/r/FilipinoHistory

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Public forum for discussion of PH/Filipino people's history, archaeology, genomic studies, anthropology etc. Questions are welcome, courtesy is expected.

Public forum for discussion of PH history. Questions welcome, courtesy expected.

/r/FilipinoHistory

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8

Town rulers

Menteri or Mantilî - on the title of town ruler in Waray-Waray and the common rank and direct policy of Philippine/Southeast Asian town rulers

Waray-Waray 1600s dictionary entry for mantilî, corresponding to Malay menteri or Sanskrit mantri which are also the etymology for "Mandarin". This town ruler is the ruler of all the other mga dato in the town.

https://preview.redd.it/98014xljqe4e1.png?width=1932&format=png&auto=webp&s=6563287a4a72b221c3afe050b062994c09ee94b5

mantilî : He who is in a town like a king, such that even though there are other datos, he is above all and overshadows and subjects all of them.

Dako si kuan nga mantili; dako nga tuod nga dato. Mahataw an iya pagkadato, nalabáw.

(Approximate roots-based translation in Tagalog:

Dakila si kuan na mantili; totoong dakilang dato. Lumilitaw ang kanyang pagkadato, nangingibabaw.)

This corresponds perfectly to the political system used in Luzon as well, where the town ruler ratifies direct policy from town council of the mga dato sa bala-balangáy, such that he rules over all the other mga dato in the town, as described by Loarca in 1582.

A portion of Loarca's 1582 description of town legislation in Muslim region of Luzon, in modified B&R translation:

They had lords in their respective town districts, whom the people obeyed; they punished criminals, and laid down the laws that must be observed. In the towns, where they had ten or twelve lords, one only—the richest of them—was he whom all obeyed. They greatly esteem an ancient lineage, which is therefore a great advantage to him who desires to be a lord.

When laws were to be enacted for governing the commonwealth, the greatest lord, whom all the rest obeyed, assembled in his own house all the other lords of the town; and when they had come, he made a speech, declaring that, to correct the many criminal acts which were being committed, it was necessary that they impose penalties and enact ordinances, so that these evils might be remedied and that all might live in peace... Then the other lords replied that this seemed good to them; and that, since he was the greatest lord of all, he might do whatever appeared to him just, and they would approve it. Accordingly, that lord made such regulations as he deemed necessary; for these Muslims possess the art of writing, which no other natives of the islands have. The other lords approved what he ordained.

Immediately came a public crier, whom they call umalahocan, who is properly a majordomo, or steward; he took a bell and went through the town, announcing in each town district the regulations which had been made. The people replied that they would obey. Thus the umalahocan went from place to place, through the whole jurisdiction of this lord.

Likewise, town rulers in Lanao are often given the title sultan.

This supports the supposition that town rulers were the ones that functioned most like a king, because a town had direct policy.

So the common Philippine term hari, hadi, adi, etc. probably referred to direct rulers, the highest of which, as much evidence suggests, were mostly town rulers. Beyond this, dominance was in diplomatic, economic, and fiscal hegemony, which was common custom in maritime Southeast Asia, and similar to Chinese hegemony over other countries at the time.

===

Important note: During Spanish rule, this rank was the capitan basálgobernadorcillo, etc. Generally a town ruler. We all know the distinguishing information about gobernadorcillo. It was the highest administrative rank that Spaniards permitted for a Filipino native, and one had to be part of principalia, i.e., nobility, and must first be a cabeza sa balangáy, i.e., a dato. In other words, the political institution was preserved up to end of Spanish rule in 1898.

Examples of gobernadorcillos are Emilio Aguinaldo, Rizal's father Francisco Mercado, BBM's great-grandfather Fabian Marcos, etc. if you catch my drift.

===

Sources:

  • 1711 Vocabulario de la lengua bisaya by Matheo Sanchez
  • B&R Vol. 5
4 Comments
2024/12/02
09:54 UTC

38

"Labanan sa Pasong Tirad"

4 Comments
2024/12/02
07:18 UTC

71

Today in History: December 2, 1899

10 Comments
2024/12/01
23:56 UTC

1

Traditional clothing details

Designing a dress for a friend from Manila and wanted to add a few traditional elements. I've got the shape down so I'm wondering about details - buttons, embroidery patterns, finishings. Or if anyone has a particular traditional design they like (full outfit/non clothing related design element/pattern) I"d love to see it too! (Sorry if wrong flair/tag, not sure what this counts as)

2 Comments
2024/12/01
18:40 UTC

4

Filipinos have always been suspicious of Chinese and Japanese spies. Were we ever like this about Spanish, American, or other Western or European spies, were there any here?

It seems that in more recent times we always are concerned with Chinese espionage infiltrating the PH based on what China is trying to do in the region. Then similar to this, the recorded history of Japanese spies infiltrating the PH during the prewar period and turning out to be advance informants for the Japanese Occupation in WW2.

But why don't we seem to have any cases of Spanish, American, or espionage from Western or European countries? (Note that Western spies do not need to also be white or do not blend in as easily as Chinese or Japanese spies who are actually of that ethnicity. They could get Filipinos or others to spy for them, which would make more sense, and maybe China and Japan sometimes did that too? I did hear that there were possibilities of German espionage in the Philippine American War, but I don't know about that besides that. Also, why weren't there any American spies that helped the American invasion in 1898?)

11 Comments
2024/12/01
15:38 UTC

4

Help me find more info on "Panarit"

Where/when did this start? Who started it, the priests? Is the melody/tune required? Because I listened to some youtube videos, medyo nagiiba naman.

Are there similar 'practices' in other provinces (I'm hoping there are). Panarit is a waray term meaning "to ask permission". I listened to the lyrics, it sounds like Mary & Joseph asking permission to stay. The interesting part is the "tagbalay" or house owner answers also in song! So hindi lang si caroler ang kumakanta!

The old women I asked tell me that in the past, everyone sings this to reenact the story of Mary & Joseph, and they say it's just like the "pasyon" but shorter.

I want to know more.

2 Comments
2024/12/01
10:02 UTC

62

What do you think a Filipino dialect of Spanish would sound like?

It's obvious no one speaks Spanish in the Philippines anymore (maybe aside from Zamboanga). But if it somehow stayed and the majority of the population spoke it, what do you think it would sound like?

My guess would be these:

double Ls pronounced as "ly"

  • Calle -> Kalye
  • Pollo -> Polyo
  • Botella -> Botellya

words with z and c possibly being pronounced as th?

55 Comments
2024/12/01
01:57 UTC

8

Was the mythological Goddess Mayari known in Pangasinan?

Was the mythological Goddess Mayari known/celebrated in Pangasinan? I know she's a Goddess in Tagalog and Kapampangan mythology.

Second question, would it be disrespectful for me to use the name 'Mayari' as a stage name? I'm a DJ. I just love what she represents. I am a Fil-am (family from Pangasinan) who's learning Tagalog and looking to learn more about Filipino culture in general, so I don't want to overstep. I just love and respect Philippine mythology.

Any info would be helpful.

9 Comments
2024/11/30
23:47 UTC

3

English Translation for Aginid Bayok sa Atong Tawarik

Meron po bang nageexist na english translation for this folk epic? Nakakuha po ako ng copy mula sa UP Diliman but unfortunately naka-Cebuano lang po siya. I made an attempt na itranslate siya pero mukhang mahirap pala. Maraming salamat sa makakatulong.

11 Comments
2024/11/30
23:17 UTC

14

Today in History: December 1, 1891

3 Comments
2024/11/30
22:18 UTC

1

1920s Terno Sleeves How?

Good day!

To dressmakers and to even fashion historians, do you have a pattern for the sleeves in the included photo What is the process of forming that into shape? How do you starch it?

I am really feeling bamboozled with the logic behind this omg. This is specifically 1920s.

Thank you and have a nice day!

https://preview.redd.it/zd88ms9yi24e1.png?width=1067&format=png&auto=webp&s=80c0ae7035864b59f24ba3a167241e894cd46d8d

https://preview.redd.it/wyw6qs9yi24e1.png?width=434&format=png&auto=webp&s=2b07303b98ea74f14fea54c2436ee63bda3e4076

1 Comment
2024/11/30
16:48 UTC

21

Magandang Gabi Bayan/The World Tonight - Coup d'État Attempt (ABS-CBN, 1st December, 1989) [Michael Reyes Videos, 2024]

4 Comments
2024/11/30
11:39 UTC

32

Today in History: November 30, 1863

1 Comment
2024/11/30
08:03 UTC

7

Defending Masao, Butuan As The First Mass, Instead of Limasawa As The Real Place Where The First Mass Happened

Hello po, Redditors! I am a college student and I need your help po in defending the Masao, Butuan as the First Mass in my debate on next week.

We were tasked to research po about the first mass and unfortunatly, upon searching the first mass, Limasawa was the legitimate and acknowledged place where the first mass happened. I am a bit sad po as our professor told us that if we will not be able to defend our topic in our debate, we might get a zero score po.

I will more appreciate if you will drop questions that I can throw it on my opponent, factual evidences that Masao, Butuan still holds as the first mass, articles that might help me to defend my topic, and other things that can prove Masao, Butuan as the real place where the first mass happened.

Thank you po in advance, Redditors!

15 Comments
2024/11/30
05:24 UTC

2

Floor Loom and Weaving History

Hello, I was wondering if there’s any good sources on the History of textile weaving in the Philippines in particular, the tools/machinery/technology used for it? Thanks!

6 Comments
2024/11/29
18:48 UTC

62

Why did the rail tracks of PNR in the South (Calabarzon + Bicol) survive to the present day but the tracks in the North didn't?

What made PNR continue running train services in the South (despite years-long interruption of services in most segments)? And why it didn't do the same thing in the North where it abandoned almost all the line (letting informal settlers build their homes on them)?

24 Comments
2024/11/29
03:07 UTC

9

GomBurZa: Were the names of their visitors known/documented? Apparently a niece/nephew of Padre Gomes visited them on their last night

Pinapanood ko yung Rizal parkumentary ni Prof Xiao Chua at binanggit nga nya roon na pinayagan na may bumisita sa kanila sa huling gabi nila, curious ako kung sino yung mga bumisita and if may records ba since binanggit nga sa video na isa sa pamangkin ni Padre Gomes ang bumisita.

2 Comments
2024/11/28
14:07 UTC

492

1834 map of the Philippines

31 Comments
2024/11/28
07:28 UTC

145

National Hero Gem: Sultan Kudurat

The man was a direct descendant of Shariff Kabungsuwan, a Malay-Arab noble from Johor who brought Islam to Mindanao between the 13th and 14th centuries.

What amazed me is that when Spanish Colonization was spreading throughout the archipelago, He was one of those few individuals that saw through their schemes and even refused any tempting deals.

When Spaniards attempted to invade the lands of Mindanao. He met with the other chieftains of the land for a conference. He explained to them the effects of submitting to the Spaniards and appealed to them for pride and love of independence of their lands.

In summary...He knocked some sense out of them.

His speech which was recorded by a Spanish ambassador to the Maguindanao Sultanate:

"You men of the Lake! Forgetting your ancient liberty, have submitted to the Castilians. Such submission is sheer stupidity. You cannot realise to what your surrender binds you. You are selling yourselves into slavery to toil for the benefit of these foreigners. Look at the regions that have already submitted to them. Note how abject is the misery to which their peoples are now reduced.

Behold the condition of the Tagalogs and of the Visayans whose chief men are trampled upon by the meanest Castilian. If you are of no better spirit than these, then you must expect similar treatment. You, like them, will be obliged to row in the galleys. Just as they do, you will have to toil at the shipbuilding and labor without ceasing on other public works. You can see for yourselves that you will experience the harshest treatment while thus employed.

Be men. Let me aid you to resist. All the strength of my Sultanate, I promise you, shall be used in your defence! What matters it if the Castilians at first are successful? That means only the loss of a year's harvest. Do you think that too dear a price to pay for liberty?"

True to the speech, the land after offering patient defense, thereafter enjoyed 250 years of peace.

In a matter of months, the Spaniards were forced to leave the lands of the Maranaos for safer parts towards Zamboanga and never venture inland.

Another thing is that this man united the other communities and polities in most of Mindanao and successfully quelled the Spanish conquest in their lands, and in addition, preserving most of their cultures and traditions.

I do wonder if all chieftains across the archipelago had his mindset and unity, and saw through their schemes then possibly the Spanish would face a tough challenge in their conquest.

16 Comments
2024/11/27
12:50 UTC

18

The Best Heroes besides Rizal my opinion

Francisco Dagohoy- Led a 85 year revolt and republic and is prosperous. He proved that Pilipinos can rule.

GOMBURZA-They inspired Jose Rizal and Jose Rizal inspired Andres Bonifacio.

Muigel Malvar- Because of him the First Philippine Republic got extended and a better president than Emilio Aguinaldo.

Lapu- Lapu- Because of him the conquest of Spain in the Philippines is delayed

13 Comments
2024/11/27
10:08 UTC

17

Regional vocal styles of Pabasa

As a follow up to my previous post about kumintang music of Batangas, it's worth noting that the same style of singing is still practiced at least in traditional Pabasa chants of this region. Some examples:

https://youtu.be/CtLu54s_ffo?si=VTejztxXV1C6fWYd

https://youtu.be/OBSswz_aEwM?si=ezYstKKhZewMQcM1

https://youtu.be/qzXecpmunmo?si=lcrIJ3q1euXU5zTp

Apparently this style is also practiced in Mindoro...

https://youtu.be/oqdpMrl7-P4?si=iRyTvbhYcxoL7tPZ (likely in Mindoro as most of this person's videos take place there)

https://youtu.be/z2-wR9GnZj4?si=NiziGo9jkqlce8X6

The melisma sung in the finale syllable(s) of each section are identical to the kumintang style songs in Mirano's soundcloud album.

Aside from Batangas, Pampanga also has its own distinct indigenous style of chanting for the Pabasa. You can try to find examples titled with "Maleldo," the Kapampangan name for Holy Week. Not sure what the style is called, if known do share.

https://youtube.com/shorts/k7CMFYlTDz0?si=t6Se0GvCY_CCm54h

https://youtu.be/GoobRa19HBU?si=DrGP7RFj0TRqCyr4

https://youtu.be/bnvco76ipwo?si=g55-6FPi1xtnbUnV

https://youtu.be/fi-qOv-g31A?si=7lo8RQxGSjj2_ntk

If anyone can provide any other examples of regional Pabasa chant styles, also share!

EDIT: oh, also worth noting that the Pasyon first published in 1704 was by Gaspar Aquino de Belen, a Batangueño from Rosario. This fact leads to lots of speculations: was the kumintang style of chant the original style of the Pabasa before its spread, as Rosario is close by Batangas City where the style originated? Could there have a been a preceding indigenous Batangas epic that may have laid the foundation for the Pasyon format?

10 Comments
2024/11/26
20:27 UTC

28

Are the Luzones that the Portuguese met in Malacca, the same Luzones of Luzon??

What’s the evidence to show that the Luzones of that the Portuguese met in Malacca the same people of Luzon. Were they really pre colonial Tagalogs or were they misidentified by the Spanish??

9 Comments
2024/11/26
15:31 UTC

59

Which Filipino historical figures most embodied the spirit of a warrior-philosopher-king?

Was there anyone in our history who was truly accomplished in athletics, academics, business, and politics? A true Reinassance Man/Woman.

28 Comments
2024/11/26
12:18 UTC

16

Marcos Plan to Invade

The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs held a hearing to gather testimony about plans by Filipino radical and former dictator Ferdinand Marcos to invade the Republic of the Philippines. Marcos' former attorney, Richard Hirschfeld, provided information to the Subcommittee after having secretly taped several of their conversations. In an attempt to preclude Hirschfeld’s testimony, Marcos (via letter) invoked the attorney-client privilege. Members also heard from Robert Chastain, a confidante of Mohammed al Fassi (a Marcos ally) and business partner to Mr. Hirschfeld.

Per requests by the Justice Department, the committee recessed to an Executive Session to discuss sensitive matters.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?150886-1/marcos-plan-invade

8 Comments
2024/11/25
15:36 UTC

4

Repositories of Past Elections

What and where could I find repositories that could provide primary sources on past elections, especially Post-1986?

2 Comments
2024/11/25
01:57 UTC

35

GMA News - Coup d'État Attempt (1st December, 1989) [Michael Reyes Videos, 2024]

9 Comments
2024/11/25
13:17 UTC

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