7 Ethnic Groups

Culture and Traditions :

 Arts
 Political Structure
 Marriage
 Belief
 1. Tagalog
 Tagalog comprise one of the eight major Philippine ethnolinguistic groups. “Tagalog” is believed to be a
contraction of either taga-ilog or taga-alog, which is from the prefix taga, signifying place of birth or residence, and
ilog, meaning river or “alog,” which is old Tagalog for shallow portion of a river or a low-lying area that floods
during rains. Thus the word means “river dwellers,” a direct reference to the riparian civilization of this group.
 Agriculture has always been the main economic activity and source of livelihood of the Tagalog, given the
hospitable climate, favorable topography, and fertile soil of the region.
 https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/10/Tagalog-People-History-Culture-Traditions-Customs.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3QsJ6njmzrbfsvG7r2-
A99SzwzySuOzncxWW3WDseRRypYXZjMhwM99yc
Tagalog : Arts
 Arts in the Philippines gives a good insight into the cultural diversity of
the nation. All areas like music, dance, theatre, paintings, and literature
are very much part of the Filipino culture. Filipinos are incredibly
talented in music, and subsequently, dance. Even in the 21st century, folk
music and dances have not lost momentum. There are various groups
like Filipinescas, Barangay-Barrio, Hari Raya, the Karilagan Ensemble,
who perform folk music and dance.
 Painting in the Philippines is vested in the country's tattoo tradition,
starting from the Pintados of Visayas. Some of the famous paintings post
17th century can be visited in various museums of Luzon and Mindanao.
Other than that, Filipinos are renowned for their work with fabric. The
Itneg people make a woven blanket (known as binakol) featuring optical
illusion designs. The Filipinos are also known for using indigenous
materials to paint and weave, such as extracts from onion, tomato, tuba,
coffee, rust, molasses, and other materials.

 https://www.holidify.com/pages/culture-of-philippines-5557.html
Visual Arts

 Prehistoric pottery has been found in archaeological excavations in

Rizal, Manila, Laguna, Batangas, and Mindoro. In a Novaliches cave,
Iron Age vessels included shallow bowls with high or low ring stands,
single jars, and jars with short necks and everted rims. Sites in Taal,
Batangas have yielded jars of different sizes, with two ears and
geometric designs, as well as a turtle effigy jar. A four-breasted jar was
unearthed in Calapan, Mindoro.
 In the 19th century, some piña or pineapple cloth, and jusi, a mixture of
piña and abaca, were woven by women in the vicinity of Manila.
Baliuag, Bulacan has become famous since the 19th century for the silk
tapis and panyo (scarf folded on the diagonal and worn over the
shoulder), which had stripes and squares in different colors and shades.
 Tagalog : Arts
 Literary Arts
 Tagalog poetry has its origins in the centuries-old oral tradition, which produced folk speech, specifically the
riddles, proverbs, and maxims, which either date to the precolonial period or were created in response to changing
circumstances from the 16th century to the present.
 Tagalog bugtong or riddle, which usually comes in couplet form, presents images that refer to an object or
phenomenon that has to be guessed. Parts of the human body and the house, utensils and tools, plants and animals,
stones, rivers, mountains, rain, wind, thunder, lightning, and other phenomena have been used as metaphor or
object of riddling.
 Here are some examples:
 May isang bayabas na pito ang butas. (Mukha) (A guava fruit with seven holes. [Face])
Bumbong kung liwanag Kung gabi ay dagat. (Banig) (Bamboo tube by day A sea by night. [Mat])
 Tagalog : Political Structure
 Political parties are weak, with elections instead dominated by individual and familial personalities. Political
positions provide extensive opportunities for patronage, and clientelism and electoral fraud are common.
Corruption is considered widespread, while state institutions are relatively weak.
 Tagalog : Marriage
The engagement
 A wedding starts with what we call "pamamanhikan" where the groom and his family goes to the bride's home to
meet her parents and formally ask for her hand in marriage. In the old days, a dowry is expected but a ring has
become its modern replacement. This is also usually the time to discuss some of the wedding arrangements such as
the budget and who will be part of the entourage. Traditionally, the groom's parents are expected to pay for the
wedding although the bride's side may offer some assistance. In recent times, some couples save up to pay for their
own wedding.
 After getting the blessings of their respective families, it is time to inform the rest of their clan. This tradition called
"paalam" and it is the time when the couple personally visits their friends and families to break the good news of
their impending wedding. The wedding invitations are also distributed. Next comess what we call the “despedida de
soltera” which is traditionally another pre-wedding event organized by the bride's family to celebrate their daughter
saying goodbye to her single life. Owing to the American influence, this is now known as a stag party for the groom
and bridal shower for the bride.
Tagalog : Marriage
Wedding
 Traditionally, the bride wears a Filipiniana or Maria Clara wedding gown which is a
more intricate and dressy version of the baro’t saya while the groom wears Barong
Tagalog – a sheer fabric attire made of indigenous materials and is worn untucked
over a white singlet and black slacks. Today, however, the modern bride hires a
couturier to make an all-white wedding gown similar to the American tradition. A lot
of grooms still wear Barong Tagalog, a tuxedo, or a suit.
 Whether the couple decide to go for a civil or church wedding, they would have to
apply for a marriage license and attend required seminars and counselling to prepare
them for their soon-to-be married life. It is recommended that the couple visit their
local civil registrar for the specific requirements.This is followed by the
solemnization of marriage by the registered officer of the local civil registrar. This
has to be done in the presence of two witnesses who are both of legal age. The
marriage license is then released and the official NSO marriage certificate.
 For church weddings, there are additional steps such as meeting the Parish Priest of
the couple's chosen church, marriage banns, and confessions.
 For civil marriages, the couple has to proceed to the Mayor's Office with the
marriage license and a Letter of Intent to Marry. They will then be advised whether
their preferred date is available. The wedding itself will be presided over by the City
Hall Court's judge or the Mayor.
Tagalog : Marriage
Receptions
 No matter the type of the wedding, whether it's low key or a no-expense-
spared affair, you can be sure it always ends up with a lavish feast.
 Traditionally, weddings in villages can be compared to a town fiesta where
everyone joins in the celebration and enjoys a feast of Filipino cuisine like
lechon.
 Today, the majority of couples hire a caterer and specify the expected
number of guests, mostly close friends and relatives. The caterer also
presents some menu options that suit the couple's taste and budget. A
popular trend nowadays too is the buffet style reception as opposed to a sit-
down style dinner.
 In any case, the menu always consists of appetizers, main courses, dessert,
and drinks. At any reception we've been to, we have almost always seen
the same dishes. Lechon (pit roasted pig) is still very popular along with a
myriad of Filipino favourites such as embutido (Filipino style meatloaf),
relleno (stuffed chicken), pancit bihon (Filipino rice noodle dish), and a lot
more. Popular desserts meanwhile are buko salad or buko pandan (coconut
pandan dessert).
 Tagalog : Belief
 Their religion is Christianity but some follow Islam. Some Tagalogs believe in traditional healers/herbmen called
"Albularyo" who heal them from their illnesses. Many also believe in mythical creatures like aswang, multo and
maligno.
 Filipinos take pride in their religion. While most Filipinos practise Christianity as their religion, Islam and other
indigenous faiths are also seen in movement. Their religious spirit can be witnessed during festivals such as Ati-
Atihan, Kaamulan, Panabenga, and the famous 3-month-celebration for Christmas.
 2. Cebuano
 Cebuano, also known as Binisaya, Bisayan, Sebuano, Sugbuanon, Sugbuhanon, Visayan, is the major language of
Visayan islands (Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol), and parts of Mindanao in the Philippines. The name comes from
the name of the Philippine island of Cebu + Visayas mapthe Spanish suffix –ano meaning ‘native of’. It is a
member of the Malayo-Polynesian group of languages within the Austronesian language family.
Cebuano : Arts
 Art forms are diverse among Cebuanos. Before the coming of the
conquestadores, Cebuanos used to paint themselves employing the
nowadays popular tattoo art forms.Although this form of art
somehow vanished from the island, painting and other art forms are
flourishing in myriads of medium. Many famous Cebuanos became
clothing designers, furniture design artists, painters, sculpture,
among others.
 Another form of art common in Cebu is dancing. Dances could be
interpretations of deity worship, religious devotion (as in Sinulog),
or just ordinary dances done during various festivities in Cebu
island.

 https://www.travelingcebu.com/cebu-culture.html#:~:text=Many%20famous
%20Cebuanos%20became%20clothing,various%20festivities%20in%20Cebu
%20island.
 Cebuano : Political Structure
 Cebu was a trading and administrative center from the mid-14th century to the time of Spanish contact, with a rajah
ruling over a larger number of followers, retainers, and lesser datu. Spanish colonization began in the 16th century
and the creation of a unitary colonial state was slow due to lack of Spanish personnel and resources, geographic and
cultural particularism, and native resistance. It was only in the 19th century that the colonial state took a more full-
bodied shape due to economic changes. Cebu was one of the earliest provinces to be organized in the archipelago,
encompassing Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Negros, Masbate, and Mindanao. In 1889, Negros Oriental was established as a
separate province, with Dumaguete as capital.

 In 1972, Siquijor became an independent province. Today, Cebu is administratively divided into 6 congressional
districts, 9 cities, 44 municipalities, and 1,203 barangays, while Negros Oriental has 3 congressional districts, 6
cities, 20 municipalities, and 557 barangays.
Cebuano : Marriage
 All the preparations for the wedding party is done at the groom's
house. Part of it is bought to the bride's house to be served to her
guests and relatives. The expenses for the party are shouldered
by the groom.
 After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds walk together to
the bride's house. Two plates filled with water and some leaves
of the San Francisco plant are placed at the foot of the stairs for
the newlyweds to step on. An old woman who is a member of
the bride's family combs the hair of the newlyweds and offers
some advice for a happy life together. It is believed that by
stepping on the plates and combing the hair of the married
couple, they will have an orderly, and harmonious life.

 https://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-and-people/
philippine-culture/culture-and-traditions/1326-the-cebuanos-
culture-customs-and-traditions
 Cebuano : Beliefs
 Here are some beliefs of Cebuano's
 ABOUT PLANTING
 It is believed that crops planted during low tide bear more fruit so farmers observe the movement of the tides before
planting anything.
 When the skies are filled with thousands stars, it is the best time to plant for it will bear plenty of fruits.
 ABOUT COURTSHIP
 When a star is close to the moon, it is believed that it is the proper time to court a lady. The man's proposal will
readily be accepted.
 ABOUT ILLNESS
 When someone gets sick in the family, it is believed that the sick person is being punished by the fairies because of
his carelessness or naughtiness. An herbolario is invited to perform the healing ceremony. The family kills or
dresses a pig or two chickens on this occasion.
 https://queencitycebu.com/cebuano-superstitions-on-death/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20commonly
%20known,signals%20bad%20luck%20or%20death.
3. Ilocano
 At the early stage of Spanish colonization, the maritime
trade posts in Ilocos were linked by sailboats and by a
lingua franca called Samtoy, a contraction of sao mi’toy
meaning “our language here.” The Augustinian Andres
Carro noted in his 1792 manuscript that Samtoy was used
so extensively that the Spanish colonizers, led by Salcedo in
1571, learned the language because it was spoken by the
people from Bangui to Agoo. Eventually the natives called
it the Ilocano language.
Ilocano : Arts
 “Abel” or “inabel” is a fabric customarily made of
cotton fiber turned into spools of beeswax-brushed
yarn & woven in a handloom. From it comes out
beautiful blankets, pillowcases, tablemats, sweaters &
shawls.
 Traditional designs include the geometric “binakol”
or “inuritan”, the spiral “kusikos” & the flower called
“sinan-sabong”. Abel is Ilocano for “weave,” and
inabel literally means “woven.”
 http://www.traveltrilogy.com/2014/02/traditional-
ilocano-handicrafts-weaving-pottery.htmlewpp\
 Ilocano : Political Structure
 When the Spanish first encountered them in 1572, the inhabitants of Ilocos (then called "Samtoy") were living in
large villages at sheltered coves or rivermouths and were trading with the Chinese and Japanese. Although massive
churches in a distinctive style give evidence of Spanish-Ilocano collaboration, the colonial period was marked by
frequent revolts; the most famous of these was that led by Diego and Gabriela Silang during the British occupation
of Manila in 1762–63.
 Ilocanos were prominent in the nationalist movement, and many rose to high office in the central government. The
greatest of these Ilocano "success stories" (as far as it went) was President Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled from 1965
to 1986.
 Ilocano : Marriage
 Panagasawa or marriage to the Ilocano is but a reaffirmation of the man and woman's gasat (fate). It is considered a sacred
partnership which lasts until the death of either partner.Once the couple decide to marry, the boy informs the girl's parents about their
plans. This announcement is known as the panagpudno. Approval is sought from the boy's parents since they usually spend for the
wedding and provide for the dowry. When both families agree, the date of the wedding is set either by consulting the planetano (an
almanac which lists all good or bad days for all activities), or by communicating through the billeta, a letter sent from the boy to the
girl by a messenger. The response is also sent through the same messenger.
 It is during the palalian, a meeting between both families held in the girl's home, that the sab-ong, the sagut, the parawad and the
other details of the wedding are discussed. The purpose of the sab-ong (dowry) is to provide the couple with something to start their
married life. It may consist of a piece of land or enough money to buy some land. The sagut is the amount of money needed for the
bridal trousseau. Borrowing a wedding gown is taboo for the Ilocano. It is regarded as a grave insult to the families of the betrothed.
The sagut provided the basis for the Ilocano boast that "the Ilocano groom always dresses his bride from head to foot." The parawad
is given by the groom to the bride's mother as a token of appreciation for properly bringing up her daughter. The sab-ong is
presented during the albasya, a long, elaborate ceremony held the day before the wedding. It is a taboo for a bride to fit in the bridal
gown before the wedding because this brings bad luck or misfortune to the couple. It is also taboo for the bride and bridegroom to
ride in the same vehicle in going to church for the wedding because this portends bad luck. Care must be taken by the groom when
giving the aras (several one peso coins) to the bride during the wedding ceremony. The dropping of even only one coin brings bad
luck. Only one matchstick should be used to light the candle of the groom and bride. Those candle burns faster is believed to die
ahead. The veil sponsors should pin the veil very well, for there is a belief that a veil that falls augurs an unsuccessful married
life.On the sinadag (eve of the wedding), another ceremony, the saka, is held. In the saka, either at the boy's house or at the convent,
the couple are ritually introduced to their sponsors and prospective in-laws. The highlight of the ceremony is the couple's public
declaration of love for each other.
Ilocano : Marriage
 As a rule , all Ilocano weddings must be held in church. After the ceremony, all proceed to the groom's
residence for the padaya. The padaya is a lavish wedding feast which also serves as an occasion for the
renewal of family ties and loyalties. This practice enhances community life with the involvement of
the neighbors in all the preparations. The reception is a ritual in itself as all participants observe a
certain decorum that clearly illustrates the Ilocano respect for tradition.After the wedding ceremony,
when the bride and bridegroom arrive at the latter's house, an old maid waiting at the foot of the stairs
hands them lighted candles. Care should be taken to have these candles lighted when being carried to
the altar inside the house otherwise, one of the couple will die young. The parents of the newlyweds
secretly advice their respective son or daughter to go up the stairs ahead of the other. Reaching the top
flight first symbolized authority in the family. Groom is beaten in this race, he becomes ander di saya
("henpecked).
 If the Upon reaching the place where the reception is to be held, both the bride and the groom are
required to enter the house together as a sign of maintaining the balance of authority in the home and
to guarantee equal longevity. Lunch for the newlyweds begins with a dish of boiled mungo beans, a
symbol of fertility. The bride and groom take turns feeding each other in a series of pleas which ends
in a touching show of love for each other. A highlight of the celebration is the tuptupac or the bitor.
These rituals involve the giving of cash to the newlyweds by their visitors. The gifts to the bride and
groom are given and counted separately to determine the economic capability of both families. After
counting, the money is handed to the groom who hands it over to his wife for safekeeping.
 The last ritual for the day is the mangik-ikamen in which an old man and an old woman present the
dal-lot (wedding song). The theme of the dal-lot is the ups and downs as well as the do's and don’ts of
married life.A day after the wedding, three rites are held. These are the atang, an offering given to the
spirits of the departed kinsmen and posing and mangatogangan whereby the groom turns over his
personal belongings to the bride.
 Ilocano : Beliefs
 Death and Burial
 To the Ilocanos, gasat (fate) detemines their life on earth. Death to them means the fulfillment of destiny, the inevitable. It
is because of this Ilocano view of death that they are better able to bear the passing away of their loved ones with courage
and fortitude.
 The Ilocanos have traditionally believed that most of man's illnesses are caused by spirits. Even accidents have often been
attributed to the supernatural, to spirits that could either be the aswang (witch) or the mannamay (sorcerer).
 Death is often preceded by omens such as a black butterfly which enters a house at night or during an eclipse. When a
person is dying, an old woman is usually called in to pray and attend to him. Sometimes, a coconut shell is placed under
the dying man's bed so that everyone in the room may hear the angel and the devil fighting for possession of the man's
soul. When a man dies, an atong (burning piece of wood) is placed in front of the gate of his house. This announces a death
in the family to spirits and the living alike. The fire is left burning for the duration of the wake.
 Infancy.If the kajyanak (newborn) has physical defects, he is given a hair washing rite presided over by a folk healer. If the
defect is not healed, the family accepts the baby's condition and views it as a sign of good luck.The child's sleeping
position is the subject of his parents' special attention because of certain meanings associated with each particular position.
It is said that if the baby sleeps float on his belly on the floor or bed, bad luck or hardship will befallthe family. If the baby
gnashes his teeth, he is said to have parasites in his body. When the baby begins to turn around and roll, the parents are
advised not to help him, for it is believed that if they do, the baby will be too dependent on them when he grows up. It is
usually at the end of the fourteenth month when the baby is considered strong enough and allowed to walk by himself.
 4. Bisaya
 The Visayas is a region popular for its breathtaking natural landscapes, from unspoiled beaches and dome-shaped
hills to vast oceans with backdrops of majestic sunrises and sunsets. But while nature reflects this stunning
creativity, the region’s respective communities boast of sophisticated artistry as well. In every province, you’ll find
a vibrant traditional arts and crafts scene. In fact, it’s one of the best things tourists love to see when they visit the
Visayas.
 Perhaps you’re eyeing to see the region this year to help in your own little way in reviving the local tourism and
economy. Here’s a proposal: make it a priority to see the famous arts and crafts of Visayas. It’s not a secret that one
of the industries hit hard by the health crisis is indigenous products. Supporting local has never been more
important now than ever, not only to lend economic relief but also preserve native culture.
Bisaya : Arts
 One of the popular woven products you’ll find in Antique is the
patadyong. Usually made from cotton and abaca, this tube-like
wraparound garment can be worn in different ways, much like the
malong. It can be a stylish skirt or a big shawl. It usually bears a
checkered design crafted with bright hues.
 Meanwhile, in Iloilo, locals take pride in their hablon, a plain weave
that has a plaid design. While it’s used in patadyong, it’s also common
in locally-made panuelo or handkerchiefs.
 On the other hand, the most popular arts and crafts of Aklan typically
use piña. Pineapple leaves have two kinds of fibers: the bastos (rough
portion) and the liniwan (smooth one). Artisans use a shard of Chinese
porcelain to expose the bastos and then a coconut shell to bring out
the liniwan. Piña is commonly used in barong tagalog. If you’re
planning to see Aklan this year, book your trip in April to catch the
province’s celebration of the Piña and Fiber Festival.
 Bisaya : Political Structure
 Ako Bisaya (stylized as AKO Bisaya) is a political organization with representation
in the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
Bisaya : Marriage
 The most desirable marriages are to kin, in the following order of preference:
second or third cousins, first cousins, and fourth or fifth cousins. Only parents or
siblings are forbidden as marriage or sexual partners. Polygyny is allowed but is
rare because of the expense. Sororal polygyny is forbidden. Parents often arrange
first marriages, sometimes making matches with children as young as 8 years of
age. Residence is ambilocal, and the newlyweds must live in the same apartment as
the parents; only when the couple has a child does it move to live in its own
apartment. Inheritance is ambilateral with no preference for either gender.
 The most desirable marriages are to kin, in the following order of preference:
second or third cousins, first cousins, and fourth or fifth cousins. Only parents or
siblings are forbidden as marriage or sexual partners. Polygyny is allowed but is
rare because of the expense. Sororal polygyny is forbidden. Parents often arrange
first marriages, sometimes making matches with children as young as 8 years of
age. Residence is ambilocal, and the newlyweds must live in the same apartment as
the parents; only when the couple has a child does it move to live in its own
apartment. Inheritance is ambilateral with no preference for either gender.
 https://www.everyculture.com/East-Southeast-Asia/Bisaya-Marriage-and-
Family.html#:~:text=The%20most%20desirable%20marriages%20are,rare
%20because%20of%20the%20expense.
 Bisaya : Beliefs
 There was a Visayan alphabet, though there is dispute if it was different or similar to the Tagalog baybayin.
Regardless, they didn’t use their alphabet for literature. That’s not to say Visayan literature didn’t exist. Visayan
speech was full of prose and metaphor, and Visayan poetry was filled with colorful imagery with its own poetic
vocabulary.
 Visayan poetry was usually sung or chanted, leaving little distinction with songs, and Visayans were noted for their
love of song. Professional bards were sought after at weddings and festivals and were given a payment
called bayakaw. 
 A Visayan verse was called ambahan, which was an unrhymed seven-syllable couplet whose two lines could be
interchanged and still make sense. Ambahan was used in balak, a poetic debate between a man and a woman on the
subject of love, accompanied by musical instruments. The more literary form of verse was the siday or kandu,
which took at least six hours to sing and was full of heavy metaphors and talked about heroic exploits of ancestors
or exaltations to living heroes. 
 The kandu was the basis of the Visayan folk epics that we enjoy today. Some of the more famous epics which have
survived into modernity are Labaw Donggon, Kabungar and Bubung Ginbuna, and Datung Sumanga and
Bugbung Humasanun, which weaved supernatural phenomena with heroic exploits, giving us a glimpse of
Visayan life through the lens of the people who lived in it.
 5. Hiligaynon
 The term “Ilonggo” refers to the people and the culture of the Malay race identified with Iloilo, Guimaras Island,
and Negros Occidental, the western part of Negros Island, which is separated from Panay by the Guimaras Strait. It
is derived from irong-irong, a Filipino-Hispanized form meaning “like a nose.” Irong-irong was the name of an islet
located between the city proper and the Lapuz district of Iloilo City.
 The language and literature of the Ilonggo people are called Hiligaynon; however, the term connotes the more
formal and literary language as it is used in schools. “Ilonggo” is also popularly and informally used as a synonym
for “Hiligaynon,” a term said to be a Hispanized contraction of the phrase manog-ilig sang kawayan (bamboo
floaters), meaning people whose occupation was to float bamboo poles downriver to sell as building materials.
Early Spanish documents refer to the people as Yligueynes.
 https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/09/Ilonggo-Hiligaynon-Culture-History.html?m=1
 Hiligaynon : Arts
 Practically every house in the southern towns in Iloilo had a tidal (wooden loom). Indigenous fibers that were used
for weaving were cotton and pakol, which then became sinamay (woven cloth). The weaving of patadyong (barrel
skirt) became a home industry. After the pineapple plant was introduced into the Philippines from Mexico (Alvina
and Madulid 2009, 720), piña (pineapple) and jusi (pineapple and silk) fibers were used to make fine cloth called
nipis.
 The weaving industry continued well into the 19th century, with the various towns establishing reputations for their
specialties: Tigbauan continued to make cotton cloth and Jaro continued to weave pakol cloth. Oton produced table
linen and silk, besides the traditional abaca and cotton cloth; La Paz and Barotac Nuevo produced piña; Dumangas
produced piña as well as the sadok (hats) of woven bamboo or rattan strips; Pototan and Molo produced woven
textiles of piña, abaca, and cotton (Fernandez [1898] 2006, 128). Miag-ao manufactured all kinds of cloth,
especially nipis; Janiuay made striped cloth, called rayadillo, handkerchiefs, bed covers, tablecloths, and napkins.
There were 10 different mixtures of cotton, silk, pineapple, and hemp fibers woven in Iloilo, out of 52 varieties of
Philippine textiles available.
 Hiligaynon : Political Structure
 A village, in precolonial times, consisted of several sakup or districts, each of which was headed by a datu. Thus, there could be
several datus living in one village. The datu was the judge in matters of dispute, the protector and defender, and a feudal lord. His
sinakpan (subjects) were of two classes: the timawa (freemen or warriors) and oripun (slaves). The timawa’s main function was to
protect his datu, including doing such tasks as tasting his wine for poison. They rowed the datu’s boat on raiding forays, carried their
datu’s weapons, and were on familiar terms with him. The oripun were obliged to provide economic and political support for the datu
and timawa, since the latter two did not engage in agricultural or industrial activity (Loarca [1582] 1903, 5:142-3).
 According to their mythology, it was the goddess Lubluban who handed down their laws, which the datus had the exclusive
responsibility to implement. Legislative decisions by the datu were done publicly and with the guidance of the ponu-an, a council of
elders knowledgeable in matters of custom law. Although law was handed down by tradition, amendments could be made with the
consensus of the other datus. The datu decided on a case after listening to the sworn testimony of the conflicting parties. All crimes,
including murder and disobedience to the datu, were punishable by fines, which could be paid for with servitude. Graver crimes
deserving punishment by slavery were murder, adultery, theft, and offenses against women of any rank, particularly when they were
caused to disrobe, whether deliberately or accidentally. A datu was not exempted from being fined should he commit murder or
adultery (Loarca [1582] 1903, 5:136, 146).
 The Ilonggo regularly went to war and thus had a set of laws ensuring that their wars were honorable. A village could rightly declare
war on another for three reasons: if a village member was killed in another village without provocation; if a wife was abducted; and if
a trader in another village was treated badly. Raids on enemy villages were regulated by a code of ethics for the victors. One could not
kill a captive; otherwise, he either paid the value of the slain captive’s life or he would be enslaved. All the war booty was given to
their datu, who handed a small fraction of it to his crew of timawa, who rowed his war boat. When several datus came together to
conduct a raid, half of the booty was distributed evenly among them and the other half given to the mag-aanito, the baylan who held
the ritual prayers to the ancestral spirits for a victorious war (Loarca [1582] 1903, 5:144-145).
 Hiligaynon : Marrige
 Marriage arrangements follow the traditional way: Parental approval and arrangement are requisites, made possible through a ceremony
called pamalaye or pabalayon. The ceremony has three stages. The first meeting, in which the two families formally acknowledge that
the woman has not been promised to anyone else, is called the pabagti, sometimes also called the padul-ong or kagon. The second
meeting, called the pahimpit, involves negotiations between the two sets of parents, which end when the woman’s parents confirm their
agreement to the engagement. A manogpatigayon serves as arbiter or spokesperson for both parties in the talks. The third meeting is the
padul-ong, a formal ceremony in which the engagement is announced. During the engagement period, the woman’s family is served by
the man in a practice called panghagad.
 An illustration of the close ties between Cuyo and Panay is the wedding of the son of the datu of Cuyo (Palawan) and the daughter of
the datu of Oton in early 1600s, where the Cuyonon datu paid a very high bride-price and distributed gifts of great value not only to the
bride’s immediate family and distant relatives but also to her family’s many slaves (Chirino [1604] 1903, 12:89).The marriage
celebration itself is festive and costly. In the past, a bolo dance called sinulog or sayaw followed behind the bride and groom as they
walked from the church. This has now been replaced by the practice of the newlyweds posing for photographs with their families. At
the wedding reception, the host families may be able to keep within the food budget by secretly placing huya-huya (mimosa leaves)
under the tables. This is believed to make the guests too shy to eat too heartily. The day after the wedding, the groom formally presents
his bride to his family in a ceremony called the pasaka ka umagad, literally “to welcome the in-law.”
 The newlyweds may initially stay with the bride’s family for a few days then move in with the groom’s family for a longer period, until
the couple sets up residence, usually as decided on by the husband, with his wife’s concurrence. In the past, the groom was expected to
serve the bride’s family for the first few months. The father is the head of the family, though household matters (e.g., preparing the
meals, buying clothing for the family, entertaining visitors and relatives, attending to the children’s needs) are the mother’s
responsibilities. Grandparents are respected and cared for, their opinions sought, and their advice followed. They may be part of the
household and in their terminal years are attended to by the favorite daughter or son. Equal inheritance for the children is observed.
 Hiligaynon : Beliefs
 *When a woman is about to give birth, several practices are meant to drive away evil spirits. She is provided with a pangalap, a kind
of talisman passed on from grandmother to granddaughter, to protect her from evil spirits. The house is shut tight, all openings
covered with old clothes, because the smell of birthing blood attracts the evil spirits. The luy-ahan ritual is held, in which seven slices
of ginger are pounded and rubbed on the woman’s body.
 *Visitors who come to see the infant must utter the words, “purya usog” to ward off usog, a power that causes stomachache, or “purya
abay,” meant to ward off abay, a power that causes lifelong illness or ill luck.
 *Although the early Ilonggo believed in many gods, the most powerful was Makaako, the creator. Kaptan was the god of the earth,
and Magyawan was the god of the sea. Manunubo was also the good spirit of the sea. Bululakaw and Sidapa lived in the island’s
sacred mountain called Madya-as. The chief goddess, Laon, was believed to reside in Mount Kanlaon of Negros Occidental. However,
another myth identifies Laon as the creator god, who is female. The people pray to her for a good harvest or when pestilence, like a
plague of locusts, strikes.
 *The Ilonggo and the Karay-a have different gods and destinations for the afterlife. The Ilonggo believe that their soul is first taken by
the god Maguayen. The god Sumpoy then guides the soul toward a very high mountain in Borneo, which is ruled by the god
Sisiburanen. The Karay-a believe that the afterlife is on Mount Madya-as, where the god Sidapa resides. He determines the day of a
person’s death by marking every newborn’s lifespan on a very tall tree that stands on Mount Madya-as. When a person dies, the
baylan must hold a maganito, which is a ritual offering to the god Pandaque, so that the soul of the deceased is not taken by the gods
Simuran and Siginarugan to an afterlife of torment (Loarca [1582] 1904, vol. 5).
 *The destination of the soul depends on the manner in which death occurs. A violent death is an honorable one, and the soul goes to
the afterworld by way of the rainbow and becomes a god. The soul of a person who has drowned remains in the sea and is
memorialized by a garment of the deceased person attached to a bamboo pole that is erected on.
 6. Bicolano
 Bicolano people are largely an agricultural and rural people, producing rice, coconuts, hemp, and spices. A great
majority of Bicolanos are Roman Catholics, with many towns celebrating festivals in honor of patron saints, and
Catholic Mass being celebrated daily in many of the Bicol region's churches. There also exists minority Protestant
and Muslim populations among Bicolano people.An undercurrent of animism persists as well; for instance, it is
common for Bicolano people to believe that whenever a supernatural entity stalks a house, they will leave centavo
coins as compensation.
Bicolano : Arts
 Bicol, a region located southeast of Metro Manila, is best known
for its beaches and natural resources, Mayon Volcano, and its
tradition of abaca and sinamay weaving, basket-making, and other
handicrafts. The province of Sorsogon in particular, is a main hub
of these artisanal crafts.

 https://fameplus.com/touchpoint/modern-play#:~:text=Bicol%2C%20a
%20region%20located%20southeast,hub%20of%20these%20artisanal%20crafts
 Bicolano : Political Structure
 The Bicol Region, a peninsula in the southeastern part of Luzon, has six provinces with a population of 5.8 million.
The Region’s poverty incidence in 2018 was 26.8%, higher than the country’s rate of 16.6%. Its dominant industries
are tourism, agriculture and fisheries, and mining. The region’s economic performance is negatively affected by El
Niño, La Niña, volcanic eruptions, and the frequent typhoons, including the year’s global health pandemic.
Politically, the Region is subdivided into 16 congressional districts, seven cities, 107 municipalities, and 3,471
barangays.
 Bicolano : Marriage
 In the vocabulary of the Bicolano courtship and marriage practices, nothing can be more intriguing than the term
lagpitaw (slingshot). It is a kind of surprise marriage entered into between the parents of the would-be bridegroom
and that of the bride-to-be. Utmost secrecy attends its sealing. The bride and the bridegroom come to know of their
fate only when they are told to don their wedding attire for an appointment at the altar, come wedding day. Among
the cultural minorities, it is the Bagjao(w) tribe that boasts of a similar practice.
 https://kasal.com/lagpitaw-surprise-marriage
 Bicolano : Beliefs
 Animism: The indigenous people of Bicol have a strong belief in animism, the belief that all objects and beings,
both animate and inanimate, have a spirit.
 Superstitions: Bicolanos have several superstitions, such as avoiding certain activities at night to avoid bad luck, or
not sweeping the floor at night to prevent bad spirits from entering the house.
 Catholicism: Catholicism is the dominant religion in the Bicol region, and has greatly influenced the local culture
and beliefs. Many traditional indigenous practices have been merged with Catholic beliefs and practices.
 Festivals: Bicol is known for its colorful and vibrant festivals, such as the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City and the
Ibalong Festival in Legazpi City. These festivals celebrate local folklore, religion, and cultural heritage.
 Respect for elders: Bicolanos place a high value on respect for elders and those in authority. They also have strong
family ties and place a high importance on family gatherings.
 7. Waray
 Waray-Waray was also called Waray or Samaran or Samareño, a member of a large ethnolinguistic group of the
Philippines, living on Samar, eastern Leyte, and Biliran islands. Numbering roughly 4.2 million in the early 21st
century, they speak a Visayan (Bisayan) language of the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family.Most of Waray-
Waray are farmers and live in small villages. Although the kinship system and family structure are almost identical
to those of other Christian Filipino groups, the Waray-Waray are considered to have retained more of the beliefs and
folklore of pre-Christian times..
 Waray : Arts
 Many Waray-Waray traditions can be traced to pre-colonial times. For example, the Kuratsa dance is a very popular
traditional dance of the Waray-Waray at many social gatherings, especially weddings. It is very common throughout
Samar. The couple who dances the Kuratsa are showered with money by the people around them. The belief is that
the more money showered upon them, the more blessings will come their way. The culture is basically Visayan. The
Waray-Waray are often stereotyped as brave warriors, as popularized in the tagline, "basta ang Waray, hindi uurong
sa away" (Waray never back down from a fight.) Farming and fishing are the main livelihood. In the entire cropping
season, from land preparation up to post harvest, the farmers perform rituals invoking the nature spirits and ancestor
spirits for a good harvest.. Fisherfolk likewise ask permission from the water spirits for safety at sea and a good
catch. Their religious devotion is very evident in their celebrations like feasts honoring their patron saints. Fiestas
are celebrated with prayer, food/drinking dance and music.

 https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/09/Waray-Tribe-Culture-Traditions.html?m=1
 Waray : Political Structure
 The basic governmental unit in early Waray society was the barangay, a village settlement of 30 to 100 families
ruled by a datu or local chieftain. A barangay was usually organized by a strong ruler. Catholics comprised 96.76
percent of the province's household population in 2000. Other religious groups in the province are the Aglipays,
Iglesia ni Kristo, Islam, Buddhists, Baptists, and Protestants from the United Church of Christ of the Philippines
and other Protestant sects.
 https://santarita.gov.ph/culture-sports-and-recreation/#:~:text=The%20belief%20is%20that%20the,back%20down
%20from%20a%20fight.)
Waray : Marriage
 The Illiterate Way of Courtship has been practiced in the
Samar-Leyte region since the early 1900s, with young men
taking out an inarmidol handkerchief and waving it to the
woman. If the girl accepts the love offered, she smiles and
nods, if she frowns, she declines, and if she shows
indifference, the man will either wait for the right time or
forget her.
 https://www.britannica.com/topic/Waray-Waray
 Waray : Beliefs

 The tribal Waray believed in many deities, or diwata. There were almost 50 gods or goddesses in Waray mythology, for everything from
rainbows, greediness, time, flying creatures, and poison, to different worlds. There were also many rituals, since they believed there were
spirits in everything around them.
 The early Waray believed in many gods: one for the homes, another for the farms, and many others for the seas, rivers, and lakes. These
gods they collectively called “diwata.” Among the innumerable divine spirits, the Waray acknowledged one supreme god whom they called
Laon, Bathala, or Abba. They also believed in the spirits of their dead ancestors whom they referred to as humalagad, “one who follows or
goes along together.” They especially venerated dead ancestors who had shown noble qualities.
 1.What are the differences and similarites of major ethnic groups?

 The differences among these groups include their distinct regional cultures,
languages, and dialects. There is also a shared history, culture, and identity as
Filipinos that unites all of these groups. The similarities among the ethnic
groups include a love of music and dance, a strong connection to ancestral
roots, and a focus on family and community.
 2. What are the 3 best cultural practices of the ethnic group were applying in
tourism?

 • Festivals: The Philippines is known for its colorful and vibrant festivals, which showcase the
country's rich cultural heritage. Some of the most popular festivals include Ati-Atihan in Aklan,
Sinulog in Cebu, Kadayawan in Davao, and the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio. These festivals
typically involve street dancing, food and craft markets, and other cultural activities.
 • Traditional dances: The Philippines has a rich tradition of dance, with each ethnic group
having its own unique style and movements. Some popular traditional dances include the
Tinikling, which is performed using bamboo poles, and the Cariñosa, which is a traditional
courtship dance. These dances are often performed in festivals and cultural shows and provide
a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.
 • Handicrafts and traditional arts: The Philippines is known for its rich tradition of handicrafts
and traditional arts, which include weaving, wood carving, and basketry. Visitors can see these
skills in action at local markets, or they can attend workshops and demonstrations to learn more
about the process of creating these beautiful works of art.
 3. Why is it important to study the similarities and differences of major ethnic group to
you?

 • Studying the similarities and differences of the major ethnic groups

in the Philippines can help increase our understanding of the
country's diverse cultural heritage. This can promote cultural
sensitivity and respect, and allow us to appreciate the rich diversity of
the Philippines.
 Major ethnic groups is important as it helps us to better understand
and appreciate the rich cultural diversity of the world, improve
interpersonal relationships, resolve conflicts, and understand
historical context.
Group Members
 Princess Jewel Raine DS. Baldovino
 Mark Vincent V. Suyat
 Heleanne Valmoja
 Gerald Mico Ojo
 Harlyn Joy Porte