Bangka does not only serve as a form of transportation for indigenous and early Filipinos; it also has

much meaning that becomes part of their culture and daily lives. From how it is made to how it
functions, early Filipinos incorporate many beliefs to the Bangka that makes it important to the
development of the rich culture and society. One of this belief is that the soul of the departed is sent
across the ocean on a boat to the afterlife. The river and the sea served as passageways to the afterlife;
thus, the coffin was a boat. Aside from the body of the departed, they also place food, belongings,
animals, and slaves believed to accompany the soul along the journey. Early Filipinos also believed that
living things are not the only one with the soul, but non-living things as well. The only difference is that
humans and animals have two souls, while the inanimate only has one. With this belief, even if the
physical things on the boat and the boat as well decompose or degrades, its soul would remain intact,
and it would continue to serve its purpose to transport the soul of the departed to the afterlife.

1. Different rituals are conducted relating to the bangka depending on the purpose such as
guidance and good fortunes.
2. Indigenous and early Filipinos believed that humans have two souls; good soul on the right and
bad soul on the left, and man-made objects has a soul as well but only one.
3. Different mourning practices to show respect to the deceased.
4. How similar the cultures and beliefs of different early Filipino tribes and nearby countries
despite the long distance.

1. The indigenous and early Filipinos’ idea of the afterlife.

2. The rituals and mourning process for the deceased common folks, the poor who doesn’t have
the capability to financially afford/support such things, and slaves who is foreign to the land and
doesn’t have any relatives.

1. Does the things, animals, and slaves in the Bangka who accompanied the deceased in the
journey to the afterlife will experience eternal paradise as well and be free from their duties or
burden, or will they still continue to serve even in the afterlife?
2. Does the practice of sea burial, rituals, and mourning also happen to the commoners, the poor,
and the slaves? If so, is the process similar to those with high status?
3. How does this beliefs of early Filipinos change overtime and relates to the current beliefs of
Filipinos?
4. Is this practices still done by various natives, indigenous tribes, and ethnic groups to this day?
According to Ambrosio, Balatik, Moroporo, and other projections played a significant role in traditional
agriculture. Their appearance and location in the sky at various times of the year signaled when clearing,
plowing, planting, and other agricultural activities should be done. The presence of these Philippine star
groups in the sky tells our ancestors the different seasons and weather forecast or pattern that indicates
the right time for such agricultural activities. In addition, it also indicates when fishing and hunting
should be done to yield more. Lastly, these constellation groups also played an important role in
navigation for travelers, explorers, and seafarers to avoid getting lost on their journey.

1. Various ethnic groups has their own interpretation of the different constellations in the sky. The
way they see these constellations affects their cultures and beliefs and it held importance on
how they process their daily lives.
2. Different constellations serve different purpose and has different meanings depending on the
various ethnic groups. It’s most important use, according to early Filipinos, is related to
agriculture. They used these constellations as a guide on when is the right time to start planting
and harvesting.
3. Different myths and reasons on how these constellations appear on the sky such as the story of
Magbangal from Bukidnon and Tohng, Masikla, and Mayuyu from Jama Mapun.
4. The names used by various ethnic groups to the different constellations to differentiate and
identify one from another.

1. Important personalities in the various ethnic groups who studies and identifies such
constellations in the sky.
2. The process on how these various ethnic groups differentiate and identify the different
constellations in the sky.
3. The significance of the objects formed in their minds when seeing the constellations in their
daily lives.

1. Upon looking at night sky in current time, how does modern Filipinos see the constellations as
compared to early Filipinos? Does it still serve its significance like in the past?
2. How does the development of science and technology affects the beliefs and culture regarding
the knowledge of the constellations of early Filipinos?
3. Is the knowledge of the constellations of various natives, indigenous tribes, and ethnic groups
still applied to this day?
1. The spread of Islam in the Philippines is due to the arrival of several missionaries and royalties
and it started in the province of Sulu. As time goes on, the Islamization strengthens and their
power expands and remains because of marriage between royalties and conversion of locals.
2. Stereotypes regarding the involvement of the Muslims to several terrorists attack all over the
world resulted to discrimination and harsh treatment from their fellow countrymen. This in turn
affects the reputation of the Muslims where the innocents are being wrongly accused and
experience misjudge by the society.
3. Despite the hardships they experience even during the colonial period, they remain strong and
faithful to their religion and still continue to fight for their rights and freedom while their culture
continues to flourish with the help of several groups and organizations by the government.

1. The government’s plan of action to help and support the development of the Muslims in the
Philippines especially in Mindanao and how they would change the stereotypes regarding to
Muslims. In the past administrations, they focus on resolving the terrorist problems but neglects
or pay little to no attention on the welfare of the innocent Muslims.
2. A brief summary or an idea of the culture and tradition of the Muslims, the teachings of Qur’an,
and the Islamic leaders equivalent to Pope and Cardinals in Catholic as this may help a non-
Muslim reader to know and understand the perspective and way of life of a Muslim.

1. How does Islam affect the worldview and perspective of an individual?

2. How does the arrival of the Islam in the Philippines change the culture and belief of the
Filipinos?
3. Why does most of the terrorist attacks that occur is being attributed to Muslims and their
beliefs?
1. Describe the lifestyle of a binukot and her role in the community
2. Explain the reasons why the Pintados of the Visayas practiced the art of tattooing.
3. Enumerate some of the customs, practices and lifestyles of the early Philippine polities that are
still practiced today and briefly describe the similarities.