AS1604

Group Members: Section:

Date:
Score:

Back to the Past

The Pre-colonial Philippines

Directions: Read and understand the following excerpts containing traditions and beliefs of early Filipinos.
Use the information in order to come up with an informative and creative skit about the way of living of
Filipinos during the pre-colonial period. (20 points)

ANIMISM AND PAGANISM

Group 1
The early Filipinos practiced Animism and Paganism during the Pre-Colonial Era. They worshipped different
god. Some are good and some are bad; however, all of them need to be respected. They believed in the
diwatas or the spirits within the nature. The Tagalogs had their Bathala as their most important god and the
Visayans had their Kanlaon. Other Filipinos worshipped their ancestors or their anitos. The leader of their
religion is a female or the Babaylan in Visayas and Catalonan for Luzon. The babaylans or catalonans are not
only spiritual leaders, but also the mediators of the spirits and the people. They could also cure sickness and
do oracles. The community does not need to create church because each house had their anitos or licha that
they worship.

The following are some of the characteristics or practices of the Early Filipinos in terms of their religion:

1. They believed that all things have spirits.

2. They believed in life after death. They also have their own concept of heaven and hell. This belief was
evident in the Manunggul jar; where on its cover is an image of a boat with two (2) persons at the opposite
sides. The jar is a secondary burial and the image represents their concept of life after death. The two (2)
persons represent the dependents who will accompany the remains of their master to its journey to the life
after death.
3. They believed in performing different sacrifices like blood, plants, vegetables, fruits, and other food for the
spirits.
4. They believed in the different rituals for good health, like taking sacred baths in the river.
5. They believed in the fate destined by gods.
6. They believed in oracles and consultations to spirits. This is usually performed by females.

Rubric:
CRITERIA POINTS
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos in a creative and 20
informative way. It can be seen that they used all information provided and researched other data
to provide something new to the audience.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 15
provided in a creative and informative way.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 10
provided. However it lacks creativity.
The group failed to present the assigned way of living even though information was already 5
provided.
No output. 0

Reference:
Tuazon-Caday, M. R., & Pangilinan, M. C. (2015). History of the philippines. Manila City: Mindshapers Co.,
Inc.

03 Activity 1 *Property of STI

Page 1 of 6
 AS1604

Group Members: Section:

Date:
Score:

Back to the Past

The Pre-colonial Philippines

Directions: Read and understand the following excerpts containing traditions and beliefs of early Filipinos.
Use the information in order to come up with an informative and creative skit about the way of living of
Filipinos during the pre-colonial period. (20 points)

TEACHINGS OF ISLAM
Group 2
The basic tenets of Islam are found in the Quran (Koran), the holy book of the Muslims. Written in Arabic, the
it is considered the word of the of the Supreme Creator, Allah, as directly communicated by the angel of the
prophet Mohammad. Among the teachings of the Koran are the following:

1. There is only one (1) Supreme Being, Allah, the Creator of the Universe and all of humankind.
2. Allah is a just and merciful God and it is Allahs desire that all should repent of their sins, purify
themselves so they could enter Paradise after death.
3. Life in this world is only temporary and ones good and bad deeds are listed by an angel for final judgment
on the last day of the entire humanity. Each one (1) will be judged according to what one has done in his
lifetime.
4. The Koran forbids any human or animal representation in their art. Only geometric patterns are allowed.
5. Eating pork, drinking wine, gambling, and other vices are forbidden in Orthodox Islam.
6. Islam forbids loans and usury.
7. Muslims are duty-bound to help the poor, the orphans, and the widows.
8. Lying, stealing, adultery, and murder are all grave sins that deserve serious punishments.
9. Every Muslim must have goodness expressed in faith in God and such virtues as patience, faithfulness,
honesty, industry, honor, and courage.
10. A follower of Allah has to observe the following rituals or obligations known collectively as the Five (5)
Pillars of Islam:
a. Shahada a declaration of faith in the oneness of God.
b. Salah prayer facing the east (Mecca) five (5) times a day
c. Sawm fasting
d. Zakat giving of alms
e. Hadjj one-time pilgrimage to Mecca

Rubric:
CRITERIA POINTS
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos in a creative and 20
informative way. It can be seen that they used all information provided and researched other data
to provide something new to the audience.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 15
provided in a creative and informative way.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 10
provided. However it lacks creativity.
The group failed to present the assigned way of living even though information was already 5
provided.
No output. 0

Reference:
Agoncillo, T.A., & Mangahas F. B. (2010). Philippine history. Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.

03 Activity 1 *Property of STI

Page 2 of 6
 AS1604

Group Members: Section:

Date:
Score:

Back to the Past

The Pre-colonial Philippines

Directions: Read and understand the following excerpts containing traditions and beliefs of early Filipinos.
Use the information in order to come up with an informative and creative skit about the way of living of
Filipinos during the pre-colonial period. (20 points)

BEFORE THE MARRIAGE

Group 3

In the context of Pre-colonial Era, divorce is allowed and both male and female had the right to ask for it.
However, the long process of marriage could be evidence that they value marriage. The parents usually
arrange the marriage of their sons or daughters, which is usually done because of treaty, friendship, and
political and economic affiliation. The society also allows mixed marriage union of two (2) people from
different social classes. The ritual is initiated by the babaylan or, in the absence of the lady priest, the datu or
the head of the clan. Some of the marriage customs are the following:

1. The man will need to serve the family of his future wife for weeks or it could be extended into years. He
will fetch water, chop wood, and work in the farm and other tasks that the family of his future wife will give
him. During the Paninilbihan period, he will not be allowed to see his future wife and he needs to satisfy
his future in laws before he could see his beloved one.
2. The giving of Dowry or Bigay Kaya is where the family of his future wife will ask for gold or land as Bigay
Kaya before they allow the marriage. In case of divorce, if the reason of the divorce is the fault of the
woman, her family will return the dowry to the family of her husband. If it is because of the man, the dowry
will remain with the family of the wife. However, if it is the fault of both the man and woman, the dowry will
go to their children.
3. The payment of the Panghimuyat will be given to the mother of the future wife as the payment for her
effort in bringing her child to womanhood.
4. The payment for the bigaysuso will be given to the wet-nurse who breastfed his future wife during her
infancy.
5. The payment of Himaraw will be given to the parents of the future wife for the amount they spent for the
food of their daughter during infancy.

Rubric:
CRITERIA POINTS
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos in a creative and 20
informative way. It can be seen that they used all information provided and researched other data
to provide something new to the audience.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 15
provided in a creative and informative way.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 10
provided. However it lacks creativity.
The group failed to present the assigned way of living even though information was already 5
provided.
No output. 0

Reference:
Tuazon-Caday, M. R., & Pangilinan, M. C. (2015). History of the philippines. Manila City: Mindshapers Co.,
Inc.

03 Activity 1 *Property of STI

Page 3 of 6
 AS1604

Group Members: Section:

Date:
Score:

Back to the Past

The Pre-colonial Philippines

Directions: Read and understand the following excerpts containing traditions and beliefs of early Filipinos.
Use the information in order to come up with an informative and creative skit about the way of living of
Filipinos during the pre-colonial period. (20 points)

DURING THE CEREMONY OF MARRIAGE

Group 4

In the context of Pre-colonial Era, divorce is allowed and both male and female had the right to ask for it.
However, the long process of marriage could be evidence that they value marriage. The parents usually
arrange the marriage of their sons or daughters, which is usually done because of treaty, friendship, and
political and economic affiliation. The society also allows mixed marriage union of two (2) people from
different social classes. The ritual is initiated by the babaylan or, in the absence of the lady priest, the datu or
the head of the clan. Some of the marriage customs are the following:

1. The groom will fetch his wife from her house and bring her to their house.
2. The wife will pretend that she does not want to go upstairs and then the father of the groom will give her
gifts.
3. The wife will again pretend that she does not want to sit down and then her father-in-law will give her gifts.
4. The groom and wife will drink in one (1) cup.
5. The Babaylan or Catalonan will hold the hands of the groom and wife and ask them to bow to the guest.
6. The wife and groom will eat rice on one (1) plate.
7. The Babaylan or Catalonan will shout and throw grains of rice to the guest and then the guests will do the
same. This signifies the end of her ceremony.

The wedding ceremonies are different among the social classes. For the Maharlika, the ceremonies are the
same as stated above. For the Timawa, only the rice ceremony is not included. For the Alipin, there is no
ceremony, only the simple acceptance that they love each other and they wanted to become husband and
wife.

Rubric:
CRITERIA POINTS
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos in a creative and 20
informative way. It can be seen that they used all information provided and researched other data
to provide something new to the audience.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 15
provided in a creative and informative way.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 10
provided. However it lacks creativity.
The group failed to present the assigned way of living even though information was already 5
provided.
No output. 0

Reference:
Tuazon-Caday, M. R., & Pangilinan, M. C. (2015). History of the Philippines. Manila City: Mindshapers Co.,
Inc

03 Activity 1 *Property of STI

Page 4 of 6
 AS1604

Group Members: Section:

Date:
Score:

Back to the Past

The Pre-colonial Philippines

Directions: Read and understand the following excerpts containing traditions and beliefs of early Filipinos.
Use the information in order to come up with an informative and creative skit about the way of living of
Filipinos during the pre-colonial period. (20 points)

BURIAL AND DEATH

Group 5
The Early Filipinos gave respects to their deceased relatives and this could be shown by the different
ceremonies that they attribute to give honor to the dead. The grandeur ceremonies during the wake and burial
are because they believed that these ceremonies will affect the conditions of the dead in the other world. They
have primary and secondary burial. The wooden coffin is considered as primary and is buried under the house
of the dead with his or her properties and chosen cloth. The jar is for secondary burial, where the ash or the
mummified body will be placed together with the valuable properties of the deceased. The following are some
of their rituals on death and mourning:

1. The dead body should be guarded to avoid the bad spirits from getting inside the body. They need to
cover all the openings of the body with use of gold plates or gold facial masks.
2. The relatives of the dead will hire professional mourners or moratal (woman) and maglahi (man) to chant
the achievements and contributions of the dead person.
3. The dead chief will experience laraw or mourning for the head of the community. The death of the
chieftain will be observed by the whole barangay. All quarrels and wars were ordered to stop, and singing
was prohibited. Loud clothing is also prohibited.
4. The ceremony of mourning is expensive because the relatives need to prepare food and drinks for
everybody.
5. The early Filipinos observed balata or act of avenging the death of the relative in case he or she is
murdered.
6. The ninth day after death is also celebrated as pasiyam.

Rubric:
CRITERIA POINTS
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos in a creative and 20
informative way. It can be seen that they used all information provided and researched other data
to provide something new to the audience.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 15
provided in a creative and informative way.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 10
provided. However it lacks creativity.
The group failed to present the assigned way of living even though information was already 5
provided.
No output. 0

Reference:
Tuazon-Caday, M. R., & Pangilinan, M. C. (2015). History of the philippines. Manila City: Mindshapers Co.,
Inc.

03 Activity 1 *Property of STI

Page 5 of 6
 AS1604

Group Members: Section:

Date:
Score:

Back to the Past

The Pre-colonial Philippines

Directions: Read and understand the following excerpts containing traditions and beliefs of early Filipinos.
Use the information in order to come up with an informative and creative skit about the way of living of
Filipinos during the pre-colonial period. (20 points)

LAWS AND PUNISHMENT

Group 6

The chieftain of a barangay made the laws of the community. When he has a law in mind, he gathers the
council of elders to give their opinion. If the elders approved the proposed law, the chieftain orders the town
cryer, called umalohokan, to announce to the community the approval of the law. The umalahokan would ring
a bell as he calls the attention of the people. Then, he explains the new law to them. Any person violating the
law would immediately be arrested and brought before the chieftain for trial.

Most disputes during the ancient times were decided peacefully. The court of justice was composed of
chieftain as the judge and the elders of the barangay as the jury. If conflicts arose between members of
different barangays, the differences were resolved by arbitration. A board composed of elders from neutral
barangays acts as the arbiters. The trial of case was usually held in public. The accuser and the accused
faced each other with their witnesses. The two (2) parties usually take an oath with their witnesses, where
each usually takes an oath to swear their honesty. The oaths took such form as, May the crocodile devour
me if I tell a lie.; May I die here and now if I do not tell the truth.; and so forth. Then the parties litigation
presented their arguments and their respective witnesses. The man who had more witnesses was usually
judged to be the winner. If the defeated person contested the decision of the chieftain, the latter openly sides
with the winner and compels the loser to accept his decision. The loser had no alternative than to accept the
decision of the chieftain.

The trial ordeal was not unique to the ancient Filipinos. It was also done in Europe to determine who of the
disputants was right or telling the truth. As practiced in the Philippines, the trial by ordeal consisted of ordering
the suspects, in the case of theft, to dip their hands into pot of boiling water. The suspect whose hand was
scalded the most was judged guilty. Another form of trial by ordeal was holding lighted candles by the
suspects. The suspect whose candle died out first was the guilty party. Another form consisted of ordering the
suspects to plunge into deep river with their lances. The one who rises to the surface first were pronounced
guilty. Another was ordering the suspects to chew uncooked rice. The one whose saliva was the thickest was
the culprit.

Rubric:
CRITERIA POINTS
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos in a creative and 20
informative way. It can be seen that they used all information provided and researched other data
to provide something new to the audience.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 15
provided in a creative and informative way.
The group was able to present the assigned way of living of early Filipinos using the information 10
provided. However it lacks creativity.
The group failed to present the assigned way of living even though information was already 5
provided.
No output. 0

Reference
Agoncillo, T.A., & Mangahas F. B. (2010). Philippine history. Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.

03 Activity 1 *Property of STI

Page 6 of 6