Kilalanin ang huling binukot mula sa Capiz at Iloilo | I-Witness

Summary

This documentary delves into the lost tradition of the 'binukot' women in the Philippines, who once preserved ancient epics and culture through song and dance. Through the story of 88-year-old Lola Teresita, the film explores the decline of these practices due to historical events, modernization, and changing social norms. As Lola reflects on her past beauty and role, the film questions who will carry on these cultural traditions in a world increasingly distant from its ancient roots. The documentary offers a poignant reflection on the erosion of cultural heritage and the impact of generational shifts.

Takeaways

• 😀 In ancient times, history and epics were passed down orally through songs, poems, and stories before newspapers and books were invented.
• 😀 There is a concern about the loss of these ancient traditions as older generations pass away, particularly the role of women in preserving culture.
• 😀 The speaker shares their personal experience of climbing the Tapas mountain range between Kapis and Ilo-Ilo to explore the caves that served as refuges for epics.
• 😀 The tradition of the binukot (secluded women) who were isolated by their parents to preserve their beauty and culture is explored.
• 😀 Women with disabilities played an important role in preserving the culture by memorizing the sugidanon, an epic of their tribe, through song and dance.
• 😀 The World War I period, along with changes in education and societal practices, significantly impacted the binukot tradition and led to the cessation of practices like circumcision.
• 😀 Lola Teresita, now over 80 years old, is one of the last surviving binukot, with many of her contemporaries having passed away.
• 😀 Lola Teresita recalls her life, marriage, and struggles after the death of her husband, living a difficult life while raising her children.
• 😀 The documentary touches on the sale of old coins and a necklace as part of a difficult financial time, highlighting the economic challenges faced by her family.
• 😀 There is a growing concern about the loss of ancient epic songs and dances, as fewer families continue the tradition of singing, leaving the future of cultural preservation uncertain.

Q & A

What is the significance of the oral tradition in preserving history, as mentioned in the script?

The oral tradition, which includes songs, poems, and stories, played a crucial role in preserving history and epics before newspapers and books were invented. It allowed historical narratives to be passed down through generations, ensuring the survival of culture and tradition.

Who are the binukot and what role did they play in their society?

Binukot were women who were isolated or hidden by their parents, often considered beautiful and kept away from public view. Despite this, they had an important cultural role as they memorized and passed down the epics and history of their tribe through song and dance.

How did the traditions related to binukot change after World War I?

After World War I, many people were killed, and by the 1950s, the number of schools in the province increased. The practice of circumcision and the binukot tradition faded as education became more widespread, and young girls were no longer isolated or circumcised.

What is the story of Lola Teresita in the script?

Lola Teresita is one of the last surviving former binukot, now 88 years old. Raised in isolation by her parents, she reflects on her past and the difficulties she faced, including supporting her family after her husband died. She shares memories of her youth and the traditional customs she lived through.

What challenges did Lola Teresita face in her life?

Lola Teresita faced numerous challenges, including being raised in isolation, experiencing the loss of her husband at an early age, and later having to support her children alone through farming and selling goods to survive.

What role did the coins and the belt full of old coins play in the story?

The coins, including a Mexican peso from 1886, and the belt full of old coins were passed down through the generations in Lola Teresita's family. When they needed money, her family sold these items to provide for their children, demonstrating the economic struggles they endured.

Why is it important to preserve ancient songs and dances, according to the script?

Preserving ancient songs and dances is crucial for keeping the cultural heritage of the community alive. These songs, which were once carried by the binukot, represent the history and epics of the tribe and must be passed on to future generations to maintain the cultural identity.

How did the practice of circumcision change in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, as education became more accessible and the practice of circumcision was phased out, families no longer wanted to subject their children to the procedure. This marked the end of the binukot tradition and other customs tied to it.

What is the significance of the phrase 'who will be the channel of history and culture' in the script?

The phrase emphasizes the concern over the loss of cultural traditions, such as the ancient songs and dances. As fewer people continue these practices, there is a fear that the historical and cultural heritage of the community will be lost, making it essential to find new ways to preserve and pass on these traditions.

What was the role of women with disabilities in preserving culture according to the script?

Women with disabilities, like the binukot, played a key role in preserving culture. Through song and dance, they memorized and performed the sugidanon, the epic stories, and histories of their tribe, ensuring that these traditions were passed down to future generations.