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READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
2
nd
Preliminary, 2
nd
Semester
A.Y. 2019-2020
JUAN DE PLASENCIA: CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS
(First Source)
Background of the Author
Born to the illustrious family of Portocarreros in Plasensia
in the region of Extremadura, Spain in the early 16th
century. He was one of the seven children of Pedro
Portocarrero, a captain of a Spanish schooner.
Juan de Plasencia grew up during the period known as the
Siglo de Oro, a Golden Age when arts and literature
flourished in many parts of Spain, among them his native
Extremadura.
Fray Joan de Puerto Carrero, del convento de
Villanueva de la Serena
– was his real name.
Arrival in the Philippines
Fray Juan de Plasencia came together with the first batch
of Franciscan missionaries in the Philippines.
Arrived at a port in Cavite, a few kilometers south of
Manila on the 2nd of July 1578.
Purpose: Relacion de las Costumbres and Instruccion
To put an end to some injustices being committed against the
natives by certain government officials.
“The chronicler, Francis enemies, and so I can
hardly express the sadness I feel any time the
news of such incidents reach my ears or I myself
am involved; however, if one is to choose between
enmity and friendship and between peace and war,
I believe enmity is to be preferred. For considering
the kind of persons most of the alcaldes mayores
are nowadays, nothing indicates that friendship
with them will help the missions in any way. On the
contrary, it will destroy them. Because, as I have
observed, you can hardly find one that is not
blinded and moved by greediness, thus destroying
his own soul as well as the lives and possessions
of the poor Indians.”
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE DOCUMENT
Social Classes
1.
Chieftain (Datu)
– Chief, captain of wars, whom
governed, obeyed and reverenced.
2.
Nobles (Maharlika)
– Free-born, they do not pay taxes
3.
Commoners (Aliping Namamahay)
– They live in their
own houses and lords of their property and gold.
4.
Slaves (Aliping Saguiguilir)
– They serve their master in
his house and his cultivated lands and can be sold.
Houses
– Made of wood, bamboo, and nipa palm.
Mode of Dressing
MALE
1.
Headgear is called Putong (symbolizes the number of
persons the wearer had killed)
2.
(Upper) a jacket with short sleeves called kanggan
3.
(Lower) bahag
FEMALE
1.
(Upper) Baro or Camisa
2.
(Lower) Saya
Ornaments
– A decorative object or detail that adds quality or
distinction to a person, place or thing.
Government
– The unit of government is called
Barangay
ruled by a chieftain, and consist of 30 to 100 families together
with their relatives and slaves.
Administration of Justice
The chieftain’s executive function includes implementing
laws, ensuring order and giving protection to his subject.
