MUNICIPALITY OF INDANG, CAVITE, Historical Data of Part 2

PART II

Part I | Part II | Part III

About these Historical Data

The transcription of this page was done using AI technology.

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MEASURES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TOWARD REHABILITATION

AND RECONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING WORLD WAR II

The ravages and destruction caused by World War II on the Philippines was not much felt in Indang, except for the destruction suffered by the public buildings especially the Indang Rural High School and the Indang Elementary School. The after effects and consequences of war were not to be found in this town. There were also bridges that were blown up and the roads which were already in need of repair were kept untouched as a result of war. There were few private properties that were destroyed, too.

But, immediately after liberation, in the year 1945 measures were adopted for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the town. With the help of the National Government through the Department of Public Works and with the aid of the United States Government, public and private properties were slowly rebuilt and rehabilitated. The first to be reconstructed was the Indang Rural High School, which suffered most in the hands of the Japanese occupation troops. Now the Indang Rural High School stands more beautiful than its pre–war status. Then the roads which were almost unpassable were repaired and now are all asphalted and the bridges blown up rebuilt. The Indang Elementary School which once served as a Japanese garrison is now completely rebuilt and rehabilitated and exceeds its pre–war beauty. Even the public dispensary which was also destroyed is now bigger and rebuilt according to the latest and modern plans. These however are the few accomplishments of the town in accordance with the rehabilitation program adopted by the government.

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Part II... FOLKWAYS
Traditions, Customs, and Practices in Domestic and Social Life

Although the town of Indang is fast gaining its place among the modern and advanced towns of the Archipelago, traditions, customs and practices that prevail many years ago when the people knew of no scientific explanations for certain phenomena, still exist among the town folks, educated or not. Of course, the educated portion of the population of the town have discarded the harmful and worthless practices but have retained those customs worthy of emulation by the succeeding generations. So, when older folks of other places bewail the seemingly lack of politeness among the young today, Indang can boast of her hand–kissing, obedient and home–loving children. For in this town, tradition is, that parents are parents, and never is the rod spared when its use is needed. The fraction of the people that go wayward is insignificant to the portion that follows a straight pattern of life. All beliefs and practices that tend to influence the lives of the people for the better are still practiced and when such practices cannot be explained for their worth, the belief in the supernatural and effect of past experiences are enough for their existence in this modern age. What follows are the customs and practices in a domestic and social life of the people, some beautiful in essence and the others entirely devoid of truth and practicability.

Birth:

The Hilot – This village obstetrician depends on local herbs, native concoctions, and brute force in delivering a mother of her child. While the woman goes through her first pains, the “hilot” asks the husband or some members of the family to look for this kind of grass or leaves. When the baby has some difficulties in coming out, the hilot uses her muscles to force the child out. “There have been cases where babies were torn apart or suffered much injury in the hands of the village midwives. As for the mother, she marches through the valley of death as mauled and kneaded by hefty midwives who are stronger in brawn than in brains.

Once the baby is out, the hilot applies the herbs to stanch the bleeding, using the sharp silver of the buho she cuts the umbilical cord of the baby, applies a concoction on the cut and ties it with a thread or a rag on whose cleanliness you could not bet.

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Some midwives use lycopodium powder which is purchased from the drug store if there is any. Other midwives use ashes, while others sprinkle scrapings from the coconut shell.

Duties of the Father:

The burying of the placenta (inunan) is the duty of father. As soon as the placenta is out the hilot delivers it to the father, who goes to the yard, digs a hole and dumps the placenta in.

Books, pencils, or any article connected with education are buried with the placenta to make the child a wise and intelligent man.

A woman in the family way is not allowed to eat eggplants because this vegetable is believed to cause beri–beri in the infant in the mother’s womb. She should not eat roasted food because, according to old beliefs, such food will cause eruptions on the baby’s skin. After delivery the mother is made to wear thick and long clothes so that “bad air” will not strike her. The same is done with the baby. The baby’s body is wrapped up, exposing only the face, and tied so that he will grow up to be a quiet child. During the Mother’s confinement, a piece of ginger, a needle, and a pair of scissors are put under her pillow to prevent after pains. While eating, she should not glance at her baby so that the baby will not cry during meal times.

Mother and child do not take a full bath until after twenty days from the day the child is born. Into baby’s basin of water are dropped silver peso coins. Near the basin several articles are placed: money and jewelry to bring wealth, rosary and prayer book to make the baby religious when he grows up; books and writing materials to insure intelligence in the child, and sewing materials to make the baby domestic when grown up. A rice delicacy called “palutang” is prepared so that good fortune will always be with the child.

When the child is old enough to lie on his abdomen, he should not be helped to do so because if he is helped, he will grow up a very lazy child. The first nail trimmings are dropped into the holy water in the church so that the child will be religious.

Charms such as tooth of a crocodile or puppy are pinned to the baby’s clothing to drive away evil spirits and to make the teething period easy for the child. The baby’s hair is not cut until he is a year old because if it is cut before, he will become sickly.

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Members of the family should not make exclamations or remarks when the baby is taking his first step because such remarks will hamper the child’s learning to walk.

Baptism:

The baby should not be entered in the church unless he is baptized. The person who will bring the child to church for baptism should be of good moral standing so that the child will be good also. The godparents should make the baby cry during the baptismal rites so that the baby will grow to be active and industrious.

Courtship:

Courtships usually begin from serenades. Other courtships are brought about by mutual agreement of parents of both parties. But most courtships are brought about by that immemorial thing called love.

When a suitor is accepted by his lady love, his parents go to the girl’s home and let the girl’s parents know of their interest in the affair of the sweethearts. During this time called “pamumulong” the girl’s parents may tell the terms in forms of dowry, service before marriage, and length of courtship. During the period of courtship, the suitor will do odd jobs in the girl’s home until the length of courtship is reached. Then the marriage plans are made, whether the ceremony will be a simple one or a pompous one.

Marriage:

The bride to be should not try on her wedding dress before the date of marriage. Doing so is believed to cause something to prevent the wedding.

Preparations for the wedding feast are all done at the bride’s home. The chickens, cow, and pigs are slaughtered in her home. Never should these animals be brought to the girl’s home already slaughtered because if so, bad luck will always be with the couple. After the feast, the bride is brought to the groom’s home where another feast is given to visitors. After two or three days the couple visit relatives of both parties. This practice is known as “namimiyanan.”

Death:

When death takes its toll, the people of this town rally together to help the bereaved family financially as well as spiritually. They give money for alms, keep vigil throughout the night, and others help in preparing dishes to be served.

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Burial:

The common practice of taking the dead’s last journey home is for it to be accompanied by a band of musicians, whether this dead is a child or a grown up. Before the burial the house should never be cleaned because doing so will cause another death in the family in a short time. When the dead is brought down, the house is swept right away in order to drive ill fortune away with the dead. Before the coffin is put in its grave, children of the deceased are crossed over it. This practice is believed to lengthen the lives of these children.

In mourning the female members of the family wear black dresses, usually for one year. The men wear black ties or put a small piece of black cloth over their hearts.

Medical Customs:

Among many people of Indang, it is a belief that a person gets sick because the spirits were offended and that for that person to get well, the spirits have to be appeased by food and prayer. The favorite animal sacrificed is the chicken, preferably white. The chicken is killed and put in a hole dug on the place where the person is believed to have been seen by the spirits (will not be appeased). At times prayers are offered to the soul of a dead relative believed to have been angered by family squabbles. The praying lasts for nine days. On the ninth day, a feast is offered for the spirit. Before the dishes are served to the visitors a piece of each is offered at the family altar.

In many barrios of Indang, it is believed that one can get cured of tuberculosis by drinking dog’s blood. Later, the dog is cooked, by the TB sufferers eat the half–raw flesh. Very few families in our town go to a hospital or to a doctor for the removal of a fishbone which got stuck in the throat. The most common local cure is to get a cat and rub its paw on the throat. This is supposed to push down the offending fishbone. Another cure is to bring the sufferer to a person who is known to have been born feet first. Such a person is known as “suhi.” This person rubs the throat of the sufferer to make the fishbone disappear.

Mother’s milk is used to cure sore eyes, especially when the milk is applied directly from the mother’s breast.

Educated people know that boils are caused by poor diet or poor hygiene but among many of the people of Indang, it is believed that boils are caused by sitting on pillows. Children therefore, are advised not to sit on pillows.

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When signs of the growth of boils appear, the sufferer is brought to a person believed endowed with the power of retarding the growth by merely blowing the breath over the boil and whispering “some hocus, pocus!” Even toothache and eczema are treated in the same way.

Herbs are popular cures for many ailments. The water wherein guava leaves are boiled is used for washing wounds and thereby healing them. It can also cure intestinal diseases by drinking it or using it for enema. Duhat leaves and bark serve the same purpose in the same manner as the guava leaves. Stomach trouble is relieved by applying chewed kamachili or Ikmo leaves over the abdomen. Achuete leaves tied over the forehead relieve one of a headache or fever. Roots, twigs, and fruit of many trees known to the quack doctor are popularly used for medicinal purposes.

Dislocation of bones, sprains, and broken spines or ribs are set back in place by the “hilot” who massages the affected part, making the sufferer suffer the more.

Beliefs and Practices of the Farmer of Indang:

Palm Sunday always brings the farmers to church especially for the purpose of catching in their hats the flowers strewn by the flower girls as they sing hymns on platforms erected in the churchyard. The flowers collected are sown together with the palay during planting time. This practice is believed to give great yields from the rice fields.

Before the farmer goes out to plant his crop he eats a hearty meal. This will insure a good harvest. Planting with the stomach empty will give a poor yield. Among our farmers it is a custom to carry babies on the back while planting coconuts per tree but the trees will not grow very tall and so that harvesting will be easier.

When planting bananas, the Indang farmer scoops the earth out from the holes with the fingers far apart so that when the plant bears fruit, the fruit will not grow very close together, or worse, by two’s (kambal). Twin bananas are counted as one when sold, so, not very profitable to the farmers.

When the rain does not fall as expected the people hold a procession every night, singing hymns as they go from street to street. This practice is called “lutrina.”

On the first Monday of August, the people offer prayers and feast in order that God will bless the plants and produce great yields.

In truck garden in our town, bottles and pots are suspended from trellises for ampalaya, upo, patola, squash and other vegetables. This practice is meant to bring good to the plants and that the vegetables will grow big and in abundance.

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Building and Moving Into a New House:

Among the townfolks of Indang, building or moving into a new house is not done without entailing a certain amount of hazard. The prospective home owners ask themselves if the new home will bring prosperity or poverty, health or death. Despite these hazards, people have to have homes and in order to be on the safe side certain practices are followed to make the unseen powers guide the home seekers to the best of fortune.

Most of the people of Indang, want their stairways to face the east. This preference for the east–facing stairways is believed to bring good luck and joy to the house-owners because the sun, which stands for joy, rises in the east. The west is considered to bring bad luck because the sun dies there. If the stairway must face the west at all, the main entrance must, by all means, face the east.

When a new house is being built, a part of it, say, the kitchen is left unfinished. It is a belief that misfortune will befall the members of the family occupying a finished new house. It is a common practice to finish the house by piece–meals when the family is already living in the unfinished structure.

Building a new house in place of an old one incurs some practices. Never must the new house be smaller than the old house being replaced. The new house may be bigger. Building a smaller one than the former house is believed to diminish the good luck of the family who will occupy the new house.

When moving into a new house, the following customs are practiced. The family moving into the new home should not allow any visitors in their home on the first day of their stay in that house. Neither must any member of the family pay a visit on this first day. Doing either will cause trouble between the family and any family in the neighborhood. On this day, the rice bin must be filled with rice; the water–jars full to the brim; the cupboard laden with food, and the fuel rack heavy with firewood. These practices will insure a comfortable living for the family.

Not any day is, a good day to move into a new house. The best time to do so is when there is a full moon. This will bring good luck to the family moving in.

The stove in the house, old or new, should not face the main door of the house. If it does, there will always be unexpected visitors. Imagine the inconvenience of unexpected visitor, specially when the family is not in a position to entertain visitors in the proper way.

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A new house is usually blessed by the parish priest. After the blessing, the owner of the house throws some coins in the house and the visitors scamper for them. The money collected brings good luck to the one who is able to grab it. There is always a big feast in such occasions brought out of the house. Otherwise, bad luck will befall the family. This practice is called the “pabasbas.”

Festivals:

The Filipinos are fiesta loving people. Throughout the country there is always some sort of a festival. The town of Indang is no exception. As a matter of fact the town itself and the different barrios have their own fiesta in honor of their patron saints. There are other festivals, besides.

During fiestas every house is open to visitors, invited or not. There are many things to eat and good dishes at that. Brass bands, usually two or three in number go about playing varieties of music, from hits of the day to snappy marches. Highlights of the celebration are the stage shows, making use of the local talents or those of the cheaper stage troupes from the city.

All Souls’ Day is also a red letter day in the calendar of Indang. As is the custom throughout the country, the people go to the cemetery, deck the graves with flowers, light candles, and pray for the souls of the dead. Later in the evening, some children and even grown ups go from house to house to beg for alms. Usually, these people receive alms in kind, like “suman,” “kalamay,” or “bibingka.” Sometimes they receive money. The next day, the people are weak from lack of sleep.

Following All Souls’ Day is Christmas. As in other places, the people of Indang celebrate it with the usual early morning mass, trimmings, and Christmas dinner. The early morning mass provides the “puto” vendors an opportunity to earn extra income. A midnight mass is said on Christmas morning. After the mass the people partake of their midnight supper at home. The next day, children go to their god–parents. After kissing their god–parent’s hand, the children receive their gift, usually money, from them. Woe unto the god–parents who have several god–children!

New Year’s Day is celebrated with noise from the firecrackers, tolling of the bells, and booming of the bamboo cannons. Before the New Year arrives every family pays debts and buys the necessary commodities so that when the New Year comes, there will be no spending or paying of debts. It is believed that when one spends on January 1st, he will be spending without saving throughout the year. Then, too a sumptuous dinner is served so that there will be no want during the whole year.

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Easter is celebrated with the traditional “pabasa,” Stations of the Cross, Palm Sunday, and Crucifixion of Christ on Holy Friday. There is no explanation for the cause, but the people prepare for this season as if they are going to celebrate Christmas or any other happier occasion than the death of Jesus. The girls wear pretty dresses and the men go about in their best clothes. This is another time of the year when every member of the family, wherever he may be, comes home for a family reunion.

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THE LEGEND OF TOUCH–ME–NOT (MAKAHIYA)

In our town there is a plant which we call Touch–me–not. It originated from a pretty little girl. Her father was a farmer but very rich. They lived in a fine house in the middle of their farm. The little girl does not do any work. She would play, sing and dance all day long. She was very proud. She did not play with other girls. When they came near her, she said, “Do not touch me! Do not touch me!” “You will soil my dress.”

At last this little girl, because she was very proud was changed into a plant. This plant is called “Touch–me–not,” or Makahiya.

THE LEGEND OF THE DUHAT

Long, long ago in the town of Indang there was a young man named Duhat. He was loved for his kindness, strength and intelligence.

Not withstanding all these good qualities, some of his friends disliked him and finally shot him to death. Before he died, his blood had spilled on a plant that bears many fruits in clusters. By the trick of nature, the red fruit turned dark–violet. Henceforth, people called this fruit duhat in memory of the young man Duhat.

THE LEGEND OF THE PINEAPPLE

Aling Rosa, a widow had a daughter named Pinang. Pinang was very lazy. One day Aling Rosa became sick She ask Pinang to boil some rice for her. When Pinang gave her mother some boiled rice, Aling Rosa refused to eat it, for it had a bad taste. She told Pinang to fetch a ladle and stir the rice.

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Pinang could not find the ladle. The mother called out, “Oh, how I wish that your eyes would multiply so that you would see the ladle quickly.”

One morning Pinang disappeared. When Aling Rosa became well again, she saw a little plant growing under the house, She transplanted it in the garden. When it grew big, it bore a fruit with a thousand eyes. She called it “Pina,” which later became “Piña.”

THE LEGEND OF LANZONES

In the early days, lanzones were considered not edible. One day a hungry beggar ate them. He died. Lanzones, henceforth, were known around the village as poisonous.

Soon a mysterious beautiful lady appeared. She asked for some lanzones. When the fruit was given to her she pinched it. After pinching the meat with her finger she asked the people to taste the fruit. The people refused. The lady explained that by her pinching it, she had made it good to eat. To convince the people, she ate it. When the people saw that she did not die, they began eating lanzones.

Until today, her finger marks may be seen on the meat of the lanzones.

WHY THE GABI LEAVES ARE NOT WET

Long, long ago, there lived a beautiful maiden in a small cottage near a river. She was a lover of Nature. She had many kinds of flowers in her garden. One day when she went to the river to get water, the water fairy appeared and said, “Beautiful maiden, I appear to thee now to ask you to become my wife. Oh Water fairy,” answered the maiden. “I am a mortal and you are a fairy. How can I even love you? You may not love me now but some day you may make up your mind. I will be waiting for your answer.”

Well, after that the fairy was gone and the

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beautiful maiden went home and watered her plants.

Days, weeks, and months passed by. It was rainy season. The birds were chirping in their nests. The flowers were blooming towards the west. The sun was shining from the East. The beautiful maiden was happy. She forgot all about the water fairy. Tonight bells will be ringing calling for her wedding.

Before her marriage that next morning she went to her garden to water her plants and what do you think she saw in the garden? There the water fairy was waiting for her. “Oh beautiful maiden will you answer me now and will you go with me to become my wife?” Asked the water–fairy. “So you don’t want to be my wife, beautiful maiden? I will transform you into a plant; if some day you will make up your mind to become my wife, water will wet your leaves and that means that you are ready to become my wife.” So the beautiful maiden was transformed into a plant. But the leaves of that plant were never wet until now so that shows that the beautiful maiden is not yet ready to become the wife of the water fairy. So that is why the gabi leaves will not be wet.

WHY THE KASOY SEED IS OUTSIDE

A long time ago the kasoy seed was inside the fruit. The seed was not eaten by the people.

One fine morning two children were playing under a mango tree. They had kasoy with them. After playing they ate the fruit and threw the seed. Not long after they were called by their mother. They hurried and left the kasoy under the mango tree.

Down fell a mango fruit by the side of the kasoy The kasoy was nervous and frightened.

“Good morning, Mrs. Kasoy,” Mrs. Mango greeted.

“The same to you, Mrs. Kasoy,” replied. “Why did you come here?”

“You seemed to be in trouble, so I came here to comfort you,” said Mrs. Mango. “What can I do for you?”

“I have an old problem in life,” replied Mrs. Kasoy, in a troubled tone.

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“What is it? I promised to help you in any way I can,” comforted Mrs. Mango.

“You know, I am always shut up inside the fruit and when I could not see the world or enjoy its happiness. I wanted also to be of use to the people.” Mrs. Kasoy said.

“I shall prepare a petition to be presented to the great Bathala telling about your troubles. Wait for a while.” Mrs. Kasoy waited patiently.

“Here is the letter. I know you are willing to undertake the journey. Give this letter to the great God who will gladly listen to your request.” Mrs. Mango presenting the letter.

Mrs. Kasoy jumped with joy and undertook the trip. He presented the petition to Bathala.

Bathala sternly replied, “As you are very anxious to see the world, I will let you, and I will order my servant to get you out from your dark place. People will eat the seed.”

Right then and there the Great Bathala gave the order to His servant. The servant fastened Mrs. Kasoy to the outside of the house he now lives in. Today, he is eaten by the people and is there exposed to the sun and the rain. This is why the kasoy seed has always been outside the fruit.

SUPERSTITIONS

1. When you have rice plantation the children must not play at night in the yard because the animals will play in the rice field. Thus, destroying the plants.
2. Before harvesting palay, tie the middle plants of palay. Leave it over night. When any of the plants tied up is destroyed do not harvest the next day. It Means little crops will be harvested.
3. When you plant rice this day do not sweep the yard. It Means lessening the harvest.

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4. When a black butterfly enters the house it means bad omen. Any member of the family or relative in the house or far away may die or is dead.
5. It is not good to comb the hair at night because the mother or father will die.
6. Sweeping at night in the house is bad. People living in that house will be hard up in money matters.
7. Cats rubbing their faces means visitors are coming.
8. Dropping of silver ware on the floor foretells the coming of visitors. If spoon, woman and if fork, man.
9. Putting coins under the post when building house means abundance for those living in the house.
10. Transferring to a new house during a full moon or new moon means a bright future for the persons living in the house.
11. It is bad to take a bath on Tuesday and Friday because when one happens to be sick it will be serious.
12. When an owl hoots on the roof of a house and there is a sick person, he is likely to die.
13. At the first time one looks at the new moon, with and he has some money, that whole month he or she will always have money in that month or vice versa.
14. When the fork falls on the floor a male visitor is coming.
15. When the spoon fell on the floor a woman visitor is coming.
16. When cooking and the pot becomes red with fire, if it is raining it will stop but if it is not, it will rain.
17. If the cat washes its face, a visitor is coming.
18. During the wedding party, if many plates were broken the couple will have many children.
19. When one uses old floors for firewood, many members of the family will be sick at the same time.

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20. When cold rice was placed on the pot with the newly cooked rice, the family can’t get out of debt.
21. It is bad to give out money passing through the window because it hinders the progress of the family.
22. One should not step on the turtle’s shell or on stone to avoid cracking feet.
23. When a man is courting and the star is near the moon he is likely to win the lady.
24. In the afternoon, if the rays of the sun are very red the following day it will rain.

BELIEFS

1. In planting bananas one should not look up the plant. If he does, the bananas will grow tall before it bears fruit.
2. If a person will plant bananas, he should do it after eating to produce big fruit.
3. One should not point at a budding or fruiting fruit tree because it will hinder the development of the fruit.
4. One should plant trees when there are stars at night to have the tree bear many fruits.
5. New clothes should not be worn on funeral service or else it will be worn out easily.
6. The best time to plant coconuts is when there is full moon, so that the trees will bear many fruits.
7. A tree will bear many fruits if a dead pig is buried under the roots.
8. Cicada chirping gaily the whole day in the tree is a sign of good harvest.
9. Ubi should be planted on moonless night to produce dark ubi.
10. Do not cut finger nails on Tuesday or Fridays.
11. It is bad to take a bath on Tuesdays and Fridays.

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12. When one becomes sick on Fridays it is hard for him to be cured.
13. When you see a falling star you can wish for a good luck.
14. When you dreamed your teeth is being pulled out it is said that a new relative will die.
15. Most people avoid spending money on New Year’s day.
16. When the rooster crows late in the afternoon it is bad omen.

THE ORIGIN OF KAYQUIT RIVER

Long ago when the town of Indang was not well known there was a small village near a river. This village was known as Iba.

In this village there lived two friends. They were Kiko and Dama. These two were together with fishing nets. They went from river to river to catch fish.

One day Kiko said “Let us go to Banaba. Many people said there are plenty of shrimps in that river.”

“Yes,” replied Dama. “I am thinking of a place where to catch fish.”

“Alright,” prepare your things and let us proceed,” said Kiko.

The two friends proceeded on their journey. When they reached the river they began to fish.

“I thought this is a good place to fish,” said Dama as he lifted his net with only one small shrimp. “Is this the kind of shrimps we are looking for?”

After a while, Kiko lifted his net and he found only a crab. “What kind of river is this? Is there no place to fish?” said Kiko.

They went so farther but they felt hopeless, so they agreed to go home. They were worried for several days. They wanted to know where to find a better place to fish.

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“Let us find out if we can catch now in that river. Last time we had a poor catch,” replied Dama.

“It may be, but we are not very sure,” said Kiko.

The two friends went fishing. They went home with joy. They caught big shrimps and crabs. They were so big that people called them Kiwit.

From that time on these two friends always went fishing near their village, “Kiwit”. Since then the river was called Kiwit. As time passed the name changed to Kayquit river.

INTERPRETATION

House Lizards Indicate Angelus Time

The people wait in the afternoon for house lizard to go to the ground. As soon as the lizard are seen kissing the ground they know Angelus time has come and it is the time to recite prayers.

Thirsty People Take Salt

People coming home from work who are thirsty do not drink water at once. They first take salt then after a while take water. They do this to prevent stomach ills.

THE FIRST SANTOL TREE

An old childless couple found a cat by the roadside. The cat was cold and hungry. Being childless the old man and his wife gave all their attention to the poor cat. The cat got all the dainty bits from the table after each meal. It was also given a cozy bed. In a month the cat grew so fond of his new masters that he followed the old man and his wife anywhere.

One day the couple noticed that the cat was scratching and peeping through a hole in the yard.

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They thought the cat must be after a rat which lived in that hole. To help the cat, the old man got a spade and hoe and begin digging into the hole. After having dug a few feet his spade struck something hard. The hard thing turned out into an old iron box full of gold and silver coins. The good old couple gave most of their treasures as gifts to the poor. Then they bought some fine rice fields with the rest of the money.

In the house next to the old couple’s house lived a bad widower with three children. When the widower heard of the couple’s fortune, he borrowed the cat for a few days. He wanted a similar fortune. He gave the cat the best food he could get. He followed the cat whenever it went. As soon as the cat began scratching and peeping through the ground, the widower got his spade and hoe and dug the ground. To his discontent he found a box full of men’s waste matter. A very foul odor came out of the box as the widower opened it. He was very mad at what happened, So he killed the cat. He threw the body of the dead cat in the smudge fire in the yard.

After a week, the old couple went to see the widower about the cat. The widower told the couple that the cat ran away from his home. The poor old man and his wife went home very sad. That night the old man had a dream. He dreamed that the cat came to see him and asked to get the cat’s ashes in the old couples yard. The old man did what he was told. After a month, a little plant came out the ground where the ashes of the cat was buried. The plant grew into a big santol tree which bore plenty of fruit after a few years. Again, the good old couple shared the fruits of the santol tree with their neighbors. When the widower and his children ate the santols, they died immediately. None of the people of the neighborhood died of eating the santols except the widower and his children. The people of the town become very happy when they heard of the death of the bad widower and his children.

So the cat brought the first santol tree into the world.

[p. 39]

TIBAGAN RIVER

In the town of Indang not very far from other towns there is a river where almost all the people take a bath It is a big river with water running very swiftly. In that river very many people were able to earn money especially when there are many houses and other buildings being constructed. Most of the people up to the present get from this river stones, gravel and sand used in building houses. It happened one day that there were several women washing clothes in the said river, when they were frightened by a terrible noise. They all screamed for help. Some of their neighbors were there to help them but to their surprised the terrible noise was lost. They all laughed at each other because the women realized that their neighbors were stone cutters. They learned that the noise made by the sand and gravel when they are put inside the cans. The women said in dialect, “So you are Natibag again. From now on we will call this river Tibagan.” It means a hard work but prosperity, because during those times money was very scarce. Until now the name of the river remained unchanged because the people at present get their stones, gravel and sand in this river, Tibagan.

THE LEGEND OF THE BAT

Long, long time ago, animals had the power of speech. Once, God called a meeting of all animals to discuss ways and means by which people could be prevented from exterminating them. The meeting took place on the slope of a high mountain.

All animals attended the meeting but the bat came too late. God called him to give, His punishment.

The bat came late because he had no wings. He said he envied the birds.

God gave him wings but he was punished by letting him fly only at night and could not see during the day.

[p. 40]

METHOD OF MEASURING TIME

When clocks were still scarce people had their way of telling time. Even nowadays in remote barrios and farms, these means are still used. The following are ways by which people tell the time:

During daytime – Four o’clock in the morning was determined by the continuous crowing of the rooster.

At five o’clock in the morning, the katydids and birds of the night keep silent.

The time is primarily determined by the position of the sun. When the sun is exactly above or overhead, it is 12 o’clock noon. When it is a little bit to the west, it is one o’clock. The further to the west the sun is, the later the time.

The length of shadows cast determines the time, too. The longer the shadow cast towards the east the latter the time and vice versa.

At night – The heavenly bodies, the moon and the stars contribute much. The time they rise and set gives approximate time.

Plants and animals, as stated above, help a lot. The leaves of the acacia tree begins to droop and fold at about 6 o’clock in the evening. Such is the same case with some species of grasses.

The crowing of the roosters determine their time. There are such things as the first crowing of the rooster which comes at about 10 o’clock at night, second crowing which comes at about 11 to 12 o’clock at night and so on.

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