Customs of the Tagalogs by Plasencia

Question 1

Who is Fray Juan de Plasencia?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What is the significance of ‘Relacion de las Costumbres de Los Tagalos’?

Answer 2

It describes the political, social, economic, and cultural practices of Filipinos before Christianization.

The book was published in 1589.

Question 3

What title was Plasencia honored with after years of missionary work?

Answer 3

‘Venerable’.

Question 4

What was the first printed book in the Philippines?

Answer 4

‘Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Espanola Y Tagala’.

Question 5

What was the role of friars during the first century of Spanish rule in the Philippines?

Answer 5

They supervised local governance, collected taxes, educated youth, and performed civic duties.

They became influential figures in the pueblo.

Question 6

What are the three social castes within a barangay?

Answer 6

• Maharlica
• Aliping Namamahay
• Aliping sa Guiguilir.

Question 7

What defines the Maharlica caste?

Answer 7

Born free, do not pay taxes, must accompany datos in war.

Question 8

What distinguishes Aliping Namamahay from other castes?

Answer 8

They can own properties but must serve their masters.

Question 9

Who are the Aliping sa Guiguilir?

Answer 9

Slaves who serve their masters and can be sold off.

Question 10

What is a barangay?

Answer 10

A tribal gathering ruled by chiefs, consisting of 30-100 houses.

Question 11

What was the purpose of the Catolonan in Tagalog society?

Answer 11

A priest who officiates offering sacrifices for feasts.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The Tagalogs worship the sun, the moon, and _______.

Answer 12

stars.

Question 13

What does the term ‘nagaanitos’ refer to?

Answer 13

Worship of the souls or spirits of ancestors.

Question 14

What is the significance of the Tigmamanuguin bird in Tagalog superstition?

Answer 14

Its song is believed to be a good or bad omen.

Question 15

True or False: Plasencia’s work is considered a primary source for historians.

Answer 15

True.

Question 16

What happens to the corpse during a Tagalog burial?

Answer 16

It is mourned for four days and laid on a boat, which serves as a coffin.

Question 17

What is the role of the Datu in a barangay?

Answer 17

The chief who governs the village and is revered by the people.

Question 18

List two duties of friars in mission territories.

Answer 18

• Report the number of natives converted
• Share observations and experiences.

Question 19

What does the term ‘simbahan’ mean in Tagalog culture?

Answer 19

A place to worship, often a large house of the chief where festivals are celebrated.

Question 20

What are the 12 Priests of the Devil in Tagalog beliefs?

Answer 20

A group of individuals believed to perform malevolent acts, including healing and curses.

Question 21

What was the primary purpose of Plasencia’s writings?

Answer 21

To document and preserve the customs, traditions, and beliefs of Filipinos prior to Spanish influence.

Question 22

What is the historical context of Plasencia’s work?

Answer 22

It provides insight into Filipino society before and during early Spanish colonization.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The original text of Plasencia’s work is kept in _______.

Answer 23

Archivo General de Indias.

Question 24

Who wrote ‘Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas’?

Answer 24

Antonio de Morga.

Question 25

What is the significance of the ‘mangagauay’ and ‘mangagayoma’ in Plasencia’s account?

Answer 25

They are referred to as ‘witches’ performing deceitful healing procedures.

Question 26

Who provided an account of the duties and responsibilities of the datus, maharlikas, and alipins?

Answer 26

Plasencia

Plasencia’s accounts are significant for understanding pre-colonial Filipino society.

Question 27

What types of cultural practices did Plasencia document?

Answer 27

Property rights, marriage rituals, burial practices, justice dispensation

These elements reflect the social structure and cultural norms of the Tagalog region.

Question 28

Which supernatural beings and practices are mentioned as part of Filipino culture in Plasencia’s works?

Answer 28

Manananggal, aswang, hukluban, gayuma

These entities are part of Filipino folklore and illustrate the rich cultural heritage.

Question 29

Why did priests and missionaries read Plasencia’s works?

Answer 29

To gain insights for effective evangelization

Understanding local customs and language was crucial for missionary work.

Question 30

What insight did missionaries gain from Plasencia regarding language?

Answer 30

Master the local language to be a successful missionary

Language proficiency facilitates deeper connections with the community.

Question 31

What role did reading materials play in missionary work according to Plasencia?

Answer 31

They served as guides and references

These materials helped sustain the teachings of faith in the absence of missionaries.

Question 32

What claim about Filipinos did Plasencia’s writings disprove?

Answer 32

That Filipinos were uncivilized and lacked culture upon the Spaniards’ arrival

His accounts illustrate a well-organized society with rich traditions.

Question 33

What aspects of governance and society did Filipinos have before Spanish colonization?

Answer 33

Functioning government, tax system, laws, criminal justice system, indigenous calendar

These elements indicate a structured and advanced society.

Question 34

What belief system did Filipinos have regarding a supreme being?

Answer 34

Belief in Bathala

Bathala represents a central figure in pre-colonial Filipino spirituality.

Question 35

What do Plasencia’s observations say about the material culture of Filipinos?

Answer 35

Wore garments, gold ornaments, and decorated houses with idols

This reflects the aesthetic values and social status in the community.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: Plasencia concluded that prior to the Spaniards’ arrival, Filipinos were already _______.

Answer 36

civilized

This conclusion challenges the narrative of a primitive society before colonization.

Question 37

True or False: Plasencia’s writings suggest that Filipinos had a lifestyle comparable to other Southeast Asian countries.

Answer 37

True

His accounts highlight the sophistication of pre-colonial Filipino society.