Chapter 6

Early Filipino Cultural Practices

Culture (from a Latin word cultura, meaning " to cultivate ") is a configuration of
learned behaviors and results of behavior whose component elements are shared and
transmitted by the members of a particular society (Linton, 1945). On the other hand,
cultural practices generally refer to the manifestation of a culture especially in regard to the
traditional and customary practices of a particular ethnic or other cultural group.

Mode of Dwelling
Dominant in East Asian regions, bamboos are the largest grasses, growing to almost
100 feet in height. The stalks are round, jointed, sometimes thorny, and hollow or solid with
green leaves. Many Asian cultures rely on the use of the bamboo because of its sturdiness
and versatile uses. In many cultures, bamboo is used as wood for construction work,
furniture, utensils, fiber, paper, fuel, and countless small articles. One of these Asian
cultures which used bamboo is the Filipino culture. Filipinos used the bamboo (kawayan in
Tagalog) in many ways in daily living, from home use, to food, to folk arts and music.
Significantly, early Filipinos made their settlements along sheltered bays, coastal
areas, and mouths of rivers. Their houses were usually constructed side by side along the
river banks or seashores. This type of settlement could be found in Cebu, Leyte, Bohol,
Panay, Cagayan, Manila and others. Other types of settlements included clustered
communities and scattered communities on the inland hills and plains.

People ceased to lead nomadic lives after they learned domesticate to plants and
animals for food. The early Filipinos who settled in coastal plains built houses commonly
known today as bahay kubo (nipa hut). These dwelling houses were high pitched and usually
open gabled to allow for ventilation. These are usually made from bamboos for structure
and nipa leaves for roofing. The traditional bahay kubo follows the centuries old Southeast
Asian rural archetype of the single room dwelling where all family activities happen in one
space.

Nipa huts are constructed in an elevated area, high above the ground and supported
by wooden or bamboo poles. These houses were provided with bamboo ladders which could
be drawn up. The whole design was made to suit our tropical climate. It also contained a
gallery, called batalan, where jars of waters were kept for household purposes.
 Among those who settled in the mountains, such as the Ilonggot and the Kalinga of
Northern Luzon and the Mandaya and Bagobo of Central Mindanao, houses were built on
treetops, obviously for protection from their enemies.

The Tausog of Sulu builds their houses on land, away from the shore. A site is
considered lucky if it is flat and dry or if it gently slopes westward, that is, towards Mecca.
The traditional Tausog house rests on nine posts. Basically a one room house, the Tausog
dwelling includes a "porch" (a structure attached to a building, forming a covered entrance
to a vestibule or doorway) and a separate kitchen. A distinguishing feature of the house is
an elaborately carved wooden finial called tajuk pasung placed at one or both ends of the
roof ridge.
Likewise, the Samal builds their houses on stilts over the water, along the shore, or
farther out. The Samal houses are grouped together in villages and are connected by bridges
and catwalks. However, unlike the Samal house, the Badjao land house stands alone on an
expanse of water and is reached only by boat .
At present, there are still many "bahay kubos" especially at the beaches and
common tourist areas, where many go for enjoyment and relaxation. "Kawayan" is also used
in many of the homes that are styled after the old Spanish homes built during the conquest
by Spain . There are two types of structural floorings that use the kawayan. One is the
standard flat flooring where the kawayan is cut in flat boards and placed side by side and
plastered down. This type of flooring is usually used as bedroom floorings.
Unlike the old - type nipa huts common in the Philippines, the Ivatans of Batanes Islands
have adopted their now famous stone houses made of limestone and coral and its roofing of
cogon grass. Their houses are built to clasp the ground because of the frequency of high
winds and strong rain in the area. Thick stone walls and a meter thick grass roof withstand
the severest storm. The roof is supported by posts encased in the stone walls.
Stone and mortar (a paste used to bind bricks or concrete blocks) construction was
introduced in the Batanes islands during the Spanish regime. These houses are comparable
to the white houses in New Zealand, Ireland and Scottish Highlands.

Clothing and Arts

The male attire consisted of two parts. The upper part called kangan was a
sleeveless jacket with short sleeves, the color of which indicated the rank of the wearer in
society (e.g. red was of the Datu); the lower part called bahag was a strip of cloth wrapped
about the waist passing down between the legs. For head protection, he wore the putong,
which was a piece of cloth wrapped around the head.
The woman's clothes too, had three components. The baro or kamisa, which made
up of the upper part was a jacket with sleeves, while the lower part called patadyong by the
Visayas (Saya by Tagalog) was a loose skirt. The tapis was a piece of cloth wrapped about
the waist obviously to hold the skirt.
Early Filipinos of both sexes appeared to have a profound fascination for adornments
to enhance their personal attractiveness. They wore a bewildering array of bracelets,
earrings, leglets, necklaces and even armlets called kalumbiga. Likewise, among the early
Filipinos, the Bisayans were the most tattooed which the Spaniards called them as Pintados.
Tattoos serve to enhance their bodily beauty and to show their war record. Men who killed
more warriors in the battle got more tattoos. The women were less tattooed than the men.
The children were tattooed mostly in their arms.
Early Filipinos were lovers of music. They had various musical instruments and
numerous dances and songs for different occasions. Among the musical instruments were
the kudyapi (Tagalog guitar), kalaleng (Tinggian nose flute), kulintang (Moro xylophone),
tultogan (Bisayan bamboo drum), sibay (locano reed flute), and surakan (Subanun cymbal).
The folk dances of the early Filipinos were charming and among them were the
following:
1 Kumintang (Tagalog love dance)
2. Mahinhin (Tagalog courtship dance)
3. Dandansoy (Bisayan tuba dance
4 Kinnotan (llocano art dance)
5. Paujalay (Moro wedding dance)
6. Tadok (Tinggian love dance)

Their songs are expressed in all aspects of life like love, war, labor, religion, and
death. Among them were the following:
1. Tagumpay (Tagalog song of victory)
2. Dallu (NegritO religious song)
3. Ayok-ku (lgorot serenade song)
4. Baktal (Tagbanua death song)
5. Dallot (llocano ballad song)
6. Kuilay-kuilay (Tinggan wine song)
7. Tudob (Agusan harvest song)

The Style of Writing

 Although the major languages of the Philippines are now written using the Roman
alphabet, the languages were firster presented using a script related to and directly or
indirectly derived from the scripts of India.
The script has had a rather short history, having come into use around 1000-1200 AD
(Francisco, 1973) and for the most part becoming extinct in the late 18 th century. However,
two forms of the indigenous scripts still survive to present day. The scripts are used by the
Tagbayan of Palawan, and by the Mangyan of Mindoro (Scott, 1984).
The scripts is often referred to as alibata, a term coined inexplicably to mimic the
first two letters of the alphabet of the Maguindanao, used in the southern Philippines,
which is derived from Arabicm (alif and bet). It is also called baybayin, which means “to
spell” in Tagalog.

Marriage Practices
Except for the Muslims, marriage among early Filipinos was generally monogamous.
In cases where a man would take more than one wife, the first was the only one considered
legitimate (called asawa), while the others were euphemistically called friends. Only
children of the asawa were legitimate and could inherit all the properties of the father.
In many cases, marriage was arranged between the parents of the prospective bride
and groom even during their infancy. Ordinarily, there were two prerequisites to marriage.
First, the lovers’ servitude to the girl's family for a certain period of time (the purpose here
was not only to show the sincerity of the man but also to prove to the parents that he was
capable of rearing a family).
Second, the dowry locally known as bigaykaya, a kina o purchase price or
reimbursement given by the groom to the bride's parents for the cost of bringing her up.
Aside from this dowry, the groom had to work in the house of the girl for house a certain
period of time. He carried water and firewood to the house. He assisted the girl's father in
plowing the field, as well as helped in the planting and harvesting of rice.
The early Filipinos practiced divorce. The grounds for divorce were (1) adultery on
the part of the wife; (2) desertion on the part of the husband; (3) loss of affection; (4)
cruelty; (5) insanity and (5) childlessness.

Social Classes
During pre-colonial Philippines, there were at least three recognizable social classes.
First, the nobles who occupied e highest place in society. Their position of prestige was
indicated by the fact that they bore titles of respect as Lakan or Gat and the women were
addressed as Dayang or Lakambini. Next in rank were the freemen (timawa in Tagalog). It
consisted of freeborn persons and emancipated slaves. The freemen assisted the chief in
endeavors requiring common efforts for the welfare of the community such as going to
battle, planting his field or building his house.
Below the freemen were the dependents or slaves. They were not employed in the
production of goods instead they served as household domestic helpers. The causes of
slavery are as follows: (1) birth; (2) purchase; (3) captivity in war; (4) failure to pay debts;
and (5) punishment for crimes committed.
In the mid-18th century, there were five principal social classes in the Philippines:
1. Peninsulares - they were Spaniards born in Spain but were raised in the Philippines
and were the wealthiest and most politically powerful among the social classes.
2. Insulares - they were Spaniard born in the Philippines.
3. Middle class - (Spanish mestizos; Principalia).
4. Chinese mestizos - they are half-breed, which initially referred only to those of
Spanish-native descent who had an indio parent and a Spanish or Chinese parent.
5. Indio – (also known as infieles, “natives” or non-Chirstian).

Political Structure
The lowland people lived in extended kinship’s groups known as barangays (taken
from a Malay term Balangay which means small boat) under the leadership of a datu, or
chieftain. It is an independent, self-sufficient, isolated, and often intact community. The
barangay, usually composed of an extended type of families, was considered the largest
stable economic and political unit. Most barangays were constructed along or near the river,
lake, and costal water.
Generally, the Datu obtained his position by inheritance. But in some cases, any one
could become a datu if he showed certain qualities such as wisdom, knowledge of
traditional lore and mythology, physical prowess, and wealth. He is elected by the people
through recognition of his capacity to settle disputes, help in the payment of indemnity and
defend the people from enemies (Ramos, 2008).
The datu exercised executive, legislative, judicial, military and even religious powers.
His position can be passed on to his offspring. More particularly, a chieftain should prove his
ability to settle disputes, which involves three factors: speaking, negotiating a settlement,
and providing the settlements themselves. He must also prove his bravery and leadership in
battle as a “bagani” (also known as tribal warrior).

Religion
Animism was the religion of the early Filipinos, a mixture of monotheism and
polytheism in which the latter dominated. As an institution, religion is defined as one form
or another, a sense of dependence on a power outside ourselves, a power that we may
speak of as a spiritual or moral power. Early Filipinos’ religion, however, was polytheism
because they believed in the plurality of gods, though they recognized one supreme lord. In
a sense, it may be a crude form of monolatry because they e hey recognized a supreme god
(called Bathala), the creator of the Universe and the lord of all men and villages. Among
some of the names of gods were: Manama (god of earth), Magbabaya (god of heaven), and
Kalayag (god of the farm), Diwata, Kabunian, Mansilatan, Makaptan, Laon, Lumauig,
Mamarsua, Tuhan, and Anito.
Religion permeated all aspects of life of the early Filipinos. They believed that
everything that happened to them in their environment was dictated by some unseen
power. Disease, death, good or bad harvest, and even pregnancy, occurred because of some
divine or spiritual intervention.
They adored environmental spirits called anito (the Bisayans called them Diwata)
whom they believed resided in objects of nature. Among the Manobo-Matigsalug natives in
Mindanao, they believed in other environmental spirits like the Busaw (who was believed to
reside in a big tree), Saping (a human skeleton), Bakbakoy/ Wakwak (a black person who
can change different images), Kikik (a flyig little creature who can produced big different
sounds of animals), Balkbal (a monkey-like creature who has the ability to change its image
like a human being), and Inkanto (who was also belived to live in a balite tree together with
the busaw).
Because these spirits were capable of doing good or evil for man, religious rites
called maganito were performed through native priests or priestesses (called babaylan or
katalonan) for favors or to appease their anger. Offerings like pigs, chicken, drinks, and
other kinds of foods were used in the sacrificial rituals (Ramos, 2010).

Philippine Cultural Symbols

The Philippine cultural symbols represent traditions and ideals. They convey the
principles of sovereignty and national solidarity. They signify domination, nationalism and
national identity. The most common symbols of sovereignty and nationhood are the
national flag and national anthem. Other national symbols are presented below.

List of Philippine Cultural Symbols

Title Symbol Description
National A striking, large and strong shady tree. It is mostly found in Bicol,
Narra
Tree Mindanao and the Cagayan Valley forests.

A nice-looking, tropical palm known for its round fan-shaped

leaves. Its leaf used to fan oneself during hot days. The Tagalogs of
National
Anahaw Quezon Province also use it to wrap their brown and delicious
Leaf
tikoy. It is also used as awards and medals to represent high
achievement, strength, and loyalty.
 It is a wonder fruit of versatile ways to enjoy its taste. It can be
National
Mangga served as plain, processed, dried or frozen and has been known as
Fruit
the "Fruit of the gods" because of its sweet taste.
It has a large, sharp, curved beak. It has feathers that seem to
National Philippine
bristle on its head. It is a giant forest raptor and is considered an
Bird Eagle
excellent hunter.
National A tamed type of water buffalo. Being the farm animal of choice for
Kalabaw
Animal pulling the plow and cart used to tow farm produce to the market.

National It is known for being bonier than other food fish in the Philippines.
Bangus
Fish It is a popular table fare among Filipinos.

A white, star-shaped blossom which has a sweet fragrance. It

National
Sampaguita opens at night and droops in less than a day. The white flowers are
Flower
often made into wreath and its extract made into perfumes.
A roasted whole pig cooked over burning charcoals. It is a dish that
National is almost a fixed part and menu centerpiece of any Filipino
Lechon
Dish celebration which is usually prepared for fiestas, family
celebrations.

A shelter made out of bamboo and palm leaves. It is a good place

National
Bahay Kubo to take rest and eat typical food in the farm because of its material
House
which allows good ventilation.

A dance from the Philippines which includes two people hitting

bamboo poles or piece of wood, using them to beat, tap, and slide
National
Tinikling on the ground and against each other in harmonization with one
Dance
or more dancers who will step over and dance in between the
poles.
Is a loose shirt of delicate fabric showing Chinese, airy tropical
National
Barong appearance Indo-Malayan and elongated effect of Hindu
Costume for
Tagalog influences and the decorative captivity of European men's
Men
clothing.
A collarless blouse and skirt which means baro at saya (blouse and
National
skirt). From the original, half-naked style, the bare upper torso was
Costume for Baro at Saya
slowly covered with a short-sleeved, collarless blouse called
Women
"baro".
A hacky-sack game, but, instead of a footbag, a metal stud, coin-
National like object (washer) with a tail or a bunch of rubber bands or
Sport or Sipa colorful threads attached and knotted together is used. This is then
Game kicked (sipa) into the air by the player as many times as he can
without the "sipa" falling on the floor.
He wrote the books Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and the
National Dr. Jose
poem Mi Ultimo Adios. He was very intelligent; he was a Filipino
Hero Rizal
polymath, nationalist, author, eye doctor and the most well-
 known advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish
colonial era.
A horse-driven carriage that has two round wheels on each side
National and two rows of seats that can accommodate four persons. The
Kalesa
Vehicle driver sits on a block of wood located at the front of the cart near
the horse.
The color of south sea pearls is white to golden. Their
extraordinary sizes are normally large which is between 9mm to as
National South Sea
much as 19mm which made Philippine pearls very expensive. Its
Gem Pearls
beauty and elegant gleam honor its reputation as "the queen of
pearls".

It is made from local light wood and is cut to the desired foot sized
National
Bakya before being shaven until smooth. The side of the bakya is thick
Footwear
enough to be carved with floral, geometric or landscape designs.

A hymn which indicated out unity as a nation. It is generally sung

during flag-raising ceremonies and whenever there is an official
National Lupang
and important event. Filipinos place their right hand on their left
Anthem Hinirang
chest as they sing the anthem and we remember our heroes who
gave their lives for our independence.

National
Patriotic   Pilipinas Kong Mahal, Bayon Ko
Song