Scribd
Upload
4 views

RIPH Comparative Analysis

Uploaded by

kayanajao133
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

RIPH Comparative Analysis

Uploaded by

kayanajao133
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

Cultural Crossroads: Divergent Views on Transformed Tagalog Traditions

Comparative Analysis on the Customs of The Tagalog

by Juan De Plasencia and Gaspar De San Agustin’s Letter to the Filipinos

Submitted by:

Jao, Kiana Mae R.

Tuballas, Edilberto C.

BS Accountancy-1A

Submitted to:

Ma’am Wedilyn Paller Limboy

Readings in the Philippine History

February 29, 2024


In the wake of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, profound
transformations swept through the customs and traditions of indigenous communities,
particularly the Tagalog people. This essay delves into a comprehensive comparative
analysis, examining the perspectives of two significant figures of that era – Juan De
Plasencia and Gaspar De San Agustin. Through their respective works, "Customs of the
Tagalogs" and San Agustin's letter urging Filipinos to embrace Christianity, Filipino
people navigate the intricate landscape of Tagalog culture during the Spanish colonial
period.

Juan De Plasencia, a Franciscan missionary, approached his observations with a


deep commitment to understanding and evangelizing the Tagalog people. His work
underscores the significance of studying and respecting indigenous customs as a means to
effectively introduce Christianity. Plasencia highlights the Tagalog's strong sense of
community, cultural practices, and reverence for nature and ancestral spirits. He
meticulously documents their elaborate rituals and ceremonies, identifying the three
distinct classes that reflect the intricacies of their cultural identity and values.

In stark contrast, Gaspar De San Agustin, a Spanish friar, issues a stern critique of
Tagalog customs in his letter to the Filipinos. Advocating for the abandonment of pagan
practices, San Agustin underscores the need for religious conversion and adherence to
Catholicism. He condemns Tagalog customs as superstitious and idolatrous, identifying
them as obstacles to the spread of Christianity in the Philippines.

Despite these differing perspectives, both Plasencia and San Agustin acknowledge
the richness and complexity of Tagalog customs. Both recognize the importance of cultural
understanding and adaptation in the process of evangelization. While Plasencia seeks to
integrate native customs with Christian teachings, San Agustin advocates for the complete
rejection of indigenous practices in favor of Spanish colonization and religious conversion.

Page 1 of 3
Through an in-depth analysis of the works of Juan De Plasencia and Gaspar De San
Agustin, this essay aims to provide valuable insights into the cultural dynamics and
religious encounters during the Spanish colonial period. The examination of their
perspectives sheds light on the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process of
colonization, offering a nuanced understanding of the Tagalog people's customs and
traditions.

Page 2 of 3

You might also like