READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY - CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS (BSN)

Summary

Miguel Juan de Placentia, a Spanish Franciscan friar, arrived in the Philippines in 1578 and played a pivotal role in the early missionary efforts. He founded towns in Luzon and authored religious and linguistic works, including the 'Doctrina Christiana,' the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593. This book, written in Spanish and Tagalog, aimed to facilitate the spread of Christianity and provide a linguistic bridge between the Spanish and the natives. It contains biblical passages, the Ten Commandments, and details about the pre-colonial Tagalog society, including their legal system, religion, and social structure. The book also sheds light on the attire, inheritance customs, and spiritual beliefs of the time, offering a window into the rich cultural tapestry of the pre-colonial Philippines.

Takeaways

• 📜 Miguel Juan de Placentia was a Spanish Franciscan friar who arrived in the Philippines in July 1578 as part of the first group of Franciscan missionaries.
• 🏰 He founded numerous towns in Luzon and authored several religious and linguistic books, significantly contributing to the cultural and religious landscape of the region.
• 📖 His most notable work, 'Doctrina Christiana', is the first book ever printed in the Philippines, showcasing his efforts to promote understanding between the Spanish and the native population.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Born in the early 16th century, Placentia was one of seven children and came from a background where his father was a captain of a Spanish schooner.
• 🌐 'Doctrina Christiana', written in 1593, is a bilingual text in Spanish and Tagalog, using the Roman alphabet and Baybayin script, reflecting the linguistic diversity and educational efforts of the time.
• 🏛️ The book contains basic biblical teachings, including the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, the Ten Commandments, and the sacraments of the Holy Church, aimed at introducing Christianity to the local population.
• 📜 The use of Baybayin script in the book is a testament to the pre-colonial Philippine culture and the narrative of the community that existed before Spanish colonization.
• 🏡 The script also provides insights into the early legal system, social relationships, and forms of government among the Tagalogs, as well as their pre-colonial religion and beliefs.
• 👕👗 It describes traditional Filipino attire and social customs, such as the use of different colors in clothing to denote social status and the practice of elevating houses for protection.
• 🔮 The text mentions various local spiritual practices and beliefs, including the roles of different spiritual leaders and the influence of Spanish missionaries in reshaping these beliefs.

Q & A

Who was Miguel Juan de Placentia?

Miguel Juan de Placentia was a Spanish friar of the Franciscan order and one of the first group of Franciscan missionaries who arrived in the Philippines in July 1578.

What significant contribution did Miguel Juan de Placentia make to the Philippines?

Miguel Juan de Placentia founded numerous towns in Luzon and authored several religious and linguistic books, including the 'Doctrina Christiana', which is the first book ever printed in the Philippines.

Where was Miguel Juan de Placentia born?

He was born in the early 16th century in Puerto Guerrero in Placentia, in the region of Extremadura, Spain.

What was the purpose of the books written by Miguel Juan de Placentia?

The books were primarily designed to promote the understanding of the Spanish language among the natives and the local languages among the missionaries to facilitate the task of spreading Christianity.

What is the 'Doctrina Christiana' and why is it significant?

The 'Doctrina Christiana', written in 1593, is believed to be the first book printed in the Philippines. It is significant as it was one of the first books produced in the European tradition in the Philippines and contains basic biblical texts along with the ten commandments and sacraments of the Holy Church.

Where can the only known extant copy of 'Doctrina Christiana' be found?

The only known extant copy of 'Doctrina Christiana' can be found in the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress.

What languages are used in the 'Doctrina Christiana'?

The 'Doctrina Christiana' consists of texts in Spanish and Tagalog, with the Tagalog transliterated into Roman letters.

How does the 'Doctrina Christiana' reflect the pre-colonial Philippine culture?

The use of ancient Baybayin script in some parts of the book reminds us of the existence of pre-colonial Philippine culture and bears witness to the narrative of the Philippine community that existed even prior to the arrival of the Spanish colonizers.

What does the first chapter of 'Doctrina Christiana' discuss?

The first chapter of 'Doctrina Christiana' discusses the earliest recorded legal system of the country, detailing the social relationships of the Tagalogs and their form of government.

What does the second section of 'Doctrina Christiana' revolve around?

The second section revolves around the pre-colonial religion and beliefs of the people, primarily their form of worship.

What were the typical materials used for houses in pre-colonial Philippines?

The houses were typically made of light materials like wood, bamboo, and nipa, and were often elevated from the ground for protection against enemies and wild animals.