time that the people were enjoying their wealth the English invaded the islands. Disorder reigned in all parts of the land. Having heard that Cabuyao had a gold bell, the English decided to take it away from the people. The townsfolk learned of this treacherous plan, so what they did,

[p. 23]

was to throw the bell into Calamyas lake, which was believed to be the deepest lake in the town. Probably, the English learned of the lake too, so after a few months, they gave up their search.

Peace and order reigned once more. The inhabitants of the town resolved to take the bell from its hiding place. An experienced diver plunged into the lake and saw the bell. He tied a rope on the bell and went up again; tied the other end of the rope to a carabao. The carabao pulled the bell until it reached the surface of the water. The people shrieked with joy but just as the bell was about to be pulled safely ashore, the rope got loose and the bell fell into the deep water again. A second and third attempt was made but to no avail. The natives lost all hope of seeing their precious bell once more.

Still some say that a hermit kept close watch on it. All night long, he would sit by the rocks and hum the sweetest tunes. It is said that on moonlight nights, people hear melodious strains coming from the direction where the bell is supposed to be; and this greatly inspired Maestrong Ambo under whom the first band of Cabuyao was formed.

Many people on the other hand still believe that the bell still rings and when this occurs it is a sign of a coming event, either tragic or happy.

[p. 24]

B. A PROPHECY OF THE AGES

When Magellan discovered the Philippines, Cabuyao was already one of the most progressive and wealthiest towns in Southern Luzon. The Spaniards who were deeply religious, taught the Filipinos the Christian Doctrine. Cabuyao was one of the first to embrace the faith. The people became very religious. In their piety they donated to the church a bell made of solid gold. Even to this day the majority of the inhabitants believed in the Roman Catholic Faith.

One day the "Alcalde" announced that His Reverence, the Archbishop was to visit the town. The people were very happy about the news. They met together to discuss the reception they would give the visiting prelate. Since the people were all living in abundance, they were unanimous in making the reception different from the others. They would not let the Archbishop's feet touch the ground.

At the appointed hour all the inhabitants were on their knees lined along the streets where the Archbishop would pass to receive his benediction and blessings. When the Archbishop was about to alight from his beautiful "Calesin" he was struck dumb by the sight that met his eyes. He could not believe his senses. On the ground from where he stood and as far as the eyes could see, instead of rich rugs, were roasted grains of palay. The grains were spread out as thick as car-

[p. 25]

pets on all the streets where he would pass. He swept aside the roasted grains before stepping down. Then in a very calm voice full of pathos, he uttered these sentences, "My children, why did you waste these precious gifts of our Lord? Time will come when you will be in want."

Since that time, the barrios of Cabuyao, which were Santo Tomas, Batangas, Calamba, Santa Rosa, Biñan, and San Pedro became a separate town. The once progressive and wealthy town lost its prominence. The land comprising the town Cabuyao became smaller and smaller. The Talim island, which was once upon a time a part of Cabuyao, bordering along the Bay, was separated from the mainland by erosion. "The Poblacion" which was situated along the seashore was transferred to the high-land of Kalamyas.

Until the present time very few business enterprises became very successful here. There are very few successful business men in the locality. Mostly the inhabitants belong to the poor class. The bigger portion of the ricelands belong to the people from other towns. And this might be due to the prophecy uttered by the Archbishop, that time will come when they will be in want."