Customs of the Tagalogs by Fray Juan de Placensia

Summary

The script 'Customs of the Tagalogs' by Fry Joanne de Placentia offers a detailed account of pre-colonial Philippine society, covering social classes, marriage customs, political structures, judicial processes, and religious beliefs. It challenges Western narratives of the Philippines as uncivilized, highlighting a rich cultural heritage with a complex social order and deep spiritual traditions. The document serves as a valuable resource for understanding the Filipino cultural legacy and fostering a sense of national pride.

Takeaways

• 📜 The script discusses 'Customs of the Tagalogs' by Fry Joanne de Placentia, a historical account of the Tagalog people in the Philippines.
• 🏛 Joanne de Placentia belonged to the distinguished Puerto Carreras family and was influenced by the religious and spiritual resurgence of 16th century Spain.
• 🔍 The study's methodology involved examining original texts, comparing Spanish terms, and analyzing the use of Filipino terms during the first century of Spanish occupation.
• 🌐 The document highlights the distinct social classes in Tagalog society: the Maharlikas (nobility), the Alipin (dependents), and the normal citizens.
• 👥 The script explains the complex rules of inheritance and social status, including the treatment of children born from different social classes.
• 🏡 It describes the Barangay as the basic political unit of Tagalog society, headed by a Datu, and the importance of the Sanduguan for formalizing alliances.
• 👰 The script details the marriage customs and courtship process, including the roles of the Asawa (wife) and the various stages of the wedding ceremony.
• ⚖️ The judicial process involved the village chief and elders, with unique methods of dispute resolution and punishment, including ordeals and fines.
• 🙏 The religious beliefs of the Tagalogs included worship of multiple gods, reverence for nature, and practices involving divination and the use of amulets.
• 👼 The script mentions the Tagalogs' respect for the dead, including rituals and prohibitions, and the practice of creating idols to honor deceased ancestors.
• 📚 'Customs of the Tagalogs' contributes to the understanding of Filipino culture and heritage, challenging Western depictions of the Philippines as uncivilized.

Q & A

Who was Fray Juan de Plazencia and what was his family background?

Fray Juan de Plazencia was a member of the illustrious Puerto Carreras family from Extremadura, Spain, in the early 16th century. His father, Don Pedro Puerto Garrero, was a captain of a Spanish schooner who died in Naples, Italy in 1574. Juan was one of seven children.

What was the purpose of Fray Juan de Plazencia's study on the customs of the Tagalogs?

The purpose of his study was to discover a distinct, non-contradictory, and functional meaning for each Filipino term used in the Spanish accounts of the time.

What were the four stages of the methodology used by Fray Juan de Plazencia in his study?

The methodology included: 1) Examining and comparing the original texts with Spanish terms, 2) Examining the Spanish use of Filipino terms during the first century of occupations, 3) Studying the 16th-century meanings of the Spanish terms and their applicability to Filipino classes, and 4) Attempting a synthesis to resolve contradictions using sectional variations and the author's personal interest.

When did Fray Juan de Plazencia arrive in the Philippines and with whom?

Fray Juan de Plazencia arrived in the Philippines on July 2, 1578, with the first batch of Franciscan missionaries.

What were the three social classes in the Tagalog society as described by Fray Juan de Plazencia?

The three social classes were the Maharlikas, composed of free men or commoners; the Alipin, or dependents, which included aliping namamahai and aliping sagigilid; and the Nobility, who were addressed as either 'datu' or 'lakan' by the Tagalogs.

How did the status of 'Alipin' or dependents in Tagalog society come about?

The status of 'Alipin' or dependents could be acquired by inheritance, captivity, purchase, failure to settle debts, or by committing a crime.

What were the inheritance rights of children born from a Maharlika and a slave?

If a Maharlika had children with a slave, the children and their mothers became free. However, if a Maharlika had children by a slave of another and the child was not supported by the father, the child became a slave.

What was the role of the 'Datu' in the Tagalog society?

The Datu was the chief executive, legislator, judge, and the supreme commander in times of war within the barangay, the basic political unit of the Tagalog society.

How were disputes between individuals or barangays settled in pre-colonial Tagalog society?

Disputes were settled by a court made up of the village chief and the council of elders. For conflicts between barangays, a board of elders from neutral barangays acted as arbiters.

What were the religious beliefs of the pre-colonial Filipinos as described in the document?

Pre-colonial Filipinos believed in the existence of multiple gods, such as Bataalam Kapal (creator and god of agriculture), Siddhapa (god of death), and others. They also worshipped idols called anitos and practiced divination and belief in magic charms.

What is the significance of the document 'Customs of the Tagalogs' in understanding Filipino culture and heritage?

The document 'Customs of the Tagalogs' provides significant and meaningful information about the social, cultural, and political history of the Filipinos during the pre-colonial period, helping to instill a sense of oneness and nationhood, and fostering appreciation for the cultural legacy of the Filipino people.