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Cultural and Religious Events

Moro-Moro Zarsuela
Location: Baler
Presented on February 19 (Aurora Day) in Baler, Aurora, the "Zarsuela" is an interplay of
drama and dance. Taking three days to complete (although it could be shortened to a day),
the "Zarsuela" performed here is composed of several acts that revolve around the main
theme of Moro-Moro or Moslem-Christian conflict. The "Zarsuela" presents slightly
different variations for the Moro-Moro theme year after year. The roles of princes and
princesses, warriors and laymen for both the Christian and Moslem sides are performed in
dance, while a narrator accompanies the pantomime act. What makes this particular
performance more dramatic is that real knives and bolos are used. Often in the heat of the presentation, miscalculations result in
knife and bolo gashes. Both actors and actresses participate in this particularly sensitive and dangerous sword-play. Only beautiful,
graceful ladies and handsome men are chosen and trained for the theater. Indeed, this is a cultural theater that demands talent,
beauty, skills and courage from the actors, and highly skilled and experienced trainers are needed to create this unique style of
"Zarsuela".

Native Traditions

The Dene were the first people in the Northwest Territories. The term Dene actually means people and includes many different Aboriginal
groups. Chipewyan, Tlicho, Yellowknives, Gwichin, Slavey and Saht make up a large part of the Dene people, although there are many more
groups that are also Dene.

Traditionally, the Dene elders share their history and way of life from generation to generation. Through the use of stories they pass along
wisdom and knowledge from the past, including travelling by dogsled and canoe, hunting animals, following herd migrations and trapping.

The Dene people have a deeply respectful appreciation for the land and its inhabitants as well as a rich, traditional

MALATARLAK FESTIVAL:IBA KA!

Mayap a Abak kekayungan!(Magandang umaga!)

Philippines is a country that contains different cultures and influences. Most of these influences are results of previous colonization and derived
mainly from the cultures of Spain and the United States. Despite the visual Hispanic and Western influences, the older Asian aspects of Filipino
culture are seen through the way of life, beliefs and customs of the people.

One of the feature of Filipino culture that we still practice is the strong connection of family in marriage and building another set of
collective individuals.
Despite of modernization and globalization,we still have sets of practices and beliefs that we can look upon.Philippines do not only
have beautiful Filipina to compete in international pageants.Our country do not only have consistent competitors in sports or other
various competitions.Our archipelago do not only have white sand beaches or prolonging destinations.Try also to get yourself busy
doing some snapchats or selfies during festivals (seriously),festivals we can proud of.

Here in Tarlac there are dozens of festivities and local events like Belenismo Festival and Aeta Food Forest Festival to name some,
that embody our cultures and traditions including our products that we can show to the local and foreign tourist.Festivals also
engage on how we celebrate the good harvest and how we convey our very own sacred religious rituals.
tarlac
We all know that Tarlac was dubbed as Melting Pot of Central Luzon and also the Sugar Capital of Luzon as it produces tons of
sugarcanes annually.It is also home to different ethno-linguistic groups coming from it's nearby provinces.A home for Pangasinese
and Ilocanos in northern part,Pampango and Aetas in southern part and Tagalogs in both parts.
Category: Culture And Tradition
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The bayanihan spririt pervades among the tagalogs. This spirit is best shown during their wake for dead.

In Marikina, Metro Manila right after a person breathes his last, his neighbors would build a shed of canvas or split bamboo in his
yard or on the street fronting his home, and put long wooden benches for all condolers. Throughout the several days of the wake,
those who stay with the family of the deceased are served lunch. In the evening, they are served coffee, rice cakes or sandwiches.
The immediate family members of the deceased do not do anything during this time. Everything is done for them by their relatives,
neighbors and friends, including monetary contributions to help the family.
Much work in the community is often accomplished through Bayanihan, such as building a nipa hut, house repairing, moving a small
nipa house from one barrio to another planting rice and harvesting palay, and preparing food for feast. Willing friends and relatives
whose services have been engaged are not paid but are given free lunch and snacks. Free service is extended hoping that when they
need help, they can readily ask those they had previously helped.

ABOUT THE ART.....

Tagalog art is shown in literary pieces usually in verse. Plays like the pagbati, karagatan, tagayan, pananapatan, sabalan and tibaw
are staged accompanied by songs and dances for different occasios. The karagatan was a debate in verse which later became the
balagtasan.

The dances and songs of the Tagalogs developed at almost the same time as the plays. The balatong dalit, hilaw, kutang-kutang,
bulay, indullanin, kumintang, salampati, tagulaylay, subli, barimbawi , and tagayan are Tagalog music-and-dance examples.

The needle work of the dalagas of Luzon is a fascinating work of art. Handkerchiefs, centerpieces, tablecloths, blouses, and the
barong tagalog have artistic designs. The women spend their leisure hours in embroidery, sewing darning, knitting, crocheting or
lace making.

Embroidery is used for decorating pillows, fine linen and children's and ladies'wear. Lace is handmade and used to decorate
undergarments, clothes and handkerchiefs.

Other ethnic groups inhabit Central and Southern Luzon like the lhelengs-proud, violent and passionate people. The peace loving
Dumagats live in Nueva Ecija, Quezon and Bulacan.

Mindoro is the habitat of the Mangyans. They are by nature shy and peace-loving. Well developed is their sense of belongingness
and ownership.

THE TAGALOG REGION AND THE TAGALOG.....

The Tagalogs are found in Central and Southern western Luzon in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan, Rizal, Laguna,
Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, Mindoro, Metro Manila and in some towns of Tarlac.

Most Tagalogs live in urban areas, specifically in Metro Manila. This is probably the reason why very often they fell superior over
other Filipino groups.

The Tagalog families are close-knit. Very often a Tagalog prefers to stay with their family in his country even if all other friends leave
for greener pastures. It also customary for the married children to live with their parents and other married brothers and sisters. Can
this be the reason why some people say the Tagalogs have tendencies to be indolent?

The tagalog code of ethics is strict and their pride fierce; they are willing to die for their honor-according to our historian Teodoro A.
A goncillo author of the book HISTORY OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.

The Tagalogs are lovers of music. As they work in the fields, they sing to the accompaniment of guitar. They do not mind the long
hours of work under the heat of the sun when they plant rice as long as they are able to sing as they put their children to sleep of
when selling goods in the market.
NUEVA ECIJA
NUEVA ECIJA During wakes for the dead, or in rituals to honor the dead, people who come to commiserate with the members of
the bereaved family perform certain activities that will somehow help in easing their sufferings.

The activities are usually done at night up to the wee hours of the morning.

Some play card games, sungka, mahjong, scrabble, tong-its, and other popular games.

Others pray.

There are also several unwritten donts during the wake for the dead and in burying the dead.

One centuries-old practice during the wake for the dead which is still alive in some towns in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan is the juego de
prenda. It is a game involving verbal joust in poetic form by the participating males and females who are generally single.

Oftentimes, this game attracts Tagalog poets in far-away places and is a cause for excitement for many people.

In the gamer, the participants are expected to be adept in coming out with verses on wide-ranging topics that include politics,
religion, love, courtship, marriage, culture anything including the absurd, the obscene, jungle philosophies, the comical or what
have you.

STRICT RULES

But there are strict rules to be followed.


Those who commit errors, those who say things that are offensive to the sensibilities or those who forget their lines are fined or
asked to pawn any of his/her valuables.

In juego de prenda, there is a hari (king), an enselador (moderator),bilyakos (male participants), and bilyakas (female participants).
The participants are seated by the side of a long table facing each other with the hari at the head table.

The enselador has a palmatorya (a whip) which symbolizes his power to impose fines or punishments.

The game starts with the har telling everybody about his bird that flew away and perched on one of the participants. The
participants are given names or assigned numbers.

Usually the males are assigned numbers only from one to as many as those participating. The females usually select flowers as their
names like Sampaguita, Rosal, Kamya, Kampupot, Dama de Noche, or even Kantutay whatever that flower is.

The hari calls out a name in which he believes his bird perched which is readily denied and names another participants in which the
bird likely went. And the game goes on.

In case a lady-participant commits a mistake, the enselador imposes a fine or punishment.


INTENSE DEFENSE

But before the fine or punishment is imposed, some bilyakos come to the succor of the lady by defending her thru verses with
penetrating arguments, philosophies, sayings and other profound thoughts.

A bilyako who has a deep affection to a bilyaka can make known his feelings thru a verse. He addresses his feelings toward his lady
love:

Kumusta ka, Rosal, ang luhog kot daing? (The man asks her about her answer to his still unrequited love).

The bilyaka must be good in answering the bilyako also thru verses. Like this one:

Di ko nilalahat mga lalake ngayon/ Ang kahalintulad ay puno ng kahoy/Nais nang pasanin, di pa napuputol. (Which could mean
that some more sacrifices or rendering more services to the family of his lady love must be done.)

Or her answer may be like this:

Nang dumating kay lagas na ang tangkay/Buko may wala nat nasa ibang kamay.

(She said she already gave her yes to somebody a long time ago.)

Some bilyakos recite verses which are obscene for which they are given punishment which could either be a song or recitation of a
poem. Others recite verses that can eleicit laughter. This can also merit punishment which also includes reciting prayers for the dead
or performing some acts.

Before the game is adjourned, a closing dalit or song for the dead is recited or sung.

SOME RITUALS, BELIEFS

During the wake for the dead and in burying the dead, several rituals and beliefs are followed religiously in many places in Nueva
Ecija and some other provinces.

Among these are:

* While the body is lying in state, nobody should clean the house with the use of brooms. The filth must be picked up by the bare
hands.

* No family member of the dead should bathe while the body still lies in state. Using a wet towel in cleaning the body may be
allowed.

* Family members of the dead should not eat bitter gourd (ampalaya) and sour fruits or they will have measles or small lumps on
their bodies.

* The arms of the dead should be straight and parallel to the body and the fists not closed. It is also a practice to place a coin in the
hands of a dying person. Before burial, it should be retrieved. Whoever keeps the coin will be successful in his/her endeavors,
especially those pertaining to business.

* A rosary should be placed inside the coffin, but it should not have broken beads or thread so no problem would bother the
surviving family members.

*No burial should take place on a Monday because it is the first day of the week. There may be bad luck the rest of the week for
family members of the dead. Neither should the burial take place on a Tuesday or Friday, the witches days.

* Before the actual burial, young children of the dead should be carried across the top of the coffin to and fro.

* No tear drop should fall on any part of the body of the dead. A tear means that his/her death is not yet accepted, and he/she will
have difficulty entering his/her last destination.

* Pregnant women should not join the funeral processions because they would suffer an abortion or difficulties in childbirth.

Some other practices say that as the coffin is carried out of the house, all windows must be closed. Then, a widow should drop or
break the earthen cooking pot placed under the bier during the wake.

Shutting windows is done so that bad spirits will not enter the house of the dead person. Breaking the pot drives away another
misfortune in the house.

Why it is a widow, not any other person woman, should break the pot is not clearly known.

After the entombment, those who join the funeral procession must return to the house of the dead to get a sprinkling of water. The
water is from a basin-full of the liquid mixed with gin and with four 25-centavo coins in it.

Wala namang mawawala kung susundin ang mga paniniwala at ritwal. Hayaan na lang natin. Baka nga magkatotoo kung hindi
sundin ay sisihin pa tayo ng maraming tao (Nothing is lost if you follow these beliefs and rituals. Lets leave them be. In case they
come true if we ignore them, we might be blamed), said one of those who believe about the rituals and beliefs.
Bulacan
was the joint show of two very differently styled Bulakenyos recently at the Ayala Museum’s Small Works Gallery, both
working on a common theme. The 44-year old veteran Paombong-based artist Jose Tanghal Caoili and 28 year-old former banker-
turned-artist Andrew de Guzman from Pulilan are simultaneously tackling landscapes, but with their own respective twists.

Caoili, who hails from a long tradition of academic painting fostered by Paombong’s artistic luminaries, like Teodoro
Buenaventura Jr., Tomas Bernardo, and Jose Marasigan, paints with a classical discipline that is almost extinct nowadays, due to the
miseducation that many of our art students are getting. With such teachers as Buenaventura, Bernardo and, for a time in his early
youth, National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, Caoili definitely knows his craft, and can hone on to this exacting skill with the precision
of a laser torch cutter, depictions real enough for one to be enchanted by its verisimilitude, but daring enough in impasto strokes to
realize that it is, after all, just paint on canvas.

The subject matter of the peaceful rural landscape is, of course, very dear to his heart: Not only can he still see it in his hometown
environment, but he imbibed the artistic tradition of Philippine landscape from his early years as a young apprentice to these
modern giants of the rural idyll.

On the other hand, de Guzman, a De La Salle University management graduate, paints in the other painting tradition that Bulacan
has unwittingly espoused: The gestural and organic abstractions of Jose Joya, who was born in Hagonoy. This abstract approach to
Bulacan landscape can be seen as being continued by no lesser an artist than Philip Victor, whose parikpik series of lozenge-dotted
monochromes actually suggest the gray monsoonal skies and floods that sweep the lower deltas and inundate the land, a timeless
cycle of destruction and rebirth tied to both environment and sensibility.

In de Guzman’s case, the sensibility rotates around the placid, clay-rich, rock-strewn hillside riverbeds of the Angat
River’s upper courses between Pulilan and Baliuag, which still lingers in his mind as happy spaces of childhood memories
stealing away from home to bathe in its then-pristine rapids at midsummer afternoon’s torrid heat. The fact that one can no
longer do so because of pollution is a tense vein that underlies the feeling of color-field calm – nature violated by man in his
quest for progress, symbolized by the black lines that delineate rock and soil like the spreading tentacles of an oil slick.
PEOPLE, CULTURE AND FESTIVALS
If you really want to experience what the real Bataan culture is like, the Feast days or fiestas are a real insight into the life of these
people, and are always full of wonderful memories to cherish. On the eve of every fiesta there is usually a serenata (brass band)
concert or contest held in each of the town center.
On the big day, the bands will march around the main thoroughfares with the kurakol (local street dancing) lively strutting along
behind. Most of the municipalities in the province observe and maintain the historical significance of local festivals, which depict the
legends, cultures and histories of their towns.
In the mountain parts of the peninsula, indigenous people locally known as aetas are found. The short, dark and curly haired
members of this ethnic community once roamed freely in the vast forest for their food, medicine, shelter and everything they
needed to live.
With the presence of their community, activities that will re-surface cultural practices are being held to capsulate and share to the
mainstream for appreciation and backward integration to the present practices of this minority group
A model Aeta community is being developed in Brgy. Bangkal, Abucay where Cultural preservation, appreciation and sharing among
the mainstream society are the major focus of the project. With this, it is envisioned for the project to have a comprehensive
mainstreaming and education among the community and the broader society on the different practices like rituals, festivities,
hunting styles among others of this indigenous group.
Subliminally, this component will inculcate among the Aetas the beauty of their roots as told by would be visitors and immersion
groups. Love and pride for their race is expected to happen as well as advocacies for the protection of their environment as well as
claims for their ancestral domains.
VISIT BATAAN
April marks the start of the feast days, fiestas to the natives of the province of Bataan. Various activities are in store for the
entertainment of the people. Fairs, carnivals, bargain shops, and craft shops usually occupies the plazas of towns where the fiesta
is being held. And when the evening comes throng of people gather to watch musical shows, amateur singing and dancing contests,
and beauty pageants being staged also at the town plaza. On the eve of the fiesta, a serenata (brass band) concert or contest is
often being held again at the plaza. And on the big day, drum and bugle corps and brass band march around the thoroughfares of
the town.
Almost every year the much-awaited Holy Week falls on the month of March or April. Kubols are set up in every barangay for
the pabasa, wherein devotees start reading the life and passion of Christ through chanting from Holy Wednesday until Good Friday.
The church prepares a weeklong activity from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. On Maundy Thursday, pagulong commences in
preparation for the penitensya the next day, Good Friday. Some devotees do the visita iglesias. Early on Good Friday people
would flock the town plaza to witness the penitensya (flagellants) and senakulo, a passion depicting the sufferings of Christ. On
Easter Sunday is the salubong or alleluia, a procession celebrating the meeting of the Risen Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also commemorated on this month is the Bataan Day or Araw ng Kagitingan. War veterans and their families from different
points of the country travel to Mt. Samat, every April 09 to reminisce the past and to celebrate the bravery of our forefathers who
offered their lives in the struggle to preserve our freedom and democracy. Atop Mt. Samat is the Shrine of Valor where the
celebration takes place.
The festivities continue through the month of May. One can witness the flores de mayo, a pageantry of the beautiful ladies of the
particular town highlighted by the karakol (street dancing) lively strutting along the streets. May is also the month where one can
sample the delectable native dishes, particularly the steaming heaps of crabs and sugpo (prawns), the specialty of the province.
Though the months of March, April and May are ideal for visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and festivities, a whole year round visit in
the peninsula will be idyllic for tourists because of the many things to exploreexperience and enjoy in Bataan.
FESTIVALS:

MARCH OR APRIL " SENAKULO"


(Good Friday) Calaguiman, Samal

The people of Calaguiman had been practicing this tradition since 1947, which was started by one family in this barangay.
A traditional Lenten presentation renacting the life and passion of Christ presented by the local folks of Calaguiman in major roads,
culminating at the town plaza. Early on Good Friday people would flock down the main streets to watch the senakulo, a passion play
depicting the suffering of Jesus Christ starting with the betrayal of Judas up to the funeral of Jesus. The participants are all dressed in
costumes depicting the role they portray.
APRIL 6-9 " BATAAN DAY CELEBRATION"
Shrine of Valor, Mt. Samat, Pilar (provincewide)
Araw ng Kagitingan or Bataan Day is an annual event, a national holiday, that commemorates the gallantry of Filipino and American
soldiers during WW II.
Defeat/ fall of Bataan and honors the bravery of Filipino soldiers who offered their lives for freedom of the country The president of
the country, together with other dignitaries, war veterans and officials of the province usually leads celebration of the Bataan Day at
the Shrine of Valor in Mt. Samat.
Side events are being held at the capital of the province and nearby towns, among them are:
PADYAKAN SA BATAAN A mountain bike circuit race competition open to all mountain bike enthusiasts from Bataan, nearby
provinces and Manila area. It aims to revive the patriotism and instill the importance that the province played during WW II.
PARANGAL SA MGA BAYANI The entire province will pay tribute and honor the sacrifices and heroism of the living WW II veterans
of Bataan.
PARADA NG KAGITINGAN As part of the celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan, a Parade of Floats depicting the heroism of the
FIlipino soldiers during the war, will be highlighted. The parade will pass by the major thoroughfares of the province.
TAGISAN DIWANG BATAAN A province wide quiz open to all high school students on the history, culture and geography of Bataan.
LAST WEEK OF APRIL " BANGA FESTIVAL"
Balanga City
It is said that the name Balanga was derived from a kind of pot used for cooking or fetching water. The cooking pot is made of a
special clay and is locally known as banga.
To commemorate this humble beginning of the now progressive city, the Banga Festival is being celebrated.
MAY " PAGBUBUNYI FESTIVAL"
Limay
Celebrated every second day of May, the festival reenacts Queen Helenas and her son Constantines quest for the cross of Jesus
Christ.
MAY " SANTACRUZAN DE MAYO" (First week of May)
Bagac
A 2-week Santacruzan is held in Bagac featuring grown-up ladies and their constantinos, where a group of ladies, with their
abanikos, chant songs of praise during the procession. The Santacruzan is brought around the town every night, starting May 2 and
on the 15th day a piging is held starting with a mass in the morning followed by a procession and a Sambale or dance of
townspeople. Another procession at night is held wherein the Reyna Helenas cross will be passed to the following years Hermana
Mayor.
JUNE 24 " KURALDAL FESTIVAL"
St. John the Baptist - Dinalupihan

Beating the late summer heat, the municipality celebrates its town fiesta on the 24th day of June, with lots of
merry making, with street dancing and a week long hosting of various festivities which includes civic-military
parade, cultural presentations of songs, dances from almost every sector of the community.
In memory of the feast day of St. John the Baptist, the towns patron saint, biblically known as the one who baptized Jesus Christ
with water on the river of Jordan, a short presentation reminiscing the act is played before the crowd after which everybody in town
joyfully joins the Kuraldal- a dance around parade with floral dresses and hats, flowers and leaves swayed and waved in merriment,
while on-lookers wet them all with water, a resemblance of how Jesus was, when St. John, the Baptist poured over his head the
water of Christianity.
SEPTEMBER 8-10 " PALIS LASA FESTIVAL"
Brgy. Mabatang, Abucay

An agro- religious festival held annually in Mabatang, Abucay. It starts with a thanksgiving mass and a street
dancing where participants adorn themselves with colorful costumes made of tiger lass or lasa used to make
walis tambo.
OCTOBER " FEAST DAY OF NUESTRA SEORA DEL PILAR"
Pilar

The feast day is celebrated every 12th day of October to honor the miraculous Nuestra Seora del Pillar.
2ND SUNDAY OF OCTOBER
" FEAST DAY OF NUESTRA SEORA DEL ROSARIO
The feast day is celebrated every 2nd sunday of October to honor the miraculous Nuestra Seora del Rosario.
Orani "ALIMANGO SUGPO FESTIVAL"
Celebrated every second Sunday of October to honor the miraculous Virgin Mary of the Rosary.
NOVEMBER " PAWIKAN FESTIVAL"
Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong
For the past years, the Bantay Pawikan, Inc. and the Morong local government unit have been conducting the PAWIKAN
FESTIVAL during the last week of November. For the past years, the Bataan Tourism Council Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the
Provincial Government and the Provincial Tourism Office, had organized series of activities that aims to generate awareness and
gather funds for the continuous development and rehabilitation of the conservation center. This symbolic celebration, usually held
at the end of November, will hopefully bring sustainable progress to Bataan in terms of safeguarding the natural environment and
unify people from all walks of life under the preservation program.
Montemar Beach Club Inc., a privately owned beach resort in the town of Bagac also celebrates the Pawikan festival yearly. This is
part of the corporations thrust to conserve and protect these endangered animals which are also present in the coasts and pristine
beaches of Bagac.
These two pawikan projects clearly showcase the efforts and importance of marine turtle conservation in the whole province of
Bataanhow private commercial establishments do it in Bagac, and volunteerism of the community in the Morong Pawikan Center.
DECEMBER 15 to JANUARY " PASKUHAN SA MABATANG"
Mabatang, Abucay
In Mabatang, Abucay the joys of Christmas is extended to the streets. Every sitio in the barangay is lavishly adorned and lighted to
the obvious delight of everyone. People from all over the province and nearby towns would drive around Mabatang to check out the
new gimmick Abukeos have come up for this year. It shows the creativity and ingenuity of the people in this much-awaited season.
FEAST DAYS
Bataan Islands Philippines - Bataan Travel Information
Culture and Arts
Bataan has always been linked closely to the culture and economy of Manila. Much of what the province produces is exported to
Manila. The primary traditional industry of Bataan is fishing. It is the home of thousands of fishermen whose industry has spawned a
unique craft of net and fishtrap making. Nets produced in Bataan take on various forms and shapes like the panli, kalukutok,
pambonot, pansiliw, panitig, mananacag hipon, panglusong, hila-hila, kitang, pangapak, bintol, salambaw, dala, bating, pangalabaw
and the gulgureta. Each net type responds to various needs and uses. There are also various fishtraps like the saluhin, paclang,
aguila, panghipon and pangalalo.

The province exports the excess of its fish catch and the town of Orion is famous for its tuyo (dried fish). Orani used to have large
tracts of nipa groves, which used to produce a native beverage called tuba. Tuba is still produced but in smaller quantities and
primarily for local consumption.

Zambales
I would like to share some of Aetas culture and traditions when I conducted an ethnography in Zambales, Philippines.
Culture
What historical or cultural contributions has the Aeta community shared to the Philippines?
The Aeta tribe is one of the most widespread ethnic groups in the Philippines. Their history and cultural contributions continues to
perplex anthropologists and archaeologists. One theory of their history is that they are the descendants of the original inhabitants of
the Philippines and because of that, may be the reason behind their wide population distribution. The consensus is that they crossed
from the island of Borneo between 20,000 to 30,000 years ago using a land bridge partially covered by water around 5,000 years
ago. Whatever the migration path was, they are among the first if not the first inhabitants of the Philippines (Waddington, 2012).
They are traditionally hunter-gatherers and are among the most skilled in jungle survival. One example is during the American war in
Vietnam and the US naval base was close to the Aeta community at Pastolan Village, many Vietnam veterans were trained there.
Also, Fox said that Aetas have the inexhaustible knowledge of the plant and animal kingdoms, not only recognitions but also the
knowledge of the habits and behavior of each. This inclusive knowledge is the product of their way of life (ibid; 187-188). These days,
Aetas have many outside influences on their traditional culture and lifestyle. Some influences include religion and inter-marriages.
Still, our host during our stay in the village, Nanay Lourdes, is evidently proud to be an Aeta. According to her, the Aetas have shown
resistance to change and the attempts of the Spaniards to resettle them failed. Those people wanting to get a glimpse on the
community always look for their people, especially in the American times. Mahal talaga nila ang mga Aeta, as quoted by her. While
resisting change from other societies, they have adjusted to social, economic, cultural and political pressures with resilience and
have created structures within their culture to counter change.
What are some of the Aeta values or traditions that you impart to your descendants? How do you teach new generations your
groups history and beliefs?
In terms of values, Nanay Lourdes stressed about how Aetas are resilient, just like how the tribe resisted the Spaniards. She also
mentioned that one good trait of an Aeta is how they easily quell whatever quarrels and misunderstandings they would have. Aetas,
are also hardworking and believes on kailangang magbanat ng buto, as quoted by her. They do not want to be seen begging for
alms and brought up the topic that those Aetas living in Manila were captured by syndicates, thus messing up peoples thoughts on
their tribe. Because of the inter-marriages and the diffusion of the modern influence in their community, the ethnic group was
slowly decreasing. She said that there are only very few left in the village that has not married an outsider. Also, natural disasters
and exploitation of their land for natural resources have acted over the years to displace them. When asked about how they teach
new generations of their beliefs, the knowledge of traditions is also left behind the mind and was not usually practiced anymore.
Still, some of the examples of those still recalled are their language called Ambala and the knowledge of Aeta dances. She informed
us that a very long time ago, some people taught her those and there was a reference book of the language. Her husband and kids
partly understand some basic phrases, but they do not know how to speak or write it. She also teaches new generations how to
make a traditional bow for kids, how to fish in the river, and how to navigate forests so that they could see the beautiful landscapes
strategically.

Nanay Lourdes and his granddaughter, Senet showing her picture frame of his fathers experiences.
Can you show and explain some artifacts (pottery, literature or art forms) from your community?
Nanay Lourdes does not have any artifact that can be considered as a representation of the Aeta community for generations. Aetas,
being skilled as hunter-gatherers back in the days do not make any potteries or the like. When she was still young, her father
practiced kaingin, or gasak, as what they call it, which was according to Fox, since the decrease in soil fertility compels them to look
for other cultivable fields (1952: 186). It caused her to learn planting as livelihood. Their language, Ambala, was just spoken by those
who were taught in the past by the other Aetas in the community. Unfortunately, very few have the knowledge of the language
because of the exogamous marriages and the diffusion of other languages by the Tagalogs and other provinces. Her property of the
book about Ambala that she mentioned was also nowhere to be found. However, she showed us a picture frame depicting her
father, who was a former chieftain of the village, together with other leaders in a leadership seminar in Baguio. Some of the skills
that were still remembered by Nanay Lourdes are when they were still at a young age that they use bamboo as a reservoir of water
as well as a means of getting water.
Traditions
Do you practice certain cultural art forms (e.g. art and literature, dances, songs, tattoos)? How do you practice them or show them
to others?
There are some unique Aeta cultural art forms like the dances Nanay Lourdes have said. Some examples of dances, according to her,
are the fishing dance, courting dance, and the monkey dance. However, she does not take part in any of those dances. The songs
that she has grown up to are ones in Tagalog, and musical heritage or ensembles were not mentioned. Older Aetas may know some
Aeta songs, she said. They do not practice symbolism and do not associate symbols in their bodies, and when asked about tattoos,
she just said that the youth just acquire tattoo only when they like it. Body scarification, a traditional form of visual art, though
practiced in the past, is not popular in these days. She even mentioned how those who just got out of jail were the ones who have
tattoos. Because of the subsistent economy that they live today, other Aetas have the skill in weaving and planting. They also use
ornaments typical in their standard of living. Their clothing was simple, yet she felt proud and said that other communities
mentioned that those living in their village wore elegant clothing in the present.
Can you give some uniquely Aeta traditions/beliefs (e.g. burial practices, superstitions, religious activity/beliefs)?
Nanay Lourdes mentioned many beliefs that they have been accustomed to, though some of those she is now skeptical. Some were
ridiculous when one first hear it, like one should not fart in front of ones in-laws because one would have to pay money to the in-
law. Another example is when it is thundering, one should not inject anything on ones animals. She also mentioned that when Good
Friday comes around, they pray to Apo Bukot. When asked who he or it is, she said that Apo Bukot is a human that was enchanted,
and they pray Aeta prayers to him. She mentioned that maybe her great-great-great grandfather might be acquainted to him, and if
one wants to see or feel him, he would make an appearance. She believes that spirits of the dead can whisper to one. She also
mentioned about kagon, which is a healing ritual using song and dance to get the spirit out of the body. Their prayers mostly consist
of healing and their spirituality is best manifested in their concept of health and disease (Miclat-Teves, 2004, p. 7). They also believe
in the heavenly god, and they call him Apo Diyos. The missionaries journey in attempt to spread Catholicism and Christianity led to
mixed religions in the village even when she was young. Because of diffusion of many beliefs, some claimed to be monotheistic while
other Aetas are animists and still stand to their belief of spirits. Their burial practices in the past were described by her as simple,
where you wrap a a corpse in a mat and just put it in a hole. However, what she grown up to is the modern burial practice in the
present. In all forms, when someone died, others should offer prayers before he would be buried. In the present, there may be a
pastor, depending on the religion. There is also a clear link between prayer and economic activities, like before or after a hunt that
may be depicted as a sign of good luck.
Kapampangans Culture and Festivals
Pampanga Festivals
Sinukwan Festival

Aring Sinukwan (King Sinukwan) is a god of the ancient Kapampangans. The celebration participated by representatives of
different towns of Pampanga. Street dancing is the highlight of this event, each delegates dance to the tune of the Pampanga Song
Atin ku pong singsing in their elegant headdresses and colorful costumes.Makatapak Festival Makatapak is a Kapampangan
word means barefoot. This festival is the famous re-enactment of the town people in Apalit who walked through lahar in barefoot to
look for a safer place to stay after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival held annually in Omni
Aviation Complex inside Clark Freeport Zone. It features multicolored hot air balloons from around the globe, it is the biggest
aviation sports event in the Philippines.
Sabuaga Festival

held every morning of Easter Sunday. Flower petals are strewn while the procession of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary passes.
Sabuaga means showering of flowers; this hasbeen celebrated in Sto. Tomas to honor the Blessed Mother Mary. Street dancing
also follows to promote the products and traditions of the town.Caragan Festival Caragan is the name of the first chieftain of
the native Aeta. It is held every third week of February through street dancing. The Aetas lead the presentation showcasing
their customs and traditions in their native costumes.
San Pedro Cutud Cricifixion Rites

at 3pm every Good Friday, there is an actual nailing on the cross of three flagellants in the town of San Pedro Cutud. This
is now an international tourists attraction.Pyestang Tugak Pyestang Tugak or Frog Festival which started in 2003 in City
of San Fernando. Its aim is to preserve the Kapampangan culture and to promote the Pampangas unique frog cuisine.
Giant Lantern Festival
City if San Fernando is known to be the Christmas Capital of the Philipplines. Seven barangays from City of San Fernando are
participating in the contest of the giant lanterncompetition. 20 feet diameter lanterns with thousands of dancing lights are being
judge and display every Saturday before Christmas.Duman Festival this tradition of pounding and winnowing unripe glutinous rice
till it turns to a green delicacy called duman with a sweet and delicious small. This is held every first Saturday of December in Sta.
Rita Parish Church.
Apung Iru Fluvial Festival

this is a fluvial parade of the image of St. Peter or the local called Apung Iru starts every June 27 and culminates on June 29.
Decorative pagoda is carried and ferried by men alongPampanga river routes. Devoteed are riding in colorfully decorated boats are
praying around the images.Ibun-ebun Festival Ibun means bird Ebun means egg. Thisfestival in the town of Candaba is a
tribute to the productive duck egg industry. Dumara are the wild Philippine duck which successfully breeds in Candaba Swamp.

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