These are the following schedules of the eighteen (18) regional meets all over the Philippines whose winners will represent their respective regions in the annual and largest multi-sporting event in the country, Palarong Pambansa 2017 to be held in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique in May, 2017.
ACRONYMS
ARMMAA - Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association
CARAA - Cordillera Autonomous Region Athletic Association
NCRAA - National Capital Region Athletic Association
IRAA - Ilocos Region Athletic Association
CAVRAA - Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association
CLRAA - Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association
STCAA - Southern Tagalog Calabarzon Athletic Association
* aka CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon)
MIMAROPAA - Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan
Regional Athletic Association
*aka Southern Luzon Region
BRAA - Bicol Region Athletic Association
WVRAA - Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association
CVRAA - Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association
EVRAA - Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association
ZPRAA - Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association
NMRAA - Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association
DAVRAA - Davao Region Athletic Association
SRAA - Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association
*aka SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos).
NIRAA - Negros Island Region Athletic Association
Date Venue / Host Province
ARMAA - February 16 - 21, 2017 Cotabato City, Maguindanao
CARAA - February 4 - 8, 2017 Baguio City, Benguet
NCRAA - February 13 - 18, 2017 Marikina City, MM
IRAA (Region I) - March 3 - 8, 2017 Bantay, Ilocos Sur
CAVRAA (Region II) - February 24 - 27, 2017 Ilagan, Isabela
CLRAA (Region III) - February 5 - 10, 2017 Malolos City, Bulacan
STCAA (Region IV-A) - February 13 - 18, 2017 Cavinti, Laguna
MIMAROPAA (Region IV-B) - February 17 - 21, 2017 Brooke's Point, Palawan
BRAA (Region V) - February 5 - 10, 2017 Legazpi City, Albay
WVRAA (Region VI) - February 5 - 10, 2017 San Jose de Buenavista, Antique
CVRAA (Region VII) - February 12- 17, 2017 Naga City, Cebu
EVRAA (Region VIII) - February 7-11, 2017 Naval, Biliran
ZPRAA (Region IX) - March 12 - 16, 2017 Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
NMRAA (Region X) - December 12 - 16, 2016 Mambajao, Camiguin
DAVRAA (Region XI) - March 19 - 26, 2017 Mati, Davao Oriental
SRAA (Region XII) - February 18 - 22, 2017 Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
CARAGA (Region XIII) - February 12 - 17, 2017 Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
NIRAA (Region XVIII) - February 24 to March 1, 2017 Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Monday, September 5, 2016
Alimodian Officials 2016 - 2019
Official Alimodian Municipal Flag
The Official Seal of Municipality of Alimodian was declared as official symbols of the town of Alimodian on July 29, 1973, during the Municipal Council.
The newly elected public officials of Alimodian for 2016 – 2019 took their oath last June 27, 2016 and their inauguration last July 1, 2016. Here are the government officials of the municipality of Alimodian whose tenure of office starts from 2016 and ends in 2019:
Mayor: Geefre Alonsabe
Vice Mayor: Julie Salarda
Councilors:
1. Flor Kenneth Alobin
2. Joe Amarillo
3. Job Almacen
4. Larriette Altubar
5. Ian Kenneth Alfeche
6. Emanuel Adricula
7. Eric Tamayo
8. Charles Buenavides
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Other Notable Ilongos
Pedro Monteclaro
Pedro Monteclaro
This Ilonggo was born in Miagao, Iloilo on October 15, 1850. He finished his studies at the Seminario Colegio de Jaro in 1865, married twice and had five children. He served as Lieutenant Major in 1891 and Gobernadorcillo from 1892 - 1894. He immediately became a local hero in his leadership and diplomacy during the revolutionary period and the invasion of the Americans. He is also known as a poet in vernacular as well as in Spanish and some of his Visayan songs remain. He died on April 13, 1909 and a Philippine Constabulary camp was named Camp Monteclaro in commemorating this great Ilonggo and where his monument was enshrined. He wrote Maragtas sang Panay.
Flavio Zaragoza Cano
Flavio Zaragoza Cano
Born in Cabatuan, Iloilo on June 27, 1882. He was crowned twice as "Prince of the Ilonggo Poets". Zaragoza became a member of the Academia Real Española. The poet won in the Spanish poetry contest organized by the Commonwealth government in 1940 for his book entitled "De Mactan a Tirad." Cano is one of three greatest Filipino poet in Spanish along with Fernando Maria Guerrero and Cecilio Apostol.
Jose Maria Arroyo
A native of Molo District in Iloilo City, he was elected to the Philippine Senate twice. The Arroyo Fountain built in 1927 in front of the old Iloilo Provincial Capitol building or the Casa Real (Royal House) was named after him, in recognition for his efforts of authoring Republic Act 3222, a law that establish the Iloilo Metropolitan Waterworks in 1925.
Quintin Salas
Quintin Salas
Salas was born on October 31, 1870 in Dumangas, Iloilo. He became a hero of the Balantang revolt in Jaro on March, 1899. He was the bravest Ilonggo revolutionary leader and the last Ilonggo to surrender his arms or weapon.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Other Notable Ilonggos
The Ilonggo Who Designed The Early Philippine Coins
Melecio Figueroa (1842 - 1903)
The Early Philippine Coins Designed By Engraver Melecio Figueroa
Do you want to know who was the lady engraved in our first silver coins?
The lady who was celebrated unfailingly in an early Philippine coin was no other than Mrs. Blanca Figueroa Opinion, the daughter of the artist engraver whom he thought to be an ideal model. She is the wife of retired Colonel Glicerio Opinion, and daughter of the leading artist, engraver and nationalist, Melecio Figueroa y Magalona. It was said that, when Melecio Figueroa, the leading engraving artist of the nation at the time was assigned to design the image in the coins, it seems like he was lured to see his daughter Blanca, who was only seven years old at that time to get an inspiration.
Blanca, whose mother hails from Madrid, Spain named Enriqueta Romero has a long hair and bears a classic splendor.
Her father who is fond of the baby Blanca who was born in a ship returning to the Philippines from Spain could not take off his sights away from this vision and imagination of what will be the form of Blanca when she becomes a young lady.
When he formed a picture in his mind of the young Blanca as a young lady, he started to engrave the picture in the coin. He put the portrait of Blanca in a philosophical environment. Blanca symbolizes the nation - strong, splendid, healthy and productive. The young lady is standing beside a hammer and anvil that symbolizes labor and the prevailing unifying factor - the meaningful Filipino volcano.
The more you look deeply closer to the image in the coin the more the economic philosophy is involved as well as the symbolic inspiration. It is a known fact that only an artist like Figueroa an extraordinary genius can create this kind of lofty masterpiece.
Born in Arevalo, Iloilo on May 24, 1842 to the couple Rufo Figueroa and Gabriela Magbanua, Melecio, who from a young age as a child shows an extraordinary skills in art, was chosen as one of the two pensionado of the Spanish government that were sent to other countries for further apprenticeship.
It was written in the records that in 1871, Melecio Figueroa went to Madrid as a scholar of the ayuntamiento. He enrolled at the Academia Superior de Bellas Artes. He always won medals for modeling or carving about nature and he also earned excellent mark or grade in his full knowledge of anatomy.
Due to this display of exceptional expertise, he was sent by the Academy to other schools in Europe. He landed in Rome, the center of artistic movement during that time.
In Rome, he was appointed to do the bust of a prince - D'Odelikaski and because his creation is extremely good - this image of Figueroa was included in "Who's Who" by Artistico-Circulo Internacional de Roma.
In 1875, during an exposition in Barcelona, he received another medal for his entry and the inscription inscribed was: "En el mundo, DEL ARTE, ES YA POPULAR LA FAMA DE FIGUEROA."
As a patriot and nationalist, he was always invited by the group of Filipino Propaganda Movement in Madrid to help them express their ideas. In his speeches, Graciano Lopez-Jaena of La Solidaridad and Liga Filipina devoted an excessive honor to the genius and patriotism of Figueroa. Figueroa was also busy in the movement of Hispano-Filipino Circulo in Madrid.
In 1878 in recognition for his unmatched skills, he received a scholarship and pension from the child of a Spanish philanthropist.
In 1893 when he was tasked upon the responsibility as chief engraver of the National Treasury.
In 1895, his entry in Exposicion Regional de Filipinas has earned widespread admiration of the people that led for him being asked to be the designer of Filipino coins.
When the Americans ruled the country at the turn of the century, Figueroa was recalled and asked to design and engrave the silver coins of the Philippine currency.
At that moment he found inspiration by looking at his daughter Blanca. The coins were first minted in 1903. A month after the coins were released in circulation, Figueroa died. He passed away on July 30, 1903.
Born in Arevalo, Iloilo on May 24, 1842 to the couple Rufo Figueroa and Gabriela Magbanua, Melecio, who from a young age as a child shows an extraordinary skills in art, was chosen as one of the two pensionado of the Spanish government that were sent to other countries for further apprenticeship.
It was written in the records that in 1871, Melecio Figueroa went to Madrid as a scholar of the ayuntamiento. He enrolled at the Academia Superior de Bellas Artes. He always won medals for modeling or carving about nature and he also earned excellent mark or grade in his full knowledge of anatomy.
Due to this display of exceptional expertise, he was sent by the Academy to other schools in Europe. He landed in Rome, the center of artistic movement during that time.
In Rome, he was appointed to do the bust of a prince - D'Odelikaski and because his creation is extremely good - this image of Figueroa was included in "Who's Who" by Artistico-Circulo Internacional de Roma.
In 1875, during an exposition in Barcelona, he received another medal for his entry and the inscription inscribed was: "En el mundo, DEL ARTE, ES YA POPULAR LA FAMA DE FIGUEROA."
As a patriot and nationalist, he was always invited by the group of Filipino Propaganda Movement in Madrid to help them express their ideas. In his speeches, Graciano Lopez-Jaena of La Solidaridad and Liga Filipina devoted an excessive honor to the genius and patriotism of Figueroa. Figueroa was also busy in the movement of Hispano-Filipino Circulo in Madrid.
In 1878 in recognition for his unmatched skills, he received a scholarship and pension from the child of a Spanish philanthropist.
In 1893 when he was tasked upon the responsibility as chief engraver of the National Treasury.
In 1895, his entry in Exposicion Regional de Filipinas has earned widespread admiration of the people that led for him being asked to be the designer of Filipino coins.
When the Americans ruled the country at the turn of the century, Figueroa was recalled and asked to design and engrave the silver coins of the Philippine currency.
At that moment he found inspiration by looking at his daughter Blanca. The coins were first minted in 1903. A month after the coins were released in circulation, Figueroa died. He passed away on July 30, 1903.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Other Notable Ilonggos
Iloilo has lots of admirable sons and daughters, Ilonggo who rose above everyone in almost every field. They seems like the stars shining in the heaven of politics, business, education, arts, literature, sports and others. It is worthwhile to take a look for awhile to commemorate and remember them.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Celebrations, Festivities and Fiesta
Just like any towns, cities and provinces in the Philippines, people of Iloilo or the Ilonggos are fond of celebrations and festivities. In fact, many towns in the province had their own festivals to celebrate life, give honor to their patron saints as well as thanksgiving for their produce for a bountiful harvest, their products and the values therein aside from holding their respective religious fiesta. Some of the celebrations in Iloilo are the following:
1. Pasungay - is held every 21st of January during the town fiesta of San Joaquin. The best breeds of bulls and horses are brought to the town arena to take part in one of Iloilo’s most celebrated festivals. The annual horse fight called “Pahibag” and bull-fight called “Pasungay” is held at the San Joaquin Sports Stadium starting 9 in the morning onwards. In the arena in the hills of San Joaquin the bulls were fighting or slugging each other until one is exhausted or run away. The pasungay according to the historians dates back to the Spanish colonial period when two furious bulls were set loose by the cow keepers and fighting bulls in the hillside was witnessed by the resting farmers. Today, Pasungay is part of the week-long Bayluhay Festival of San Joaquin.
2. Dinagyang - the popular festival is held annually every fourth weekend of January. The celebration centers around the veneration and honoring the pilgrimage of the Holy Child Jesus or the Santo Niño. The term "Dinagyang" was coined by the late broadcaster Pacifico Sudario which means merrymaking. Different tribes coming from different school, city communities and villages and organizations painted their body black to resemble the ati or the original inhabitants of Panay Island and Ilonggos early ancestors and wearing colorful, elaborate costumes which showcases Ilonggos artistry, creativity and innovation. The competition is unique for its choreography, performance and color. A presentation marked by dancing and thumping of feet to the rhythm of drums and other local or native percussion instruments. It commemorates and celebrate the arrival of Malay settlers in the island of Panay, the barter of Panay and most importantly the Ilonggos embracing of Christianity.
3. The feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or Our Lady of Candles in Jaro every 2nd of February - It is considered the most lavish and biggest fiesta celebration in Western Visayas. Since the earlier times, people from different places in the country flock to Jaro for this occasion. Crowned in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, the Our Lady of Candles was formally declared as the Patroness of Western Visayas. The blessing of the candles all of the same size and of the same color for the year, and the annual procession of the patron saint followed by the coronation of Jaro Fiesta Queen at night were featured in the celebration. The fiesta of Jaro also features agro-industrial fair and exhibits, garden shows, carnivals and the Grand Cock Derbies held in Jaro Coliseum.
4. Paraw Regatta - held annually every third weekend of February. The oldest double outrigger craft sailing event in Asia and was first held in 1973, this sailing competition among local double outrigger boats operator takes place between the straits of Iloilo and Guimaras. It commemorates the past time and leisure of early Ilonggos that dates back to as early as the 16th century. It was called "Paraw" in Hiligaynon, these were the sea vessels replica of the ships that were used by the early Bornean settlers in coming to Panay Island.
5. Pagtaltal in Guimaras - A holy week tradition presentation in Jordan, Guimaras in the so-called "Balaan Bukid" or Sacred Mountain based on the popular play in Oberammergau in South Bavaria, Germany. The actual crucifixion of a chosen devotee to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ also includes prayers, reflection, penance and other folkloric culture.
6. Carabao-Carroza Festival - Held every 3rd of May during the town fiesta of Pavia. The parade and chariot-like carabao race are the highlights of the fiesta celebration of Pavia. The colorfully and elaborately decorated carrozas (Hiligaynon term for a local version of the wagon) pulled by the carabaos carrying different muses or beauty queens are parading around the town. The exciting thrill is the race of the carabaos wherein a number of participants are competing in a chariot-like race for the coveted trophy.
Source:
http://www.garinfarm.com/pasungay-festival-at-san-joaquin/
1. Pasungay - is held every 21st of January during the town fiesta of San Joaquin. The best breeds of bulls and horses are brought to the town arena to take part in one of Iloilo’s most celebrated festivals. The annual horse fight called “Pahibag” and bull-fight called “Pasungay” is held at the San Joaquin Sports Stadium starting 9 in the morning onwards. In the arena in the hills of San Joaquin the bulls were fighting or slugging each other until one is exhausted or run away. The pasungay according to the historians dates back to the Spanish colonial period when two furious bulls were set loose by the cow keepers and fighting bulls in the hillside was witnessed by the resting farmers. Today, Pasungay is part of the week-long Bayluhay Festival of San Joaquin.
2. Dinagyang - the popular festival is held annually every fourth weekend of January. The celebration centers around the veneration and honoring the pilgrimage of the Holy Child Jesus or the Santo Niño. The term "Dinagyang" was coined by the late broadcaster Pacifico Sudario which means merrymaking. Different tribes coming from different school, city communities and villages and organizations painted their body black to resemble the ati or the original inhabitants of Panay Island and Ilonggos early ancestors and wearing colorful, elaborate costumes which showcases Ilonggos artistry, creativity and innovation. The competition is unique for its choreography, performance and color. A presentation marked by dancing and thumping of feet to the rhythm of drums and other local or native percussion instruments. It commemorates and celebrate the arrival of Malay settlers in the island of Panay, the barter of Panay and most importantly the Ilonggos embracing of Christianity.
3. The feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or Our Lady of Candles in Jaro every 2nd of February - It is considered the most lavish and biggest fiesta celebration in Western Visayas. Since the earlier times, people from different places in the country flock to Jaro for this occasion. Crowned in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, the Our Lady of Candles was formally declared as the Patroness of Western Visayas. The blessing of the candles all of the same size and of the same color for the year, and the annual procession of the patron saint followed by the coronation of Jaro Fiesta Queen at night were featured in the celebration. The fiesta of Jaro also features agro-industrial fair and exhibits, garden shows, carnivals and the Grand Cock Derbies held in Jaro Coliseum.
4. Paraw Regatta - held annually every third weekend of February. The oldest double outrigger craft sailing event in Asia and was first held in 1973, this sailing competition among local double outrigger boats operator takes place between the straits of Iloilo and Guimaras. It commemorates the past time and leisure of early Ilonggos that dates back to as early as the 16th century. It was called "Paraw" in Hiligaynon, these were the sea vessels replica of the ships that were used by the early Bornean settlers in coming to Panay Island.
5. Pagtaltal in Guimaras - A holy week tradition presentation in Jordan, Guimaras in the so-called "Balaan Bukid" or Sacred Mountain based on the popular play in Oberammergau in South Bavaria, Germany. The actual crucifixion of a chosen devotee to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ also includes prayers, reflection, penance and other folkloric culture.
6. Carabao-Carroza Festival - Held every 3rd of May during the town fiesta of Pavia. The parade and chariot-like carabao race are the highlights of the fiesta celebration of Pavia. The colorfully and elaborately decorated carrozas (Hiligaynon term for a local version of the wagon) pulled by the carabaos carrying different muses or beauty queens are parading around the town. The exciting thrill is the race of the carabaos wherein a number of participants are competing in a chariot-like race for the coveted trophy.
Source:
http://www.garinfarm.com/pasungay-festival-at-san-joaquin/
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Synopsis About Iloilo's Culture, History, Literature and Tradition
THE AUTHENTICITY CONTAINED IN THE FOLKLORE OF ILOILO
This work passionately strive to attain and attempt to present in a literary or written form and also through pictures the beautiful province of Iloilo, the folklore and its impact to the lives of the Ilonggos.
It was traced through the legends and myths the origins of the names of different towns, places in Iloilo same with plants and other objects. Probably the places or objects is baptized with a name according to the following basic fundamentals: geographic or location features, claims of general features, from a plant, bird, animals or any objects abundant in the area; a hero, saint or individual, turmoil or confusion created by the differences in dialects, an event or incident that is probably caused by a failed love or a punishment to a crime or offense committed and combination of different kinds of such.
It is contained in the folk tales the stories or accounts about heroes, mythical creatures and mysteries. Included are the events which is related to the mythical creatures just like the aswangs, kapre, dwarves, mantiw (Hiligaynon term for bugbear, hobgoblin or jinn), at tamawo or engkantada (fairies, deities or enchantress in English). Likewise the pagdalirot to the mysteries just like the spirits, people and places.
It is an interesting experience for the respective authors to listen to the songs sung by the friendly Ilonggos to the sanctuary of God, to the plazas, fiesta, in crossing the seas riding the outrigger boats, in the wakes, in the center of the golden grains of rice - songs that gave rise to the natives as an outstanding race.
The different dances became part of the folklore of Iloilo like Alegrito, Balitaw, Binadyong, Bucasoy, Katalana, Kuradang, Haplik at Palmerito.
The undying poems of the popular poets like Flavio Zaragoza Cano, Delfin Gumban, Magdalena Jalandoni, Agustin Misola, Santiago Alv. Mulato, Nilo P. Pamonag and a lot more others is presenting the dreamy minds and soul of the Ilonggos.
The epic Labaw Donggon of Lambunao signifies Ilonggo culture.
The beliefs, superstitions, the practices, customs and Ilonggo traditions also consists the folklore of the Ilonggos.
In the research done has completely realized that there is a connection between the folk knowledge to the different forms of life of the Ilonggos. The folklore is already a part of their everyday lives.
The folklore provide shapes to the imprint of the past, the history of the place, of the people because the truth is, these are the records or notes of yesterday's past. The legends and origins possesses historical essence or it reminisce us the things that has connections in the lives of our ancestors. We were brought by the legends presented during the time and kingdom of the Aeta aborigines, datu and Malays, prince and princess, king and queen, the invasion of the Moors or the bandits and the resistance and defense of the natives, Spanish colonial period, the arrival of the Americans, and the settlement of the Chinese immigrants in the area. In the included legends contains different time periods - from the arrival of the ten (10) Bornean datus to the island until the century of the Americans.
The folk tales like the legends are also a glimpse of the notes of the past and history of the place. They confirmed the period that took place. The folk songs also has imprints of the past. Madadalumat It manifests in the religious songs the deep roots of the Christian faith in the land. These hymns were for so long been played still continues to linger in the lips of the Ilonggo in masses, novena, procession, Flores de Mayo until the present time. Songs that were bounded in love at courtship and many other things sets an endless yesterday, themes of relationships born at the same time with the world and prevailing until the world is world.
There is a touch of Hispanic civilization in some of the dances. The costumes Barong Tagalog, patadyong, kimona, panuelo are tracing at a period where these dresses are a trend.
The proverbs states a touch of time like churches, procession, heaven, school, teachers, Ati, metals like gold, bronze and lead.
The riddles has anag-ag of yesterday's past in by describing or considering skirts, gowns, Santa Maria, paper, letter, gun, bolo, ax, Spanish Castilian house, native hut, carpenter's house, silver and gold.
The folklore has a spiritual effect. It describe objects that is connected with nature, holiness and religion. The places were named or called with the names taken from the saints or their apparition to the people or taken from the Marian titles like Santo Rosario, Santa Barbara, San Dionisio, San Enrique and San Joaquin. The saints are being invoked most especially in the middle of a deep or intense crisis or dire situation.
It is prevailing in the folktales of the Ilonggos the faith in God and giving high esteemed values to prayers which are the carriers of blessings and salvation. The faith of the Ilonggos are so deep that they will be delivered by the saints they venerate or revered. The miracles of these patron saints never changes in what they hear like the stories told in the folktales: "Help of Saint Anthony of Padua" and "The Miracles of Our Lady of Oton." It is seen in "Huan Pusong" that in the prayers of a devoted couple they were granted a child. In "The Mermaid", a family was saved from a dire desperate needs through fervent knocking on the doors of heaven. In confession one can achieve a tranquility of the heart and soul according to the story of "Si Siam-Siam".
The folk songs are just a product of feelings and emotions and a mind that disturbs or annoys the heart and soul.
The poem is an effective medium of expression of recognizing the blessed hands of God and embracing protection of the saints like the "Offerings to Saint Roch".
As well as the proverbs that reminds of having a mighty Creator who created the universe and its caretaker. In the midst of hopelessness, these kind of proverbs brought inspiration, a new hope in the struggles of daily life like:
"If there darkness, there is brightness"
"If there are hard times, there are good times."
Regarding or considering God is still evident.
"We are judged and sentenced by God by the things we do."
It is true that even in the riddles it is not possible not to include the things about saints or their objects.
1. Baston ni San Jose
Hindi maisip
Ulan
2. Baston ni San Juan
Indi makaptan.
Suga
Ilonggos has different kinds of beliefs that covers the spiritual effects just like the following:
1. The child should be baptized at the soonest possible time because it was believed that baptism has a big role in the healthy well-being and safe from illness of the child.
2. The lovers should not exchange beads of rosary or any religious objects to each other as a remembrance or souvenir because it is a sign of short lived relationships. The exchange of necklace is also not allowed or prohibited because it might foretell their love will not last.
3. The trees which barely produce fruits or flower is being shaken with the ringing of the bell in the middle of the mass during Black Saturday of the Holy Week.
4. The people are sheltering or hiding in other trees except in coconut trees if there's lightning and thunderstorm because they can easily be hit by lightning.
To the different beliefs in marriage, death, planting or gardening and farming deeply ingrains or imprints the related or connected faith.
This is just to prove that the folklore brings a spiritual effect that not only inside the church it is inscribed, imprinted or sealed but also to all corners of life of the Ilonggos from their birth until their death.
The folklore brings effectiveness in molding character.
The early indoctrination of a young individual to ethics and religion is fulfilled through the branches of the folklore - in showing the stories that describes the love of a child to his or her parents, prayerful, obedient and many other things is tumitigib in the senses of the children and serves as their principle until they grow up.
The loving and merciful God is punishing those who disobey and deceiving, just like narrated in "Ang Pinagmulan Ng Tamawo" (The Origin of Fairy). In the denials of Eve and Adam to God they eventually lost their four children.
The gaba, Hiligaynon term for punishment or sumpa Filipino word for curse is received in disobeying the will of God or of the elders - "Alamat Ng Nagaba" that eventually became Jordan as a memory of the Jordan river where Jesus was baptized; "Ang Siete (7) Islas de Pecados" gave birth to the repudiation or renunciation of the sermon of the parents of the seven maiden siblings; same as the pampering to the children will not be rewarded.
The good manners and having a kind heart is honored and rewarded like the glorification to the lady "Sara".
In "Alamat ng Sampagita" sobriety or temperance is taught, without any regrets in the end, so never be in a hustle or rush for the madness or delusion same with laziness, lack of concern for the parents is frowned upon like what was stated in "Alamat Ng Pinya" (Legend of Pineapple).
The frequent communication and closeness to the only friends of God in heaven would deliver from any calamity or disaster or danger just like what it is told in "Alamat Ng Santo Niño" (Legend of the Holy Child) of San Joaquin, "Ang Saklolo Ni San Antonio de Padua" (The Help of San Antonio de Padua) to the natives. The characteristic of being prayerful is given justice.
A person who serenades became a victim of the mantiw or Hiligaynon term for bugbear or hobgoblin for disobeying or disregarding the advice of his mother in "Ang Mantiw At Ang Manghaharana" that don't stay too late outside. It is close to danger those who never learned to listen to the sermon or advice of a caring and concerned parent so to speak.
The song "Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko" cultivates patriotism that is ready to offer everything for its glory and honor.
The proverbs can give us some lessons or reminder directly or implicitly or connotative in the right manners or behavior that shapes character. The proverbs has a great impact in manners. The advice, criticism, observations, ideas were expressed and beliefs through this. It is uncommon for the elders as well as the youth to recite the proverbs. Good behavior or characters are glorified just like assiduity, diligence and frugality, cleanliness habit, promptness and sobriety, patience and persistence, reverence and good upbringing.
It's not a good behavior to disparage and laugh at the disabilities of other people - it is indicated by the belief of not laughing to the blind, sungi (Hiligaynon term for harelip) or cross-eyed if a woman is pregnant.
A good conversation yields right or better things - talking or telling stories about saint or holy individual or sacred objects. It is important to pray for the dead. These are needed by those who passed away.
In other folk tales madadalumat the beliefs in mythical creatures like the aswangs, tamawo or fairy and mermaids. These mythical creatures were said to make friends, scaring and teasing, and sometimes punish those who harm them or anything related to them. Experiencing and seeing them is presented. Are these the product of imagination or has a trace of mystery that in an instance broke the chain that separates our world and to their world of mystery?
It can also be seen in the folklore the usual past time, leisure or form of entertainment by the natives. The Ilonggos are friendly people just like suggested in "Alamat Ng Calinog" (Legend of Calinog).
The children are usually being drawn to sleep at night through storytelling of legends, folktales or by singing folk songs or komposo.
Included are the following leisures:
promenading or strolling - Ang Alamat Ng Tamawo (Legend of a Fairy)
serenading - Ang Mantiw At Ang Manghaharana (The Bug-Bear and the Person Who Serenade)
guitar in the poem "Ang Gitara" (The Guitar)
hammock, kite in the riddle
Different angles of love and life can be found in folklore. These foretells the relationship of a woman to a man, a husband to his wife, in relationships, sulking. The revolving theme is about courtship and marriage.
In "Pulo ng Bisaya" (Island of Visayas) emanate the practice of giving tests to the rivals in love to whoever wins in the test or challenge would gain the heart and love of the lady in waiting or being wooed.
Alamat ng Pulo ng Guimaras (Legend of the Guimaras Island) - disagreement of a noble clan in a relationship with the child of a slave.
Alamat ng Gintaguan, San Joaquin (Legend of the Guintaguan, San Joaquin) - it is also held in the test the gaining of the hands of the lady.
Alamat ng Nagapa [Jordan] (Legend of Nagapa [in Jordan]) - the disagreement of parents to the relationship of the two individuals which results to the eloping of the latter.
Alamat ng Guimbal (Legend of Guimbal) - the attraction of a princess and going with her Moro lover.
Alamat ng Sampaguita (Legend of Sampaguita) - the tragic death of the lovers
Alamat ng Makapuno (Legend of Macapuno) - the revenge of someone who does not learn to accept failure in love
The folklore of "Ang Aswang" - of how a failed, abrupt or foiled love would drive an individual to commit a crime
There are lots history of love were created in the leaves of time in the Ilonggo songs and music that features its mystery. The drama of life is presented that is present and manifested in what is called love.
Though some of the proverbs is almost similar or resembles that of the Tagalogs and in English, in it can be manifested the philosophy, beliefs and ideas. The role of the proverbs is very crucial; it serves as tools in creating social structures in dealing and socializing with people. It is manifested there the moral ideas and social behaviors about prudence or gentleness, diligence and others. It also gives a portal of ideologies of the natives, ten of their clans and generations and views in life.
It also describes plants, objects, tools and equipment common in the province and sums up or overview the province culture, the riddles. It sharpens or straightens activities, time, history and has images inscribed or impressed from it.
The folklore presents individuality, Ilonggo culture of the past so there is a cultural impact. The school which is also a beacon of wisdom and knowledge is referred in folk tales, "Ang Kapre" and in proverbs.
It can be beamed in some of the names of the places the connection of folklore to linguistics. The term ag and ig means place or community that is ideally named according to its root word.
Examples are:
Igbaras - place of sand (baras is Hiligaynon term for sand)
Same with an, ma: Maasin
Different kinds of jobs, work or activities were mentioned in the legends, origins, folklore, folk songs and others. The land and sea are extremely important because they were the source of livelihood. In some branches of folklore learned the truth about the sea like an unfaithful maiden - that is sometimes demure, sweet, gentle, making out with the moon, but fool of the fools and sometimes violent, fierce or wild, and cruel. There are still different motifs of the folklore but the aquatic environment, river, streams, or lakes will never be lost. Examples of these motifs are exalting the beauty of the sea, leisure and wading in the sea, direct mention of this as subsistence or a source of income, serves as nest of recreation of the cowardly lovers, or as the punishment of heaven, place of the appearance of the saints, or objects, equipment or tools of Moro's sowing of aggressiveness or maybe it became the center of mystery. The following proves it:
Alamat ng Iloilo (Legend of Iloilo) - the sea and river has geographical significance
Alamat ng Kagayunan [Oton] (Legend of Kagayunan [in Oton]) - place of blue waters
Alamat ng Dingle (Legend of Dingle) - mentions Jalaur river
Alamat ng Pulo ng Guimaras (Legend of Guimaras Island) - the lovers jumped to the sea
Alamat ng Buenavista (Legend of Buenavista) - it enchanted the visions of the foreigners or strangers
the blue waters that is clothed by the rays of the sun.
In the legends of Siete Islas de Pecado, Passi, San Joaquin, and Macapuno mentions river or ocean. In the folk tale of Tan Adi can be found the vista of a river.
Even in the folk songs the ocean or sea has a connection or relevance just like featured in "Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko". The Ilonggos and the sea should never be separated.
In the poem "Suba ang Kabuhi," (River is Life), the river, sea and life became metaphors.
The proverbs feature also the stream lines, suba nga magahod (noisy river), suba nga malinong (silent river), river and wave.
The mountain has been tracked in the legend of Buenavista as well as in riddles.
The activities were mentioned in the following:
Fishermen in the lake - Alamat ng Lambunao; a man fishing - Alamat ng Lambunao; fishing - Alamat ng San Joaquin at Alamat ng Santo Niño, salt beds in Mandurriao district - Alamat Ng Iloilo; logging woods - Alamat ng San Joaquin; planter - Alamat ng Sampagita; catching prawns and crab - folk tale of Tan Adi; looking for firewood, washing clothes - folk tales about Juan Pusong.
The market is mentioned in the folk tales "Si Juan Pusong" at "Ang Tamawo". The word parian gave a label in Alamat ng Molo. The market is associated with the folk song "Ili-ili, Tulog Anay."
These were also presented by other branches or category of folklore:
washing clothes - in the folk tale "Ang Kinuhang Asawa"
engineer - in the folk tale "Ang Puno Ng Salay"
The proverbs mention teachers and merchants.
The word mag-araro (plowing) is included in the riddle.
Having the understanding of the environment and culture that were gathered in the folklore states a social representation of ideas and conditions of the people. We can peek in the food, shelter or dwellings, clothes, tools and equipment and transports the cultural authenticity of the folklore to the Ilonggos:
1. Food, Ingredients, Drinks:
banana - alamat ng Gintaguan, San Joaquin
gruel - alamat ng Isla de Pecado
rice - alamat ng Passi
pineapple - alamat ng Pinya
macapuno - alamat ng Makapuno
There are told by the folk tales:
crab, shrimps - Tan Adi
watermelon - Juan Pusong
corn - Ang Aswang
palm wine (tuba) - Ang Mangingibig Na Tamawo
guava - Si Siam-Siam
In the folk songs these were included:
bread - Ili-ilo, Tulog Anay
The tamarind and vinegar were mentioned in the dance Balitaw.
The proverbs mentioned rice, sugar, fish, crab, saba (kind of banana).
Presented by the riddles were banana heart, chili, annatto seeds, squash, ginger, jackfruit, maize, grilled corn, coconut, egg and sweet potato.
2. Dwellings -
Different kinds of dwellings gave life:
Salo (Jaro) or bamboo floors - alamat ng Jaro
palace-like house of Roca Encantada - folk tale of "Ang Mangingibig ng Tamawo"
hut - The poet "Suba ang Kabuhi" (River is Life)
Spanish house, house of Esok, house of doves - in the riddles
3. Clothing, Garments, Adornments or Decorations:
camisa de chino with long sleeves - alamat ng Dumangas
kimona, patadyong, kamisa, panuelo, barong tagalog in the dances
necklace, skirt, watch - in the riddles
4. Tools and Equipment, Weapon:
These were narrated and explained in the alamat or legends / origins:
staff - Siete Islas de Peccado
gong - Guimbal
barong - Gintaguan, San Joaquin
axe - San Joaquin
dagger - Makapuno
tapayang saro (huge jars or earthenware vessels) - Jaro
In the folk tales the following were mentioned:
fish corrals - May Anting-Anting
belts - Tan Adi
guitar - Ang Mantiw at ang Manghaharana (The Hobgoblin and the Person Who Serenades)
bolo - Isang Bahay na Puno ng Aswang (A House Full of Aswangs)
fire matches - May Anting-Anting
tagub (basket) - Tan Adi
The dance Balitaw mentions ladle and pot.
Gold, plates, brass and lead were told by the proverbs.
The riddles presents a long list: cane, calendar, cannon, grater, sword, bolo, saw or handsaw, axe, dagger, umbrella, plates, clothesline, ladle, tongs for ember, shoes, hat, pail or bucket.
5.Transportation
In alamat or legends / origin:
raft boat - Pulo ng Bisaya
outrigger - Nagaba; Siete Islas de Peccado
vinta - Guimbal
In folk tales:
cars, sea vessels - Ang Nakatagong Lunsod ng Barotac Viejo
raft - May Anting-Anting
There are also referred or talked about political organizations just like the establishment of Spanish government in Iloilo in "Alamat ng Iloilo", and "Alamat ng Gintaguan, San Joaquin" which mentions the barangay as an institution.
It was enunciated in the folklore of having a colorful imagination and creative idea of the natives.
In the folk songs and dance we can learn the artistry of the Ilonggos. The folk songs like "Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko," "Ili-ili Tulog Anay," and "Dalawidaw," can we find rhymes of different combination. The folk songs in the province reflects the gentleness in conversing of the natives. It is also the same with their vivacity in the jovial songs about butterflies and common objects.
Figures of speech were considered. It can be noticed in the folk songs the birds and flowers were used figuratively or connotative in mentioning the angles of love. The owl bird (murogmon or bukaw in Hiligaynon) is usually symbolizes a young man saving his affection to a young lady that might be a maya bird or pating Hiligaynon word for dove.
Almost all of the love songs are sentimental.
It can be said that the feelings of concern and care for the things of the environment and of the earth by the Ilonggos is very much alive in their poems. It can be noticed in the Ilonggo poems the rhythmic and deep thoughts contained. The poem of Hernando Siscar entitled "Akon Ka Duawon" is deeply emotional. Simple and colorful words were combined. The "Gitara" (Guitar) of Magdalena Jalandoni has a melody and carrying nostalgia. It seems like there is a sound that is reflected or manifested in the words is coming and felt by the readers or those who recites the poem. The "Suba Ang Kinabuhi" by Delfin Gumban has a stand out pretty similarity and comparison in poems. The poems of Agustin Misola, Santiago Alv. Mulato and Nilo Pamonag are very rich in mental pictures or visuals and retrospect.
Having a sense of humor as well as creative imagery was seen in the interweaving loa of the Ilonggos.
The superstitious beliefs follows these qualifications: conceiving, pregnancy, childbirth, baptism, child-rearing or raising a child, courtship, marriage, death and different kinds of beliefs. These beliefs really has a big role or involvement that gave life to their different behavior or practice, tradition and culture. Some others cover the power of God, things that cultivates trust in God or binds us to God and to each other. It can be malilimi known the claims of ardor beliefs of the native to the Almighty Creator. Examples of these are the following:
- the baptism of the child most especially at the soonest possible time in the belief that baptism has a big role in being healthy and safe from illnesses and sickness of the child;
- the stairs should face the east or where the sun rise because in this position, the family who will settle will become very happy and comfortable in everyday of their lives;
- offering of prayers for the dead;
- belief in rainbow as a sign of heaven's blessings;
- deep or solemn contemplation or reflection on the Holy Week that brings further love for God and fellow humans;
- singing of religious hymns; praying, chants or incantations to be saved from lightning and thunder;
Other folk beliefs are about good manners and proper behavior just like:
- not laughing or taunting or mocking the blind, sungi (Hiligaynon term for harelip), or libat (Hiligaynon word for squint-eyed or cross-eyed) for the fear of having children with those kind of disabilities. Pregnant or not, this kind of behavior deviates from good manners;
- plates were never stacked up while there are still eating;
- one must have a complete of everything or fulfilled what is needed during the celebration of the New Year so that throughout the entire year one will not miss or will not be insufficient or short of anything;
One thing that should continue is concerning about giving respect just like asking permission from the parents before getting married and most especially concerning about the expression of fervent faith.
While others should not be believed because they were just hindrance to progress of personal life, society and culture just like:
- wearing of necklace with a dangling crocodile tooth or any object that will serve as a weapon against evil spirits. Instead of these, medals, crucifix or sacred objects should be used.
- not giving of rosaries or religious objects of lovers. Isn't the offering or giving of holy or sacred objects will further give blessings to the beautiful relationship of the couple; that seems like they are in custody of heaven?
It is contained in the folk tales the stories or accounts about heroes, mythical creatures and mysteries. Included are the events which is related to the mythical creatures just like the aswangs, kapre, dwarves, mantiw (Hiligaynon term for bugbear, hobgoblin or jinn), at tamawo or engkantada (fairies, deities or enchantress in English). Likewise the pagdalirot to the mysteries just like the spirits, people and places.
It is an interesting experience for the respective authors to listen to the songs sung by the friendly Ilonggos to the sanctuary of God, to the plazas, fiesta, in crossing the seas riding the outrigger boats, in the wakes, in the center of the golden grains of rice - songs that gave rise to the natives as an outstanding race.
The different dances became part of the folklore of Iloilo like Alegrito, Balitaw, Binadyong, Bucasoy, Katalana, Kuradang, Haplik at Palmerito.
The undying poems of the popular poets like Flavio Zaragoza Cano, Delfin Gumban, Magdalena Jalandoni, Agustin Misola, Santiago Alv. Mulato, Nilo P. Pamonag and a lot more others is presenting the dreamy minds and soul of the Ilonggos.
The epic Labaw Donggon of Lambunao signifies Ilonggo culture.
The beliefs, superstitions, the practices, customs and Ilonggo traditions also consists the folklore of the Ilonggos.
In the research done has completely realized that there is a connection between the folk knowledge to the different forms of life of the Ilonggos. The folklore is already a part of their everyday lives.
The folklore provide shapes to the imprint of the past, the history of the place, of the people because the truth is, these are the records or notes of yesterday's past. The legends and origins possesses historical essence or it reminisce us the things that has connections in the lives of our ancestors. We were brought by the legends presented during the time and kingdom of the Aeta aborigines, datu and Malays, prince and princess, king and queen, the invasion of the Moors or the bandits and the resistance and defense of the natives, Spanish colonial period, the arrival of the Americans, and the settlement of the Chinese immigrants in the area. In the included legends contains different time periods - from the arrival of the ten (10) Bornean datus to the island until the century of the Americans.
The folk tales like the legends are also a glimpse of the notes of the past and history of the place. They confirmed the period that took place. The folk songs also has imprints of the past. Madadalumat It manifests in the religious songs the deep roots of the Christian faith in the land. These hymns were for so long been played still continues to linger in the lips of the Ilonggo in masses, novena, procession, Flores de Mayo until the present time. Songs that were bounded in love at courtship and many other things sets an endless yesterday, themes of relationships born at the same time with the world and prevailing until the world is world.
There is a touch of Hispanic civilization in some of the dances. The costumes Barong Tagalog, patadyong, kimona, panuelo are tracing at a period where these dresses are a trend.
The proverbs states a touch of time like churches, procession, heaven, school, teachers, Ati, metals like gold, bronze and lead.
The riddles has anag-ag of yesterday's past in by describing or considering skirts, gowns, Santa Maria, paper, letter, gun, bolo, ax, Spanish Castilian house, native hut, carpenter's house, silver and gold.
The folklore has a spiritual effect. It describe objects that is connected with nature, holiness and religion. The places were named or called with the names taken from the saints or their apparition to the people or taken from the Marian titles like Santo Rosario, Santa Barbara, San Dionisio, San Enrique and San Joaquin. The saints are being invoked most especially in the middle of a deep or intense crisis or dire situation.
It is prevailing in the folktales of the Ilonggos the faith in God and giving high esteemed values to prayers which are the carriers of blessings and salvation. The faith of the Ilonggos are so deep that they will be delivered by the saints they venerate or revered. The miracles of these patron saints never changes in what they hear like the stories told in the folktales: "Help of Saint Anthony of Padua" and "The Miracles of Our Lady of Oton." It is seen in "Huan Pusong" that in the prayers of a devoted couple they were granted a child. In "The Mermaid", a family was saved from a dire desperate needs through fervent knocking on the doors of heaven. In confession one can achieve a tranquility of the heart and soul according to the story of "Si Siam-Siam".
The folk songs are just a product of feelings and emotions and a mind that disturbs or annoys the heart and soul.
The poem is an effective medium of expression of recognizing the blessed hands of God and embracing protection of the saints like the "Offerings to Saint Roch".
As well as the proverbs that reminds of having a mighty Creator who created the universe and its caretaker. In the midst of hopelessness, these kind of proverbs brought inspiration, a new hope in the struggles of daily life like:
"If there darkness, there is brightness"
"If there are hard times, there are good times."
Regarding or considering God is still evident.
"We are judged and sentenced by God by the things we do."
It is true that even in the riddles it is not possible not to include the things about saints or their objects.
1. Baston ni San Jose
Hindi maisip
Ulan
2. Baston ni San Juan
Indi makaptan.
Suga
Ilonggos has different kinds of beliefs that covers the spiritual effects just like the following:
1. The child should be baptized at the soonest possible time because it was believed that baptism has a big role in the healthy well-being and safe from illness of the child.
2. The lovers should not exchange beads of rosary or any religious objects to each other as a remembrance or souvenir because it is a sign of short lived relationships. The exchange of necklace is also not allowed or prohibited because it might foretell their love will not last.
3. The trees which barely produce fruits or flower is being shaken with the ringing of the bell in the middle of the mass during Black Saturday of the Holy Week.
4. The people are sheltering or hiding in other trees except in coconut trees if there's lightning and thunderstorm because they can easily be hit by lightning.
To the different beliefs in marriage, death, planting or gardening and farming deeply ingrains or imprints the related or connected faith.
This is just to prove that the folklore brings a spiritual effect that not only inside the church it is inscribed, imprinted or sealed but also to all corners of life of the Ilonggos from their birth until their death.
The folklore brings effectiveness in molding character.
The early indoctrination of a young individual to ethics and religion is fulfilled through the branches of the folklore - in showing the stories that describes the love of a child to his or her parents, prayerful, obedient and many other things is tumitigib in the senses of the children and serves as their principle until they grow up.
The loving and merciful God is punishing those who disobey and deceiving, just like narrated in "Ang Pinagmulan Ng Tamawo" (The Origin of Fairy). In the denials of Eve and Adam to God they eventually lost their four children.
The gaba, Hiligaynon term for punishment or sumpa Filipino word for curse is received in disobeying the will of God or of the elders - "Alamat Ng Nagaba" that eventually became Jordan as a memory of the Jordan river where Jesus was baptized; "Ang Siete (7) Islas de Pecados" gave birth to the repudiation or renunciation of the sermon of the parents of the seven maiden siblings; same as the pampering to the children will not be rewarded.
The good manners and having a kind heart is honored and rewarded like the glorification to the lady "Sara".
In "Alamat ng Sampagita" sobriety or temperance is taught, without any regrets in the end, so never be in a hustle or rush for the madness or delusion same with laziness, lack of concern for the parents is frowned upon like what was stated in "Alamat Ng Pinya" (Legend of Pineapple).
The frequent communication and closeness to the only friends of God in heaven would deliver from any calamity or disaster or danger just like what it is told in "Alamat Ng Santo Niño" (Legend of the Holy Child) of San Joaquin, "Ang Saklolo Ni San Antonio de Padua" (The Help of San Antonio de Padua) to the natives. The characteristic of being prayerful is given justice.
A person who serenades became a victim of the mantiw or Hiligaynon term for bugbear or hobgoblin for disobeying or disregarding the advice of his mother in "Ang Mantiw At Ang Manghaharana" that don't stay too late outside. It is close to danger those who never learned to listen to the sermon or advice of a caring and concerned parent so to speak.
The song "Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko" cultivates patriotism that is ready to offer everything for its glory and honor.
The proverbs can give us some lessons or reminder directly or implicitly or connotative in the right manners or behavior that shapes character. The proverbs has a great impact in manners. The advice, criticism, observations, ideas were expressed and beliefs through this. It is uncommon for the elders as well as the youth to recite the proverbs. Good behavior or characters are glorified just like assiduity, diligence and frugality, cleanliness habit, promptness and sobriety, patience and persistence, reverence and good upbringing.
It's not a good behavior to disparage and laugh at the disabilities of other people - it is indicated by the belief of not laughing to the blind, sungi (Hiligaynon term for harelip) or cross-eyed if a woman is pregnant.
A good conversation yields right or better things - talking or telling stories about saint or holy individual or sacred objects. It is important to pray for the dead. These are needed by those who passed away.
In other folk tales madadalumat the beliefs in mythical creatures like the aswangs, tamawo or fairy and mermaids. These mythical creatures were said to make friends, scaring and teasing, and sometimes punish those who harm them or anything related to them. Experiencing and seeing them is presented. Are these the product of imagination or has a trace of mystery that in an instance broke the chain that separates our world and to their world of mystery?
It can also be seen in the folklore the usual past time, leisure or form of entertainment by the natives. The Ilonggos are friendly people just like suggested in "Alamat Ng Calinog" (Legend of Calinog).
The children are usually being drawn to sleep at night through storytelling of legends, folktales or by singing folk songs or komposo.
Included are the following leisures:
promenading or strolling - Ang Alamat Ng Tamawo (Legend of a Fairy)
serenading - Ang Mantiw At Ang Manghaharana (The Bug-Bear and the Person Who Serenade)
guitar in the poem "Ang Gitara" (The Guitar)
hammock, kite in the riddle
Different angles of love and life can be found in folklore. These foretells the relationship of a woman to a man, a husband to his wife, in relationships, sulking. The revolving theme is about courtship and marriage.
In "Pulo ng Bisaya" (Island of Visayas) emanate the practice of giving tests to the rivals in love to whoever wins in the test or challenge would gain the heart and love of the lady in waiting or being wooed.
Alamat ng Pulo ng Guimaras (Legend of the Guimaras Island) - disagreement of a noble clan in a relationship with the child of a slave.
Alamat ng Gintaguan, San Joaquin (Legend of the Guintaguan, San Joaquin) - it is also held in the test the gaining of the hands of the lady.
Alamat ng Nagapa [Jordan] (Legend of Nagapa [in Jordan]) - the disagreement of parents to the relationship of the two individuals which results to the eloping of the latter.
Alamat ng Guimbal (Legend of Guimbal) - the attraction of a princess and going with her Moro lover.
Alamat ng Sampaguita (Legend of Sampaguita) - the tragic death of the lovers
Alamat ng Makapuno (Legend of Macapuno) - the revenge of someone who does not learn to accept failure in love
The folklore of "Ang Aswang" - of how a failed, abrupt or foiled love would drive an individual to commit a crime
There are lots history of love were created in the leaves of time in the Ilonggo songs and music that features its mystery. The drama of life is presented that is present and manifested in what is called love.
Though some of the proverbs is almost similar or resembles that of the Tagalogs and in English, in it can be manifested the philosophy, beliefs and ideas. The role of the proverbs is very crucial; it serves as tools in creating social structures in dealing and socializing with people. It is manifested there the moral ideas and social behaviors about prudence or gentleness, diligence and others. It also gives a portal of ideologies of the natives, ten of their clans and generations and views in life.
It also describes plants, objects, tools and equipment common in the province and sums up or overview the province culture, the riddles. It sharpens or straightens activities, time, history and has images inscribed or impressed from it.
The folklore presents individuality, Ilonggo culture of the past so there is a cultural impact. The school which is also a beacon of wisdom and knowledge is referred in folk tales, "Ang Kapre" and in proverbs.
It can be beamed in some of the names of the places the connection of folklore to linguistics. The term ag and ig means place or community that is ideally named according to its root word.
Examples are:
Igbaras - place of sand (baras is Hiligaynon term for sand)
Same with an, ma: Maasin
Different kinds of jobs, work or activities were mentioned in the legends, origins, folklore, folk songs and others. The land and sea are extremely important because they were the source of livelihood. In some branches of folklore learned the truth about the sea like an unfaithful maiden - that is sometimes demure, sweet, gentle, making out with the moon, but fool of the fools and sometimes violent, fierce or wild, and cruel. There are still different motifs of the folklore but the aquatic environment, river, streams, or lakes will never be lost. Examples of these motifs are exalting the beauty of the sea, leisure and wading in the sea, direct mention of this as subsistence or a source of income, serves as nest of recreation of the cowardly lovers, or as the punishment of heaven, place of the appearance of the saints, or objects, equipment or tools of Moro's sowing of aggressiveness or maybe it became the center of mystery. The following proves it:
Alamat ng Iloilo (Legend of Iloilo) - the sea and river has geographical significance
Alamat ng Kagayunan [Oton] (Legend of Kagayunan [in Oton]) - place of blue waters
Alamat ng Dingle (Legend of Dingle) - mentions Jalaur river
Alamat ng Pulo ng Guimaras (Legend of Guimaras Island) - the lovers jumped to the sea
Alamat ng Buenavista (Legend of Buenavista) - it enchanted the visions of the foreigners or strangers
the blue waters that is clothed by the rays of the sun.
In the legends of Siete Islas de Pecado, Passi, San Joaquin, and Macapuno mentions river or ocean. In the folk tale of Tan Adi can be found the vista of a river.
Even in the folk songs the ocean or sea has a connection or relevance just like featured in "Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko". The Ilonggos and the sea should never be separated.
In the poem "Suba ang Kabuhi," (River is Life), the river, sea and life became metaphors.
The proverbs feature also the stream lines, suba nga magahod (noisy river), suba nga malinong (silent river), river and wave.
The mountain has been tracked in the legend of Buenavista as well as in riddles.
The activities were mentioned in the following:
Fishermen in the lake - Alamat ng Lambunao; a man fishing - Alamat ng Lambunao; fishing - Alamat ng San Joaquin at Alamat ng Santo Niño, salt beds in Mandurriao district - Alamat Ng Iloilo; logging woods - Alamat ng San Joaquin; planter - Alamat ng Sampagita; catching prawns and crab - folk tale of Tan Adi; looking for firewood, washing clothes - folk tales about Juan Pusong.
The market is mentioned in the folk tales "Si Juan Pusong" at "Ang Tamawo". The word parian gave a label in Alamat ng Molo. The market is associated with the folk song "Ili-ili, Tulog Anay."
These were also presented by other branches or category of folklore:
washing clothes - in the folk tale "Ang Kinuhang Asawa"
engineer - in the folk tale "Ang Puno Ng Salay"
The proverbs mention teachers and merchants.
The word mag-araro (plowing) is included in the riddle.
Having the understanding of the environment and culture that were gathered in the folklore states a social representation of ideas and conditions of the people. We can peek in the food, shelter or dwellings, clothes, tools and equipment and transports the cultural authenticity of the folklore to the Ilonggos:
1. Food, Ingredients, Drinks:
banana - alamat ng Gintaguan, San Joaquin
gruel - alamat ng Isla de Pecado
rice - alamat ng Passi
pineapple - alamat ng Pinya
macapuno - alamat ng Makapuno
There are told by the folk tales:
crab, shrimps - Tan Adi
watermelon - Juan Pusong
corn - Ang Aswang
palm wine (tuba) - Ang Mangingibig Na Tamawo
guava - Si Siam-Siam
In the folk songs these were included:
bread - Ili-ilo, Tulog Anay
The tamarind and vinegar were mentioned in the dance Balitaw.
The proverbs mentioned rice, sugar, fish, crab, saba (kind of banana).
Presented by the riddles were banana heart, chili, annatto seeds, squash, ginger, jackfruit, maize, grilled corn, coconut, egg and sweet potato.
2. Dwellings -
Different kinds of dwellings gave life:
Salo (Jaro) or bamboo floors - alamat ng Jaro
palace-like house of Roca Encantada - folk tale of "Ang Mangingibig ng Tamawo"
hut - The poet "Suba ang Kabuhi" (River is Life)
Spanish house, house of Esok, house of doves - in the riddles
3. Clothing, Garments, Adornments or Decorations:
camisa de chino with long sleeves - alamat ng Dumangas
kimona, patadyong, kamisa, panuelo, barong tagalog in the dances
necklace, skirt, watch - in the riddles
4. Tools and Equipment, Weapon:
These were narrated and explained in the alamat or legends / origins:
staff - Siete Islas de Peccado
gong - Guimbal
barong - Gintaguan, San Joaquin
axe - San Joaquin
dagger - Makapuno
tapayang saro (huge jars or earthenware vessels) - Jaro
In the folk tales the following were mentioned:
fish corrals - May Anting-Anting
belts - Tan Adi
guitar - Ang Mantiw at ang Manghaharana (The Hobgoblin and the Person Who Serenades)
bolo - Isang Bahay na Puno ng Aswang (A House Full of Aswangs)
fire matches - May Anting-Anting
tagub (basket) - Tan Adi
The dance Balitaw mentions ladle and pot.
Gold, plates, brass and lead were told by the proverbs.
The riddles presents a long list: cane, calendar, cannon, grater, sword, bolo, saw or handsaw, axe, dagger, umbrella, plates, clothesline, ladle, tongs for ember, shoes, hat, pail or bucket.
5.Transportation
In alamat or legends / origin:
raft boat - Pulo ng Bisaya
outrigger - Nagaba; Siete Islas de Peccado
vinta - Guimbal
In folk tales:
cars, sea vessels - Ang Nakatagong Lunsod ng Barotac Viejo
raft - May Anting-Anting
There are also referred or talked about political organizations just like the establishment of Spanish government in Iloilo in "Alamat ng Iloilo", and "Alamat ng Gintaguan, San Joaquin" which mentions the barangay as an institution.
It was enunciated in the folklore of having a colorful imagination and creative idea of the natives.
In the folk songs and dance we can learn the artistry of the Ilonggos. The folk songs like "Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko," "Ili-ili Tulog Anay," and "Dalawidaw," can we find rhymes of different combination. The folk songs in the province reflects the gentleness in conversing of the natives. It is also the same with their vivacity in the jovial songs about butterflies and common objects.
Figures of speech were considered. It can be noticed in the folk songs the birds and flowers were used figuratively or connotative in mentioning the angles of love. The owl bird (murogmon or bukaw in Hiligaynon) is usually symbolizes a young man saving his affection to a young lady that might be a maya bird or pating Hiligaynon word for dove.
Almost all of the love songs are sentimental.
It can be said that the feelings of concern and care for the things of the environment and of the earth by the Ilonggos is very much alive in their poems. It can be noticed in the Ilonggo poems the rhythmic and deep thoughts contained. The poem of Hernando Siscar entitled "Akon Ka Duawon" is deeply emotional. Simple and colorful words were combined. The "Gitara" (Guitar) of Magdalena Jalandoni has a melody and carrying nostalgia. It seems like there is a sound that is reflected or manifested in the words is coming and felt by the readers or those who recites the poem. The "Suba Ang Kinabuhi" by Delfin Gumban has a stand out pretty similarity and comparison in poems. The poems of Agustin Misola, Santiago Alv. Mulato and Nilo Pamonag are very rich in mental pictures or visuals and retrospect.
Having a sense of humor as well as creative imagery was seen in the interweaving loa of the Ilonggos.
The superstitious beliefs follows these qualifications: conceiving, pregnancy, childbirth, baptism, child-rearing or raising a child, courtship, marriage, death and different kinds of beliefs. These beliefs really has a big role or involvement that gave life to their different behavior or practice, tradition and culture. Some others cover the power of God, things that cultivates trust in God or binds us to God and to each other. It can be malilimi known the claims of ardor beliefs of the native to the Almighty Creator. Examples of these are the following:
- the baptism of the child most especially at the soonest possible time in the belief that baptism has a big role in being healthy and safe from illnesses and sickness of the child;
- the stairs should face the east or where the sun rise because in this position, the family who will settle will become very happy and comfortable in everyday of their lives;
- offering of prayers for the dead;
- belief in rainbow as a sign of heaven's blessings;
- deep or solemn contemplation or reflection on the Holy Week that brings further love for God and fellow humans;
- singing of religious hymns; praying, chants or incantations to be saved from lightning and thunder;
Other folk beliefs are about good manners and proper behavior just like:
- not laughing or taunting or mocking the blind, sungi (Hiligaynon term for harelip), or libat (Hiligaynon word for squint-eyed or cross-eyed) for the fear of having children with those kind of disabilities. Pregnant or not, this kind of behavior deviates from good manners;
- plates were never stacked up while there are still eating;
- one must have a complete of everything or fulfilled what is needed during the celebration of the New Year so that throughout the entire year one will not miss or will not be insufficient or short of anything;
One thing that should continue is concerning about giving respect just like asking permission from the parents before getting married and most especially concerning about the expression of fervent faith.
While others should not be believed because they were just hindrance to progress of personal life, society and culture just like:
- wearing of necklace with a dangling crocodile tooth or any object that will serve as a weapon against evil spirits. Instead of these, medals, crucifix or sacred objects should be used.
- not giving of rosaries or religious objects of lovers. Isn't the offering or giving of holy or sacred objects will further give blessings to the beautiful relationship of the couple; that seems like they are in custody of heaven?