MUNICIPALITY POLANGUI, ALBAY, Historical Data of Part 3

PART III

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About these Historical Data

The transcription of this page was done using AI technology. There may be errors.

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months on suspicion of guerrilla activities, giving aid and / or comfort to the guerrillas or for non–cooperation with the Japanese administration.

Damage to properties:

Personal properties were looted and / or forcibly taken or commandeered by the Japs from civilians in Polangui during the occupation. Roughly estimated they were as follows:

The number of houses burned in Polangui by the Japanese was: In Ponso, 7 and in the mountains, 5.

Measures and accomplishment towards rehabilitation and reconstruction after World War II: –

Polangui is very fortunate for having been spared the ravages and horrors of World War II, compared with her neighboring towns like Libon, Oas, Ligao and the other municipalities of the Province of Albay, Polangui did not suffer much the havoc of said world conflict of arms and ideologies. In Libon for example, the Japanese massacred in broad daylight many civilians sometime in December 1944.

Before this date, the barrio of San Vicente, Libon was burned by the Japanese in June of 1942.

In the town of Oas, the Japanese burned about 27 houses in the poblacion along the national

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highway some in November 1944. The same fate was experienced by the other neighboring towns. If the town of Polangui was spared, it was due to the combined efforts of the guerrilla outfit of one Major Julian L. Saunar and the cooperation of the civilians. When liberation came in 1945, there was not much to rehabilitate in Polangui materially speaking – not even the morale of the people needed rehabilitation. The first token of American rehabilitation seen in Polangui was the PCAU (Philippine Civilian Affairs Unit) then followed by the ECA, PRAA, and several others yet, the most glamorous of them being the War Damage Commission. With the war damage compensation, both public and private, about 80% of the people in Polangui were rehabilitated even in a very modest way. Public roads and buildings were improved and new ones were opened and constructed. The War Damage Commission was the last vestige of American rehabilitation aid felt in this simple town, after which she was left dependent upon her own income and upon provincial and / or national aid.

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PART II FOLKWAYS

Among the people of Polangui there continues to exist that inalienable treasure handed them by their great grandparents. This heritage remains intangible and is manifested as folkways, customs, traditions, practices, puzzles, songs, sayings, and other folktales make up their folkways, it may even be prophesied that no amount of education can totally wipe out the practices and beliefs of the people. These customs and traditions still creep their way even among the schooled townspeople.

A – TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, AND PRACTICES IN DOMESTIC AND SOCIAL LIFE

BIRTH – Not all the women of Polangui can employ a doctor when they give birth. Very many mothers call the “partera” (midwife) when their hour for delivery comes. Usually a partera is called a couple of months before the mother gives birth. She (the partera) administers the hilot (massage) in order to put the baby in the right place and position in the womb of the mother.

Weeks before her delivery the mother prays the novenas to Saint Ramon, to the Lady of Salvation, and to other saints whom she believes will help her and save her from danger during her delivery.

When the awaited moment has come the “partera” is called. A mother who gives birth for the first time has to follow many do’s and don’ts. She is not supposed to

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touch her hips, waist, or buttocks. The “partera” massages the abdomen of the mother in order to force the baby out. As soon as the baby is out, it is bathed and dressed. The placenta and the umbilical cord are buried usually at the threshold of the house being careful that no animal can find and eat of them. The mother does not lie flat but she has to be in an inclined position with three or more pillows piled to support her back.

After eight to ten days the “partera” bathes the mother and the baby. Among other things she uses different leaves, bagangan grass and many others. These she boils and uses the water where they were boiled for bathing the mother. The nursing mother does not drink fresh water or anything cool. She has to drink lukewarm water for a month or so. She cannot eat fresh fruits. Ripe bananas have to be broiled before they are eaten. Whenever it is windy the nursing mother and the baby are kept inside a room where no moving air can reach them.

Most mothers feed their small ones every time the latter cry. Whenever a change is seen in the growing babe old folks forbid any comment about the change. Feeding continues until after a year when the baby is weaned.

BAPTISM – After several days or weeks or even months the baby is taken to church with the sponsor. Sometimes there are two or more sponsors. The sponsor shoulders all the expenses for the church rites. If the mother and father of the child are

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poor, after baptism they and the sponsor disperse. But by all means they have to give the sponsor some things, usually chicken and eggs and rice cakes, vegetables and fruits, too. For parents who are well off, their child’s baptism is a cause of rejoicing. They hold parties which are sometimes featured by dancing and card games. Usually the sponsor gives the godchild a present or even money.

COURTSHIP – In some parts of the poblacion especially among the conservative parents do the courting for their children. Before the girl knows it she is already officially engaged to a man whom she has never set eyes upon. The parents of the man and the man himself, with a third person to act as the spokesman, go to the house of the girl. They bring with them wine and eats. This act is seldom rejected because the parents of both parties had previous arrangements already. This going to the house of the girl is called “pamalae” (pamanhik in Tagalog). Here arrangements are made as to the date of wedding and how it would be done. Sometimes the man is asked to give a dowry. This may be in the form of money, carabao, house, or land. After the “pamalae” the man frequents the house of the girl in order to do any kind of work for the family of the girl. This is the time when the man’s character is tested until the wedding day. Sometimes the man lives in the house of the girl if he is from a far place.

Whereas, among the educated group the foregoing practices are outmoded. Among them the boy–meets–girl practice is common. When a boy meets a girl of his taste he proposes to her.

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He goes on weekends or any time agreed upon by both parties for a visit. They make plans for marriage and if both agree the man presents his plans of marriage to the parents of the girl. If accepted by the parents then plans for the wedding are made. The man is not made to work for the family as in the former case. There may be a dowry too but seldom if ever do such kind of parents ask for it for they are only for the happiness and welfare of their daughter and son–in–law.

MARRIAGE – Most marriages are solemnized in the church. An ordinary wedding is usually held on a Thursday. The bride and groom and the sponsors present themselves before the priest who solemnizes such kind of wedding only after the church banns are called. After the church rites the wedding party go to the house of the bride where kin are eagerly waiting for their arrival. A great feast awaits them. The expenses during the feast are shouldered by the groom’s parents and relatives.

There are many peculiar ways shown by a bride and a groom. During the wedding ceremony in the church both the bride and groom try to step on each other’s foot. If the bride happens to be the first to step on her groom’s foot then the latter would always be on the look out in the future for he will be a henpecked husband. But this is not enough. Another chance awaits him. In going up the house from the car he should run in order to be the first to go up. In that way, he would be the ruler of their house afterwards. Before the

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bride and groom go up the house rice is scattered to them. The feast sometimes lasts till late in the afternoon especially if there is a dance.

For the upper brackets the wedding ceremony in the church is more pompous. The banns are not called for the groom just pays for it. The wedding party is made up of the bride, the groom, the sponsors, the nearest male relative or father of the bride, the bridesmaids, the ushers, maid of honor, best man, ring bearer, and the flower girl. The party marches along the aisle to the music of an organ. The father or nearest male kin of the bride gives away the bride to the groom.

When the bridal party arrive at the house of the bride where the reception is made rice is also scattered. The feast is usually simple; it may just be a breakfast and afterwards the guests disperse. Most of the guests give presents to the newly–weds. All expenses, including the bridal gown, are from the groom’s family. After the wedding the newly–weds may choose where to live meanwhile that they have no house of their own yet. Most often they live with the girl’s parents for a couple of days only.

DEATH AND BURIAL – When somebody dies in the family all the neighbors, relatives and friends go to the house of the dead to show their sympathy. They offer their services; they give help in money or in kind. The closer relatives mourn

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with the family. They also wear black dresses for a certain period of time, maybe a year, half a year, or a quarter. The length of time for mourning depends on the degree of relationship they have with the dead person.

The dead is made to lie in state for twenty–four hours in the home. Sometimes the dead is embalmed especially when the children or parents of the dead are not around. On the eve of the burial singers are called to sing the passion of Jesus Christ. This is known as the “Bilar.”

On the following day everything is made ready for the funeral. The dead is placed in the coffin. Sometimes a band of musicians is hired, if the family can afford. The neighbors, friends and relatives all join the funeral. When the dead is to be taken down from the house all the windows are closed.

The funeral goes straight to the church where rites are held. Then the dead is taken to the cemetery. After the burial the people who were in the funeral are invited to the house of the dead. Before the closest relatives can go up the house ashes are sprayed to them. Prayers for the repose of the departed are said. Then food is served, after which the people disperse. Only the family and a few close relatives remain. Every day, for thirty days, the bereaved family go to church. At night they also pray in their homes for ten consecutive nights. After the ninth day the family go to the cemetery. They light candles by the grave. They hire

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cantores to help them pray for their dead.

VISITS – When a family knows that visitors are coming to visit them they prepare their house. They clean it very well. While the visitors are with them they serve them the best eats that they could afford. If the guests plan to stay for days with them they offer the guests their best bedding and the best sleeping place. Sometimes, the hosts take their guests to some places where they could enjoy.

FESTIVALS –

A. The Town Fiesta – The town fiesta is always the date which all the people of this town look forward to. It falls on June 28 and 29. It is this time when the people spend much for lavish preparations. Hospitality is greatly manifested at this time for every house is an inn. People from the neighboring towns are awaited. During the fiesta various, games and amusements are held. A dance is held for two nights. This is highlighted by the coronation of the muse of the town who came out by means of a popularity and beauty contest.

B. Santacrusan – May is the happiest month of the year in this town. From the first day of the month you can hear fireworks burst here and there; music here and there. Each district takes turn in celebrating the annual Santa Cruz. The people of the district where the celebration is prepare native cakes and other things to eat. They invite people from other districts. In the morning before anything else,

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a mass is said in the Chapel if there is any. Usually the Santa Cruz party is given in the afternoon or early at night. Some people go from house to house in that district, saying at each threshold, “Gabi, makisantacrus.” The owner of the house gives them some of the native cakes that they had prepared. Usually a procession goes around the district. The climax of the celebration is a dance usually.

C. FLORES DE MAYO – In some houses the Flores de Mayo is celebrated every night throughout the month of May. This is a sort of floral offering accompanied with songs to the Blessed Virgin. In church this is also done every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday only. By the end of this happy month the families having this festival give parties. They invite friends to eat with them.

D. CHRISTMAS – From December 16^th to the 24^th the people make it a point to go to church early in the morning to hear the “Misa de Gallo.” After each mass the younger set take short walks or stroll along the streets to breathe the early morning air. On Christmas Eve the people do not sleep before 12:00 o’clock. They prepare food for their “media noche.” At twelve midnight they hear the midnight mass. From there they go home with their friends and enjoy their midnight supper. Some people exchange gifts among them too.

E. NEW YEAR – On New Year’s Eve there is usually a dance. At 12:00 o’clock midnight it is stopped and all people go

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to church. After that the dance is resumed till morn. On New Year’s Day everybody tries to make a new and good start. They work and work. Care is taken not to spend a centavo on that day. Whatever they need on that day is supposed to be purchased the day before.

F. CHURCH FEASTS – These are observed much better than official holidays. On every feast day the church is full of people.

G. HARVEST TIME – Harvest time is a cause for merrymaking. They prepare food to be served to the spirits of the dead and to some invited friends. This is called “Sagurang.”

MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS, BELIEFS, PRACTICES AND TRADITIONS

1. Kissing the hands of parents and relatives.
2. Going on a pilgrimage to other places.
3. Taking care of old and helpless parents or close relatives.
4. Sending children below years of age to a tutor who teaches nothing but the Spanish alphabet and religious songs. This tutor prepares the children for confession and holy communion.
5. Preparing eats for the spirits as thanksgiving for their harvest.
6. On all Souls day the people put candles at the foot of the stairs believing that their dead would visit them on that night.
7. Young men go around at night to serenade young girls of their dreams.
8. Sharing with neighbors a special dish cooked by the

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10. Giving financial or material aid to the bereaved family of the dead.
11. Giving alms to beggars especially on Fridays.

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The king asked for one fruit to find out the truth of these news. And alas! it really was as it was described.

The king believed that this hairy covering was the hair the hard part the skull and the eyes represent the nose and the eyes. Hence he called it coconut.

BELIEFS, INTERPRETATIONS & SUPERSTITIONS

A. Pregnant Mothers:

1. A pregnant woman who used to sit on the threshold will have hard labor, the child can’t come out at once.
2. A pregnant mother who steps across a string rope or thread or anything used for tying would find the child’s navel wound around its body when it is delivered.
3. A pregnant mother should not hold nor touch a dead person otherwise her child will be born mute.
4. A pregnant mother who looked up at an eclipse will give birth to a cross–eyed child.
5. No two pregnant women should live together in one house because it is believed that one of them will die.
6. A pregnant woman who hears a bird called “ki–kik” noise at night will have abortion.
7. A woman who eats two bananas known as “siping” will give birth to twins.
8. Any woman who mends a dress on will have hard labor in the future.

Marriage:

1. When a married couple comes home from the church the woman should try her best to go up the first step ahead of the man so she’ll not be defeated in any future family quarrel.
2. If a house is built with the stairs facing East the wife will die first if it faces West, the husband will die first.
3. The orphans of 7 years old and below should be made to wear plain red dress especially at night so that the mother car
4. When a dog digs a hole anywhere in the yard, the kin will die,

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The king asked for one fruit to find out the truth of these news. And alas! it really was as it was described.

The king believed that this hairy covering was the hair the hard part the skull and the eyes represent the nose and the eyes. Hence he called it coconut.

BELIEFS, INTERPRETATIONS & SUPERSTITIONS

A. Pregnant Mothers:

1. A pregnant woman who used to sit on the threshold will have hard labor, the child can’t come out at once.
2. A pregnant mother who steps across a string rope or thread or anything used for tying would find the child’s navel wound around its body when it is delivered.
3. A pregnant mother should not hold nor touch a dead person otherwise her child will be born mute.
4. A pregnant mother who looked up at an eclipse will give birth to a cross–eyed child.
5. No two pregnant women should live together in one house because it is believed that one of them will die.
6. A pregnant woman who hears a bird called “ki–kik” noise at night will have abortion.
7. A woman who eats two bananas known as “siping” will give birth to twins.
8. Any woman who mends a dress on will have hard labor in the future.

Marriage:

1. When a married couple comes home from the church the woman should try her best to go up the first step ahead of the man so she’ll not be defeated in any future family quarrel.
2. If a house is built with the stairs facing East the wife will die first if it faces West, the husband will die first.
3. The orphans of 7 years old and below should be made to wear plain red dress especially at night so that the mother cannot see
4. When a dog digs a hole anywhere in the yard, it means the kin will die.

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PLANTS

1. In planting coconut place a kind of fruit that grow in cluster so that when the plants bear fruits they’ll also be in cluster & plenty.
2. In selecting the seedling for coconut get those which didn’t go very far when they were dropped or picked from the tree.
3. In planting corn eat much so that the ears of corn will be full.
4. If you like the grains of corn to be red chew buyo and spit into the hole where you will drop the grains.
5. In planting bananas of the “bongrane” type don’t look up the seedling or it will grow very tall.

STORM

1. If the dushes fly there will be a storm and the wind will come from the direction where the dush flew too.
2. When the cocks crow during a stormy weather it is a sign that the wind would n’t become strong.

MISCELLANEA

1. Expect a visitor when the cat sits on the window sill.
2. There is a belief that before attempting to fell a big tree hook the ax on the night before the falling. In the morning come back to see it. If the ax fell to the ground the anito would not like to be cut down. If the ax was not moved or touched where you placed it you may cut the tree. If you try to cut it when the ax was removed you will get sick.
3. In burying a dead person burned immediate kin should go around the coffin three times and on the 3rd everybody should step across it so that the disease will be left with the dead.

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4. Always say excuse when you throw a basin of water at night for there might be an anito walking and if you happen to throw them and they’ll get angry and you will offend it that they’ll make you sick
5. Do not look out of the window when the dead or coffin is lying down the house for another one among the kin will die in a short time.
6. If the limbs of a dead person seem very pliable it is a sign of another death in the family or immediate kins in the near future.
7. If you sweep the floor or yard or in another words if you do any cleaning in a house where some one is dead still lies in state other deaths in the immediate kins will follow.
8. Place a plate of vinegar on a table when there is lightning so that lightning will not strike anyone in the house.
9. Anyone who points to a rainbow will have his finger cut.
10. If splashes of fire are seen on the bottom of a frying pan visitors will be coming to your house.
11. To make a rainbow disappear make or draw a cross on the ground opposite it.
12. Women who go fishing with hook and line would not allow anyone to step across the line otherwise the fish would not eat the bait but just pass by it.
13. If someone at home goes cock fighting no one of those left at home should go to sleep otherwise he will lose and the cock will be defeated.
14. When a newly married couple build a house they should bury in one of the holes for the post a cent or coin will bring them fortune in the future.
15. If you break a glass anytime of the day that means some misfortune will befall you or any member of the household.

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N A T I V E S O N G S

1. SARONG BANGUI

Sarong bangui sa higdaan
Nasadagñog aco onino nin sarong gamgam.
Sa loba co catorogan
Baco condi simong voces iyo palan.

Cho.

Dagos aco bangon
Si sacuyang mata binuclat
Sa cadicloman aco ay nagmalag–calag
Si sacong paghiling pasiring sa itaas
Simong laog nahiling co maliwanag.

ONE NIGHT

It was one night in my poor bed
I’d heard of a voice
Voice of a familiar bird
I then supposed it was a’dream
T’was not a dream
What I had heard it’s you, my love.

Cho.

At once I rose from bed
With my two eyes open wide
In silent darkness I tried to look
I looked here and looked there but darling dear
My sight was brought above

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The only thing I saw was your image
Shining so bright.

2. PAGCABUHAY

Labing pagal pag masdan
Pagcabuhay sa guinaban
Totto marhay pang magadan
Halangcao na lagnit iyong camtan

LIFE

It is too tiresome to watch
Life in this world
True, it is better to die
It is high heaven you will grasp.

- - - - -

3. DIGDI SA QUINABAN

Ta digdiho sa guinaban
Mundo labing casaquitan
Gumibo cang marhay
Gumibong maraot
An balos guiraray pagtios.

IN THIS WORLD

Because in this world
World full of suffering
You do good
You do bad
The reward is always suffering

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4. ICA AN PUNAY

Ica an punay na magayonon
An saimong matang encantador
Na nagpapasaquit sa simong servidor
Saen taca dao hahanapon?

YOU ARE THE BIRD

You are the bird that is beautiful
Your eyes are enchanting
That cause suffering to your servant
Where shall I search for you?

ooOoo

5. MAG SIRVE MIENTRAS BUHAY

Uyang minasumpa ining amante mo
Sa pag sirve mientras na may buhay
Nenang sasaimo, Ica sana icang gayo
Namomotan can puso co
Haen an simong pagkaheraq?

SERVE WHILE ALIVE

Here swears your lover
To serve while there is life
Darling to you, you and only you
My heart loves
Where is your pity?
Do not hold it oh! my love.

ooOoo

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6. ICA SANA DAING IBA

Ica sana dain iba saco
Nagsabong sa boot
Lominaglag sominadol gñonian
Daing pagcatacot
Haloy asin halawig nang aldao
Aco magmamawot
Magui cang ladawan
Ragña nin pagtios.

YOU AND NO ONE ELSE

You and no one else for me
Occurred in my mind
Destroyed and commanded now
There is no fear.
It has been a long time
That I had been hoping
For you to become a picture
The consolation of my suffering.

ooOoo

7. DAING IBANG PINILI CO

Daing iba nangad icang pinili co
Asin pinaorog na maguing lucero
Sa maniwala ca pongo por testigo
Mi sincero amor guican sa puso co.

THERE’S NO OTHER I’VE CHOSEN

There really is no other but you that
I’ve chosen

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