Overview
This lecture discusses the pre-colonial customs and social structure of the Tagalogs in Luzon as described by Juan de Plasencia, highlighting indigenous practices and disproving the idea that Filipino civilization began with Spanish colonization.
Juan de Plasencia and His Work
- Juan de Plasencia was a Franciscan friar who arrived in the Philippines in 1578.
- He wrote "Customs of the Tagalogs" in 1589, detailing pre-colonial Filipino life.
- Plasencia was also involved in founding towns and spreading Christianity.
- Credited for printing the Philippines' first book, Doctrina Christiana.
Social Classes in Pre-Colonial Tagalog Society
- The Datu was the community leader, decision-maker, and highest authority in the barangay.
- Maharlika were noble, free people who did not pay taxes and served the Datu, often as warriors.
- Aliping Namamahay were commoners or household helpers who could own property and marry.
- Aliping sa Gigilid were the lowest class, often performing hard labor, could be sold, and had very few rights.
- Slavery could result from debt, crime, or being captured in war; slave raiding was practiced in some regions.
- Intermarriage between classes led to children's status being split between parents' classes.
Economic and Legal Systems
- Pre-colonial Filipinos used gold (tiles) for currency and trade, in addition to barter.
- Land ownership was possible for locals but involved taxes or payment to the Datu.
- Maharlikas required the Datu's permission and payment to transfer to another barangay.
- The Datu served as judge in disputes; punishments often included enslavement rather than death.
- Leadership succession prioritized family ties, age, experience, and skills.
Customs, Marriage, and Religious Practices
- Dowry (bigay-kaya) was paid by the groom's family before marriage, and rules governed dowry return after separation.
- Divorce and remarriage were practiced, with dowry redistribution based on circumstances.
- Religious activities involved worship of multiple gods and goddesses for different purposes.
- Rituals, such as for a girl's first menstruation, involved confinement and ceremonies led by a spiritual leader (Catalonan).
Significance of Pre-Colonial Customs
- The lecture emphasizes that Filipinos had their own culture, laws, writing system, and governance before Spanish colonization.
- Rejects the notion that civilization began with Spanish influence; encourages pride in indigenous Filipino culture.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Datu — the chief or leader of a barangay (community).
- Maharlika — noble or free class serving and protecting the Datu.
- Aliping Namamahay — commoners or household helpers with limited rights.
- Aliping sa Gigilid — the lowest class, often enslaved with no property rights.
- Barangay — a small community or village.
- Dowry (Bigay-Kaya) — payment by the groom's family before marriage.
- Catalonan — spiritual or religious leader.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the full text of "Customs of the Tagalogs" for deeper understanding.
- Prepare questions for discussion in the next class.