Readings in Philippine History

Module 2 (Analyzing the Significance of the Primary Sources to the History

of the Filipino People)
Section 1 (Customs of the Tagalogs, Juan de Plasencia)

Introduction:
This section shows the different practices and customs, noted down by Fray Juan de Plasencia
in his account, Customs of the Tagalogs. The Tagalogs had long been practicing these even prior to the
arrival of the Spaniards. Such practices only prove that Filipinos already lived with political,
economic, and cultured systems prior to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1. Determine practices and customs of the Tagalogs and visualize the the type of community
that Filipinos had prior to the arrival of the Spaniards
2. Compare and contrast the pre-hispanic customs of the Filipinos to the practices that the
Spaniards introduced
3. Explain the importance of the customs of the Tagalogs to the grand narrative of the
Philippine History.
4. Evaluate the relevance of the document to the present time.

Discussion:
Background of the Author
Fray Juan de Plasencia, also known by his real name, Joan de Portocarrero, was one of
the seven children of Pedro Portocarrero. He was born and raised in Extremadura, Spain in the
16th century during the country’s Golden Age (Siglo de Oro). As Franciscan he performed
missionary and sacerdotal duties in numerous town in Luzon. He was also credited with
foundation of many towns in Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, and Bulacan. His interaction with Tagalog
converts to Christianity influenced him in writing the book Relacion de las Costumbres de los
Tagalos (Customs of the Tagalogs, 1589). The book identifies the political, social, economic,
and cultural systems that were already in place among Filipino communities prior to the arrival
of the Spaniards. He was dedicated to lead a lifestyle devoid of luxury and to be in constant
contact with people to easily understand the Catholic Chruch for them to willingly accept the
Catholic faith. As such he was honored by the Franciscan Order with the title “Venerable”. He
died in Liliw, Laguna in 1950.

Historical Background of the Document

Lifetime were allowed to hold the position of gobernadorcillo of pueblos, Friars assigned
in the parishes performed administrative duties in the local level by supervising and monitoring the
activities of the gobernadorcillo