Edrianne Mae Kristine D.

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Module 3 Reflection

1.    What were the biggest misconceptions on the origin of the Filipino people as discussed by
Dr. Filomeno Aguilar in the youtube link “Basagan ng Trip with Leloy Claudio”?
The biggest misconception on the origin of the Filipino people based on what Dr. Aguilar
discussed was believing that we, the Filipinos originated based on the Wave Migration theory of
Otley Beyer.
This theory came to be misconceptualized, also discredited today because this is solely based
on Beyer’s ideas which lacks actual evidences. It also tells that we came from a discrete level of
migration – discrete not just in terms on the physical attributes but also on the levels of
civilization, which then referred as a racist theory. On the other side, Dr. Aguilar mentioned
about the Genetics Theory which gives more evidence on our origins based on the DNA’s of
settlers in different regions compared to the later theory.
2.    Identify the existing socio-political and cultural structures and practices of peoples in the
Philippines before Spanish colonization?
Before the Spaniards came into the Philippines, the Filipinos are already diverse,
composed of various groups that came from different parts of Asia. Each group forms their own
community, they called this barangay and were headed by a datu – the one responsible in
leading and protecting his members. This was their style of basic political and economic unit,
their social-political structure. In addition, in terms of the Philippine cultural practices, the people
believed with many indigenous spiritual traditions, an example would be ‘diwata’ as well as the
unseen world and the spirit underworld. They also have a lot of cultural traditions done like
decorative dentistry, tattooing, skull molding, penis pins, circumcision and many more. The
Filipinos were also situated along the rivers, forest, fertile areas, and the cave in which, their
lifestyle and source of living depends there, such as farming, fishing, and hunting.

3.    What did the Spaniards actually say about the Filipino people when they first met them
according to Antonio Pigafetta?
Antonio Pigafetter whom was along the voyage of Ferdinand Magellan described the
Filipinos as hospitable people after they have experienced what is known to be pakikipagkapwa
and kabutihang-loob when they landed in the Philippines. Pigafetta along with the Spaniards
were also impressed by the speed and agility of the Balangay – a boat, and the navigational
skills of the native Filipinos in which they even described them as expert seasoned sailors,
seafarers. In connection they described the Filipinos as people who live on the seacoast or
navigable lakes and streams. In addition, they described the Filipinos to be a prosperous
community where they could get more provisions wherein, they saw gold, silk clothing and etc.
in the country (this is especially when they visited a king in Visayas).