Summary of Customs of Tagalog by Juan De Plasencia

Main Ideas and Concepts

• Author Background:
  • Juan de Plasencia was a Franciscan missionary, not a native Tagalog, who arrived in the Philippines in 1578. His real name was Juan de Puerto Carrero.
  • He was tasked by the Spanish king to document the customs and traditions of the Tagalog people, contributing significantly to missionary work and the establishment of Pueblos.
• Historical Context:
  • "Customs of Tagalog" was written during the Spanish Colonial period and reflects the colonial mindset, providing an exoticized view of Tagalog natives.
  • The work was published in 1892 and is part of a larger body of texts documenting the Spanish expeditions in the Philippines.
• Societal Structure:
  • The Tagalog society was organized into barangays, led by a datu, with three social classes:
    • Nobles (Mahalika): Free-born individuals who did not pay tribute.
    • Commoners (Aliping Namamahai): Married individuals who served their masters and had some property rights.
    • Slaves (Aliping Giliw): Individuals who worked for their masters without property rights and could be sold.
• Cultural Practices:
  • The use of the Baybayin script for writing poetry, songs, and historical records.
  • Clothing styles included loose-fitting garments made from cotton or silk, with specific attire for men and women.
  • Jewelry made from various materials was commonly worn.
• Religious Beliefs:
  • Prior to Spanish arrival, Tagalogs worshiped anitos (spirits) and incorporated these beliefs into Catholicism, creating a syncretic faith.
  • Rituals and ceremonies were important for honoring ancestors and nature deities.
• Agricultural Practices:
  • Tagalogs were skilled farmers employing advanced techniques like terracing and irrigation.
  • They cultivated rice, vegetables, and utilized tools like the plow and harrow.
• Document's Contribution to History:
  • Plasencia's work helps preserve the understanding of pre-colonial Filipino culture and traditions.
  • It contributed to the early legal system in the Philippines, providing a civil code for local governance.
• Legacy:
  • The documentation serves as a valuable resource for understanding the social, cultural, and religious practices of the Tagalog people, contributing to the broader narrative of Philippine history.

Methodology/Instructions

• Understanding Tagalog Society: Study the social hierarchy (nobles, commoners, slaves) and their roles within the barangay system.
• Exploring Cultural Practices: Research the use of Baybayin and its significance in Tagalog literature and history. Examine traditional clothing and adornments to understand cultural identity.
• Investigating Religious Syncretism: Analyze how indigenous beliefs were integrated into Catholic practices among the Tagalog.
• Agricultural Techniques: Investigate historical agricultural practices and their impact on Tagalog society.
• Historical Documentation: Reflect on how Plasencia's writings contribute to the understanding of Philippine history and identity.

Speakers/Sources Featured

• Martea Ballarda (Lecturer)
• Juan de Plasencia (Author of "Customs of Tagalog")
• Dr. Jose Rizal (Quoted at the end of the lecture)

Notable Quotes

— 12:24 — « The grand Narrative of the Philippine history is a story of struggle, resistance, and resilience that continues to shape our nation today. »

Category

Educational

Video