TLDR;
This video explores the research and preservation efforts surrounding the epic traditions of the Panay Bukidnon people in the Philippines. It highlights the work of Dr. Alicia Magos in documenting and promoting these epics, known as "sugidanon," and the contributions of National Living Treasure Federico Caballero. The video details the cultural practices, daily life, and artistic expressions of the Bukidnon, emphasizing the importance of preserving their heritage for future generations.
- Dr. Alicia Magos's research in the 1980s and 1990s documented the Panay Bukidnon's epic traditions and cultural practices.
- Federico Caballero, a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee, is a master epic chanter who has significantly contributed to preserving Bukidnon epics.
- The Panay Bukidnon people's way of life revolves around farming, hunting, and gathering, with rich traditions in weaving, music, and dance.
- Efforts are underway to digitize, translate, and publish the epics to ensure their accessibility and preservation.
- Schools of Living Traditions have been established to teach children Bukidnon language, epic chanting, weaving, and other traditional skills.
Exploration of Central Panay [0:29]
Between 1980 and 1989, Dr. Alicia Magos explored the mountains of central Panay, accompanied by NCIP region six field personnel, aiming to reach central Panay through interior routes. Later, in 1991 and 1992, she led her own research team, including UPV Iloilo research assistants and a local guide, to further investigate the area. These journeys, supported by funding agencies, sought to address the lack of information about this region, focusing on the Panay Bukidnon people and verifying the presence and distribution of epic chanting.
Discoveries and Origins [1:34]
During her treks, Dr. Magos encountered an 84-year-old kept maiden and women chanters, learning about the inhabitants of the interior mountains of Panay, descendants of mountain people from Iloilo and Capiz. She theorized that these communities originated from the coast before the arrival of colonizers, later moving to the mountains along the Halawod and Panay rivers. Her explorations in the early 1990s aimed to clarify the indigenous identity of the Panay Bukidnon, solidifying their ethnic name.
Daily Life and Sustenance [2:50]
The mountain dwellers of central Panay, known as Panay Bukidnon, are referred to by names related to their sources of sustenance, such as Halawod and Pan-ay. They live in simple houses elevated on bamboo poles, using tools like the santoku (knife), musong (mortar and pestle), and various bamboo containers. Their lives revolve around farming rice varieties, singing while working, and utilizing the environment for sustenance.
Economic Activities and Hunting Techniques [4:57]
The Bukidnon people focus on tilling the land and gathering resources, with farming as a central activity. They also produce charcoal for sale in the lowlands. They trek through rugged terrain to markets, carrying goods using a "hang-on" pole. Additionally, they cultivate coffee, Amaka, Gabi, palawan and other root crops, which serve as staples during lean months. Weaving is prevalent due to the availability of bamboo and rattan, used for household items and trade. They trap wild animals in the forest using various methods, including limbong (pit traps) and cieaned (hanging rope traps).
Fishing and Spiritual Beliefs [7:07]
The Bukidnon people gather food from rivers, waters, springs, and streams, catching fish and freshwater shrimps using methods like belanov (cloth nets) and constructing fish traps such as but-wan and ubog. They also dive with spears for larger fish. Despite external influences, they maintain respect for spirit beings inhabiting the forests, rivers, and land, consulting with babaylan (shamans) and muharram for healing and advice.
Epic Traditions and Storytelling [9:13]
After a day's work, the Bukidnon gather to listen to elders sing sugi-dono, epics recounting the exploits of mythical characters. These epics, chanted by kept maidens or binukot, impart lessons and reflect the worldview of the Bukidnon people, serving as entertainment and education. Traditional weddings are significant events marked by feasts and celebrations.
Federico Caballero and Epic Literature [10:11]
Federico Caballero, a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee, is recognized for his mastery of the ten epics or sugidanon. Coming from a family of epic chanters, he continues a lineage of tradition. The binukot, maidens kept hidden from public view, command high bride gifts and are often pledged for marriage at a young age. Dr. Magos has collected numerous sugidanon stories, documenting the adventures of various characters.
Epic Stories and Themes [11:40]
Dr. Magos collected a series of sugi-dono stories, including tales of hunting sprees, hermit women, gold medallions offered for marriage, and warriors pursuing maidens. These epics often involve conflicts, fights, and themes of love, adventure, and deception. The narratives also feature characters from the upper and underworlds, with conflicts often resolved through arbitration.
Preservation and Education Efforts [14:30]
Following Federico Caballero's GAMABA award, schools for living traditions (SLPs) were established to propagate Bukidnon culture. Children learn epic chanting, weaving, and musical instruments on weekends. These informal schools, led by living elders, ensure the transmission of traditional skills to younger generations.
Cultural Expressions and Arts [15:13]
Traditional dances like binanog and inagong, mentioned in the sugidanon, persist today, reminding the youth of their ancestors' dancing skills. Women dancers wear elaborate headdresses, necklaces, and belts made of ancient coins. Panay Bukidnon needlework features traditional designs inspired by plants, animals, and epic characters, often embroidered on clothing for special occasions. Children are encouraged to learn traditional musical instruments like the gong, gitgit, and kudyapi.
Other Literary Forms and Preservation [16:42]
Besides epic chanting, other literary forms such as allow hi, I'm bahay, palya, and balda are sung by the Bukidnon. Allow high are shorter stories chanted in a similar style to epics, while I'm bahay are chanted lines expressing longing. Palya is a chanted repartee centered on love, and balda is used for subtle insults. Efforts are underway to digitize, transcribe, and translate the epics into various languages, with plans to publish them as e-books and hard copies. Dr. Marquez encourages further research to continue preserving the Bukidnon culture.
Legacy and Recognition [17:32]
Dr. Marquez and Federico Caballero's dedication has helped resurrect a dying culture in Panay, securing recognition for the Panay Bukidnon as an indigenous group. Their work has resulted in a rich cultural heritage, with the University of the Philippines supporting the publication and popularization of the epics.