Customs of the T agalogs

Juan de Plasencia
Background of the Author
Fray Juan de Plasencia
Real name: Joan de Portocarrero
Born and raised: Extremadura, Spain, in
16th century during the country's Golden
Age (Siglo de Oro)
Arrived to the Philippines in 1578,
He founded many towns in Quezon,
Laguna, Rizal, and Bulaca
Background of the Author
Relacion de las Costumbres de Los Tagalos
(Customs of the Tagalogs, 1589)
-The book identifies the political, social, economic, and cultural
systems that were already in place among Filipino communities
prior to the arrival of the Spaniards.
Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Espanola Y Tagala
-Published on 1593 The first printed book in the Philippines.

He was honored by the Franciscan Order with the title " Venerable".
He died in Liliw, Laguna, in 1590
Historical Background of the Document
Gobernadorcillo of pueblos
- a leader of a town or pueblo (people or population), a
government position in which Filipinos were allowed to hold.

Friars
-the most influential and knowledgeable figure in the pueblo. They
inform their superiors of what was happening in their respective
parishes.
 Historical Background of the Document
Relacion de las Islas Filipinas
written by Miguel de Loarca, arrived in the Philippines in
1576 and became an encomendero of Panay.
it describes the way of life of Filipinos living in Western
Visayas area.

Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas

written by Antonio de Morga, came to the Philippines
in 1595 as Asesor and Teniente General
providw valuable information about the Philippines
in the latter part of the 16th century
 Historical Background of the Document
Relacion de las Costumbres de Los Tagalos
(Customs of the Tagalogs, 1589)
is a primary source of information.
original text of the book is currently kept in Archivo
General de Indias in Seville, Spain.
a duplicate copy in Archivo Franciscano Ibero
Oriental in Madrid Spain
an english version appeared in volume Vll of Blair and
Roberto's collection of Spanish documents, was in the
Philippines.
 Relacion de las Costumbres de Los
Tagalos (Customs of the Tagalogs, 1589)
Socio-Political Customs Social classes:

Barangay - came from the word Nobles /

"balanghays", means, boats. It consist Maharlika
of parents, children, relations and The highest among the
three classes. They are free
slaves. born, doesn't pay tax, and a
warrior.

Datos - it is a chieftain, which are the Commoners

ones who are leading the barangays. An ordinary person, without rank and title.

Slaves
They worked or served the maharlikas.
 Relacion de las Costumbres de Los
Tagalos (Customs of the Tagalogs, 1589)
Marriage Customs
If both are maharlikas, then their
property will prosper.
If a maharlika impregnated a slave
of another maharlika, the women
will give her master a gold tael. In
this case half of the child was free of
the father(maharlika) will
recognized her child. If not, the
child will become a whole slave.
If a maharlika and a slave get married
the children were divided.
Odd birth order (1st,3rd,5th)
– belong to the father.
Even birth order (2nd, 4th, 6th)
– belong to the mother.
Only child
–half free, half slave.
If a maharlika had children among his
own slave, then the child and the
mother will be free from slavery.
 Relacion de las Costumbres de Los
Tagalos (Customs of the Tagalogs, 1589)
Religious Customs
There were no temples and churches. They worship many idols such as:
Simbahan - house of the Dato in Bathala
which they perform their Tala (sun, moon, and stars)
ceremonies and worships. Buaya (crocodiles)
Nagaanitos - name of the people
Some of their devil priest:
who gathers and worships.
Mangangauay Hocloban
They determine the years or days
Mankokolam Manyisalat
through observing the soil, flowers,
Magtatangal
fruits, and leaves.
Osuang
Mangagayoma
 Relacion de las Costumbres de Los
Tagalos (Customs of the Tagalogs, 1589)
Death Customs
The author also stated how our ancestors buried the dead. The dead
was buried beside his house, or if he is a chief his body would be
beneath a little house which they constructed. They will mourn for 4
days and afterward, laid him on a boat which served as a coffin or bier,
placing him beneath the porch, where guard was kept over him by
salve. In place of rowers, various animals were placed two male and
female of each species. The slaves would take care of the animals
which they should make sure that it was well fed. If the dead is a
warrior, the slave would be tied to his body until it wretched the way
he died. They would sing praises for the deceased for his good
qualities, they also accompany this with drinking and eating.
Thank You for
listening!
Group 1
Vale, Blessy H.
Zacaria, Hessam B.