CITY OF TAGAYTAY, Historical Data of Part 2
PART II
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the young lady whom the man was in love. Usually they brought presents to the parents of the young girl. The young man rendered services to the house of the young girl if he is accepted. Sometimes the rendering of services lasted for months or even for years before the set date of marriage. Even though it is in the midst of the service, the parents of the young girl or the lady will tell the young man to go home and the courtship is cancelled. If in getting fire wood you happened to drop the firewood and create lots of noise your courtship is cancelled. When in getting water and pouring it in the jar you made a loud noise this may be a case for cancellation.
The parents of the young man together with his relatives and the young girl’s parents arranged the date of marriage. Sometimes the parents of the young girl asked something for the marriage couple. Sometimes they asked money, house for the couple to live, work animals, or even a piece of land. Sometimes the things they asked have the same equivalents which the young girl’s parents will also give. So when there is service there must be a big feast during the marriage.
M A R R I A G E
Marriage is solemnized by the priest or any one authorized by law. Marriage is always done in the house of the bride. When the sun is about to lean the bride hurriedly prepares for the transfer to the groom’s house. Before the transfer, the newly married couple are called to a table with two plates, one filled with cigarettes and the other is full of hitso or ñgañga. There are also two empty plates one placed on the table in front of the bride and the other in front of the groom. So they began the “Sabugan.” If you are a relative of the girl you have to
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place your present or sabug to the groom’s plate. If you are a groom’s relative you have to give or place your present in the bride’s plate. The godfather and the godmother are the first one to give their presents. Then it is followed by their parents and their relatives. The presents are always in money form. Those well–to–do have cow or carabaos, in which they dropped in the plate the rope or the ring of the animal, thus indicating their present is either a cow or a carabao. Sometimes they drop in the plate some particles of soil indicating they would give a piece of land to the couple. This giving gift is a happy one.
D E A T H
If somebody died in a family, it was the common practice among neighbors to extend their help. They did all the work in the home. They give aid to the mourners. At night they played many kinds of games as huego de prenda, batisan, unguyan, and other forms of games without sleeping.
F E S T I V A L S
The activities such as birthdays, death anniversaries and patron’s day of the place were commonly celebrated by the people. Local dishes, cakes, suman, and other common local foods were being served. Servings lasted up to late midnight. There was singing, dancing, joy, and laughter during the celebration of the occasion.
P L A N T I N G
In this kind of work farmers commonly set a time or a day to plant their crops, which they think is a fortunate day. Especially in planting rice, they would not have their hair cut or their beard shave until the rice is grown. Others would not lend or
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give anything on that day they planted the rice.
TREATMENT FOR THE SICK
Quack doctors are still common in the district. The people get them because of unavailability of professional doctors. The quack doctors charge them less than the doctors and sometimes they do not accept anything. During the past years the quack doctors used only leaves and roots as their medicine. Now the quack doctors are using injections and the same medicines as the doctors.
MEASURING TIME
Since the early days of the Spanish and American occupation the people of the district had been measuring time by the crows of the cock. At daytime they know it by the position of the sun. They have also special calendar for good and bad weather.
HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE OF THE DISTRICT OF KAYBAGAL (TAGAYTAY)
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Long before the enactment of the resolution No. 41 of the City Council of Tagaytay, this city was composed of several barrios. After the enactment, this city is automatically divided into seven districts, and one of these is Kaybagal District.
Kaybagal, prior to the establishment of the city was a barrio of Amadeo. This district begins from km. 62 of the Tagaytay–Batangas road. It runs southerly and along the main water way of Calamias Creek up to the northern city limits. Then easterly along northern city limits line to Lipusin Creek, passing Dapdapan and continuing southerly to the precipice line up to Taras Creek and extending northerly from the beginning.
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PRESENT OFFICIAL NAME OF THE DISTRICT
Its present official name is Bagal District. It is popularly known as Kaybagal both present and past. No one can tell where this name was derived and also its meaning. It is mainly composed of the sitios of Quinoy, Puñgal, Kaybagal, Pulong Sagiñgan and the civic center.
DATA OF ESTABLISHMENT
Before 1911, when the Taal volcano erupted people were said to be living in this barrio. Its establishment maybe perhaps several years before this time, for according to the old folks of the place, they just called it Kaybagal. When Tagaytay was created in 1937, this became a district of the city as it is today.
ORIGINAL FAMILIES
The permanent original families of this barrio were as follows; Florencio Cortez, Valentin Batino, Dionisio Bay, Quirino known as Quinoy Silan and many others who are still surviving. These people were the first inhabitants of the barrios of Salaban and Kaybagal. Later on they had an interest in organizing their own barrio. With the majority wish they selected one who will lead them for the welfare of their place. This early leader was known as Cabeza or head of the barrio.
The first Cabesa was Victor Ambulo. During his time he organized different sitios namely; Pulo ng Epe, Pulo ng Kusto, and Pulo ng Lucero. These sitios were named after the head of the family residing in the place. They are far apart from each other that communications between them is limited.
After a lapse of time, Cabesang Victor Ambulo was succeeded by Valentin Arcullo and afterwards by Justo Bayot. The title of Cabeza was later changed to a “Teniente del Barrio.” When Justo
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Bayot became the Teniente, he designated a day for the barrio fiesta. He made improvements in the barrio. He paved out the way to the brooks for the convenience of the barrio folks. After two years he was succeeded by Francisco Villanueva. Through his efforts the barrio school was established and made to function up to this time. Later he was elected as a councilor and was assigned to his own barrio.
Being a councilor he appointed Victoriano Anacay as the barrio lieutenant. During the period of his incumbency an event occured. Great Swarms of locust came and caused a great destruction to the crops of the people. Through his leadership he organized a group of people to drive the locust away. They succeeded in getting rid of them. As the years went by, the barrio lieutenants who succeeded each other were the following: Jose Pio Batino, Segundo Angcaya, Macario Bayot, Felix Silan, Francisco Hernandez and many others and Eusebio Ambulong as the present barrio lieutenant, Santiago Malahanan is the sub–barrio lieutenant.
IMPORTANT FACTS, INCIDENTS AND EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE
I. During the Spanish time.
During the Spanish occupation no one in this barrio can inform us of what had happened. Just before the establishment of this barrio these people were residing in the town of Amadeo, and when this was populated it was during the American occupation.
II. American Occupation.
It was during this period that the once active Taal, Volcano erupted in 1911. Lives, Properties, crops and other things were damaged. But after this the growth of the abacca plants, was in full that the people were rapidly progressing.
III. During and After World War II : Destruction of:
INSTITUTIONS: LIVES: PROPERTY:
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INSTITUTIONS
According to information obtained, the first school was organized in the house of one person named Mang Turino. This place was formerly under Salaban, a barrio of the municipality of Amadeo. The barrio people were not contented so they plan to acquire a school building. They were successful in this plan and were able to acquire a school site. This school site was donated by Policarpio Batino and later was transferred to his son Carlos Batino. There were nine persons who managed the construction of the school. One of them was Fermin Marinduque. Through their management and cooperation they were able to construct a school with two rooms, and all materials were donated by the people. The first grades that were opened were Grades I and II, and later Grades III and IV. This school was named “Salaban Barrio School”. The building was used for many years. The teachers who taught were Viana dela Peña, Luis Bayot, Zoilo dela Peña, Eusebio Panganiban and Carlos Batino. Many others succeeded in teaching in this school. During World War II, this building was destroyed and transferred to the rented buildings nearby. Up to this time it is still housed in rented buildings.
In 1937, Salaban was divided into two parts. The northern part was under the town of Amadeo and the southern part was under the city of Tagaytay which became Kaybagal. Although this place was divided only one school existed and was under the district of Amadeo. Later this was transferred to the southern part which is Kaybagal, under the city of Tagaytay.
LIVES
In 1919, there occurred an epidemic of “influenza.” Many people died of this contagious disease.
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PROPERTY
During the Spanish regime, land in this place was a communal property. If a person wants to have a piece of land, he had to fence a piece as wide and as long as he desired with bamboo post to designate his claim. Others just need to barter with anything he has with the person who has fenced his land, so he can have also a parcel of land to own.
As the population increases, these parcels of land were inherited by the sons of the first landowners. These were handed down to the heirs of those landowners.
ECONOMIC LIFE
People in this district are very thrifty and industrious. They can eat only even “tuyo” or “bagoong” or even salt. They spent less and save more. Older persons have few clothes. After using once they kept them. They reserve them for another occasion to come. Few had shoes and were always barefooted. To make their money safe they would roll their money in a piece of cloth, tied it around the waist.
RELIGIOUS LIFE
The first religious sect that existed was the Roman Catholic. Almost all the people were Roman Catholics at first. Later on when they can travel far, they got ideas about religion. Religious toleration was spreading that different sects existed. Some of these are the Region Divino Paternal, a branch of Protestant sect, Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Protestants and Roman Catholics.
OTHER EVENTS
During the Japanese occupation, people were not contented. They were afraid of the Japanese soldiers, same with the outlaws.
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They feared to be in contacts for the belief that they were treacherous people. During this time there were also outlaws and notorious bandits. These are not the enemy of the Japanese soldiers but also of the people, there were times when they raided this place, looted people’s property, that nothing was left to the owner. After this, when the things were taken, money was asked to give financial aid to the company and have it live. In cases that the people would not give, they were put to death or punished severely. In some circumstances when these outlaws and the Japanese soldiers happened to meet in a place, a fight went on. This was the reason that made the people afraid to face the Japanese for fear they will be suspected as friends of these outlaws. For three years the people were under this kind of situation.
The Japanese organized barangays called Neighborhood Associations. This was headed by a president. The president then organized groups headed by a leader. The function of this body was to protect the civilians from the outlaws who may raid the people.
On March 3, 1945, the Americans came. They liberated the people from the sharp claws of the Japanese. People were fortunate to escape the tortures and murders, survived while others were mortally punished and put to death.
There was no good road here. After liberation this road was constructed, and people had a better means of travel. Water system was improved, that they were saved from going to far brooks to fetch water.
The people took their products to a market place in Buho. Products were expensive, same with commodities for sale. Though things sold were expensive, still there is no difficulty in earning
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money. The market is flooded with goods that everybody was supplied with their needs.
CUSTOMS REGARDING BIRTH
In the olden days, beliefs, customs and traditions were strictly followed by the people, especially those living in the remote places. Like for instance a child is born to couple, and experienced old woman in midwifery attended to the delivery of the child, instead of a duly licensed Mid-wife, who takes care of the child and mother for a certain period of time, until the mother is fully strong and well. During this period of time, the mother is given full massage two or three times a day, and the child is cared for. After 25 days, the mother and the baby will be given a bath, of boiled water mixed with so many different kinds of leaves, roots and barks of trees, for some reason or others. Any spectator witnessing the bath, especially for the next child, can see flowers and coins of silver and gold placed in the basin of water. Almost half of the water in the basin was left, for this will be thrown away with the coins. This water will be thrown by the old woman underneath the flooring, where others were induced to pick up the coins, thus they will be wet. The kids will run away, but as a practice it is done always. This is done with the belief that the silver and gold coins symbolize prosperity in the child’s future life.
BAPTISM
Customs and practices regarding baptismal ceremony during the primitive days were still observed today. After a child is born, a person who knows how to baptize shall be called by the father. This person is invited to make first the ceremony called
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“Buhos Tubig” in which the godfather or the godmother is to be attending. After this ceremony, when the family had enough money to be spent for the baptism of the child, the actual ceremony performed by the priest will follow. During this time a feast is prepared to celebrate the baptism of the child. In cases when for instance a new born baby is almost to die after delivery, he will be just given a buhos tubig baptismal by the mid–wife. This custom is still practiced in remote places like barrios where no priest is stationed.
COURTSHIP
Courtship during the olden days was very hard. Before you can court a lady you have still to detect whether the parents appreciate you. If they do so, then you can have the chance to talk with the lady.
This practice is done nowadays at nighttime. A visitor or suitor usually knocks at the door, or else before one come in, he will have himself known by means of “Tao Po.” When he is recognized the father or the mother of the girl invites him to come up. He will be given seat after giving them the proper respects. The suitors sometimes have no chance to talk with the lady, for usually the parents were the ones who entertain him, if it happens that they dislike him. In case the suitor is being admired by the old folks, then, an opportunity will be given to him so he can talk with the lady he is courting.
MARRIAGE
Touching the phase of marriage, a woman gets married without being engaged to a man. They only knew each other in the time they will be married, for in those days the parents chose the man they want, though the lady dislikes him. The father being the
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head of the family is the one followed. And if he wants the man, he will be given instructions of what he will do in the house. The bridegroom to be will serve the family of the bride, which sometimes lasted for several months or years, doing the manual labor and also the preparation of the food for them too.
No suitors during the period of serving will be accepted. The lady is strictly guarded so that she cannot entertain them. When the 2nd day for marriage comes, the father of the bride will send for the grooms parents to arrange the affair. Both of them will prepare almost all the same things. Usually the ceremony was solemnized by the priest or Justice of the Peace. After this the bride will go to her in–laws home and she will be visited by her husband on the next day. This is practice nowadays in the barrios.
D E A T H
Customs and beliefs regarding deaths were still prevailing by this time. When a member of a family died, the whole family and the nearest relatives mourned for the deceased for several days as long as they deem it wise. After the burial, a festival for nine days with prayers at night followed. If he is a child of not more than seven years of age, the feast will be held after the fourth day. After a year another feast will be held to end the mourning period. Prayers will be said again for nine consecutive days before the feast day come. This is done to celebrate what is called “Babang Luksa.” This tradition is still practiced up to the present time.
BURIALS
When a member of the family died, the dead will be bathed with hot water and a piece of cloth. After the bath he will be dressed with the best clothes. If the deceased belongs to a wealthy family,
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he will be embalmed so that the burial rites will last for a number of days. This is done so that the relatives or other members of the family who lived in distant places may be notified. As soon as the relatives and other members of the family arrived, the burial ceremony will commence. All members of the family, especially women wore black clothes, as a sign of mourning. The man and boys wore a black arm band.
When the corpse is carried to its way to the cemetery, a band of musicians is hired. Members and relatives of the family walked behind the corpse in the course of the procession,
If the deceased is the father or the mother, as it is the custom, that before the body is laid on the grave, the small children of the deceased step over the coffin from side to the other, before covering. Other relatives will throw stone or anything to the grave. When the grave was covered, the family planted flowers or fenced the grave to mark the place where their loved ones were buried.
V I S I T S
Visiting relatives was the common custom among the Filipinos. When a relative comes home from abroad, after many years of absence from his native town, visits of relatives will occur to know the experiences from him, or else may received gifts that the newly arrived may have taken with him. Sometimes it take a number of six days for the newly arrived one to relate his stories from the beginning to end.
In some cases when he has some aunt or uncle in a far place he is usually to come to pay them a visit. He usually takes with him something as a present to them. These customs are usually practiced in this barrio and particularly in all other places.
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F E S T I V A L S
Festivals are occasions often celebrated in this district. This may be fiesta, marriage, baptismal, or any other kind of festival. A family who prepares for a festival, prepares all things needed a few days before the party. Relatives and close friends are invited to help in the preparation, a group is assigned to the building of the place, where the table are to be placed. Another for bringing firewood and water. Women are assigned to prepare the food to be served and eaten. When the day comes for the party, friends, neighbors, and other person will be invited. On the feast day everyone who comes will be served, as this is the custom.
P U N I S H M E N T S
Punishments during the olden days, were quite peculiar. When a fellow does something wrong, he will be punished by the head of the barrio or clan. He will be given a dozen lashes or whips. Sometimes he work for several days in the land of the person to whom he had done wrong. There are times when mutilations, as for example a part of the ear or his finger will be cut off, to show the community that he had done a serious crime, so that he would not repeat it or others will not do the same.
BELIEFS AND SUPERSTITIONS IN THE BARRIO
ECLIPSE: There was a belief about the eclipse, that when the moon or sun is being swallowed by the monster in the sky, darkness came and it is an eclipse.
RAIN: Rain is brought out by the wind from the sea.
WIND STORMS: A saint gives out this wind storm. The saint blows hard, then rain and wind occurs.
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S U P E R S T I T I O N S
- It is bad to sweep when the sun is setting, for Virgin Mary is blessing the earth.
- It is bad to sweep at night, for our wealth will be swept also.
- A black cat crossing the way of any traveler, means bad luck.
- A bride and a groom must not go out to work after the announcement of their wedding up to the date of marriage, for bad luck may befall them.
- After a burial of the dead, he comes back on the fourth day to kiss the place where he was laid.
- Some kind of sickness were caused by some evil spirits.
W I T C H C R A F T
Days before the development of this place, witches were told to be prevalent. Some persons had informed that when you will be walking at nights along bamboo groves, somebody may throw stones at them. Sometimes like a sound like that of a running pig will be heard. These, they presume that witches are common.
POPULAR SONGS
The most popular songs were the kundimans, or love songs. These are very common to lovers and to those serenaders.
G A M E S
The most common game is Sipa. In this game, many found enjoyment, for this is the only source of their fun as a recreational activity.
AMUSEMENTS
Horseback riding is their popular amusement. Going to the cockpit and cockfighting is their next amusement.
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Puzzles and Riddles
There are many riddle common in the community. Here are some of the one which are most popular. They are written in the native tongue.
- Dalawang bituing marikit, nagtitimbang sa siit. (Hikaw)
- May sunong, may kilik, may turok ang puwit. (Pinya)
- Magdamag na sinipingan di ko nahipo ang tiyan. (Sahig)
- Byabas ko sa tabing ilog bumubungay walang tangkay. (Itlog)
- Nanganak ang hunghung sa tuktuk idinaan. (Saging)
- Baboy ko sa pulo balahiboy pako. (Nangka)
- Aso kong si itim kung lumangoy ay pailalim. (Bato)
- Tinaga ko sa gubat, sa bahay umiyak. (Guitara)
- Alin sa boong mundo ang bunga ay bato? (Lumbang)
- Isang supot na uling, bibitin-bitin. (Duhat)
- Apat na abaniko panay biyak ang dulo. (Haligi)
- Isang bias na kawayan, laman ay kamatayan. (Baril)
- Walang paa, walang kamay, nalaban sa kaaway. (Ahas)
- Baboy ni Kiko, laman ay ginto. (Atchuete)
- Hihila ko ang bagin, nagkakara ang matsin. (Kampana)
PROVERBS AND SAYINGS
Here are the most common proverbs and sayings in the community: They are written in the native tongue.
BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND PATRIOTISM
- Ang bayaning nasusugatan, nagiibayo ang tapang.
- Ang liksi at tapang ay kalasag ng katawan,
- Hindi lalaki ang daga, kungdi malalaglag sa lupa.
- Sa gitna ng labanan nakikilala ang bayaning tunay.
- Ang hindi makipagsapalaran, hindi makatatawid sa karagatan.
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INDUSTRY, DILIGENCE, AND THRIFT
- Kung mayroon kang itinanim, mayroon kang aanihin.
- Ang bato ay hindi lalapit sa Suso.
- Hanggang maikli ang kumot magaral kang mamaluktot.
- Magtipon kang maaga, na kung dumating ang araw ay di ka ngangapa-ngapa.
- Ang hindi marunong magtipon walang hinayang magtapon.
- Ang taong palatulog, ginto man ang mahulo ay di makakapulot.
- Kung magtanim kang maaga, magaani kang maaga.
- Kung mayroon kang puhunan mayroon kang pakinabang.
- Ang arimahuna't adhika, gamit sa panahong wala.
- Ang damo'y di kakapit sa batong pagulong-gulong.
METHODS OF TIME MEASUREMENT
Measuring the time before was not by the use of the clock. During those days time is measured by the cock's crows. When its night and the cocks crow, its mid-night, and when morning comes and the cock crows faster and louder, its already four o'clock.
Another means is the sun. When the sun is overhead, its twelve o'clock. Another one is by the use of the plant. This is called the four o'clock plant. When this is in bloom, its flowers opens late in the afternoon, it means four o'clock.
HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE OF PATUTO DISTRICT
I N T R O D U C T I O N
In the year 1937, Tagaytay was Chartered as a city. In this connection Patutong Malaki or “The Large Pathway” being nearer to Tagaytay became a part of the city. Before the establishment of the city under Commonwealth Act No, 338, this was a part of the munici-
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DUPLICATE OF PAGE 37.
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pality of Mendez. When the city council of Tagaytay enacted the resolution No. 41, the city was divided into seven official districts and one of these is the Patuto District.
POPULAR NAME OF THE DISTRICT PRESENT AND PAST
Prior to the coming of the Spaniards “Patutong Malaki” has been the recognized name of the place. According to the early inhabitants, this was called so because it is the largest pathway from the town of Mendez to the outskirts of Tagaytay which is now a city. The word Patuto means pathway and Malaki means large. These words when mixed together gives the meaning “Large Pathway!”
ORIGINAL FAMILIES
According to the early dwellers, Patotong Malaki was a wilderness in the year 1896. Trees grow in bounty and cogon is of a man's height. Consequently, it became a very favorable habitat for wild pigs and deer. These became a living environment of such animals.
In the year 1896, there were three brothers and sisters with their families who live in this place to farm. These were the early settlers of this place. These three brothers and sister were the following; Ignacio Auditor and his wife Francisca Makapilit, Rufino Auditor and his wife Apolonia Contreras, Cornelio Sumagui and his wife Lucia Auditor.
LIST OF BARRIO LIEUTENANTS TO DATE
Very little had been known of the early barrio lieutenants of these place. There were no government officials yet in these place. There were only very few dwellers. This was only a part of Mendez, which was a barrio of the Municipality of Alfonso, the mayor of which at that time was Mr. Andres Herera. However it did not last long when Mendez became thickly populated such that the number
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Patutong Malaki. The Americans found that the people of the barrio are very helpful and kind. Recognizing the great favor that the inhabitants had given them, the liberating force gave the whole barrio folks plenty of food supplies and clothings. Then the barrio again became progressive.
CHARACTERISTICS, TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS
The characteristics and traditions of the people of this barrio are such that we may trace the old conservativeness of their early descendants.
The woman are shy and industrious while the man are bashful but gallant. The people adhere to only one religion, the Roman Catholic. They are believers of superstitions which is contrary to their religion. This may be attributed to the strict indoctrination that they received from their ancestors.
They believe in giants that appear at night. They also believe that if they meet a black cat on the way, it gives them bad omen. They also believe in having the newly wedded woman to stay for four days in her husbands home before going back to her parents or to their new home in case on had been constructed before their marriage in order that the couple may have a prosperous life.
P U N I S H M E N T S
During the early days, persons who have violated the laws and customs of the place were punished by making the criminal dig a pit in and have him buried to the knee for some times.
RECREATION AND AMMUSEMENTS
In the early days the people of this barrio were less interested in songs. Apparently no standardized folk song of any rhythm could be traced. In spite of this they had what is called “Libad” and “Pandango.” as their regional dances.
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The people had some riddles for their intertainments as;
- Aso kong si Turko, Labas ang buto.
- Eto eto na, hindi pa nakikita.
- Baboy ko sa Pulo, balahibo ay pako.
- Isang butil na palay, sikip sa boong bahay.
There were also some sayings that the people used in their argumentations as;
- Do not do unto others, what you would not want [unreadable] do unto you.
- Sparing the [unreadable] spoils the child.
UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS
Standards of [unreadable] that were [unreadable] meter [unreadable], patom, yard, [unreadable]. They used chupas or gantas [unreadable] measuring beans, sugar or serials such [unreadable] and [unreadable] The chupas and [unreadable] [unreadable] made of bamboos.
They measure the [unreadable] by the [unreadable] sun at daytime and they measure the time at [unreadable] [unreadable] of the crows of the roosters and sometimes by means [unreadable] heavenly [unreadable] as the stars, the moon, etc.
Before they use what is called [unreadable] for measuring and the "Dangkal" instead of meters and rulers.
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