GONE WERE THE HELPERS
Having been successful in discharging some of my less performing helpers I was left at last with only two: My gardener and my all-around errand boy. The errand boy had to move to the farm to take over the place of the last farmer who just left. Everything was in perfect perspective that at last I was able to make a genuine sigh of relief.
Came night time the “new” farmer texted me saying that he had no light and that he was the only one in the vicinity without light. I suspected that it was a simple fuse problem but since he didn’t know electrical trouble-shooting and since he was far from the nearest neighbor I have to send my gardener to assist him.
Now I was left alone which was ok with me as I was used to being alone on many occasions. I sat comfortably to watch T.V. shows while folding pieces of paper to make origami cubes that I later put in clear glasses. This was my way of whiling away the time. I pampered myself with brewed coffee and some crunchy cookies.
I have been accustomed to this kind of life and I was not complaining. During commercial breaks I reviewed my ‘Nigerian Diary’ which I found to be thrillingly interesting. Now I found new thing to make myself busy. I shall transfer excerpts from this diary to my flash disc for posterity.
I was not saddened by these experiences; in fact it was only now I fully realized that aging actually was not a limiting situation in life. Aging could be a source of magnificent inspirations if one knew how to play the game rightfully. Very few senior citizens could find joy in isolation. And before I finished jotting this note for my blog spot my gardener was back while the TV show I was watching was still ongoing.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
ERUPTION OF TAAL VOLCANO
1911 ERUPTION OF TAAL VOLCANO
When Taal Volcano erupted in 1911, many children together with their parents were in the “Sabungan” enjoying a “Sirko”.
The eruption was preceded by strong earthquakes which greatly scared the people. Old women prayed. They thought it was the end of the world.
The following morning, all plants were covered with ashes. The whole town was white. Many plants died because of the hot ashes that covered them, but later, the soil turned very fertile. The 1965 eruption was relatively mild.
The Sept. 28, 1965 Eruption of Taal Volcano
It was early dawn when I was awakened by deafening sounds of thunder, with alternating lightning, so blinding that I thought the whole town was on fire. After a while I went back to sleep thinking that it was only due to bad weather.
A few minutes passed and I heard the hooting of Dr. Poblete’s car. I quickly stood up, suddenly reminded of our plan to go to Manila that day. He excitedly told me to dress hurriedly so we could watch the eruption of Taal Volcano. Realizing that the thunder and lightning was coming from the angry volcano I suddenly got so confused that I didn’t know what to do.
We rushed to Tagaytgay to watch the volcano at the height of its fury. From our position at the edge of the ridge we could clearly see the black smoke coming out of the volcano’s mouth, alternated by thunder and lightning.
Watching from above an erupting volcano was one experience I could never forget. Mud and ashes were blown by strong winds towards Batangas. Unlike during its 1911 eruption when, according to old folks, mud and ashes reached up to the town of Alfonso that caused the death of many plants.
Dr. Poblete and I proceeded to Manila anyway. Along Tagaytay highway we saw and encountered many evacuees coming from areas around the volcano.
They were pictures of fear and fatigue hurrying in their attempt to escape away from the killer fire and the nauseating smell of sulfur which was all over Tagaytay City.
From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
When Taal Volcano erupted in 1911, many children together with their parents were in the “Sabungan” enjoying a “Sirko”.
The eruption was preceded by strong earthquakes which greatly scared the people. Old women prayed. They thought it was the end of the world.
The following morning, all plants were covered with ashes. The whole town was white. Many plants died because of the hot ashes that covered them, but later, the soil turned very fertile. The 1965 eruption was relatively mild.
The Sept. 28, 1965 Eruption of Taal Volcano
It was early dawn when I was awakened by deafening sounds of thunder, with alternating lightning, so blinding that I thought the whole town was on fire. After a while I went back to sleep thinking that it was only due to bad weather.
A few minutes passed and I heard the hooting of Dr. Poblete’s car. I quickly stood up, suddenly reminded of our plan to go to Manila that day. He excitedly told me to dress hurriedly so we could watch the eruption of Taal Volcano. Realizing that the thunder and lightning was coming from the angry volcano I suddenly got so confused that I didn’t know what to do.
We rushed to Tagaytgay to watch the volcano at the height of its fury. From our position at the edge of the ridge we could clearly see the black smoke coming out of the volcano’s mouth, alternated by thunder and lightning.
Watching from above an erupting volcano was one experience I could never forget. Mud and ashes were blown by strong winds towards Batangas. Unlike during its 1911 eruption when, according to old folks, mud and ashes reached up to the town of Alfonso that caused the death of many plants.
Dr. Poblete and I proceeded to Manila anyway. Along Tagaytay highway we saw and encountered many evacuees coming from areas around the volcano.
They were pictures of fear and fatigue hurrying in their attempt to escape away from the killer fire and the nauseating smell of sulfur which was all over Tagaytay City.
From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Alfonso at a Glance
Alfonso at a Glance
At the upland border of Cavite, lies the small developing town of Alfonso with a land area of 6,988 hectares. The 1996 statistics places the population at 34, 713. It has a total of 32 Barangays including five in the Poblacion. The 27 Barangays outside the Poblacion are all agriculturally centered though there are now scattered newly developed subdivisions here and there. Cut flower farming is becoming a trend nowadays.
Despite its proximity to Manila, it is still unmistakably rural; the reason why it is has become a haven for retirees who are building rest houses all around. Alfonso has not yet been invaded too much by people migrating from other provinces and because of this, almost everyone knows everyone, thus somehow maintaining peace, hospitality and unity. If not for the threat of the drug menace, Alfonso would be a paradise.
The Legend of Alas-as
Once upon a time there was a beautiful mountain full of wild trees and various kinds of wild animals. In this mountain, no human being lived. It was a virgin place, a pretty show window of God’s grace.
One happy bright morning a brave hunter chanced to see the lovely place. How he got inside, he did not know nor did he care to know, for he was greatly attracted by the place. He did not want to leave so he stayed overnight.
While he was fast asleep, a very charming young lady approached him. She held a cute oblong white seed that looked like a giant pearl. She instructed him to plant the seed in the area then vanished. When he woke up in the morning he realized that he had been dreaming, but to his astonishment, the oblong white pearl-like seed was there, clasped in his right hand. Now knowing what to do he decided to plant the seed before he went home.
Years later the hunter thought of the seed he planted. He went back to the place to find out what happened. To his surprise, he saw a tall healthy tree bearing very sweet fruit. Back at his hut he told his wife and children about it. Then he decided to transfer his hut near the big lovely tree.
The fruit of the tree was so sweet that it was considered a gift of God, who was then called “Allah”. So then man called the tree “Allah”, meaning God, and his family idolized it. His young child who was just learning to talk that time called the tree “alas” each time he asked for a bite of the God-given fruit.
One day the child was very eager to have a bite of the fruit. He pleaded to his father to give him “alas-as, alas-as,” and continued crying. Since then the first family in the locality called it “alas-as.” Other hunters heard about the tree. They transferred to the place, which they named Alas-as in honor of the tree which attracted them. It was that way for many, many years until it became a part of Indang. The name “ALAS-AS” was only changed to ALFONSO in 1859 when the former Barrio of Indang was made a town. Alfonso was the name chosen to honor the king of Spain, King Alfonso XII.
To this day, the name “alas-as” is still very fresh in the minds of the people of Alfonso. Two entities stand today to remind the Alfonso folk of the tree, Alas-as street and a stream called “Ilog Alas-as”. The legendary Alas-as tree grew up near this rivulet, which still flows nearby. How the Alas-as tree disappeared is another interesting legend.
Alas-as Tree Vanished One Night
When the fruit of Alas-as became famous among hunters, they did not only come around but they also started cutting its branches and picking its young fruits until it was badly damaged.
The “lady” became angry. One cloudy night, lightning accompanied by deafening thunder burned the tree. The people who were awakened by the thunder saw the “lady” wearing black, crying near the site of the alas-as tree which was turned into ashes.
Eversince no other alas-as tree grew up anywhere. What Botanist now called alas-as is something like pandan (a shrub)
________
Old records show that Alfonso was named after King Alfonso XIII which is impossible since Alfonso was established in 1859 while King Alfonso XIII was born only in 1886, a disparity of 27 years. So, Alfonso must have been named after King Alfonso XII.
From the b ook TINGKORAW: Allfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
At the upland border of Cavite, lies the small developing town of Alfonso with a land area of 6,988 hectares. The 1996 statistics places the population at 34, 713. It has a total of 32 Barangays including five in the Poblacion. The 27 Barangays outside the Poblacion are all agriculturally centered though there are now scattered newly developed subdivisions here and there. Cut flower farming is becoming a trend nowadays.
Despite its proximity to Manila, it is still unmistakably rural; the reason why it is has become a haven for retirees who are building rest houses all around. Alfonso has not yet been invaded too much by people migrating from other provinces and because of this, almost everyone knows everyone, thus somehow maintaining peace, hospitality and unity. If not for the threat of the drug menace, Alfonso would be a paradise.
The Legend of Alas-as
Once upon a time there was a beautiful mountain full of wild trees and various kinds of wild animals. In this mountain, no human being lived. It was a virgin place, a pretty show window of God’s grace.
One happy bright morning a brave hunter chanced to see the lovely place. How he got inside, he did not know nor did he care to know, for he was greatly attracted by the place. He did not want to leave so he stayed overnight.
While he was fast asleep, a very charming young lady approached him. She held a cute oblong white seed that looked like a giant pearl. She instructed him to plant the seed in the area then vanished. When he woke up in the morning he realized that he had been dreaming, but to his astonishment, the oblong white pearl-like seed was there, clasped in his right hand. Now knowing what to do he decided to plant the seed before he went home.
Years later the hunter thought of the seed he planted. He went back to the place to find out what happened. To his surprise, he saw a tall healthy tree bearing very sweet fruit. Back at his hut he told his wife and children about it. Then he decided to transfer his hut near the big lovely tree.
The fruit of the tree was so sweet that it was considered a gift of God, who was then called “Allah”. So then man called the tree “Allah”, meaning God, and his family idolized it. His young child who was just learning to talk that time called the tree “alas” each time he asked for a bite of the God-given fruit.
One day the child was very eager to have a bite of the fruit. He pleaded to his father to give him “alas-as, alas-as,” and continued crying. Since then the first family in the locality called it “alas-as.” Other hunters heard about the tree. They transferred to the place, which they named Alas-as in honor of the tree which attracted them. It was that way for many, many years until it became a part of Indang. The name “ALAS-AS” was only changed to ALFONSO in 1859 when the former Barrio of Indang was made a town. Alfonso was the name chosen to honor the king of Spain, King Alfonso XII.
To this day, the name “alas-as” is still very fresh in the minds of the people of Alfonso. Two entities stand today to remind the Alfonso folk of the tree, Alas-as street and a stream called “Ilog Alas-as”. The legendary Alas-as tree grew up near this rivulet, which still flows nearby. How the Alas-as tree disappeared is another interesting legend.
Alas-as Tree Vanished One Night
When the fruit of Alas-as became famous among hunters, they did not only come around but they also started cutting its branches and picking its young fruits until it was badly damaged.
The “lady” became angry. One cloudy night, lightning accompanied by deafening thunder burned the tree. The people who were awakened by the thunder saw the “lady” wearing black, crying near the site of the alas-as tree which was turned into ashes.
Eversince no other alas-as tree grew up anywhere. What Botanist now called alas-as is something like pandan (a shrub)
________
Old records show that Alfonso was named after King Alfonso XIII which is impossible since Alfonso was established in 1859 while King Alfonso XIII was born only in 1886, a disparity of 27 years. So, Alfonso must have been named after King Alfonso XII.
From the b ook TINGKORAW: Allfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
"Uwak..." Says the Crow (Happy Father's Day)
“UWAK…” SAYS THE CROW…
In the elementary grades I learned a song that says: “A friendly crow and a hawk sail to the skies…”Uwak…” says the crow, meaning, “we are flying high”
Hawks, Eagles and Crows are supposed to fly high in the skies to see a wider panorama while searching for their prey.
I have a pair of crows caught by my farmer when newly hatched. They were fed by my helpers until they learned how to fly. They became so used and adjusted to our environment that they just stay within our premises. They learned to eat fruits and other food, far from the chicks that they were genetically trained to catch and swallow as food.
They shout “Uwak” when they are hungry, afraid, happy or when strangers enter our gate. They are not colorful for they are black all over. They utter nothing but “Uwak…Uwak…!!!”, yet they are bringing a lot of cheers and joy everyday.
A bird need not be ‘talkative’ like the parrot and the mina, colorful like the oriole or romantic like the love birds to be able to bring about happiness. All a bird needs to be is be itself no matter how simple and lowly it looks. ”Uwak” can mean many things: It is a friendly good morning on waking up; a request for food when hungry; a greeting of hello to visitors; or a warm thank you when gratified. Whatever it means the sound “Uwak” makes me feel good. The couple of crows in our garden, black as they are, bring colors to our plants. Their solitary quaking sound is the sweet symphony that greeted me Happy Father’s Day this morning on my way to hear the Mass.
“Of course…!!!” I responded to a friend who, instead of greeting me Happy Father’s Day, teasingly asked: “Happy Father???” Happiness is relative. Different fathers have different reasons to be happy as different fathers have different roles to play.
Happiness is a subjective feeling, not just an objective behavior that indicates mirth. Any father who has been successful in pursuing his role in life should be happy, not only on Father’s Day but anytime of the year.
Some fathers use their physical strength to excel in their endeavors but there are fathers who use their intellectual capabilities to do many good things. A few fathers depend on their mind power to achieve and to be of help to others. At any rate fathers should be thankful that society is acknowledging the role of father on this special day. Look! Even the black crows know what I mean.
In the elementary grades I learned a song that says: “A friendly crow and a hawk sail to the skies…”Uwak…” says the crow, meaning, “we are flying high”
Hawks, Eagles and Crows are supposed to fly high in the skies to see a wider panorama while searching for their prey.
I have a pair of crows caught by my farmer when newly hatched. They were fed by my helpers until they learned how to fly. They became so used and adjusted to our environment that they just stay within our premises. They learned to eat fruits and other food, far from the chicks that they were genetically trained to catch and swallow as food.
They shout “Uwak” when they are hungry, afraid, happy or when strangers enter our gate. They are not colorful for they are black all over. They utter nothing but “Uwak…Uwak…!!!”, yet they are bringing a lot of cheers and joy everyday.
A bird need not be ‘talkative’ like the parrot and the mina, colorful like the oriole or romantic like the love birds to be able to bring about happiness. All a bird needs to be is be itself no matter how simple and lowly it looks. ”Uwak” can mean many things: It is a friendly good morning on waking up; a request for food when hungry; a greeting of hello to visitors; or a warm thank you when gratified. Whatever it means the sound “Uwak” makes me feel good. The couple of crows in our garden, black as they are, bring colors to our plants. Their solitary quaking sound is the sweet symphony that greeted me Happy Father’s Day this morning on my way to hear the Mass.
“Of course…!!!” I responded to a friend who, instead of greeting me Happy Father’s Day, teasingly asked: “Happy Father???” Happiness is relative. Different fathers have different reasons to be happy as different fathers have different roles to play.
Happiness is a subjective feeling, not just an objective behavior that indicates mirth. Any father who has been successful in pursuing his role in life should be happy, not only on Father’s Day but anytime of the year.
Some fathers use their physical strength to excel in their endeavors but there are fathers who use their intellectual capabilities to do many good things. A few fathers depend on their mind power to achieve and to be of help to others. At any rate fathers should be thankful that society is acknowledging the role of father on this special day. Look! Even the black crows know what I mean.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tribute to a Father
MY MOTHER’S HUSBAND (A tribute to my father on Father's Day)
A very simple man, he could have been a sculptor or an architect had he been given a better chance. But that was the order of the time among his folks---attain an elementary education and that was all.
He married an equally simple woman with more simple taste in life. Easily, he became a father of ten siblings. I happened to be the youngest. Thank God, family planning wasn’t yet common practice that time.
For as long as I live, his memories will linger in my mind in a manner entirely different from the way other children will remember their father.
With feelings of guilt I now recall his death while I was in Nigeria, Africa. He was already sick when I went there and so I said I was just attending a medical conference. Before he died he told someone that I “lied to him”.
But I am glad he didn’t suffer long. He died with dignity typically his own. All his life he resented cheating and opportunism. In all his work — and he could do many things — he was always honest and sincere.
He was a carpenter and a self-made "architect” of sort. The house where I was born was built by him. He was the FIRST IN TOWN to use straight posts with cement foundation.
During the Japanese time he invented a cigarette-maker, a coconut milk-extractor (HAPITAN), a corn-grinder that also mechanically moved a giant fan, and assorted toys which we, and other children, fully enjoyed.
I will never forget his “fighting wind vane” atop our asis tree and his toys made of bayugo (the fruit of gugo). He had a trap for catching monkeys (PARUKUT), another one for catching wild cats (musang and alamid) which is called PAKWIS, a different one to catch birds (BANTAY), and still another to catch rats, he called this BANGKULONG.
His stories were perfect lullabies repeated almost every night at bedtime. He had a way of waking us in the morning by pulling our hands up while saying: “Haba-haba, laki, taba!”.
He was a veteran of World War II and a very good wartime father. Because of him my memories of war were nothing but fun and playful adventures. He was a practical catholic and a very understanding husband. He shunned controversies and heated arguments but he worked very diligently. In our small community he was the PIONEER of BALUSTERS, HOLLOW BLOCKS, DECORATED STAIRWAYS and TOMBS, not to mention coffin COVERED WITH GLASS opening enough to show the face of the corpse.
He used to take a bath at the nearby brook every morning, then carried home one hard stone (BATONG BUHAY) each time. He picked buttons, nails and anything of possible future use, along the way, together with coins and other valuables.
Most of all he was a musician, a clarinet soloist. He loved to join picnics, excursions and enjoyed carnivals. In his diary he had a vivid description of the first automobile that came to town, and like most people who keep a diary, he was very orderly.
He was a very different father but I would not exchange him for anyone in spite of his shortcomings which were few and acceptable. My father, GAUDENCIO VARIAS AVIÑANTE was the son of Fernando Aviñante and Juanita Varias.
I know this is much too late but I want to greet you Happy Father's Day!
A very simple man, he could have been a sculptor or an architect had he been given a better chance. But that was the order of the time among his folks---attain an elementary education and that was all.
He married an equally simple woman with more simple taste in life. Easily, he became a father of ten siblings. I happened to be the youngest. Thank God, family planning wasn’t yet common practice that time.
For as long as I live, his memories will linger in my mind in a manner entirely different from the way other children will remember their father.
With feelings of guilt I now recall his death while I was in Nigeria, Africa. He was already sick when I went there and so I said I was just attending a medical conference. Before he died he told someone that I “lied to him”.
But I am glad he didn’t suffer long. He died with dignity typically his own. All his life he resented cheating and opportunism. In all his work — and he could do many things — he was always honest and sincere.
He was a carpenter and a self-made "architect” of sort. The house where I was born was built by him. He was the FIRST IN TOWN to use straight posts with cement foundation.
During the Japanese time he invented a cigarette-maker, a coconut milk-extractor (HAPITAN), a corn-grinder that also mechanically moved a giant fan, and assorted toys which we, and other children, fully enjoyed.
I will never forget his “fighting wind vane” atop our asis tree and his toys made of bayugo (the fruit of gugo). He had a trap for catching monkeys (PARUKUT), another one for catching wild cats (musang and alamid) which is called PAKWIS, a different one to catch birds (BANTAY), and still another to catch rats, he called this BANGKULONG.
His stories were perfect lullabies repeated almost every night at bedtime. He had a way of waking us in the morning by pulling our hands up while saying: “Haba-haba, laki, taba!”.
He was a veteran of World War II and a very good wartime father. Because of him my memories of war were nothing but fun and playful adventures. He was a practical catholic and a very understanding husband. He shunned controversies and heated arguments but he worked very diligently. In our small community he was the PIONEER of BALUSTERS, HOLLOW BLOCKS, DECORATED STAIRWAYS and TOMBS, not to mention coffin COVERED WITH GLASS opening enough to show the face of the corpse.
He used to take a bath at the nearby brook every morning, then carried home one hard stone (BATONG BUHAY) each time. He picked buttons, nails and anything of possible future use, along the way, together with coins and other valuables.
Most of all he was a musician, a clarinet soloist. He loved to join picnics, excursions and enjoyed carnivals. In his diary he had a vivid description of the first automobile that came to town, and like most people who keep a diary, he was very orderly.
He was a very different father but I would not exchange him for anyone in spite of his shortcomings which were few and acceptable. My father, GAUDENCIO VARIAS AVIÑANTE was the son of Fernando Aviñante and Juanita Varias.
I know this is much too late but I want to greet you Happy Father's Day!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Allfonso's Historical Background
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF ALFONSO
Establishment of Alfonso
The town has established on May 16, 1859, named ALFONSO to honor King Alfonso XII of Spain.
There were originally seven Barrios when the town was established, namely: ESPERANZA (Pag-asa), now Esperanza Ibaba and Esperanza Ilaya; KAYTITINGA (Mainam), now Kaytitinga 1, Kaytitinga 2 and Kaytitinga 3; MARAHAN, now Marahan 1 (Kanluran) and Marahan 2 (Silangan, including Balubad); MATAGBAK, now Matagbak 1 and Matagbak 2 (Putol); PAJO; SINALIW; now Sinaliw Malaki, Pulyok (Sta. Teresa), Sinaliw Munti, and Bilog; ang TAYWANAK, now Taywanak Ibaba or Taywanak Malyo (formerly Kakwatihan), Taywanak Ilaya or Taywanak Malapit (formerly Malaking Bayan); and MANGGAS, now Manggas Ibaba and Manggas Ilaya (Kural).
Former Sitios were also made Barrio proper and divided into several Barangays: Sitio Pansin is now Barangay Luksuhin Ibaba, Sitio Mataas na Pulo is now Barangay Luksuhin Ilaya. Former Sitio Maybalon (Anluwage) is now Barangay Sikat. Sitio Buck Estate is now Barangay Buck Estates. This also happened to former Sitio Upli, Sulsugin, Amuyong, Palumlum and Caysuyo. What we now called Barangays are what used to be called Barrios but were changed to Barangay by virtue of a Presidential decree during the Marcos Regime.
The highest Municipal Official at the time of the establishment of Alfonso was the “Gobernadorcillo”. This was changed to “Captain Municipal” in 1894; then to “Presidential Municipal” in 1901; “Alcalde Municipal” in 1936 during the Commonwealth Government.
When Antonio Villegas was Mayor of Manila he started calling Mayors “GATPUNO” but this term did not catch fire. Instead most Mayors were addressed “Punongbayan” which became interchangeable with “Alcalde”. The first “Gobernadorcillo” of 1859 was Don Bonifacio Aveo. Then in 1894. Don Lorenzo Angeles became “Capitan Municipal” until 1895. Don Narciso Mojica served next to Capitan Angeles until August, 1896 when the revolution against the Spaniards started. Don Hipolito Rint served from 1896 to 1897, after which Don Lorenzo Angeles was reinstated by the Revolutionary Government until the year 1898.
When Ferdinande Marcos declared Martial Law in 1972, most Mayors stayed in their seat of power until Marcos was deposed during the Bloodless Revolution in 1986.
Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino, the widow of the late Benigno Aquino, Jr. (assassinated on August 21, 1983) was proclaimed president by “People Power”. She temporarily established a Revolutionary Government under a Freedom Constitution. Overstaying Mayors were replaced by appointed OIC (Officer-in-Charge).
LIST OF ALFONSO MUNICIPAL HEADS
1. Bonifacio Aveo 1859 Gobernadorcillo
2. Vicente Rosel 1860 Gobernadorcillo
3. Felix Del Mundo 1861 Gobernadorcillo
4. Herminigildo Aviñante 1862 Gobernadorcillo
5. Sotero Varias 1863-64 Gobernadorcillo
6. Simplicio Hermoso 1865-66 Gobernadorcillo
7. Roman Rosel 1867-68 Gobernadorcillo
8. Jose Cron 1869-70 Gobernadorcillo
9. Gregorio Liamado 1871 Gobernadorcillo
10. Salustiano Esguerra 1872 Gobernadorcillo
11. Proceso Peji 1873-74 Gobernadorcillo
12. Herminigildo Aviñante 1875-76 Gobernadorcillo
13. Silverio Rosanes 1877-78 Gobernadorcillo
14. Francisco Mojica 1879-82 Gobernadorcillo
15. Lucio Credo 1883-84 Gobernadorcillo
16. Jose Cron 1885-86 Gobernadorcillo
17. Lucio Credo 1887 Gobernadorcillo
18. Hipolito Rint 1888 Gobernadorcillo
19. Gregorio Aviñante 1889-90 Gobernadorcillo
20. Lorenzo Angeles 1891-93 Capitan Municipal
21. Lorenzo Angeles 1894-95 Capitan Municipal
22. Narciso Mojica 1896 Capitan Municipal
23. Hipolito Rint August 1896 (temp.) Capitan Municipal
24. Lorenzo Angeles 1897-98 Capitan Municipal
25. Juan Aviñante 1899 Capitan Municipal
26. Tranquilino Herrera 1900 Presidente Municipal
27. Lorenzo Angeles 1901 Presidente Municipal
28. Miguel Pireda 1902 Presidente Municipal
29. Hipolito Rint 1903 Presidente Municipal
30. Lucio Credo 1904 Presidente Municipal
31. Lorenzo Angeles 1905-06 Presidente Municipal
32. Hipolito Rint 1907 Presidente Municipal
33. Severino Rosanes 1908-09 Presidente Municipal
34. Andres Herrera 1910-11 Presidente Municipal
35. Marcelino Aure 1912-15 Presidente Municipal
36. Nemecio Herrera 1916-19 Presidente Municipal
37. Severino Rosanes 1920-21 Presidente Municipal
38. Angeles Hernais 1922-25 Presidente Municipal
39. Armando Peji 1926-31 Alcalde Municipal
40. Aureliano Rosanes 1932-33 Alcalde Municipal
41. Juan Mojica 1934-35 Alcalde Municipal
42. Juan Mojica 1936 Alcalde Municipal
43. Angeles Hernais 1937-44 Alcalde Municipal
44. Adelardo Rosanes 1945-55 Alcalde Municipal
45. Angeles Hernais 1956-60 Alcalde Municipal
46. Adelardo Rosanes 1961-71 Alcalde Municipal
47. Florencio Montenegro 1972-86 Mayor
48. Ernesto Hermoso May 1986 – Jan 1988 OIC Mayor (Alkalde)
49. Dr. Modesto Mojica Feb 1988 – May 1992 Mayor Alkalde
50. Florencio Montenegro June 1992 – May 1998 Mayor Alkalde
51. Florencio Montenegro June 1998 – June 2001 Mayor Alkalde
52. Virgilio Varias June 2001 – June 2004 Mayor Alkalde
53. Jose Pañano, M. E. June 2004 – June 2007 Mayor Alkalde
54. Virgilio Varias July 1, 2007 Mayor Alkalde
LIST OF PARISH PRIESTS
1. Rev. Fr. Jose Sta. Maria Jan 20, 1861 – June 23, 1871
2. Rev. Fr. Perfecto A Valle June 24, 1871 – Dec. 11, 1873
3. Rev. Fr. Tomas Monforte June 16, 1874 – June 19, 1878
4. Rev. Fr. Isidoro Capillanes July 3, 1878 – Dec. 5, 1883
5. Rev. Fr. Candido Valles Dec. 8, 1883 – June 5, 1885
6. Rev. Fr. Juan Gonzales June 5, 1885 – Aug. 7, 1888
7. Rev. Fr. Candido G. Valles Aug. 7, 1888 – June 15, 1891
8. Rev. Fr. Benito Mojica (Temp.) June 15, 1891 – Aug. 17, 1891
9. Rev. Fr. Valentin Velasco Aug. 17, 1891 – Sept. 13, 1891
10. Rev. Fr. Victorio Rubio Sept. 13, 1891 – Aug. 14, 1901
11. Rev. Fr. Benito Mojica Aug. 18, 1901 – May 3, 1903
12. Rev. Fr. Policarpio Villafranca May 6, 1903 – July 30, 1903
13. Rev. Fr. Adriano Cuerpo Sept. 13, 1891 – Jan. 3, 1906
14. Rev. Fr. Fausto Santos Jan. 18, 1906 – Jan. 5, 1907
15. Rev. Fr. Faustino Sardo Jan. 19, 1907 – April 2, 1909
16. Rev. Fr. Pablo Camilo April 2, 1909 – Aug. 10, 1910
17. Rev. Fr. Jorge Capistrano Aug. 17, 1910 – Oct. 9, 1910
18. Rev. Fr. Angel Cortezar Oct. 22, 1910 – Feb. 10, 1912
19. Rev. Fr. Jorge Capistrano Feb. 24, 1912 – Oct. 29, 1919
20. Rev. Fr. Emilio Mercado Nov. 2, 1919 – May 18, 1928
21. Rev. Fr. Conrado Arciaga May 18, 1928 – Feb. 10, 1932
22. Rev. Fr. Jose C. Marquez Feb. 10, 1932 – July 19, 1933
23. Rev. Fr. Lorenzo Mañosca July 19, 1933 – April 1, 1936
24. Rev. Fr. Santiago G. Guanlao April 1, 1936 – Aug. 9, 1936
25. Rev. Fr. Elpidio P. Peredo Aug. 9, 1936 – Sept. 17, 1937
26. Rev. Fr. Pacifico B. Araullo Sept. 19, 1937 – April 1, 1946
27. Rev. Fr. Segundo Alto April 1, 1946 – Sept. 23, 1951
28. Rev. Fr. Felix Igancio Oct. 14, 1951 – May 25, 1952
29. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Hocson June 15, 1952 – Jan. 11, 1953
30. Rev. Fr. Jose R. Rementilla Jan. 19, 1953 – Oct. 1, 1961
31. Rev. Fr. Rosendo Iganacio Oct. 1, 1961 – April 7, 1962
32. Rev. Fr. Francisco Santiago April 7, 1962 – Sept. 25, 1966
33. Rev. Fr. Leopoldo del Rosario Oct. 2, 1966 – Aug. 22, 1971
34. Rev. Fr. Avelino R. Sapida Aug. 28, 1971 – May 1, 1978
35. Rev. Fr. Andres S. Coral, Jr. May 1, 1978 – June 25 1979
36. Rev. Fr. Inocencio Poblete, Jr. June 25, 1979 – June 15, 1984
37. Rev. Fr. Redentor Corpus June 15, 1984 – July 30, 1997
38. Rev. Fr. Ruel Castañeda July 30, 1997 – Apr. 4, 1999
39. Rev. Fr. Herminigildo M. Asilo April 4, 1999 – Sept. 27, 2001
40. Rev. Fr. Leoben (Phem) Peregrino Sept. 27, 2001 – May 26, 2003
41. Rev. Fr. Bernie Gacelo May 26, 2003 -
ALFONSO’S FIRSTS
FIRST SETTLERS:
1. Bonifacio Aveo Family
2. Telesforo Añonuevo Family
3. Simplicio Hermoso Family
4. Eufemio Mojica Family
5. Bonifacio Aventurado Family
6. Venancio Rupido Family
7. Luis Credo Family
8. Felix del Mundo Family
9. Tomas Marquez Family
10. Salustiano Esguerra Family
11. Vicente Rosel Family
12. Sacarias Hermoso Family
13. Herminigildo Aviñante Family
FIRST TITLE HOLDERS:
1. Goberndorcillo Bonifacio Aveo (1859)
2. Capitan Municipal Lorenzo Angeles (1894)
3. Presidente Municipal Lorenzo Angeles (1901)
4. Alcelde Municipal Juan Mojica, Sr. (1936)
5. First Judge Don Pedro Villanueva (1885)
6. First Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Jose Sta. Teresa (1861)
7. First Outstanding Mayor Mayor Angeles Hernais (1958)
OTHER FIRSTS:
1. First to Die Juana Romasanta
2. First persons baptized Lucia Peñano & Marcelo Peji
3. First to introduce Harana Godofredo Canlobo (late 1800’s)
4. First automobile owner Pedro Seltiel from Indang (1930)
5. First Provincial Governor Reymundo Jeciel (1922-24)
6. First Social Organization Alulong & Sa Liwanag ng Buwan
7. First of Introduce bahete Pablo Espineli (late 1800’s)
8. First Medical Practitioner Dr. Santiago Rosanes
9. First Firewalker Pedro Manuyag (1921)
In 1885, the justice of peace was established. The first judge was Don Pedro Villanueva and the first successive judges according to Gervacio Pangilinan’s “La Historica Cavite” are:
1. Don Pedro Villanueva
2. Don Pedro Mojica
3. Don Herminigildo Aviñante
4. Don Gregorio Llamado
5. Don Simplicio Hermoso
6. Don Felix del Mundo
7. Don Silvino Rosanes
8. Don Salustiano Esguerra
9. Don Sotero Varias
10. Don Vicente Rosel
From the book TINGKORAW:Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
Establishment of Alfonso
The town has established on May 16, 1859, named ALFONSO to honor King Alfonso XII of Spain.
There were originally seven Barrios when the town was established, namely: ESPERANZA (Pag-asa), now Esperanza Ibaba and Esperanza Ilaya; KAYTITINGA (Mainam), now Kaytitinga 1, Kaytitinga 2 and Kaytitinga 3; MARAHAN, now Marahan 1 (Kanluran) and Marahan 2 (Silangan, including Balubad); MATAGBAK, now Matagbak 1 and Matagbak 2 (Putol); PAJO; SINALIW; now Sinaliw Malaki, Pulyok (Sta. Teresa), Sinaliw Munti, and Bilog; ang TAYWANAK, now Taywanak Ibaba or Taywanak Malyo (formerly Kakwatihan), Taywanak Ilaya or Taywanak Malapit (formerly Malaking Bayan); and MANGGAS, now Manggas Ibaba and Manggas Ilaya (Kural).
Former Sitios were also made Barrio proper and divided into several Barangays: Sitio Pansin is now Barangay Luksuhin Ibaba, Sitio Mataas na Pulo is now Barangay Luksuhin Ilaya. Former Sitio Maybalon (Anluwage) is now Barangay Sikat. Sitio Buck Estate is now Barangay Buck Estates. This also happened to former Sitio Upli, Sulsugin, Amuyong, Palumlum and Caysuyo. What we now called Barangays are what used to be called Barrios but were changed to Barangay by virtue of a Presidential decree during the Marcos Regime.
The highest Municipal Official at the time of the establishment of Alfonso was the “Gobernadorcillo”. This was changed to “Captain Municipal” in 1894; then to “Presidential Municipal” in 1901; “Alcalde Municipal” in 1936 during the Commonwealth Government.
When Antonio Villegas was Mayor of Manila he started calling Mayors “GATPUNO” but this term did not catch fire. Instead most Mayors were addressed “Punongbayan” which became interchangeable with “Alcalde”. The first “Gobernadorcillo” of 1859 was Don Bonifacio Aveo. Then in 1894. Don Lorenzo Angeles became “Capitan Municipal” until 1895. Don Narciso Mojica served next to Capitan Angeles until August, 1896 when the revolution against the Spaniards started. Don Hipolito Rint served from 1896 to 1897, after which Don Lorenzo Angeles was reinstated by the Revolutionary Government until the year 1898.
When Ferdinande Marcos declared Martial Law in 1972, most Mayors stayed in their seat of power until Marcos was deposed during the Bloodless Revolution in 1986.
Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino, the widow of the late Benigno Aquino, Jr. (assassinated on August 21, 1983) was proclaimed president by “People Power”. She temporarily established a Revolutionary Government under a Freedom Constitution. Overstaying Mayors were replaced by appointed OIC (Officer-in-Charge).
LIST OF ALFONSO MUNICIPAL HEADS
1. Bonifacio Aveo 1859 Gobernadorcillo
2. Vicente Rosel 1860 Gobernadorcillo
3. Felix Del Mundo 1861 Gobernadorcillo
4. Herminigildo Aviñante 1862 Gobernadorcillo
5. Sotero Varias 1863-64 Gobernadorcillo
6. Simplicio Hermoso 1865-66 Gobernadorcillo
7. Roman Rosel 1867-68 Gobernadorcillo
8. Jose Cron 1869-70 Gobernadorcillo
9. Gregorio Liamado 1871 Gobernadorcillo
10. Salustiano Esguerra 1872 Gobernadorcillo
11. Proceso Peji 1873-74 Gobernadorcillo
12. Herminigildo Aviñante 1875-76 Gobernadorcillo
13. Silverio Rosanes 1877-78 Gobernadorcillo
14. Francisco Mojica 1879-82 Gobernadorcillo
15. Lucio Credo 1883-84 Gobernadorcillo
16. Jose Cron 1885-86 Gobernadorcillo
17. Lucio Credo 1887 Gobernadorcillo
18. Hipolito Rint 1888 Gobernadorcillo
19. Gregorio Aviñante 1889-90 Gobernadorcillo
20. Lorenzo Angeles 1891-93 Capitan Municipal
21. Lorenzo Angeles 1894-95 Capitan Municipal
22. Narciso Mojica 1896 Capitan Municipal
23. Hipolito Rint August 1896 (temp.) Capitan Municipal
24. Lorenzo Angeles 1897-98 Capitan Municipal
25. Juan Aviñante 1899 Capitan Municipal
26. Tranquilino Herrera 1900 Presidente Municipal
27. Lorenzo Angeles 1901 Presidente Municipal
28. Miguel Pireda 1902 Presidente Municipal
29. Hipolito Rint 1903 Presidente Municipal
30. Lucio Credo 1904 Presidente Municipal
31. Lorenzo Angeles 1905-06 Presidente Municipal
32. Hipolito Rint 1907 Presidente Municipal
33. Severino Rosanes 1908-09 Presidente Municipal
34. Andres Herrera 1910-11 Presidente Municipal
35. Marcelino Aure 1912-15 Presidente Municipal
36. Nemecio Herrera 1916-19 Presidente Municipal
37. Severino Rosanes 1920-21 Presidente Municipal
38. Angeles Hernais 1922-25 Presidente Municipal
39. Armando Peji 1926-31 Alcalde Municipal
40. Aureliano Rosanes 1932-33 Alcalde Municipal
41. Juan Mojica 1934-35 Alcalde Municipal
42. Juan Mojica 1936 Alcalde Municipal
43. Angeles Hernais 1937-44 Alcalde Municipal
44. Adelardo Rosanes 1945-55 Alcalde Municipal
45. Angeles Hernais 1956-60 Alcalde Municipal
46. Adelardo Rosanes 1961-71 Alcalde Municipal
47. Florencio Montenegro 1972-86 Mayor
48. Ernesto Hermoso May 1986 – Jan 1988 OIC Mayor (Alkalde)
49. Dr. Modesto Mojica Feb 1988 – May 1992 Mayor Alkalde
50. Florencio Montenegro June 1992 – May 1998 Mayor Alkalde
51. Florencio Montenegro June 1998 – June 2001 Mayor Alkalde
52. Virgilio Varias June 2001 – June 2004 Mayor Alkalde
53. Jose Pañano, M. E. June 2004 – June 2007 Mayor Alkalde
54. Virgilio Varias July 1, 2007 Mayor Alkalde
LIST OF PARISH PRIESTS
1. Rev. Fr. Jose Sta. Maria Jan 20, 1861 – June 23, 1871
2. Rev. Fr. Perfecto A Valle June 24, 1871 – Dec. 11, 1873
3. Rev. Fr. Tomas Monforte June 16, 1874 – June 19, 1878
4. Rev. Fr. Isidoro Capillanes July 3, 1878 – Dec. 5, 1883
5. Rev. Fr. Candido Valles Dec. 8, 1883 – June 5, 1885
6. Rev. Fr. Juan Gonzales June 5, 1885 – Aug. 7, 1888
7. Rev. Fr. Candido G. Valles Aug. 7, 1888 – June 15, 1891
8. Rev. Fr. Benito Mojica (Temp.) June 15, 1891 – Aug. 17, 1891
9. Rev. Fr. Valentin Velasco Aug. 17, 1891 – Sept. 13, 1891
10. Rev. Fr. Victorio Rubio Sept. 13, 1891 – Aug. 14, 1901
11. Rev. Fr. Benito Mojica Aug. 18, 1901 – May 3, 1903
12. Rev. Fr. Policarpio Villafranca May 6, 1903 – July 30, 1903
13. Rev. Fr. Adriano Cuerpo Sept. 13, 1891 – Jan. 3, 1906
14. Rev. Fr. Fausto Santos Jan. 18, 1906 – Jan. 5, 1907
15. Rev. Fr. Faustino Sardo Jan. 19, 1907 – April 2, 1909
16. Rev. Fr. Pablo Camilo April 2, 1909 – Aug. 10, 1910
17. Rev. Fr. Jorge Capistrano Aug. 17, 1910 – Oct. 9, 1910
18. Rev. Fr. Angel Cortezar Oct. 22, 1910 – Feb. 10, 1912
19. Rev. Fr. Jorge Capistrano Feb. 24, 1912 – Oct. 29, 1919
20. Rev. Fr. Emilio Mercado Nov. 2, 1919 – May 18, 1928
21. Rev. Fr. Conrado Arciaga May 18, 1928 – Feb. 10, 1932
22. Rev. Fr. Jose C. Marquez Feb. 10, 1932 – July 19, 1933
23. Rev. Fr. Lorenzo Mañosca July 19, 1933 – April 1, 1936
24. Rev. Fr. Santiago G. Guanlao April 1, 1936 – Aug. 9, 1936
25. Rev. Fr. Elpidio P. Peredo Aug. 9, 1936 – Sept. 17, 1937
26. Rev. Fr. Pacifico B. Araullo Sept. 19, 1937 – April 1, 1946
27. Rev. Fr. Segundo Alto April 1, 1946 – Sept. 23, 1951
28. Rev. Fr. Felix Igancio Oct. 14, 1951 – May 25, 1952
29. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Hocson June 15, 1952 – Jan. 11, 1953
30. Rev. Fr. Jose R. Rementilla Jan. 19, 1953 – Oct. 1, 1961
31. Rev. Fr. Rosendo Iganacio Oct. 1, 1961 – April 7, 1962
32. Rev. Fr. Francisco Santiago April 7, 1962 – Sept. 25, 1966
33. Rev. Fr. Leopoldo del Rosario Oct. 2, 1966 – Aug. 22, 1971
34. Rev. Fr. Avelino R. Sapida Aug. 28, 1971 – May 1, 1978
35. Rev. Fr. Andres S. Coral, Jr. May 1, 1978 – June 25 1979
36. Rev. Fr. Inocencio Poblete, Jr. June 25, 1979 – June 15, 1984
37. Rev. Fr. Redentor Corpus June 15, 1984 – July 30, 1997
38. Rev. Fr. Ruel Castañeda July 30, 1997 – Apr. 4, 1999
39. Rev. Fr. Herminigildo M. Asilo April 4, 1999 – Sept. 27, 2001
40. Rev. Fr. Leoben (Phem) Peregrino Sept. 27, 2001 – May 26, 2003
41. Rev. Fr. Bernie Gacelo May 26, 2003 -
ALFONSO’S FIRSTS
FIRST SETTLERS:
1. Bonifacio Aveo Family
2. Telesforo Añonuevo Family
3. Simplicio Hermoso Family
4. Eufemio Mojica Family
5. Bonifacio Aventurado Family
6. Venancio Rupido Family
7. Luis Credo Family
8. Felix del Mundo Family
9. Tomas Marquez Family
10. Salustiano Esguerra Family
11. Vicente Rosel Family
12. Sacarias Hermoso Family
13. Herminigildo Aviñante Family
FIRST TITLE HOLDERS:
1. Goberndorcillo Bonifacio Aveo (1859)
2. Capitan Municipal Lorenzo Angeles (1894)
3. Presidente Municipal Lorenzo Angeles (1901)
4. Alcelde Municipal Juan Mojica, Sr. (1936)
5. First Judge Don Pedro Villanueva (1885)
6. First Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Jose Sta. Teresa (1861)
7. First Outstanding Mayor Mayor Angeles Hernais (1958)
OTHER FIRSTS:
1. First to Die Juana Romasanta
2. First persons baptized Lucia Peñano & Marcelo Peji
3. First to introduce Harana Godofredo Canlobo (late 1800’s)
4. First automobile owner Pedro Seltiel from Indang (1930)
5. First Provincial Governor Reymundo Jeciel (1922-24)
6. First Social Organization Alulong & Sa Liwanag ng Buwan
7. First of Introduce bahete Pablo Espineli (late 1800’s)
8. First Medical Practitioner Dr. Santiago Rosanes
9. First Firewalker Pedro Manuyag (1921)
In 1885, the justice of peace was established. The first judge was Don Pedro Villanueva and the first successive judges according to Gervacio Pangilinan’s “La Historica Cavite” are:
1. Don Pedro Villanueva
2. Don Pedro Mojica
3. Don Herminigildo Aviñante
4. Don Gregorio Llamado
5. Don Simplicio Hermoso
6. Don Felix del Mundo
7. Don Silvino Rosanes
8. Don Salustiano Esguerra
9. Don Sotero Varias
10. Don Vicente Rosel
From the book TINGKORAW:Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
FOLKWAYS IN ALFONSO
FOLKWAYS IN ALFONSO
A. CUSTOMS OF THE PEOPLE
ON BIRTHS AND NEWBORN
It is believed in many parts of Alfonso that a child’s future can be guided right after birth. Many traditional practices are done ceremoniously during the baby’s period of infancy.
a. Immediately after the birth of a baby, the father places above his head, books, pencil, etc., believing that what they place there will guide the future of the child.
b. The cord is wrapped in a piece of white cloth and tied to a rafter in the roof of the house in the belief that the child will not fear high places.
c. The placenta (inunan) of the newborn is buried by the father together with the poisonous leaf of lipa and ligas plus other allergenic plants to make the child immune to said poisons.
ON COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE
The popular “Filipino custom… no touch” used to be strictly practiced in Alfonso but lately this has been diluted by the influence of modernity.
a. A boy pays a visit to a girl when the position of the moon and Venus is such that the moon is directly under the planet as if ready to catch it if falls.
b. The boy serves the family (panunmuyo) of the girl at least one year before the wedding.
c. The boy offers a “dowry” depending upon the agreement arrived at during the “Pamamanhikan” or “Bulungan”.
d. The bride is not supposed to try on her wedding gown or else something bad may happen.
DEATH AND FUNERALS
a. It is not good to do any kind of cleaning in the house or surroundings when someone is dead because the burial will be accompanied by heavy rain.
b. It is very dangerous to bump any part of the coffin on any part of the house even accidentally for it serves as an omen that another member of the family will die soon.
c. Female relatives mourn for one year by wearing black.
d. A fire is prepared near the gate and mourners are encouraged to jump over it after sprinkling table salt grains to disinfect themselves.
e. A broom immediately cleans the floor after removing the coffin from there. This is another ritual disinfecting.
f. Four days after the burial, the bereaved family members all go to the nearby brook to take a bath.
g. Nine nights from the date of death are spent for the “Padasal” as offering for the soul of the departed. During this period, relatives, friends and neighbors assemble nightly and share snack in the house. They don’t all go there to pray. Some gamble, the young ones usually play “Juego de Prenda” while the “manongs” and the “manangs” recite the prayers.
h. When the food (coffee and bread usually) is offered, one should take care not to put one cup over the other to prevent members of the family from dying one after another.
i. The ninth day, locally termed “TIBAW” is a whole day affair usually a get-together type of banquet whereby neighbors, friends and relatives are invited to come and join the closing “novena” for the deceased.
j. The 40th day is celebrated probably to symbolize the Ascension of Jesus Christ, forty days following His Resurrection.
k. Finally, the “BABANG LUKSA” (end of the period of mourning) is celebrated about one year after the death. This is another whole day affair.
l. After the “Babang Luksa”, offertory prayers are held every now and then depending upon the mood of the family. It is really quite expensive to die in Alfonso. What with all the traditional rituals.
Some of these traditions are slowly fading but it is still expensive to die, more so now that a regular coffin’s cost is prohibitive. Cremation is thus beginning to be popular.
ACTS OF RESPECT
People anywhere are expected to show respect to others but in Alfonso, we have customary acts of respect, which are very different and unique.
a. Young ones are expected to always respond with “PO”, “OPO” or “OHO” when talking to elders.
b. Kissing the hands (ang PAGBISA o PAGMAMANO) of the elders after sunset is not really kissing but actually mere touching of the elder’s right hand on the forehead of the youngsters. This is practiced anywhere during the night time whenever a young one meets an elder. This is a crude form of “hello” greeting done when one arrives or leaves.
c. Passing in front of visitors is an awkward act of “bending one’s body forward”, with arms also extended rigidly forward, palms clasped tightly and used as guide to carry oneself and to point to the visitors where he is going which he does as quickly as possible so as not to obstruct anyone.
ENTERTAINING VISITORS
Guests are brought to the farm for a taste of young coconut (MURA or BUKO) direct from the tree.
Fried chicken, “tinola”, local “achara”, “arroz valenciana” and other home-cooked delicacies are commonly offered by the host with pride.
On the way home, visitors will find themselves loaded with all kinds of available fruits, with of course, final remarks of thanks and an invitation to “please come back soon”.
SOME UNPLEASANT CUSTOMS
a. One cannot attend a “party” of whatever occasion without a “regalo” or gift.
b. The average Alfonso resident refuses to accept offers of food as compensation for their being very helpful.
c. People do not attend a wake (Pulawan) without “limos” or monetary contribution.
B. FOLK BELIEFS
ON BIRTH AND NEWBORN BABIES
a. A baby born breech presentation will turn out to be a natural healer of throats obstructed with fish bones.
b. A baby who sucks his thumbs shall become rich and famous.
c. A baby who cries loud on birth is requesting for a baptismal sponsor from a far away place.
d. A baby’s hair is cut on his first birthday otherwise something bad happens to the baby.
e. Intelligent persons, usually professionals are requested to be the first to cut the baby’s fingernails, to inherit the cutter’s potentialities.
f. A baby’s physical feature is influenced by what the mother thought of during her conception.
g. If the first child is a boy, the grandparents shall be healthier and shall live longer.
h. The child is influenced by the qualities of the baptismal sponsor (Ninong), hence the care in choosing one.
ON COURTSHIP AND WEDDING
a. A suitor must not visit a girl on “bad days” (Tuesdays, Fridays and days falling on the 7th, 13th, 17, and 27th).
b. Lovers are not supposed to see each other on moonless nights.
c. It is not good to give a loved one any religious article as it will prevent them from getting married.
d. A scar on the forehead is not a very good sign.
e. Persons with mole on the path of tears are widowed early.
f. It is bad for the bride to try on her bridal gown.
g. A lady in mourning cannot marry.
h. Brothers and sisters cannot marry within the same year (suno or sukob sa taon) in the belief that they, the couples, will be in constant competition in their livelihood.
i. Anybody in mourn must never, ever be included in the presidential table.
j. Immediately after the wedding ceremonies, the bride and the groom attempt to step on each other’s foot believing that it gives good luck to the married couple and at the same time determines who shall be the “boss” in the new household.
They also race each other to the door believing that the spouse who reaches first will live longer and happier.
k. Rice shower is practiced after the ceremony to keep the family “bountiful”.
l. “Dulces” (sweets) are offered on arrival of the couple to keep their family forever sweet.
m. After serving the food, the bride is “smuggled” by the relatives of the groom and brought quickly to his house.
n. A “gating” (measuring cup) is stolen from the bride’s household and carried during the “bride smuggle” so that the bride may not feel homesick in the new house.
o. On arrival to the groom’s house, the bride, accompanied by an old woman is “counted” in the room:
“Isa, dal’wa, tatlo…
Dito ka tatai’y dito ka iihi
Aalis ka man dito’y
Dito ka rin uuwi.”
“one, two, three
Here, you’ll urinate
And here, you’ll defecate;
You’ll be allowed to leave
But you’ll always come back.
ON MENSTRUATION AND PREGNANCY
A menstruating woman should not take a bath, eat sour fruits or even pass over bridges with water under it as all those things cause massive bleeding.
It is bad for a girl in her period to look at wounds for the mere act induces severe menstrual bleeding.
An expectant mother must not go under the house (silong) for it induces difficult childbirth.
Anybody staying on the doorway of a preganant womn’s house invites obstacles to childbirth.
A husband acting as pall bearer during a funeral shortens the life of the unborn.
A husband calling a midwife must not enter her house.
Pregnant woman must not drink without pause as the baby would cry non-stop after birth. A pregnant woman must wash her own plate after eating.
While in a brook or river, a pregnant woman must always face the stream’s flow.
An expectant mother must not wear anything round her neck.
A person sharing food with an expectant mother will feel sleepy.
A gambler greeted by a pregnant woman on his way to the gambling house is sure to lose.
Birthmarks are caused by conception thoughts (Paglilihi).
ON CARING FOR THE SICK
A sick person’s head must never point north or west.
Dog howlings and owl hootings are bad omens when heard in the vicinity of a sick person.
Black colored insects and flies are news of impeding death.
ON BUILDING HOUSES
Before building a house, a mystical calendar locally called “lunario” is first consulted.
The site is evaluated first by a “medicine man” locally called “barco” (see Sayaw sa Apoy)).
Doors must not be in line with one another, otherwise owner’s treasures “will go out easily”.
One cooking must not be facing the street or else unexpected guests would come.
Stairs are counted as “ginto, pilak, tanso, repeatedly, and must always end up with ginto.”
A dining table must be arranged crosswise with the main door.
Cabinets must not face west where the sun sets.
Moving into a new house entails other ceremonies including “BASANG-GILAGID” which is discussed somewhere else.
OTHER SUPERTITIOUS BELIEFS
Rituals to counteract cleaning the house during wake period:
Sprinkle salt grains in front of the Church on burial day so it will not rain
Throw a underwear of the deceased on top of the roof.
Do the sweeping of the floor at the very time of death.
Put an inverted broom against a water downspout.
One receiving a handkerchief as a gift shall experience shedding tears cuased by the giver.
Relatives of one who died are not supposed to attend another wake until after 40 days.
Families prepare an extra place at the dining table whenever a member dropped a fork or spoon in anticipation of a visitor.
This little accident is met with delightful anticipation. A dropped silver is always a friendly warning of an impending visitor: a man for a fork and a woman for a spoon.
Ever hospitable as most Filipinos are, the family readily sets an extra place at the table for their surprise guest… A tradition of love observed up to this day.
C. PSYCHISM IN ALFONSO
The highest scientific circles have recently agreed that many people are capable of using psychic energy in different ways though they may be totally unaware of the fact.
Local psychics in Alfonso learned their feats spontaneously (BUKAL) or guided by an old relative (MINANA) usually. Lately however, some practitioners are incorporating scientific knowledge.
Back to the old practice in Alfonso I noted that in spite of the various methods of quackery, the rampancy of amulets and several seemingly mystical rituals, bewitchment is not common, unlike in other localities in the archipelago.
It does occur however, occasionally and is usually caused by a “mangkukulam” (witch). The power of a “mangkukulam” is said to be inborn or occasionally, acquired after the person has been afflicted by a certain ailment. It is a common belief that the illness caused by a “mangkukulam” is incurable. Alfonso is fortunate that this is not common in the town. The nature of bewitchment is not fully understood up to present.
More commonly encountered is bewitchment caused by a “manggagaway”. His/her power is also inborn and inherited, so they say. A “manggagaway differs from a “mangkukulam” both in physical appearance as well as in general attitude. She may not always be old and ugly but her stare penetrates. She may not even be aware that she is “manggagaway”. She discovers herself only when somebody (usually a baby) she stares at, gets sick. The case is usually discovered by a “magsasanghiyang” (one who practices the “sanghiyang” ritual). A victim is said to be NABATI. Only the “manggagaway” (ang NAKABATI ) can cure the illness caused by her. Her plain saliva generally “cures”; at times, more elaborate procedures are necessary.
At any rate both the “mangkukulam” and the “manggagaway” are not common and are not popular in Alfonso.
Old folks know several ways to counteract the power of a “witch”. They suggest that if someone you encounter is a suspected “manggagaway’ you are supposed to immediately murmur some cursing words against her. You may even curse her mentally. A “buntot pagi” is also considered a good weapon as well as other items like bamboo sections with matching eyes, a branch of the plant “cayetana” or perhaps garlic.
Latin prayers are also said to be very effective antidote to bewitchment. Like the one supposedly used by Jesus in driving away the devil. “AMPEL MIBEL, GAYIM JESUS EXEMENERAM EGO SUM MICCIONEY EMPURO MECATIONEM DIORUM, NOR NOT NOD, NUN SICUT DEUS.”
There is also a “broad spectrum” prayer against all evil: “LODEM SOOLECAM SOPECLAM, or VIRGO VIRGEN MARIA OPICLUM or EGRA EGRAYUM EGROM ERESUM”.
JESUS MARIA Y JOSEP, or TUMAUS TUTAUS TABUUB JUB UB, or ARAM ADAM ACSIDAM VUC VOUC VAUC TAUOC, or MURMURLUM MURMURTUM MURSIATUM or ARAM AC ADAM AM ADAM and so on and so forth until one completes some fifty two prayers, all of which may be used while blowing on the body of the bewitched.
From the book TINGKORAW:Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
A. CUSTOMS OF THE PEOPLE
ON BIRTHS AND NEWBORN
It is believed in many parts of Alfonso that a child’s future can be guided right after birth. Many traditional practices are done ceremoniously during the baby’s period of infancy.
a. Immediately after the birth of a baby, the father places above his head, books, pencil, etc., believing that what they place there will guide the future of the child.
b. The cord is wrapped in a piece of white cloth and tied to a rafter in the roof of the house in the belief that the child will not fear high places.
c. The placenta (inunan) of the newborn is buried by the father together with the poisonous leaf of lipa and ligas plus other allergenic plants to make the child immune to said poisons.
ON COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE
The popular “Filipino custom… no touch” used to be strictly practiced in Alfonso but lately this has been diluted by the influence of modernity.
a. A boy pays a visit to a girl when the position of the moon and Venus is such that the moon is directly under the planet as if ready to catch it if falls.
b. The boy serves the family (panunmuyo) of the girl at least one year before the wedding.
c. The boy offers a “dowry” depending upon the agreement arrived at during the “Pamamanhikan” or “Bulungan”.
d. The bride is not supposed to try on her wedding gown or else something bad may happen.
DEATH AND FUNERALS
a. It is not good to do any kind of cleaning in the house or surroundings when someone is dead because the burial will be accompanied by heavy rain.
b. It is very dangerous to bump any part of the coffin on any part of the house even accidentally for it serves as an omen that another member of the family will die soon.
c. Female relatives mourn for one year by wearing black.
d. A fire is prepared near the gate and mourners are encouraged to jump over it after sprinkling table salt grains to disinfect themselves.
e. A broom immediately cleans the floor after removing the coffin from there. This is another ritual disinfecting.
f. Four days after the burial, the bereaved family members all go to the nearby brook to take a bath.
g. Nine nights from the date of death are spent for the “Padasal” as offering for the soul of the departed. During this period, relatives, friends and neighbors assemble nightly and share snack in the house. They don’t all go there to pray. Some gamble, the young ones usually play “Juego de Prenda” while the “manongs” and the “manangs” recite the prayers.
h. When the food (coffee and bread usually) is offered, one should take care not to put one cup over the other to prevent members of the family from dying one after another.
i. The ninth day, locally termed “TIBAW” is a whole day affair usually a get-together type of banquet whereby neighbors, friends and relatives are invited to come and join the closing “novena” for the deceased.
j. The 40th day is celebrated probably to symbolize the Ascension of Jesus Christ, forty days following His Resurrection.
k. Finally, the “BABANG LUKSA” (end of the period of mourning) is celebrated about one year after the death. This is another whole day affair.
l. After the “Babang Luksa”, offertory prayers are held every now and then depending upon the mood of the family. It is really quite expensive to die in Alfonso. What with all the traditional rituals.
Some of these traditions are slowly fading but it is still expensive to die, more so now that a regular coffin’s cost is prohibitive. Cremation is thus beginning to be popular.
ACTS OF RESPECT
People anywhere are expected to show respect to others but in Alfonso, we have customary acts of respect, which are very different and unique.
a. Young ones are expected to always respond with “PO”, “OPO” or “OHO” when talking to elders.
b. Kissing the hands (ang PAGBISA o PAGMAMANO) of the elders after sunset is not really kissing but actually mere touching of the elder’s right hand on the forehead of the youngsters. This is practiced anywhere during the night time whenever a young one meets an elder. This is a crude form of “hello” greeting done when one arrives or leaves.
c. Passing in front of visitors is an awkward act of “bending one’s body forward”, with arms also extended rigidly forward, palms clasped tightly and used as guide to carry oneself and to point to the visitors where he is going which he does as quickly as possible so as not to obstruct anyone.
ENTERTAINING VISITORS
Guests are brought to the farm for a taste of young coconut (MURA or BUKO) direct from the tree.
Fried chicken, “tinola”, local “achara”, “arroz valenciana” and other home-cooked delicacies are commonly offered by the host with pride.
On the way home, visitors will find themselves loaded with all kinds of available fruits, with of course, final remarks of thanks and an invitation to “please come back soon”.
SOME UNPLEASANT CUSTOMS
a. One cannot attend a “party” of whatever occasion without a “regalo” or gift.
b. The average Alfonso resident refuses to accept offers of food as compensation for their being very helpful.
c. People do not attend a wake (Pulawan) without “limos” or monetary contribution.
B. FOLK BELIEFS
ON BIRTH AND NEWBORN BABIES
a. A baby born breech presentation will turn out to be a natural healer of throats obstructed with fish bones.
b. A baby who sucks his thumbs shall become rich and famous.
c. A baby who cries loud on birth is requesting for a baptismal sponsor from a far away place.
d. A baby’s hair is cut on his first birthday otherwise something bad happens to the baby.
e. Intelligent persons, usually professionals are requested to be the first to cut the baby’s fingernails, to inherit the cutter’s potentialities.
f. A baby’s physical feature is influenced by what the mother thought of during her conception.
g. If the first child is a boy, the grandparents shall be healthier and shall live longer.
h. The child is influenced by the qualities of the baptismal sponsor (Ninong), hence the care in choosing one.
ON COURTSHIP AND WEDDING
a. A suitor must not visit a girl on “bad days” (Tuesdays, Fridays and days falling on the 7th, 13th, 17, and 27th).
b. Lovers are not supposed to see each other on moonless nights.
c. It is not good to give a loved one any religious article as it will prevent them from getting married.
d. A scar on the forehead is not a very good sign.
e. Persons with mole on the path of tears are widowed early.
f. It is bad for the bride to try on her bridal gown.
g. A lady in mourning cannot marry.
h. Brothers and sisters cannot marry within the same year (suno or sukob sa taon) in the belief that they, the couples, will be in constant competition in their livelihood.
i. Anybody in mourn must never, ever be included in the presidential table.
j. Immediately after the wedding ceremonies, the bride and the groom attempt to step on each other’s foot believing that it gives good luck to the married couple and at the same time determines who shall be the “boss” in the new household.
They also race each other to the door believing that the spouse who reaches first will live longer and happier.
k. Rice shower is practiced after the ceremony to keep the family “bountiful”.
l. “Dulces” (sweets) are offered on arrival of the couple to keep their family forever sweet.
m. After serving the food, the bride is “smuggled” by the relatives of the groom and brought quickly to his house.
n. A “gating” (measuring cup) is stolen from the bride’s household and carried during the “bride smuggle” so that the bride may not feel homesick in the new house.
o. On arrival to the groom’s house, the bride, accompanied by an old woman is “counted” in the room:
“Isa, dal’wa, tatlo…
Dito ka tatai’y dito ka iihi
Aalis ka man dito’y
Dito ka rin uuwi.”
“one, two, three
Here, you’ll urinate
And here, you’ll defecate;
You’ll be allowed to leave
But you’ll always come back.
ON MENSTRUATION AND PREGNANCY
A menstruating woman should not take a bath, eat sour fruits or even pass over bridges with water under it as all those things cause massive bleeding.
It is bad for a girl in her period to look at wounds for the mere act induces severe menstrual bleeding.
An expectant mother must not go under the house (silong) for it induces difficult childbirth.
Anybody staying on the doorway of a preganant womn’s house invites obstacles to childbirth.
A husband acting as pall bearer during a funeral shortens the life of the unborn.
A husband calling a midwife must not enter her house.
Pregnant woman must not drink without pause as the baby would cry non-stop after birth. A pregnant woman must wash her own plate after eating.
While in a brook or river, a pregnant woman must always face the stream’s flow.
An expectant mother must not wear anything round her neck.
A person sharing food with an expectant mother will feel sleepy.
A gambler greeted by a pregnant woman on his way to the gambling house is sure to lose.
Birthmarks are caused by conception thoughts (Paglilihi).
ON CARING FOR THE SICK
A sick person’s head must never point north or west.
Dog howlings and owl hootings are bad omens when heard in the vicinity of a sick person.
Black colored insects and flies are news of impeding death.
ON BUILDING HOUSES
Before building a house, a mystical calendar locally called “lunario” is first consulted.
The site is evaluated first by a “medicine man” locally called “barco” (see Sayaw sa Apoy)).
Doors must not be in line with one another, otherwise owner’s treasures “will go out easily”.
One cooking must not be facing the street or else unexpected guests would come.
Stairs are counted as “ginto, pilak, tanso, repeatedly, and must always end up with ginto.”
A dining table must be arranged crosswise with the main door.
Cabinets must not face west where the sun sets.
Moving into a new house entails other ceremonies including “BASANG-GILAGID” which is discussed somewhere else.
OTHER SUPERTITIOUS BELIEFS
Rituals to counteract cleaning the house during wake period:
Sprinkle salt grains in front of the Church on burial day so it will not rain
Throw a underwear of the deceased on top of the roof.
Do the sweeping of the floor at the very time of death.
Put an inverted broom against a water downspout.
One receiving a handkerchief as a gift shall experience shedding tears cuased by the giver.
Relatives of one who died are not supposed to attend another wake until after 40 days.
Families prepare an extra place at the dining table whenever a member dropped a fork or spoon in anticipation of a visitor.
This little accident is met with delightful anticipation. A dropped silver is always a friendly warning of an impending visitor: a man for a fork and a woman for a spoon.
Ever hospitable as most Filipinos are, the family readily sets an extra place at the table for their surprise guest… A tradition of love observed up to this day.
C. PSYCHISM IN ALFONSO
The highest scientific circles have recently agreed that many people are capable of using psychic energy in different ways though they may be totally unaware of the fact.
Local psychics in Alfonso learned their feats spontaneously (BUKAL) or guided by an old relative (MINANA) usually. Lately however, some practitioners are incorporating scientific knowledge.
Back to the old practice in Alfonso I noted that in spite of the various methods of quackery, the rampancy of amulets and several seemingly mystical rituals, bewitchment is not common, unlike in other localities in the archipelago.
It does occur however, occasionally and is usually caused by a “mangkukulam” (witch). The power of a “mangkukulam” is said to be inborn or occasionally, acquired after the person has been afflicted by a certain ailment. It is a common belief that the illness caused by a “mangkukulam” is incurable. Alfonso is fortunate that this is not common in the town. The nature of bewitchment is not fully understood up to present.
More commonly encountered is bewitchment caused by a “manggagaway”. His/her power is also inborn and inherited, so they say. A “manggagaway differs from a “mangkukulam” both in physical appearance as well as in general attitude. She may not always be old and ugly but her stare penetrates. She may not even be aware that she is “manggagaway”. She discovers herself only when somebody (usually a baby) she stares at, gets sick. The case is usually discovered by a “magsasanghiyang” (one who practices the “sanghiyang” ritual). A victim is said to be NABATI. Only the “manggagaway” (ang NAKABATI ) can cure the illness caused by her. Her plain saliva generally “cures”; at times, more elaborate procedures are necessary.
At any rate both the “mangkukulam” and the “manggagaway” are not common and are not popular in Alfonso.
Old folks know several ways to counteract the power of a “witch”. They suggest that if someone you encounter is a suspected “manggagaway’ you are supposed to immediately murmur some cursing words against her. You may even curse her mentally. A “buntot pagi” is also considered a good weapon as well as other items like bamboo sections with matching eyes, a branch of the plant “cayetana” or perhaps garlic.
Latin prayers are also said to be very effective antidote to bewitchment. Like the one supposedly used by Jesus in driving away the devil. “AMPEL MIBEL, GAYIM JESUS EXEMENERAM EGO SUM MICCIONEY EMPURO MECATIONEM DIORUM, NOR NOT NOD, NUN SICUT DEUS.”
There is also a “broad spectrum” prayer against all evil: “LODEM SOOLECAM SOPECLAM, or VIRGO VIRGEN MARIA OPICLUM or EGRA EGRAYUM EGROM ERESUM”.
JESUS MARIA Y JOSEP, or TUMAUS TUTAUS TABUUB JUB UB, or ARAM ADAM ACSIDAM VUC VOUC VAUC TAUOC, or MURMURLUM MURMURTUM MURSIATUM or ARAM AC ADAM AM ADAM and so on and so forth until one completes some fifty two prayers, all of which may be used while blowing on the body of the bewitched.
From the book TINGKORAW:Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.
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