Customs of the Tagalogs by Plasencia Flashcards
Who is Fray Juan de Plasencia?
A Franciscan missionary who arrived in the Philippines in 1578 and authored ‘Relacion de las Costumbres de Los Tagalos’.
His real name is Joan de Portocarrero.
What is the significance of ‘Relacion de las Costumbres de Los Tagalos’?
It describes the political, social, economic, and cultural practices of Filipinos before Christianization.
The book was published in 1589.
What title was Plasencia honored with after years of missionary work?
‘Venerable’.
What was the first printed book in the Philippines?
‘Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Espanola Y Tagala’.
What was the role of friars during the first century of Spanish rule in the Philippines?
They supervised local governance, collected taxes, educated youth, and performed civic duties.
They became influential figures in the pueblo.
What are the three social castes within a barangay?
- Maharlica
- Aliping Namamahay
- Aliping sa Guiguilir.
What defines the Maharlica caste?
Born free, do not pay taxes, must accompany datos in war.
What distinguishes Aliping Namamahay from other castes?
They can own properties but must serve their masters.
Who are the Aliping sa Guiguilir?
Slaves who serve their masters and can be sold off.
What is a barangay?
A tribal gathering ruled by chiefs, consisting of 30-100 houses.
What was the purpose of the Catolonan in Tagalog society?
A priest who officiates offering sacrifices for feasts.
Fill in the blank: The Tagalogs worship the sun, the moon, and _______.
stars.
What does the term ‘nagaanitos’ refer to?
Worship of the souls or spirits of ancestors.
What is the significance of the Tigmamanuguin bird in Tagalog superstition?
Its song is believed to be a good or bad omen.
True or False: Plasencia’s work is considered a primary source for historians.
True.
What happens to the corpse during a Tagalog burial?
It is mourned for four days and laid on a boat, which serves as a coffin.
What is the role of the Datu in a barangay?
The chief who governs the village and is revered by the people.
List two duties of friars in mission territories.
- Report the number of natives converted
- Share observations and experiences.
What does the term ‘simbahan’ mean in Tagalog culture?
A place to worship, often a large house of the chief where festivals are celebrated.
What are the 12 Priests of the Devil in Tagalog beliefs?
A group of individuals believed to perform malevolent acts, including healing and curses.
What was the primary purpose of Plasencia’s writings?
To document and preserve the customs, traditions, and beliefs of Filipinos prior to Spanish influence.
What is the historical context of Plasencia’s work?
It provides insight into Filipino society before and during early Spanish colonization.
Fill in the blank: The original text of Plasencia’s work is kept in _______.
Archivo General de Indias.
Who wrote ‘Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas’?
Antonio de Morga.