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.
What is the significance of the ‘mangagauay’ and ‘mangagayoma’ in Plasencia’s account?
They are referred to as ‘witches’ performing deceitful healing procedures.
Who provided an account of the duties and responsibilities of the datus, maharlikas, and alipins?
Plasencia
Plasencia’s accounts are significant for understanding pre-colonial Filipino society.
What types of cultural practices did Plasencia document?
Property rights, marriage rituals, burial practices, justice dispensation
These elements reflect the social structure and cultural norms of the Tagalog region.
Which supernatural beings and practices are mentioned as part of Filipino culture in Plasencia’s works?
Manananggal, aswang, hukluban, gayuma
These entities are part of Filipino folklore and illustrate the rich cultural heritage.
Why did priests and missionaries read Plasencia’s works?
To gain insights for effective evangelization
Understanding local customs and language was crucial for missionary work.
What insight did missionaries gain from Plasencia regarding language?
Master the local language to be a successful missionary
Language proficiency facilitates deeper connections with the community.
What role did reading materials play in missionary work according to Plasencia?
They served as guides and references
These materials helped sustain the teachings of faith in the absence of missionaries.
What claim about Filipinos did Plasencia’s writings disprove?
That Filipinos were uncivilized and lacked culture upon the Spaniards’ arrival
His accounts illustrate a well-organized society with rich traditions.
What aspects of governance and society did Filipinos have before Spanish colonization?
Functioning government, tax system, laws, criminal justice system, indigenous calendar
These elements indicate a structured and advanced society.
What belief system did Filipinos have regarding a supreme being?
Belief in Bathala
Bathala represents a central figure in pre-colonial Filipino spirituality.
What do Plasencia’s observations say about the material culture of Filipinos?
Wore garments, gold ornaments, and decorated houses with idols
This reflects the aesthetic values and social status in the community.
Fill in the blank: Plasencia concluded that prior to the Spaniards’ arrival, Filipinos were already _______.
civilized
This conclusion challenges the narrative of a primitive society before colonization.
True or False: Plasencia’s writings suggest that Filipinos had a lifestyle comparable to other Southeast Asian countries.
True
His accounts highlight the sophistication of pre-colonial Filipino society.
