Understanding Culture,Society and Politics

Chapter 3

Mandaya

The intimate belief of the Mandaya created a unique blend of nature, spirits and man.
Undoubtedly, the Mandaya have one of the richest cultural heritage among ethnic groups. They
are very close to their families. Christianized Mandaya still retain some of the past beliefs
creating a syncretic form of religion Mandaya beliefs revolve around nature spirits (diwata), both
good and bad. In contrast to the Christian belief that sets evil as absolute archenemy to
one's faith and morality, the Mandaya believe that evil spirits can be appeased and made
amicable. The Mandaya did not have an established political structure nor a hierarchy
of politicians or people governing the community.

Manobo

The religious beliefs of the Manobo are revolved around the concept that there are many unseen
spirits who interfere in the lives of humans. They believe that these spirits can intrude on human
activities to accomplish their desires. The spirits are also believed to have human characteristics.
The Samayaan is a native ritual in which omens are read in connection with the various stages of
the farming cycle: clearing, planting, growing, and harvesting. The first day of the planting
season marks the beginning of the Manobo year, the last day of harvesting is the ending. Manobo
settlements are either dispersed or relatively compact, depending on the terrain, the agricultural
system practised, and the degree of acculturation. Compact villages traditionally have three or
fourdatu or timuay (chieftains), but dispersed settlements have none. Some Manobo groups did
not have a fromal system of chieftainship until the present century. The term "datu" was used by
the Visayan traders for this chief but not by the Manobo. The Spaniards called him masikampo
(derived from maestre de campo) and the Moro called him kuyano/kulano.

T’boli

The T'boli culture is richly connected with and inspired by nature, their dances are a mimick
from the action of animals such as monkeys and birds. The T'boli have a rich musical culture
with a variety of musical instruments, but the T'boli music and songs are not meant for
entertainment only.  T'boli belief, a spirit or force lives in all objects, animate and inanimate.
The T'boli make offerings (including bracelets) to the spirits of rivers and forests. Parents will
place a sword by sleeping to children to protect them from evil spirits. T'bolis are not governed
by written laws nor a Datu can give a decree. Instead, they submit to their custom law and
tradition, usually contained in their folktales and folk beliefs.

Jeff L Nacito
Understanding Culture,Society and Politics

Chapter 4

Mandaya

In the Philippines, the mandaya indigenous group is known for their gaudy and vibrant culture
that has been preserved from successive generations and has withstood the colonizations that the
country surpassed. The Mandaya people live in Mindanao, the Philippine archipelago,
specifically along the mountain ranges of Davao Oriental.

Manobo

The Manobo languages spoken in the Philippines. Their speakers are primaly locked around
Northern Mindanao, Central Mindanao and Caraga region where they are natively spoken.

T’boli

The T’boli (Tagabili to lowlanders) are an animist ethnic group inhabiting highland areas in
Southwestern Mindanao, centering on lake Sebu (TauSebu is another of the people’s
name). Their immediate neighbors are the mnobo and Bilaan, other animist upland
peoples (with whom they are often in conflict).

Jeff L. Nacito
Chapter 1

Introduction to the philosophy of the Human Person

“Personal Life Philosophy”

Everybody is unique and they own way; we all different ideas and options, we all practice
different belief. Our ideas about life are based on our perception, the way we see the
world. So It is only natural that each individuals follows his or her own slightly modified
philosophy. My life. my surroundings, my morals there are what help to shape my
personal Philosophy.

Jeff L. Nacito
Chapter 2

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

What I think about others

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values,
morals, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include teaching, traning, storytelling,
discussion and directed research, Personal lfe is the course or state of an individual’s life,
especially when viewed as the sum of personal choices contributing to one’s personal
identity.

Jeff L. Nacito