Exercise 2.

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Name: Alfrancis R. Llanes Date: October 16 2021
Course & Year: BSTechM I-1 1st year Score:

1.What is the physical nature of the document (letter, report, etc.)? What are the major premises
presented about the Tagalog in Luzon?
-The physical nature of the document is a written report of Fray Juan de Plasencia for the
government of Spain. This document shows that the early Filipinos already civilized that has a
rich cultures and traditions before the arrival of the Spanish Colonizers. Filipinos also have their
own role and beliefs. It also shows the way of life of the Filipinos. The Philippines is inhabited by
more than 175 ethnolinguistic nations, the majority of whose languages are Austronesian in
origin. Many of these nations converted to
Christianity, particularly the lowlandcoastal nations, and adopted foreign elements of culture.
Ethnolinguistic nations include the Ilocano, Ivatan, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Tagalog,
Bicolano, Visayans (Aklanon, Boholano, Butuanon, Capiznon, Cebuano, Cuyonon,
Eskaya, Hiligaynon, Karaya, Masbateño, Porohanon, Romblomanon, Suludnon, Surigaonon
and Waray-Waray), Zamboanga, Subanon, and more.
2.What was the author's main argument? What was he trying to say about the customs of the
Tagalog?
-The main argument talks about the observation of Juan de Plasencia about the custom of
Tagalogs before the colonization of Spaniards. If we are to look at it, we can perceive that
Filipinos in the pre-colonial period are highly civilized and already have a government system
and enjoys a rich culture.
3. what do you know about the author like his nationality, occupation, and/or position? Does any
of these, matter? Why?
-Juan de Plasencia was a Spanish friar of the Franciscan Order. He was among the first group
of Franciscan missionaries who arrived in the Islands on July 2, 1578. He spent most of his
missionary life in the Philippines, where he founded numerous towns in Luzon and authored
several religious and linguistic books, most notably the Doctrina Cristiana (Christian Doctrine),
the first book ever printed in the Philippines. It does matter because these attributes speak his
credibility as a person and as a historian. He spent most of his time here in the Philippines as a
missionary who spreads the word of God. As years go by, he and his other preachers, because
of their untiring work and service, founded and reached large towns in various provinces. His job
as a Christian missionary has been a way for him to observe and understand the culture and
way of living of the ancient Filipinos. This might lead him to writing historical masterpieces which
includes The Customs of Tagalogs
4. What was the author's purpose of writing the document?
- The purpose of the author in writing the document is to know the lifeways of the natives. Regarding
their government, administration of justice, inheritances, slaves, and dowries. Also, the obtained
information was given to the chief justice of the Royal Audiencia and 6th Spanish Governor-General with
the objective of settling the personal affairs between the colonial authorities and natives. Thus,
converting the natives to Christianity.

5. What is the important connection of the document to your recognition and appreciation of the
Tagalog customs?

- Filipinos' way of living far from the present day was beyond our comprehension. Many things have
changed when it comes to beliefs, culture, and especially in our way of living. This document written by
Juan de Plasencia can enlighten us about our ancestors and makes us more knowledgeable when it
comes to our culture. The document can be used to compare our customs of Tagalog in the present day
and customs of Tagalog that varied far from the past. The document serves as a medium for us to
understand how such laws or beliefs exist in the present, which can build up our appreciation of our
own culture and beliefs. Also, it can emphasize the importance of the culture that we had before the
Spaniards came.