Lecture Notes on Panay Bukidnon Culture

Introduction to Binukot

• Definition: A Binukot is a maiden hidden from men, commanding a high bride gift.
• Traditional Practice: Girls are pledged for marriage at a young age (4-5), sealed by a gift called tuus.

Sugidanon Stories

• Overview: Collected by Dr. Maga; consist of 10 epic stories across 13 volumes.
• Notable Stories:
  • Tikum Kadlong: Adventure involving a hunting spree and a magical bamboo tree.
  • Ambu Rukai: Story of a hermit woman who owns a gold pubic hair and cares for two girls.
  • Kar Yung Pada: Conflict of love and marriage involving Matanayon and Labaw Dungon.
  • Balanakon: Warrior's pursuit interrupted by Sarandihon, leading to a fight.
  • Kalampay: A crab disguises as an island to deceive Matanayon.
  • Pahagunong: A deity's love for Matanayon.
  • Humadapnon: A four-volume epic detailing the pursuit of Mali and their wedding.
  • Alayaw: Concerns a flower used in courtship by Humadapnon.
  • Nagbuhis: Ritual of power transfer from a mother to her daughter.

Cultural Practices

• Chanting: Sugidanon stories are traditionally chanted, reflecting family and social life.
• Dance: The Binanog is a traditional mimetic dance inspired by the hawk, performed during courtship and social gatherings.
• Embroidery: Unique panubok embroidery tradition, considered rare among tribes.
  • Panubok Definition: Derived from tubok meaning to sew or embroider.
  • Embroidery Artists: Called manok tubok.

Gender Roles in Panay Bukidnon

• Women's Role: Women are the primary bearers of culture, staying at home to embroider, dance, and memorize stories.
• Binukot Significance: Acts as a cultural custodian, learning traditional practices until marriage.

Historical Context and Changes

• Impact of War: Cultural practices were forced to change due to war.
• Revival Efforts: Dr. Alice Magos helped recognize and revive the Panay Bukidnon culture post-war.

Panubok Embroidery and Its Significance

• Current Practice: Traditionally on abaca cloth but now on commercially available textiles.
• Design Inspirations: Nature, daily life, and traditional chants influence the designs.
  • Examples: Sikag-sikag, Togi-togi, Matampunay, Pakopako, etc.
• Cultural Importance: Integral to traditional practices like the Binanog dance.

Education and Preservation

• School of Living Tradition (Balay Turunan): Established for youth to learn and preserve traditional practices.
• Cultural Pride: Younger generations take pride in their heritage and work to ensure panubok embroidery survives.

Conclusion

• Cultural Legacy: Despite globalization, efforts are in place to maintain and celebrate Panay Bukidnon's rich cultural heritage.