1

MODULE 2

Lesson 1 CULTURAL PRACTICES IN LUZON

Lesson 2 CULTURAL PRACTICES IN VISAYAS

Lesson 3 CULTURAL PRACTICES IN

MINDANAO

Lesson 4 CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF

LUMADS

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MODULE II
CULTURE AND ARTS EDUCATION IN PLURAL SOCIETIES

 INTRODUCTION
This module presents the rich culture of the Philippines. Places such as
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be discussed in this module. It also aims to
explore the distinct culture and practices of the three major islands. As a culture
and arts student, this will help you to appreciate more the beautiful culture and
community practices in Philippines from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

OBJECTIVES

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. discover the history, tangible and intangible culture of Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao;
2. distinguish the difference of practices in Non-Muslim and Muslim places
in the Philippines;
3. demonstrate creative skills in crafting the different traditional
handicrafts and products in the Philippines;
4. teach and evaluate the cultural performances depicting each Philippine
Island’s culture;
5. comprehend, theorized and document facts in three major islands in the
Philippines; and
6. appreciate culture as art for life.

 DIRECTIONS/ MODULE ORGANIZER

There are four lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully then
answer the exercises/activities to find out how much you have benefited from
it. Work on these exercises carefully and submit your output to your instructor.
In case you encounter some difficulty with the lessons, inform your
subject teacher online. God bless and enjoy!

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Lesson 1

 CULTURAL PRACTICES IN
LUZON

Having a land area of 42,458 square miles, Luzon is not only considered
the biggest main island but has also the greatest population among the three
island groups of the Philippines. Apart from being the center of economic, social,
and cultural development in the country, Luzon is also home to top natural
wonders recognized around the globe.
The chief island’s name ‘Luzon’ was coined after the Tagalog word
‘kalusunan,’ which means northern part. According to historical accounts, the
active involvement of the island in trade and economic development dates back
to the 15th century. And because the main capital of the country, Manila, was
also home to the seat of the government, it was witness to a number of battles

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during the Spanish colonial period and the World War II wherein it was captured
by Imperial Japanese forces.
The main island is further subdivided into four major areas: Northern
Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the National Capital Region – all
which are inhabited by a large number of Tagalogs, Ilocanos, and Bicolanos.
Ilocanos dominate the Northernmost regions whereas the Tagalogs mostly reside
within the National Capital Region and Southern Luzon. On the other hand,
Bicolanos are found within the Southern Bicol peninsula. Major languages spoken
within the island are Tagalog, Ilocano, Bicolano, Kapampangan and Pangasinense
(usually spoken in Central Region). English and Filipino are also spoken by most
inhabitants.
In terms of religious practices, majority of the inhabitants are Roman
Catholics, Christians, and members of religious sects such as the Iglesia ni Cristo,
Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Aglipayan Church. The main island also leads the
country in industry and agriculture as it has the major urban areas and cities and
whereas other regions produce crops such as rice, corn, bananas and coconuts.
Aside from birthdays, wedding, and holidays, people in the Philippines
never forgets to celebrate their local festivals. These types of tradition are
common to Filipino culture.

PAHIYAS FESTIVAL
Lucban, Quezon

Every 15th day of May, the Pahiyas Festival is carried out to give thanks to
San Isidro Labrador for the good harvest. It is one of the country’s oldest
festivals tracing its origin way back to the 16th century. Back then, farmers
bring foods at the foot of Mt. Banahaw as a sign of their thanksgiving, but
eventually this tradition (done in the hopes of having a good harvest year) was
modified and made the church the central offering place.
The Pahiyas is commonly associated with Lucban, Quezon, but it is also
celebrated in two other Quezon towns: Sariaya and Tayabas.

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Pahiyas is one of the most lively, most colourful and one of the most
elaborate festival in Luzon. The whole place comes alive in color and music. Not
to mention Lucban food that includes Lucban’s world famous longanisa, broas
and kiping, the star of the pahiyas.

PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
Baguio City

Panagbenga Festival is a celebration of Baguio culture and traditions. In

some ways, the festival is also symbolic to the people in the city, which
commemorates the 1990 earthquake. So the people learn to rise up from the
disaster and celebrated a new life by showing its beauty to the world with this
festival.
Ever since, Baguio City has been known to be the hotspot of the most
beautiful flowers in the region. Together with its blooms, Panagbenga also
showcases the different cultures of the Cordilleran from provinces in the
region. In fact, the street dance of the Panagbenga features dances that are
inspired by these cultural tribes.

FERTILITY DANCE (SAYAW SA OBANDO)

Obando, Bulacan

Couples who wish to have a child flock to Obando, Bulacan, and every May
17 to 19 to join the street dance in Honor of Santa Clara. The street dancing is
said to be a prayer made by the couple. The belief stems from early practice
and is said to be effective, as some have been miraculously blessed with an
offspring soon after they joined the dancing.
The Obando dance rites is one of the very few religious Luzon festivals
that featured street dancing on a major part of the area.

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BANGUS FESTIVAL
Dagupan City

Dagupan City is known as the Bangus Capital of the Philippines, and the
City lays its claim to this by holding the Bangus Festival for almost a month.
The bangus, or milkfish, festival pays tribute to the City’s biggest industry
and features various activities affiliated with one of the city’s famous
product. From deboning to eating, from the longest to the heaviest and even to
the most beautiful, each year attempts to put out a record with its bangus
competitions.
Aside from being there while the City or its citizens bagged a Guinness
World Record, the festival also feature street dancing contests, the search for
the Bangus Queen (a beauty pageant), fluvial parades, and a citywide sale for
the shopaholics on a budget!

PAGODA SA WAWA
Bocaue, Bulacan

Festivals are a time for celebration, but it is also a time for food. Bocaue,
Bulacan’s Pagoda sa Wawa combines both.
The river festival is held every July, when a barge carrying a huge
decorated float is released along the Bocaue River. This is where dozens and
possibly hundreds of people partake on good food and great music. The floating
feast actually commemorates Wawa’s Holy Cross, which was first found floating
on the Bocaue River.
Experience a one-of-a-kind river feast. After a tragedy left dozens of
people dead a few years ago, the Wawa festival has been closely scrutinized to
ensure the safety of future pagoda riders.

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THINK!

What do you think is the importance of learning the

festivals in the Philippines?

Give five (5) things that you’ve learn from each festival in
this lesson. Explain each number and provide some highlights for
each event. Write your answer on the space provided.

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Lesson 2

 CULTURAL PRACTICES IN
VISAYAS

According to historical sources, the word Visayas derives from the term Sri
Vijaya, which was an ancient empire that settled in Panay Island during the 9th
century AD. Historical accounts mention that the Visayans, residents of the
Visayas Region, who we know today, descended from Malay migrants who had to
move to Panay due to the declining Sri Vijaya Empire. The name is said to be in
remembrance of one of the most powerful influences in Southeast Asia in early
times.
The Visayas Region is divided into three non-administrative sub-regions:
Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Western Visayas. The region also has seven
islands: Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay, and Samar — all of which
have hidden gems to offer! From the biggest and most popular cultural/religious
events in the country such as Ati-Atihan Festival, to delicious native delicacies

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like dried mangoes and white sand, unspoiled beaches, Visayas provides a lot of
bucket list destinations to local and foreign travelers.
While the inhabitants’ languages may sound similar, and the languages are
viewed as one macro language, there are differences among them. Those living
in Western Visayas speak in Ilonggo or Hiligaynon, whereas people residing in
Central Visayas are fluent in the Cebuano language. Inhabitants of Eastern
Visayas speak Waray, while the rest speak other languages such as Aklanon or
Capiznon, for instance. You’ll seldom hear residents speak in Tagalog or Filipino,
as they only use or learn about the language in school, according to most locals.
The Central Visayas Region, which consists of Bohol, Cebu, Negros
Oriental, and Siquijor, is mostly characterized by highlands with the exception
of Bohol province. In the Eastern part, the islands of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran
generally have flat terrains, and mountainous areas are mostly found within
Samar and Leyte. As for Western Visayas, home to Panay Island, Guimaras, and
Negros Occidental, its topography has wide stretches of coastal lowlands and
rivers.
The Philippines generally has only two seasons: dry and wet. If you’re
considering going island hopping in the Visayas Region, it’s advisable to go there
during the summer months from March to May, as there’s a low chance of
precipitation within the area.
Same with Luzon, the Visayas Islands are rich with colourful culture and
traditions. That includes their globally renowned festivals whereas tourist tend
to visit the places just to witness and engage with the fun and experience.

SINULOG FESTIVAL
Cebu City

The Sinulog Festival is held in Cebu and lasts well over a week, culminating
in the street parade or Mardi Gras that falls on the third Sunday of every January.
The feast venerates the Senyor Santo Nino de Cebu. For many years, Cebu’s
Sinulog has featured different activities such as the Miss Cebu beauty pageant,

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the fluvial procession, the solemn street procession, the film-making contests,
the arts contests, among others. But most people, especially non-locals, equate
Sinulog with the Grand Parade.
During the Grand Sinulog Parade, dozens of contingents representing the
different locales of Cebu City and Cebu province take part in different
categories: free interpretation dance, traditional Sinulog dance, best float and
best “higantes”. In the recent years, guest contingents have been allowed to
participate and join the Cebuanos in the fun dancing, including contingents from
Manila, other provinces and even other countries. Major thoroughfares of the
city are closed for this parade, as people flock the streets and the Abellana
Sports Complex to watch the pomp and pageantry, the burst of color and the
lively beat of drums.
It is rare that an entire city joins in the celebration of one festival, but
Cebu has always primed its citizenry to celebrate as a whole during Sinulog. No
wonder that even as 20 years have gone by, Sinulog is still the most looked-
forward event for all Cebuanos.

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
Kalibo, Aklan

Aklan plays host to the annual Ati-atihan festival, coinciding with the third
Sunday of January. Like the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, the Ati-atihan celebrates
the many miracles of the Child Jesus or Santo Nino.
The festival is probably more well-known for the black paint that most
participants put on their bodies. The black paint that covers the whole body
contrasts starkly with the colorful costumes and ornaments.
The Ati-Atihan, though honoring the Santo Nino, has tribal and pagan
origins. But together with the city’s Christianization, the festival has taken a
new meaning. The festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of
the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday, in the island and
town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines.

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Ati-atihan means “to be like aetas” or “make believe ati’s.” Aetas were
the primary settlers in the islands according to history books. They too are the
earliest settlers of Panay Island where the province of Aklan is.
The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous
costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-
Christians observe this day with religious processions. It is the mother of all
Philippine Festivals because Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo are
adaptations of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Bacolod City

Bacolod City holds its Charter Day on the 19th of October every year.
Coinciding with its Charter Day is the MassKara Festival, a week-long activity that
is currently dubbed as the Festival of Smile, a take on Bacolod’s own moniker as
the City of Smiles.
Unlike other festivals in the Visayas, however, the MassKara is not
religious or tribal in nature. Instead, the Festival ironically traces its roots on
tragedy. The festival was first held in 1980, at a time when sugar cane and sugar
prices plummeted and the livelihood of Bacolenos suffered. It was also during
that year that a terrible maritime tragedy left more than 700 Negrenses dead
when the Don Juan and the tanker Tacloban City collided with each other and
sank.
To eclipse the tragedy and the sorrow, Bacolod held its first MassKara
Festival. The term MassKara was coined by Ely Santiago, meaning many faces. It
also became the festival’s trademark: smiling masks worn by the participants.
Today’s Masskara features the search for the festival queen, street
carnivals, competitions, food fests, sports and music events, garden and
agricultural shows and other activities. The MassKara Festival is a festival held
each year in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental province in

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the Philippines every third weekend of October nearest October 19, the
city’s Charter Inauguration Anniversary.

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
Ilo-ilo City

If you have the Sinulog or the Ati-atihan on your travel itinerary to catch
the colorful Visayan Festivals in January, then surely your next stop would be Ilo-
ilo, where the Dinagyang Festival is held on the fourth Sunday of January.
The Dinagyang Festival still venerates the Child Jesus, but also
commemorates the conversion of Filipino tribes to Christianity.
Today’s Dinagyang Festival is much anticipated with several events serving
as highlights, including the search for Iloilo’s prettiest ladies in the Miss
Dinagyang pageant, the Atis street dancing, and the Kasadyahan street dancing.
Like the Sinulog and Ati-atihan, prayers, drum beats and colorful costumes litter
the streets of Iloilo for the Dinagyang. The Dinagyang is a religious and cultural
festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right
after the Sinulog in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. It is held both to honour
the Santo Niño and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the
subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis.

PINTADOS-KASADYAAN FESTIVAL
Tacloban City

Lasting a whole month, Tacloban City holds the Pintados-Kasadyahan

Festival culminating on June 29. The current festival also includes the Leyte
Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, the Pagrayhak Grand Parade, and the Pintados
Ritual Dance Presentation.
The festival commemorates and fleshes out how the Spaniards saw the
early Filipinos when they arrived in Leyte: bodies filled with tattoos and holding

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weapons which were previously heated in open fire. In fact, pintados is how the
tattoo-covered natives were called, and that’s how the festival got its name.

THINK!

From the different style of festivals in the Visayas regions,

name three (3) festivals which you believed to be unique and
different from the festivals in Luzon. Provide some explanations for
you chosen festivals.

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Lesson 3

 CULTURAL PRACTICES IN
MINDANAO

Being the second largest island group next to Luzon, Mindanao has been
dubbed the country’s ‘Land of Promise’ for its untapped, promising natural
resources. It has become globally known for being home to the surf capital of
the country, a famous highly-urbanized city, and jaw-dropping beaches.
Mindanao is known to have the largest Muslim community and diverse
native ethnic groups in the country. Because the area is near to the countries of
Malaysia and Indonesia, historical accounts mention that Muslim, Hindu and
Buddhism influence were very prominent during the early times of Mindanao
because of neighbouring migrants. The term “Mindanao” was coined after the
largest group which settled in the area – ‘Maguindanaos.’ While Sultanates were

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among the first to establish their presence, they were soon converted into Islam
because of the Muslim migrants who displaced the non-Muslim natives.
Apart from Muslims, Malaysians and Indonesians, some inhabitants of
Mindanao are also of Indian, Arab, or Chinese descent. It won’t be sufficient to
pinpoint a prevailing culture because the island is rich in diversity and various
origins, temperaments and religions are present. There are remnants of Spanish
settlement in the north-western peninsula, whereas Sultanates are found in the
south-western part, for instance.
While the “Visayans” Cebuano language is widely-spoken in Mindanao,
there are also dialects spoken in other areas such as Chavacano, Hiligaynon, and
Illonggo. There are also ethnic minority groups such as T’boli, Maranao, Bagobo,
and Manobo living in the area.
Mainly characterized by narrow coastal plains, peninsulas, and faulted
mountains, Mindanao has a range of tropical rainforests and great biodiversity.
Some of the world’s largest pineapples, bananas, and pomelos are grown here.
There are also abundant mineral resources and the area takes pride in its rich
variety of fish, corals, and pearls, wherein the finest pearls are found in Sulu
City in Mindanao.

ABOUT THEIR CLOTHINGS

The Muslims have strict rules about their clothing. The women are
required to wear long sleeves and have the neck of their coat-like blouse cut
high and closed. They wear a sarong as their skirt, the sarong is a strip of cloth
about a meter wide and two or three meters long. The two ends are sewed
together. It is wrapped around the body and tucked in at the waist. When the
sun is shining brightly, those wearing it may loosen it and cover the head with a
portion of the sarong.
The sarong is made of cotton material, plaid or striped, in brown and black
or other colors. The wealth women wear silk sarongs with beautiful colors and
designs. The dress is decorated with by many beautiful pearls.

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The men wear tight-fitting jacket with tight sleeves. Their trousers are
either tight-fitting or very wide and loose. The pants are made of cotton. They
are either black, pink, green. Purple or red. A long, bright colored sash is tied
around the waist. The men wear a turban or fez on their heads. The nobility
wears a red fez.
Other Muslims wear a turban. This is made of a large square piece of cloth
folded in such a way that it can be wrapped around the head like a cap. The
turban may be white or colored. The men wear a sarok (a hat similar to the
salakot when working under the sun. Muslim women are seldom seen in the street
as they are required by their religion to stay at home most of the time.

THE MUSLIM ETHNIC GROUPS

Ethnic is an Italian term for nation. An ethnic community may be defined
as tribal group which has its own language, hold in common a set of tradition
different from others whom they are in contact. It has its own territory from
which its ethnic identity is derived, and thus becomes a uniting factor for group
cohesion. The Muslim ethnic groups in Mindanao and Sulu are linked by both
ideological and geographical factors.

THE MARANAO
Literally, Maranao means people of the lake. Their homeland is called
Lanao which means lake. Their oldest settlement started around here, and up to
this day, highly populated communities still dot the lake. Their language is
similar to Maguindanaon and Iranun. One shall be confused as to which of them
owns the mother tongue since the Maranao and Iranun can understand 60% of the
Maguindanaon language. At any rate, these groups live in proximity. Continuous
contact allows them to develop or share a common practice including language.

THE MAGUINDANAO
Originally, Maguindanaon is the name of the family or dynasty which came
to rule almost the whole island of Mindanao, particularly the former Cotabato.

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It later refers to the Muslim people who live in the Pulangi valley which sprawls
the Southwestern part of Mindanao. It is for this reason, the Maguindanaon are
called people of the plain. They accepted Islam at the last quarter of
15th century. Total Islamization of the whole Pulangi area succeeded only with
the arrival of Sharif Kabungsuan a prince from Johore who came to Mindanao
after the fall of Malacca and nearby areas to Dutch colonialists in 1511.

THE IRANUN
These people have inhabited the area bordering between Lanao del Sur
and Maguindanao province. They claimed to be the origin of these two ethnic
groups. The language of the Maranao and Maguindanao is strongly rooted in the
Iranun tongue. The Iranun may perhaps be the mother language and the rest are
just a mere dialects. For several centuries, the Iranun formed part of the
Maguindanao sultanate. Their culture received much influence from the
Maguindanao rather than the Maranao. The Iranun were excellent in maritime
activity. They used to ply the route connecting the Sulu sea, Moro gulf to Celebes
sea, and raided the Spanish held territories along the way.

THE TAUSUG
Prof. Muhammad Nasser Matli argued that the term Tausug is a slang word
and originated from two words: tau (people) and ma-isug (brave). Therefore,
Tausug means brave people. Before the coming of Islam, the Tausug had already
established a central government. When Islam came, Tausug leaders accepted
Islam. They did not resist. As soon as they became Muslims they made themselves
models by infusing Islamic values and politics to the government. The result was
the spread of justice in the land. Seeing the beauty of Muslim leadership, the
entire natives finally accepted Islam. The peaceful triumph of Islam in Sulu in
the middle of the 13th century led to the Islamization of local politics. This was
the process that brought about the establishment of the Sulu sultanate in 1450.
Many Tausug leaders were sent outside Sulu to further strengthen the Sulu
sultanate influence. This was the origin of the growth of Tausug communities in

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Tawi-Tawi, Palawan, Basilan, Zamboanga, and Sabah. Up to this period, these

places are still the favorite destination of Tausug migrants who have been
displaced by the wars and conflicts between the Muslims and the Philippine
government.

THE YAKAN
The term Yakan is a mispronunciation of the word yakal by the Spaniards.
While the term Basilan has originated from two words basi (iron) and balani
(magnate). In the ancient time Basilan was thickly covered by the yakal trees.
Foreign people often mistook the name of the yakal trees as the native identity.
During colonial period the Spaniards branded the inhabitants of Basilan as Yakan,
and became carried up to the present.
The culture of the Yakans is similar to the Tausugs. Its inner foundation lies
on the spirit of martabat. For the outer side, religious institution like masjid and
madrasa, artifacts and the vast number of Yakan professionals, ulema, politicians
and fighters reinforced further the strength of the Yakan culture. These two
foundations are firmly planted in the heart of the Yakans. This is their real
strength. The challenge of the Yakans today is to steer their young generation to
assert their rights and develop confidence in their both material and non-
material culture.

THE SAMA
The Sama identity derived from the term sama-sama which means
togetherness or collective effort. The Sama people are highly dispersed and
scattered in the Sulu Archipelago. They are geographically diversified owing to
their exposure to maritime activities and fishing. There are five sub-clusters that
make up the Sama people. Helping each other is recognized as norm of the Sama
people.
Included in the Sama group are the Badjao known as the sea-gypsies of
Sulu Archipelago and Celebes sea. The Badjao people call themselves Sama Laut.
In Malaysia, they are called Orang Laut. All these descriptions point to them as

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being boat people. They always move from one island to another, living in their
small boat for weeks or even months without mooring or coming to town to buy
their needs. The Badjao do not establish a permanent community like the Arab
and the Cossacks in central Asia. They have not able to develop a political
institution that can advance their collective interest of their society. Their social
organization do not approach even the level of a clan, in a sense, because they
have no recognized community leader.
Their social structure is leveled. Rich people or elitism is completely
absent in Badjao society. All of them belong to the poor strata. Family structure
is the only factor that makes the Badjao society possible. Roles and duties are
allocated to every member from the parents down to their children, from the
adult to the young ones. The father acts as leader; the mother is responsible for
cooking; children collect fire woods in the coastal areas, and helps gather sea
food and fetch water. As observed, the whole Badjao family constitutes also the
economic unit, which means, all of them have to work together (sama-sama) for
their survival.

THE SANGIL
The Sangil came from Sangihe an archipelago sprawling the Celebes sea
just south of the Mindanao sea. Their migration to Sarangani province and to the
coastal areas of Davao del Sur and South Cotabato was ahead of the coming of
Islam to Southeast Asia. They embraced Islam later as a result of their continuous
contact with their motherland, which became Islamized, as well as with the
emerging Muslim communities in Maguindanao and Sulu in the 14th century.
The Sangil speak a language similar to Bahasa, and in the Philippines, to
Tausug. They also evolved their own social organization associated with central
leadership, which enabled them to wage battle against the Dutch and Spanish
colonialism. There were many instances the Sangil allied themselves to the
Maguindanao sultanate. They used to contribute war paraws, fighters and arms
in major expeditions to Spanish held-territories. The Sangil have also high
political and Islamic consciousness. They are active in their struggle for self-

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determination as part of their strategy to have their culture and social

institutions preserved and developed further. They succeeded at last. In 1992,
the Sarangani province was born intended to contain the clamor of the Sangil.

THE KAAGAN
The Kaagan inhabited mostly Davao areas. They became Muslims as a
result of contact with the Maguindanao sultanate, and later strengthened with
the arrival of some Tausug groups who helped to organize the Kaagan society.
No wonder the Kaagan language has many bahasa sug root words. With the
departure of the Tausug and Maguindanao influences at the height of the
Filipinization process. Most of them have been marginalized and were helpless
to improve their society because their social organization did not improve as
those in Lanao and Sulu.

THE KOLIBUGAN
The term kolibugan is a Sama word which means “half-breed”. Originally,
they are part of the Subanun ethnic group, an indigenous people inhabiting the
interior of the Zamboanga peninsula. Their neighbors, particularly the Sama
Bangingi and the Tausugs called these Islamized Subanun as Kolibugan because
their culture has been altered by their Muslim neighbors and for years there has
been intermarriage with other groups that produced new generations, hence
they are called Kolibugan. These people still speak the Subanun language and
retain the Subanun type of social organization, which is limited to clan
orientation with less political inclination. Today, the term Kolibugan is applied
to all Subanun who moved to coastal areas and intermarried with the Muslims,
and finally embraced Islam.

THE PALAWAN
The early Muslim inhabitants in mainland Palawan were the Panimusan.
These people became Muslims as a result of close contact with the Sulu
Sultanate. Many Tausug during the sultanate period came to Palawan in order to

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introduce Islam to the local people. The Muslim concentration is mostly in the
southern part of Palawan such as Batarasa, Rizal, Quezon, Brooke’s Point and
Espanola. In these municipalities the Muslims are likely dominant and hold
political power. Isolated Muslim communities are also found in Narra, Roxas,
Taytay and Aborlan.
Since the collapse of the Sulu sultanate, contact between the Palawani and
the Tausugs was almost lost. They have been isolated to each other as there is
no direct trade or cultural link between the two people.

THE MOLBOG
The Molbog are mainly confined in the Balabac islands located at the
southern tip of Palawan. They received Islamic influence and later embraced
Islam from Brunei Muslim missionaries. The propagation of Islam was active
during the 15th century when Muslim principalities rose from the eastern side of
the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. At this period, the Brunei sultanate was
expanding its influence to the Philippines and Palawan is not far from Brunei.
The Sulu sultanate also helped to strengthen Islam among the Molbog.

KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL
Davao City
Kadayawan Festival is an annual festival held in Davao City. The feast
marks a celebration of thanksgiving for life, nature and abundant harvest.
The name of the festival is actually a derivative of friendly greetings in
the local dialect, ‘Madayaw’. The word translates to ‘something that is precious,
a treasured valuable’. What was once a small tribal gathering in the early 1970’s
has become one of the country’s most anticipated festival. This month-long
phenomenon unites locals and tourists from all over in celebrating the colorful
culture and artistry unique to Davao.
The history of the festival can be traced back to the thanksgiving offerings
made by locals in Davao. Davao’s natives would gather at Mount Apo to show
their gratitude to a deity they referred to as ‘Manama’. The offerings would

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range from fresh fruits, the farm produces, green veggies and rice which would
then be offered on a mat.
This was accompanied by loud singing, energetic dancing, and ululations
by the locals. To a great extent, present-day celebrations of the Kadayawan
Festival have not changed much. The only difference is that this festival gave
rise to several independent festivals, and the theme, while remaining largely
about Thanksgiving, has also incorporated cultural and historical influences.
Visitors also get the chance to shop for farm produce during the festival.
Not only is the product affordable, but you also get to have a glimpse into the
locals’ way of food preparation. Interact with participating locals and find out
what makes this festival ticks.
The annual festival is scheduled for each third week of August. With
soaring numbers of tourists visiting during this period, you may need to make
accommodation bookings in advance. All in all, attending the Kadayawan Festival
in Davao is a highlight for many tourists visiting the Philippines around August.

REGATTA DE ZAMBOANGA
Zamboanga City
The Regatta de Zamboanga is the biggest and the most colorful event in
the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It is celebrated by native
Zamboangueños in honor of their patron saint, the La Virgen Nuestra Señora del
Pilar de Zarragosa. The festival is conducted throughout the month of October.
The main events, however, take place during the first 12 days of the month,
climaxing on Oct. 12, which is the feast day of the revered “patrona”.
The regatta is a fluvial racing contest and one of the features of the
Hermosa Festival for years and years now. The colorful and beautiful sails of the
participating vintas exemplify what “hermosa” is, which means “beautiful” in
both Spanish and the local creole language of Chavacano. The official seal of the
city also includes a vinta image.
Zamboanga residents joins the competition, and practically all of them
are Badjao and Sama fishermen who reside along the city’s long coastlines, in

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barangays like Sinunuc, Maasin, Labuan, Mariki, the touristic island of Sta. Cruz,
and many other villages.

Name the following Muslim groups by looking at the images. Choose from
the box for the correct answer. Write your answer on the space provided below
each picture.

Maranao Sama
Maguindanao Kaagan
Iranun Kolibugan
Tausug Molbog

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Lesson 4

 CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

OF LUMADS

Lumad is a Bisayan term meaning “native” or “indigenous”. It is adopted

by a group of 15 from a more than 18 Mindanao ethnic groups in their Cotabato
Congress in June 1986 to distinguish them from the other Mindanaons, Moro or
Christian. Its usage was accepted during the Cory Administration when R.A. 6734,
the word Lumad was used in Art. XIII sec. 8(2) to distinguish these ethnic
communities from the Bangsa Moro.
At present, Mindanao Lumads account for 2.1 million out of the total 6.5
million indigenous people nationally. (1993 Census) these fifteen Lumads in the
Cotabato Congress were the following:
Subanen, B’laan, Mandaya, Higaonon, Banwaon, Talaandig, Ubo, Manobo,
T’boli, Tiruray, Bagobo, Tagakaolo, Dibabawon, Manguangan and Mansaka.

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They are found in the following towns and cities:

Cotabato, Tandag, Dipolog, Kidapawan, Marbel, Tagum, Cagayan de Oro, Davao,
Malaybalay, Pagadian, Butuan, Surigao, Ozamis, Ipil, Digos, Mati and Dipolog.

HISTORY OF LUMADS
About the 11th century, called the “emergent period” by the
anthropologist, F. Landa Jocano, the dynamic interactions between the
indigenous cultural elements and that of the migrants brought about the
eventual narrowing down into distinct ethnic groups.
Called “infieles” during the Spanish regime, the subjugation of the Lumads
was equally important as that of the Muslims. Thus, Jesuit missions were
established near infieles territories. They were found among the Tiruray in
Cotabato; among the Subanons in Dapitan; among the Manuvus and Caragans in
Misamis and Surigao; and among the Bilaans in Davao.
Economically, Lumads practiced swidden agriculture depending on the
land’s productivity. Communal sharing of resources based on the belief of the
sacredness of land and nature as divine endowments define their relationship
with their environment. Their socio-political arrangements were varied. The
Lumad remained isolated and withdrawn from the hills and forest that were
difficult to penetrate.
The Lumads in Mindanao resisted against American colonization. The
coming of the Japanese in Davao was resisted by the Bagobos. That happened
between the years 1918 to 1935 as the latter threatened to displace them from
their homelands for business purposes.
When American rule was consolidated, a systematic policy to integrate
Mindanao and Sulu began. Lumads and the Muslims were grouped under a tribal
system. In Davao there were 6 (Ata, Guiangga, Mandaya, Manobos, Tagakaolo);
18 in Cotabato, 13 in Lanao; 9 in Sulu; 5 in Zamboanga; 56 in subdistricts. The
District Governor who headed the wards had a deputy in the person of the Lumad
datu.

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Moreover, American rule and later during the Commonwealth, the Lumad
landscape changed. For instance in the plains of Tupi and Polomolok in South
Cotabato, Blaan Lumads gave way to the Dole pineapple plantations; Higaonons
and Talaandigs who thrived by the plains of Bukidnon were neighbors to the Del
Monte plantations. By the 1960’s bulldozers, cranes and giant trucks were
ubiquitous in the area of the Banwaons. Foreign agribusiness covered a thousand
to 3,000 ha. of Lumad lands in Bukidnon-Davao area.
Thus, concern for the Lumads in Mindanao during the contemporary times
focused on the development projects that threaten to displace the Lumads from
their homeland. An example of this is the hydroelectric project of the PNOC
based in Mt. Apo which is being resisted by the Bagobo in Davao. Legislations for
the protection of ancestral lands by the cultural communities had been passed
by Congress. Senate Bill 1728, sponsored by Juan Flavier entitled, Indigenous
People’s Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 seeks to “recognize, protect and promote the
rights of indigenous cultural communities and to appropriate funds for the
purpose.
Local celebrities such as Bayang Barrios and Catriona Gray also expressed
their appreciation for the Lumad Culture through fashion and style in the
industry.

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL
Bukidnon
The word “Kaamulan” comes from the Binukid word “amul” which literally
means “to gather”. It is a festival celebrated annually by the Bukidnon people.
During the festival, the seven tribes in Bukidnon namely the Bukidnon, Talaandig,
Tigwahanon, Manobo, Umayamnon, Matigsalog and Higaonon are gathered to
celebrate diversity, culture, pride and unity. Each tribe showcase their own
tribal costumes, dances, and products.
Kaamulan is the dubbed as the only authentic ethnic festival celebrated
in the whole Philippines wherein we celebrate the richness of Bukidnon in terms
of culture, ethnicity and language. Kaamulan promotes cultural preservation and

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recognition for each tribe. Bukidnon is located in Mindanao, a place in the world
that is used to be tagged as a dangerous place. A place full of fear, chaos and
hate wherein people used to throw prejudice and stereotype about the people
in Mindanao. Yet a beautiful and diverse culture inhabits here in the highlands
at the heart of Mindanao.

If you are given a chance to visit the Mindanao Region,

what are the things that you want to experience in your trip?
Enumerate at least five (5) cultural practices from the lesson.

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References:

Banagudos, R. (2018). Regatta de Zamboanga: racing vintas romance the sea.

Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050463

Bara, H. (n.d.). The history of muslim in the Philippines. Retrieved from

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-
cultural-communities-and-traditional-arts-sccta/central-cultural-
communities/the-history-of-the-muslim-in-the-philippines/

dela Cerna, M. (n.d.). Parian in Cebu. Retrieved from

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-
cultural-heritagesch/historical-research/parian-in-cebu/

Different Luzon amazing festivals. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://pinoyfestivals.wordpress.com/different-luzon-festivals/

Gowing, P. (n.d.). Muslim filipinos – heritage and horizon. Heritage of

Philippine muslims. Retrieved from
http://www.muslimmindanao.ph/muslim_arts.html

Muslim culture, customs and traditions: Mindanao know as the land of promise.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-
and-people/philippine-culture/culture-and-traditions/1283-muslims-
culture-customs-and-traditions

Philippines: indigenous peoples in Mindanao. (2021). Retrieved from

https://guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/c.php?g=105238&p=687428

The Visayas island; culture and tradition. (2021). Retrieved from

https://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-and-people/philippine-
culture/culture-and-traditions/1329-the-visayas-island

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Timbrook, R. (2021). 4 Reasons not to Miss the Kadayawan Festival. Expert

World Travel. Retrieved from
https://expertworldtravel.com/philippines/kadayawan-festival/

Top five must-see visayan Philippine festivals. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://pinoyfestivals.wordpress.com/different-luzon-festivals/top-five-
must-see-visayan-philippines-festivals/

Tourist destination: Luzon. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://sites.google.com/site/touristsdestination/luzon-3

Ulindang, F. (n.d.). Lumad in Mindanao. Retrieved from

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-
cultural-heritagesch/historical-research/lumad-in-mindanao/

Umali, J. (2020). High culture: the visayans before spanish colonization were
badasses. Retrieved from https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-
reads/features/visayan-culture-a2212-20200303-lfrm2

Valdeavilla, R. (2018). Traveller’s guide to Luzon, Philippines. Retrieved from

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/travellers-guide-
to-luzon-philippines/

Valdeavilla, R. (2018). Traveller’s guide to Mindanao, Philippines. Retrieved

from https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/travellers-
guide-to-mindanao-philippines/

Valdeavilla, R. (2018). Traveller’s guide to Visayas, Philippines. Retrieved from

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/travellers-guide-
to-visayas-philippines/

w0wphilippines. (2012). The Philippine costumes. Retrieved from

https://w0wphilippines.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/philiipine-

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traditionalcostumes/#:~:text=Igorot%20costume%20is%20very%20simple,
by%20the%20Muslims%20who%20live

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