GROUP 1 Readings in Philippine History

CEIT - 01 - 102P / Department of Architecture Prof. Jeffrey Bedio

Rizal Technological University

Juan De Plasencia’s

Customs of the Tagalog

A Written Report

Have you ever wondered what life was like during the pre-colonial period? Some
suggest that our country was said to be an “uncivilized” society before the Spaniards came and
they also claim that we had “no working governments” and we were “lacking in culture,” which
is a common misconception from the biased perspectives of colonial-era historians, and this is
quite the very opposite to what this book suggests.

The book Customs of the Tagalog, which was written by Juan De Plasencia during the
early years of Spanish colonization era, was a living proof of the history of the pre-colonial
Philippines, offering a crucial insight that allowed us to discern the history behind the daily lives
of our ancestors. This book proved to us that we in fact had working governments, which
emphasized what kind of government system we had, the social stratification that we follow, the
economy and political system that we implement, and most especially, our culture - spanning
from our tradition (customs) to our spiritual beliefs or religion. However, in terms of the whole
context of this book, this book is not entirely made to appreciate the kind of life that we had
before. Biased perspectives of the author, Juan De Plasencia who is a spanish friar and was
tasked by the King of Spain to document the customs and traditions of the natives based on,
arguably, his own observations and judgments, is very evident within this book, containing some
misinterpretations of our tradition and culture; Babaylans, for instance, were depicted as
“witches” or “demonic”. This book was like a key that opened to the doors of christianism. The
Spaniards simply took advantage of this book to sabotage our tradition and culture, specifically
to convince everyone that our belief system was “wrong” in every aspect, starting with how they
spread rumors about how demonic are the Babaylans, persuading everyone that they must instead
follow the concept of christianity— in alignment with their motive and goal to spread
christianism.

On a brighter side, this book was a very significant piece that helped historians to discern
and conclude that we were in fact a civilized society, even before the Spaniards came to conquer
the country. We had functioning governments, economy, politics, justice system, belief system,
and most especially the fact that we were rich in tradition and cultural diversity.

Content Analysis

● SOCIAL STRATIFICATION DURING THE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

In the pre-colonial era, our society implemented a complex system of social stratification
characterized by a hierarchical structure. The government system back then was only focused in
a particular village or “baranggay”. This social order was based on factors such as wealth,
privilege, and lineage. Here is a brief overview of the social stratification in pre-colonial
Philippines:

1. Datu - also known as the PUNONG BARANGGAY

- "Datus" were the leaders or chieftains of the pre-colonial Philippine societies.
Datus held significant influence over their respective communities, leading in
both political and judicial matters. They played a crucial role in maintaining
order, resolving disputes, and making decisions that affected the welfare of the
community.
- Datus were typically members of the Maharlika class, which constituted the noble
or aristocratic stratum of society. One fact is that the position of datu was not
strictly hereditary; while lineage and family ties were important, a datu also
needed to demonstrate leadership qualities, wisdom, and valor. Datus were
expected to protect their communities, provide guidance, and uphold the customs
and traditions of their people.
2. Maharlika (Noble Class) - at the top of the social hierarchy were the Maharlikas, who
were considered the nobility. They held positions of leadership, often serving as datu
(chieftains) or members of the ruling class.
3. Freemen (Timawa) - below the Maharlikas were the Timawas, a class of freemen who
enjoyed personal freedom but were subject to the authority of the nobility. They often
worked as warriors, landowners, or skilled craftsmen. Timawas could acquire wealth and
rise in status through their achievements and contributions to the community.
4. Alipin (Servant Class): The Alipin comprised the lower strata of society and was further
divided into two subgroups:
● Aliping Namamahay
● Aliping Saguiguilid

What are the differences between the two?

Aliping Namamahay Aliping Saguiguilid

1. Common/Average people 1. Considered as slaves

(They are not considered as 2. Little to NO Freedom
slaves) 3. Trabahador
2. Mga “taga-silbi”: Helpers of 4. Does Heavy and extensive
Maharlika/Datu labors
3. Can own a property 5. Can’t own a property
4. Can get married 6. Can only get married under
5. Can have a peaceful life authority’s approval
7. Can be sold or banished.
8. LAbor without any pay

● SOME OF THE LAWS OR “BATAS” DURING THE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

1, Alipin
- One can be an alipin if:
(1.) one committed a crime,
(2.) one did not pay a debt,
(3.) one is associated with the baranggay’s enemies.
2. Death Penalty
- Death penalty is legal and can be implemented if a citizen, especially an alipin committed
a crime to the family of Datu.
3. Marriage between Maharlikas & Alipin
- Their children's status will be based on the birth order, one child could either be an alipin
or a maharlika.
4. Divorce
- The practice of divorce was also apparent during the pre-colonial period
5. Marriage & Dowry
- During one’s marriage, practice of dowry; wherein the man gives a payment or money to
the woman’s family, is also practiced.

● ECONOMY SYSTEM
1. Trading System
- Pre-colonial Filipinos utilize trading system as their method of payment to the
acquired goods, with the use of what was considered before as “Salapi”:
● Gold Products
● Rice
● Pots
2. System of taxation
- The system of taxation is also practiced during the time, in order to maintain a
good functioning of the economy.
 ● PRE-COLONIAL BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

In the pre-colonial period, we had a polytheistic belief system, wherein we worship different
gods and goddesses, or diwatas, and worship each one of them, wherein a particular god is
assigned to a particular purpose (e.g. one may pray to a god of agriculture for a good harvest)

RITUALS AND HEALINGS

They use herbs as their main healing instrument. Their healing abilities are said to be extremely
powerful because they heal their patients with their bare hands, accompanied by various chants,
rituals, and prayers.

BABAYLANS

● Filipino shamans/priestess
● Highly respected members of the community
● “manggagamot”
● These shamans specialized in communicating, appeasing, or harnessing the spirits of the
dead and the spirits of nature.

PANDOT OR “WORSHIP”

A festive celebration Includes performing of sacrifices, adoration of their idols or the general
practice of Idolatry. Usually it lasts for 4 days. People bring drums which they beat successively
while the feast lasts. NAGAANITOS was also another way the feast was called by the members
of the barangay

PLACE OF WORSHIP

Their place of worship was called a temple Since there are no temples consecrated for the
performance of these right it is usually held in a house of a chief

SIBI is a temporary shed on each side of the house to shelter the gathered people.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY:

● The customs of the Tagalogs serve as a testament to the richness and diversity of the
Filipino culture, demonstrating that our culture's legacy is not merely a product of foreign
influences, and that we had a distinct and diverse personalities and characteristics that
shaped and enriched the creation of our culture and traditions even before the colonial
period.
● Juan de Plasencia is best known for his role in compiling and publishing the "Doctrina
Christiana,"
● Juan de Plasencia introduce the alphabets and writing system to tagalog people.
● Plasencia worked to understand the indegenous customs and beliefs of the tagalog
people.

RELEVANCE TO THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY

● It reveals that during the Pre-Hispanic period, Filipinos already had a government along
with a set of traditions and beliefs which we can still see today.
● He advocated for the preservation of local traditions, practices, and customs that were not
in conflict with Christian beliefs.

Group Members:

1. Alvarez, Rosella Mae A,

2. Yulo, Lawrence Troy N.
3. Edward Jacob David
4. Edward James David
5. Doblada Arthea Lorin T.
6. Agagad, Francis Adrian
7. Baggay, Jerico M.
8. Tabaranza, Paulo R,
9. Samaniego, Sean Denver
10. Natanauan, John Railee