Spiritual Beliefs of the Early Filipinos

Introduction to Philippine History

• Origin of 'Philippines': Named by Ruy Lopez de Villalobos in 1542 after Prince Phillip II of Spain.
• Term 'Filipino': Initially referred to Spaniards born in the colony, later used for natives before becoming 'indios'.

Early Settlement and Culture

• Decentralized Societies: Organized into barangays, each led by spiritual leaders like babaylan and catalonan.
• Babaylan/Catalonan: Spiritual leaders often women or men who dressed as women, led rituals and sacrifices.

Austronesian and Hindu-Buddhist Influences

• Austronesian Migrations (3000-2500 BCE): Brought cultural and spiritual practices.
• Hindu-Buddhist Influences (800-1500 CE): Introduced burial rites and artifacts like the Golden Tara.

Spiritual Practices

• Deities and Spirits: Known as diwata (Visayans) or anito (Tagalogs), represented by natural forces and carved objects.
• Rituals: Involved offerings, sacrifices, and festivals led by babaylan.

Focus Question and Learning Objectives

• Focus: How did early Filipinos practice their spiritual beliefs?
• Learning Objectives: Overview
  • Compare early beliefs of Tagalog and Visayan societies.
  • Analyze primary sources for biases.
  • Understand women's roles in spiritual leadership.
  • Appreciate epics and myths as cultural identity.

Primary Sources on Spiritual Beliefs

Fray Juan de Plasencia

• Role: Franciscan missionary, documented early Filipino customs and spiritual beliefs.
• Observations: Described the lack of temples, used chiefs' houses for worship (pandot).
• Deities Worshiped: Bathala, the sun, moon, stars, and local idols like Dian Masalanta.
• Sacrifices: Included offerings to crocodiles, goats, fowls, and rituals seeking favor from deities.

Antonio de Morga

• Perspective: Spaniard and Christian, described early Filipinos as pagan without true God knowledge.
• Idols: Anitos, crocodiles, and other natural forms worshipped.
• Sacrifices: No human sacrifices; belief in future life rewards/punishments.

Miguel de Loarca

• Description of Pintados: Tattooed Visayans with unique creation myths and deities Captan and Maguayen.
• Religious Practices: Sacrifices during sickness, war, or seeding; priestess-led rituals.

Pedro Chirino

• Jesuit Missionary: Documented early spiritual beliefs, highlighting superstitions and idol worship.
• Cultural Transformation: Emphasized conversion efforts by Jesuits.

Mythology

Bicol Origin Myth

• Creation Story: Gods Languit and Tubigan, their descendants and the creation of man.
• Significance: Explains human diversity and origin myths as valuable cultural narratives.

Conclusion

• Early Filipino spiritual beliefs were rich and diverse, reflecting a mix of indigenous practices influenced by neighboring cultures.
• Primary sources provide varied perspectives, often biased by colonial views, but valuable for understanding precolonial spiritual life.

Additional Resources

• Artifacts: Manunggul Jar, Golden Tara, and Gold Death Mask signify cultural practices and beliefs.
• Scripts: Baybayin script preservation by early missionaries.

This chapter provides a comprehensive look at the rich spiritual life of early Filipinos, highlighting how indigenous beliefs shaped cultural identity prior to colonial influences.