Visitors at Midnight
Author’s Note: Trusted relatives, who live directly across the street from us, provided me with the details of this visit about a week after it occurred. They delayed relating their account of what happened that night to me out of a consideration for my possibly becoming frightened, upset or displaying some other form of strange reaction. After all, episodes such as these are extremely rare (the last occurring a few years ago) and they didn’t want to test my sensibilities right away. At the time of the visit, I was fast asleep, courtesy of some prescribed sleeping aids.
- : -
Baket ko (Asawa ko) [My wife] Emy and I were spending a little time relaxing and chatting with relatives and friends a night or two ago. Here in the province, especially away from the town proper, there isn’t much excitement or activity going on after dark. After eating and before bedtime is a nice, quiet time of day when the breezes are cool and enjoyable. Friends or relatives will gather for a chat session and pass the “local news” around as well as just entertaining each other with tsismis [idle talk].
One nephew had something he wanted to tell us, and directed his comments toward me. I listened as best as I could and he spoke as best he could – mostly English but some Ilocano. Knowing that I understand just a little Ilocano, he spoke a little slower than he would have, given the little excitement in his voice.
The conversation went something like this:
Nephew (N): Did you see them, Uncle?
Me (P): Who?
N: Your visitors the other night.
P: Which night?
N: The night with no moon.
P: The new moon?
N: Wen, wen (o-o) [yes, yes] the new moon.
P: Sabado [Saturday]?
N: Wen, Saturday night.
I thought for a second – I couldn’t remember having any visitors last Saturday. Emy and I had spent the day in Laoag City. After we returned home, we ate then spent some time outside enjoying a nice cool breeze and chatting with the katulong. We turned in for the night early, as our day was a bit tiring. No, I couldn’t recall any visitors arriving on Saturday.
P: What time was this?
N: When all the dogs started barking – about midnight. Didn’t you hear all the dogs barking?
P: Saan (hindi) [no] – I was sleeping.
N: Dogs barking woke me up. You didn’t wake up from dogs?
P: Saan.
My nephew was surprised that I could sleep through all the barking that went on. Those prescribed sleeping aids really do work. I didn’t awaken for anything. Emy said she did and that she nudged my elbow and asked me about the dogs. Getting no response from me other than a possible snore, she rolled back over and tried to get back to sleep.
N: Then you missed them.
P: Wen, I guess I missed them.
N: I heard all the dogs barking so I got up, went outside to see why. That’s when I saw them.
P: Who was it?
N: The little people.
P: The little people?
N: Wen, you know, the little people.
Now I’m wondering what in the heck goes on while I’m deeply asleep. What adventures do I sleep through?
P: Little people; you mean like dwende [mythical dwarves]?
N: Saan – dogs don’t bark at dwende. All the dogs were barking. Those weren’t dwende.
P: Who could they be?
N: People from the mountain, we call them “Pugot” [a nocturnal creature in Ilocano mythology; a slang term given to small people or spirits of the forests and mountains] but they’re really not pugot. They’re like people from the volcano in Pampanga.
P: Mt. Pinatubo?
N: Wen, Pinatubo – small people, very dark.
P: Aeta?
N: Wen, that’s it – Aeta people. I saw them at your gate. They were looking in. When they heard me, they all ran away. I think they were running back to the mountains. But they were there, looking into your gate. Maybe three or four of them. Then they ran away.
My nephew then went on to tell me about what he saw. He was kind enough to let me know that these Aeta were not in their traditional costumes and didn’t have any weapons that he could see. They were wearing t-shirts, shorts and rubber flip-flops. They were very dark skinned, had curly hair, and ran real fast. Their clothes were dirty so they must have come down from the mountains – about an 18 km walk.
Aeta People - Today
He continued to say that three or four years ago, when there were some typhoons passing through and flooding a couple of Aeta relocation centers (where some of the Pinatubo Aetas were taken after the 1991 eruption), the government started to “redistribute them” in other provinces. He said that his friend saw a government dump truck unload about fifteen Aeta here, north of Pasuquin proper. If true, then there appears to be Aeta in the area, AND I MISSED SEEING THEM.
Group of Aeta People - circa 1910
Aeta (a collective name given to these people – different tribes have their own names that they prefer to be known by – the Spanish called them “Negritos” or little black ones) are the descendants of the indigenous people of the Philippines. Their numbers are dwindling, and they are the most discriminated against people in the Philippines. Traditionally, they are from the mountain forests (though at one time they did inhabit the lowlands) and are nomadic. They literally live off the land and are experts in jungle survival. They were the top instructors at the Air Force Jungle Survival School near the old Clark Air Base – many servicemen passed through that school on their way to Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s.
Here was a chance for a nocturnal, cultural adventure, AND I SLEPT RIGHT THROUGH IT!
Thank you for this article, Paul. The Aetas are all over the province of Zambales. My Filipino group recently funded the installation of a water well and water pump in the Aeta village of Mabato, located in the mountains of San Felipe. There is a place called the Aeta Childrens Home (ACH) located in Balaybay Resettlement Site in the town of Castillejos, Zambales. It is run by a ministry under the leadership of a Pastor and his family. My group has sponsored scholastic scholarship for some of the students there, and helped the Aeta families become self-sufficient by donating money to be used for goats and chicken dispersals. We have also donated books, used clothing and medicine in the past. At present, we are planning to plant fruit trees around the Aeta village to further contribute to the Aeta livelihood.
If any of you would like to know more about this ministry that has been helping the Aetas for decades, see: http://www.balaybay.org/web_pages/Ministries/Children_Home/aeta_children1.htm
John Reyes
ZambalesCentury.com
Hi John – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
Thanks for the comments and the link. I have still to confirm who it was that was seen, if really seen, etc. My nephew’s mother confirmed it by saying her son was completely sober that night. Of course, a “Mother’s Love”. . . .
There is rumor that a couple of Aeta families are in the vicinity, but no one ever sees them, night or day or in public places, etc. There’s just the reported sitings like my nephew’s.
No CCTV? Shoot Paul! Be ready next time. Good thing they didn’t show up on October 31 asking for candy. You would have thought they were the local kids and would have missed again. Nice story and thanks to John for the link too.
Hi Edward – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
We’re planning on installing a satellite system later on – prices are coming down, but the exchange rate fluctuations are nixing the price benefits right now.
Can’t mistake these little people for children! They may enjoy a little candy, though. Tonight’s a Saturday night next to a new moon, so we’ll see who shows up when.
(Would sneak the cctv in with the sat stuff while momma isn’t looking – just like sneaking this into my reply comment without momma seeing it!)
Paul: If you want to go to Aeta villages, next time I’m up in Abulug, pop over and I’ll drive you up into Kalinga and show you their little towns.
Uhh… John,I thought Rebecca had said you were not allowed to go to the Aeta’s village to see those dark-skinned women. “What about the Hoo-Hah?”
Of course, she’ll accompany me!
Hi John – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
Better wait until the next tropical storm/typhoon passes by. I might be able to get my “liberty card” if I perform heroically during the storm.
An Aeta village won’t require a chaparon, but there are a few other villages up that way will
As long as we stay clear of the Kalinga villages – don’t know if all of those people have stopped taking the heads of strangers.
Hi Paul;
On Subic Freeport in the rainforest there is a large Aeta village, now open to tourists where you can learn survival training somewhat like the Navy was taught during the Vietnam War.
During the days from the beginning of the U.S. Naval Base the Aeta were given food and rice and inhabited the rainforest as they always had. Living and hunting and staying pretty much out of sight.
One service they provided to the Navy was guarding the fence line of the base. How they accomplished that was a “Don’t Ask, if you really don’t wanna’ know” type of deal.Crime was very low on base.
Today they still live in the rainforest and sell handicrafts to the tourists on base and in town. I’m still practicing the use of my blow gun.
Sorry you missed the visit Mr. Rip Van Winkle, maybe the next time?
Hi Paul – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
Yeah, I heard that they will teach survival (as they had pre-1991) to anyone willing to pay for it and put up with it down at the Freeport. Didn’t want that training when it was offered for free (with follow-on orders, of course) – don’t think I want it now.
(No beer)
Hi Paul,great story! Never heard of the Aetas, I’ll blame in on being a newbie here, but that’s what I like about LIP, always getting some new info everytime I log in. Think I’ll have to get some of those sleeping aids; the dogs (and roosters) always waking me up. Very interesting article.
Hi Dave – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
I’m sitll learning things here, too, and don’t think I’ll be able to stop.
Believe me, I’d rather have the dogs awaken me.
Last time I was in Olongapo City, there were a few Aeta women with little babies begging in the street. It was very sad, usually they are very self-sufficient tribe of people.
Hi Miss August – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
Yes, poverty seems to transcend races, tribes and bloodlines. Whenever we “go to the city” (Laoag City), we see women and children from different tribes of the Cordillera either selling small trinkets or begging. If near a fast-food place, I’ll try and get them some free rice to eat. (The counter help never asks the reason for and never fails to provide that extra scoop of rice for this “big Kano” when he politely asks for it!)
Thanks for sharing your story Paul. I found it facinating.
Hi David S – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
Thanks – I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll try to keep ‘em coming!
hmmmmm, little people,drugs, ummmm Paul you Ok ? haha
Hi Tommy – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
I’m fine! The pills are better!!
Of course, you know the difference between “drugs” and “medications”:
a prescription!
One more time if you don’t mind, Doc!
The Aetas (Negritos, Itas, Dumagats etc depending on where they are) are as ancient as the aborigines of Australia, and natives of Papua New Guinea. They seem to have come from the same group of people who came to these parts 30,000 years ago. One study I read says they may have come via Andaman islands, one even traced their relationship to the bushmen of Africa. Anyway, they don’t seem to get enough respect and support from Filipinos they deserve. Too bad you missed bonding with a very ancient people.
Hi AlexB – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
Thanks for your comments and very interesting input.
A study I read proffered their arrival in these islands at the time of the SouthEast Asia landmass/land bridge. It also reported that no ancestoral DNA links could be found between these people and the people of Africa. Makes one wonder.
to me they look like aborigines but more tiny. in Indonesia they have people simular to the Aetas .
Hi Mike – Thanks for the input. I’d be willing to bet that there would be some DNA similarities there.
John when I come to visit will you make an attempt to show me the Hoo-Haa? (-:
Can too much “Hoo-Haa” make one “Ho-Hum”? Just wondering.
Oh yeah, I forgot – Sorry for the delay, but a week-long internet outage was finally cured by the SMART-Bro techs today (10/17/09).
Last December I had my first experience of seeing an igorot which are the mountain or hills people from the Luzon area, I was told they come to Manila around Christmas time to well ask for donations. I remember seeing a couple boys go from jeepney to jeepney singing christmas songs during rush hour traffic and also older igarot people along Ortigas asking for donations as well. Quite a sight seeing these people in traditional mountain clothing, I wonder if some were just actually pretending to be mountain people.
Hi Filamboy – Yes, Christmas time (more so in the later “ber months” is a time when those from the mountains come down to urban areas for what are traditionally their “holiday gifts” of food, articles of clothing, etc.
I suppose it would take an anthropologist to sort out “who is” from “who isn’t” for a westerner, but I would be sure that the two groups wouldn’t be seen together as the former wouldn’t stand for the latter to take such advantage. The “who isn’t” group would be on their own.
The historic fact is “Aetas” left Borneo and settled the Philippine Islands. Their children are the first and original Filipinos who were traders, hunters, farmers, boat and shelter builders. They are not African or distant relatives as stereotyping would suggest. Genetic testing confirms Aetas and African Pygmies are not related.
FYI: Have your cheek swabbed and submit to an ancestry DNA test to find out who you’re ancestors are.
When the Spanish arrived in the Philippines, colonization and procreation moved a number of Aetas away from their tribes and Spanish-influenced communities sprung up. Even the language and peso currency was embraced (compare the Spanish days of the week to the Ilocano dialect and see for yourself). The children of such blended seeds were often of lighter skin than their Filipino grandparents (Aetas). Some were of characteristic height. Others donned a signature nose found across Borneo. As more off-spring reproduced, dominant gene selection produced 5′ tall (+ or -), dark hair, mostly lighter skin people (as compared to ancient Aetas) with signature noses. Head out into the Province to see for yourself or maybe look in the mirror if you are native to the Philippines. The rest is recorded history including the Asian and Western genetic influences.
Despite enormous contributions to Filipino history, culture, and survival, (includes training American troops and engagement in combat against the Japanese during World War II), Aetas never petitioned the U.S. Government for veterans benefits or healthcare. They fought bravely and sacrificed for their homeland. Other WW II Filipino veterans did petition the U.S. Government. Sixty-Seven years later, President Obama authorized the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act which allots up to $1,400 USD monthly to Filipino veterans.
When I see or hear shallow comments about Aetas, it’s disturbing when our Fil-Am group works constantly to expose the truth. I don’t know what’s more disgusting, musing on national Filipino TV or Filipinos in denial. Aetas are not committing crimes, engaging in corruption, or desiring to land a foreign husband to escape poverty. Aetas carry on against insurmountable odds as a Eurocentric culture isolates a deserving people from mainstream Filipino society.
For anyone residing on Luzon, or reading this entry, I challenge you to bring your Ilocano interpreter on an excursion into an Aeta village. Engage yourself in their community. Observe an ancient tradition of carving masterpieces out of renewable materials, farming land with minimal resources, and caring for their families. See the smiling faces of history before your eyes and return with a validation that transcending a cognitive bias is a good start to becoming a better human being.
Hi, Junior:
I went back and read all the comments to this article but found none that would be considered “cognitive bias” against the Aetas. There was one comment that alluded to a genetic relationship between the Aetas and the African bushmen, but that could hardly be considered “stereotyping”, as the comment was simply citing a published study. If there was an error in judgment, it was made elsewhere, not here.
Fyi, the Philippine Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997″, granted Aeta families in Region III (Central Luzon, comprising the six provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales) Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles to vast hectares of land. However, the Aetas on the west side of the Zambales mountain range, where the Aeta village of Mabato is situated and which my Zambales Century Group had been helping, was inexplicably excluded.
If your Fil-Am group is into helping the Aetas and you are located in the Philippines, here is an opportunity for you to contribute to the well-being of these marginalized people. You can lobby the appropriate Zambales Congressman in behalf of the Aetas to receive their dues after hundreds of years.
Thanks for back-tracking and fact checking, John.
The only thing I saw that may have been close enough to cognitive bias was some crack about an “Eurocentric culture” isolating yet another group of “victims.”
John,
Please don’t take offense. My comments should not be misconstrued as a personal attack of anyone on the board. The intent was to observe Aeta historical facts with a dose of perception on the ground.
As for Act #8371, I’ll stand with you in honoring its success if you can assist me in locating Aetas with titles to “houses and lots.” Here’s a typical redistribution tactic which disregards the law and fails to adequately compensate the victims: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090506-203531/Aetas-bid-on-ex-US-base-land-moves-on
Although my spouse and I have vested interests in property and commerce in the Philippines, we are “hyper-active” in our U.S. based FilAm organization which provides hard currency, food, medicine, clothing, education, and sponsorships across a variety of Filipino and Filipino-American concerns. Petitioning government officials would be counter-productive since Aetas are directly accessible.
Hi Junior – Thanks for your fine support and comments.
Indeed, the peoples collectively called Aetas are by no means related to anyone on the African continent – I, too, have read study reports referencing (with citations) DNA samplings that provide confirmation.
Unfortunately, we must take the arrival from Borneo as the best, acceptable theory presently available. It hasn’t been proven or disproven as fact, yet, as many other displacement theories have been disproved. I, for one, believe the arrival via the “pre-historic” (meaning undocumented but, geophysically & theoretically most probable) land bridge from Borneo/Southeast Asia.
My comments, hopefully, do not reflect any shallowness or contempt. I would prefer to call the people by their traditional clan or tribal names, if I knew them. Calling one an “Aeta” is similar to, say, calling one from the Tutsi, Hutu or Twa peoples a “Rawandan” or an “African” (or calling one from the Ifugao peoples an “Igorot”). Yes, in a most broad sense the name is correct. Some of the small peoples I’ve referred to, however, dislike the collective name and prefer their traditional clan name.
I find it sad that, over the years, the people of the Philippines have never really shown any mercy or outreach to these “island originals” and have treated them as social outcasts and bogeymen.
Equally sad is that some received much better treatment and socio-political interaction with foreigners – particularly U.S. Navy and Air Force units who provided them employment, protected lands on and near bases for living their lives as they (and not others) desired to live them, sustenance and supplies whenever nature’s wrath impaired or destroyed that which they had, etc. Of course, the “relationship” wasn’t perfect, but it was better than that received from their “countrymen.”
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo was a sign to those living in that area that life, in general, would have to be restarted – sort of a “back to square one” signal – which was fulfilled later in 1991 when base leases ended without renewal, and the foreigners were forced to leave.
btw, I don’t find the current, generalized “broad brush” culture of the Philippines as “Eurocentric” as much as is it “Egocentric.” It’s a lot of “what’s in it for me” or “I want mine” – which may or may not have been learned at the hands of Europeans, Southern-, Southeastern- or Eastern-Asians, or any descendents. Of course, that’s purely my opinion of the way things are. I’m not here to hail, condemn or change anything. Those are the privileges of Filipino citizens. I can opine, but my thoughts mean little among the millions. (An opinion is like an a*****e – everybody has one and it usually stinks.
)
Didn’t know that an Illocano interpretter would help any, as I didn’t know the people spoke Illocano. (Guess we learn something every day).
Hi again, Junior – Something’s bothering me with your last paragraph and now I wonder whether we are both talking about the same peoples?
You said: “For anyone residing on Luzon, or reading this entry, I challenge you to bring your Ilocano interpreter on an excursion into an Aeta village. Engage yourself in their community. Observe an ancient tradition of carving masterpieces out of renewable materials, farming land with minimal resources, and caring for their families.”
As to language, other sources say that these people, in different regions, speak different languages of which Abellen, Amballa, Mag(antsi), Mag(indi) and Mariveleno are more prevelent. They may, however, be bilingual or multilingual in part, being able to pick up enough of neighboring languages to facilitate communications with neighbors. I would imagine that any living in Region 1 (the Ilocos-prevalent area) may speak some Ilocano, but perhaps not as their primary language. I would think those in southern Luzon would be somewhat conversant in Tagalog rather than Ilocano.
Additionally, their “ancient traditions” don’t really include carving or continuous farming. Quoting from Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas, Dr. Antonio de Morga; Mexico, 1609; Vol. II, Chap. VII:
“In various parts of this island of Luzon are found a number of natives black in color. Both men and women have woolly hair, and their stature is not very great, although they are strong and robust. These people are barbarians, and have but little capacity. They possess no fixed houses or settlements, but wander in bands and hordes through the mountains and rough country, changing from one site to another according to the season. They support themselves in certain clearings, and by planting rice, which they do temporarily, and by means of the game that they bring down with their bows, in the use of which they are very skilful and certain. They live also on honey from the mountains, and roots produced by the ground. They are a barbarous people, in whom one cannot place confidence. They are much given to killing and to attacking the settlements of the other natives, in which they commit many depredations; and there is nothing that can be done to stop them, or to subdue or pacify them, although this is always attempted by fair or foul means, as opportunity and necessity demand.”
Other sources also allude to a nomadic lifestyle rather that a village-oriented one, with days “on the road” being ended with nights spent either in quickly constructed lean-to’s or in some naturally protective location (a cave, tree, etc.). Perhaps the village orientation is a rather recent (speaking in terms of eras) permutation, as is their clothing. These are “specialists” in survival.
Carring for families is a given amongst almost every culture or peoples.
Could we be speaking of different peoples
Hi Paul.
I appreciate your comments. To your question of language, I’m no expert but Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan, and other dialects are present in varying Aeta villages on Luzon. More lingual influences are making their way in as eco-tourism and humanitarian interaction continues to grow.
To your comment pertaining to carvings and farming, Aetas produced tools of both wood and metal. Artifacts are in the Smithsonian. Tribes built huts and even tandem amphibious crafts. They planted and harvested on a small scale in conjunction with the seasons. All Aeta tribes were not nomadic, bare-breast National Geographic photo opportunities.
Aetas of Mariveles Bataan, Luzon
(Courtesy Smithsonian Institute)
http://sirismm.si.edu/naa/97/oceania/05241100.jpg
Metallic Harpoon and Arrowheads
(Courtesy Vikingsword via Smithsonian Institute)
http://www.vikingsword.com/rila/k04.jpg
Arrows of Wood
(Courtesy Vikingsword via Smithsonian Institute)
http://www.vikingsword.com/rila/k03.jpg
To the insertion of Governor Morga, his tenure was a disaster and only the “observational” written work was hailed a success, receiving the blessing of the Catholic Church while declaring open season on non-Catholics. According to Morga’s assessment of Aetas, “They are a barbarous people, in whom one cannot place confidence. They are much given to killing and to attacking the settlements of the other natives, in which they commit many depredations; and there is nothing that can be done to stop them, or to subdue or pacify them, although this is always attempted by fair or foul means, as opportunity and necessity demand.”
I nearly spilled my iced tea reading the post and watching the Angels vs. Yankes on TV. The only barbarous murderers were the Spanish. After wiping out thousands of Aeta families, others willing to submit to Catholicism were often enslaved, raped, or worked sugar plantations. Governor Morga’s likely rolling in his grave given the contribution of “barbarous people in whom one cannot place confidence” to WWII and aiding U.S. forces in liberating the Philippines. I suggest a screening of “The Last Refuge: The Aetas of The Philippines” if you can find a copy these days.
Images:
Middle-Class Tagalog Natives
(Courtesy John Foreman)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2832125546_2eb527987b.jpg
Clothed and Accessorized Women
(Courtesy Smithsonian Institute)
http://sirismm.si.edu/naa/97/oceania/05203800.jpg
Group in Costume Outside Farm School’s Wood Frame Silk House with Thatch Roof:
http://sirismm.si.edu/naa/97/oceania/05145800.jpg
Llocano School Boys:
(Paul, notice the nose of boy standing upper left v. nose of boy sitting lower right)
http://sirismm.si.edu/naa/97/oceania/05233700.jpg
If you appreciate tribal Filipino culture, you must read the free book “The Bontoc Egorot” courtesy of Gutenberg.org:
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3308/3308-h/3308-h.htm
For more tribal images courtesy of the Smithsonian archives, here’s the reference:
http://sirismm.si.edu/siris/NAALot97Oceaniaculture.htm
Additional images can be found at http://www.vikingsword.com/rila/krieger.html
Hi Junior – Wow. A lot of late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century misinformation and staged photographs. You may need to dig a little earlier into history to find what you are seeking.
I’ve read Jenks’ _The_Bontok_Igorot_ and have taken it for what it was: more or less a compilation of Jenks’ reports providing his observations to the U.S. Department of Interior. One has to put Jenks’ occassional preconceptions, biases and daliances with language usage of that period aside to obtain useful information. At the time of his observations, Jenks’ was not an anthropologist nor qualified in any related field. He was an Economist who dabbled in anthropology and ethnology. His time in the Philippines was “by appointment” of a friend in government, as was his future tenure as a professor of anthropology at the University of Minnesota. Not bad for someone who spent a year in the Philippines “observing the natives.”
Sorry – the “submit” button was depressed in error, and I lost a bit of response with an intermittent internet outage, so will continue:
I will say that I’ve recommended Jenks’ book to others as an observation of culture at the turn of the century. Jenks himself, however, was better acquainted with Native Americans of the Great Lakes region of North America. His published tomes in this area are quite good, though still “tainted in modern eyes” by language of an earlier time. His observations over time became more objective as he developed his anthropological skills via “on the job, self-training.”
On the “language” issue – Tagalog, Ilocano, Visayan and Kampangpangan are all languages, not dialects, as are the languages I have referred to earlier.
Having a “beach place” in Mariveles, Bataan and spending time there, I have met and talked with “Aetas” in that area. Those I spoke with primarily speak Mariveleno, though are conversant in Tagalog and English – products of the modern era. They see themselves more as “hunters” of fish rather than “fishermen.” Unlike their net-fishing Tagalog neighbors, they utilize bow and arrow in their hunt. In decades past, they also danced pre-hunt and successful hunt dances, similar to those of their mountain- or inland-dwelling “distant relatives.” Hunts were always successful as they didn’t end until adequate “game” had been taken.
As with all peoples, modern “Aetas” will do what it takes to survive (just as you or I might take a job for pay in cities, etc.). Much of what I read and see in your citations reflect “tourism-oriented” occupations meant to draw revenue on which to live. Believe me when I tell you that “carving ‘barrel men’” was never a practice of “Aeta” let alone any other peoples of these islands.
As to Dr. Morga, while he too suffers from language usage popular in his time and not ours, we can’t try to destroy the messenger in an effort to discredit his message. Dr. Morga provides a description of these people, in image and in cultural behavior, that cannot be denied. Truly, they cannot be denied simply because Dr. Morga was a Spaniard. His work was VERY important and accepted. Jose Rizal was so taken by his book that Rizal, himself, annotated and published a newer edition of it in 1890. If it was good enough for Rizal, it’s good enough for me!
Btw, Dr. Morga was never a governor. The highest he ever attained was appointment as leiutenant-governor. He was best known at that time for his defending Manila and its commerce against Dutch cosairs in 1600 while serving under then-governor Don Francisco Tello.
Dr. Morga never had anything to do with the Office of the Inquisition, which in the Philippines focused more on Moros than anyone else. The anti-Catholic diatribe I see in your post is uncalled for as well as being a fabrication. Please leave your personal hatreds, or those of others, at the door. The method of “first send in the friars then send in the soldiers” was the Spanish variation of a warfare method that goes back further than Hindu empires. It was the method of choice for the Spanish government and not the Church, whom the former “used” for pacification of pagans prior to conquest. Too, at this time, there were “secular clergy” – men appointed to positions in the Church by the government (read: king) – who sought to profit in any way they could, including use of their appointments, etc.
“Aeta” were not enslaved, nor worked in “sugar plantations” – a Black History story that somehow found its way into your post from Caribbean history. The closest sugar production at the time was beginning in the “Pintados” (the Visayan Islands). Spaniards of that time obtained sugar and some other commodities from local, native producers.
One must remember, when reflecting upon this era that most cultures were murderous, be they Spaniards, other Europeans, Filipino, Asian, African, etc. Singling out a culture as so notorious is a method of describing opponents that predates the 1500s. Just as the Spanish “trash-talked” their opponents, so too other peoples justified their actions againt an opponent based on trash. It still goes on today, too. Additionally, different sides have different stories to tell.
I will end my posting on this topic, as it has gone far enough and far away from the column’s topic, but will accept any response you may submit. If you are indeed part of a FilAm group, I can’t tell if you’re the Fil or the Am – your selection of words, citations and logic reflect that of those educated in American schools (as my friend “dans” would say) and if the Fil, not appearing as a first- generation immigrant. I suggest that, if your group is truly interested in cultures of the Philippines, that it leaves the e-archives of the University of Minnesota, sets aside its new-found Wikipedic psuedo-knowledge, and search out the earliest works it can find. Forget the images of various and helpless Filipino cultures living under a balete tree, carving “masterpieces” for tourists or export, as well as performing “cultural ensembles” at some SM mall.
Forget any staged photographs of the early 1900s, and ponder the candid ones. Take a mental voyage back to pre-1650, and “discover the roots” of what exists in the now. There is nothing back there to be ashamed of, nor is there anything by which to be angered. If it truly wants to help any peoples, don’t let your group discount any avenues that are open, whether direct or indirect. Giving a gift of money or goods is an honorable work of charity, so long as it is given without fanfare or boastful recognition (which would simply be “advertising”).
As another friend says, “that’s about it except, ‘have a nice day’.”
Another “Sorry” – forgot to insert these items that were dropped out a couple of times due to internet connectivity issues.
Language usage in the Sixteen Century:
* Barbarians – Those who are outside of or not a member of a culture or peoples, speaking a language completely strange and foreign to a member of that culture or peoples. (Spaniards washed up on the coast of Ireland after the Spanish Armada disaster at sea called the Irish “barbarians” and “savages.” Change their clothing, their language and their locations, and those Irish could have passed as Castillians.)
* Barbarous – (See barbarians)
* Cannot place confidence in – Untrustworthy with information, secrets or goods; not dependable to provide that which is desired or believed to have been bargained for.
* Depredations – The denial of food stocks, crop harvests, cattle, livestock, etc. to the conquered by the victorious by means of taking what can be managed and destroying what remains (by fire, slaughter, etc.). This served to prevent immediate resupply and nurishment of the conquered, further preventing them from attacking the victorious as the conquerors withdrew. Roman legions’ favorite deprevation was “salting” agricultural lands so that nothing would grow until the effects of the salt, in time, wore away (decades).
* Little capacity – No means of handling great amounts of goods or storing them in a specific location. A nomadic group travels “lightly” with only those things that satisfy specific needs; they have but little capacity.
Once the passages of Dr. Morga are read using their intended meanings, and not the pejorative inferrences of the modern day, his words are a bit more palatable. Take a deep breath, sip the iced tea, and enjoy reading his book.
Hi, Paul Keating:
Lighten up, baby! You’re making my head spin. Once you get going, there’s no stopping you, huh? I would hate to be the one to get you started. I wonder if Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, realize what they have in their midst. Hahaha
Hi John – I apologize to you and other readers for subjecting all of you to one of my personal characteristics: becoming an oratorical ogre of a genie once the bottle is open! Guess I need ask baket ko (asawa ko) [my wife] to hide my soap box in a better location.
Also guess that the influences of Ilocano revolutionary firebrands have rubbed off on me. As to Pasuquinios, I’m but a weak spark along side their raging blaze of emotions. Guess that’s why I enjoy life here – I’m able to hide and not stick out (obvious differences notwithstanding).
Nah, you didn’t bother me, Paul K, there is no need to apologize. Fact is, I’ve enjoyed reading your rebuttals and Junior’s too, while witnessing you dissect Lieutenant Governor Morga’s Sucesos at the same time. Can’t wait for the next round. LOL Just kidding. Looking forward to your next article, Paul. Good night from this end to the both of you, Paul and Junior.
Hi Paul. It appears I’ve touched a nerve. So, let’s agree to disagree. I look forward to more articles.
Junior
Hi Junior – No problemo! I was provided two opportunities: one to remain silent and the other to jump on the soap box. It pretty much shows which I chose.
I do have to thank you for the opportunities, however. It’s rare to be able to mention the discoveries of 30+ years of research & study about the island of Luzon. (I had a lot of free time available while living near world-class reference centers.) My first encounters with what I found had me in disbelief, then in awe – sort of like cleaning & buffing up an old, corroded penny in that one doesn’t know of its unique (compared to other objects) shine hidden beneath when beginning but only recognize it as polishing is applied.
I did have to “shut myself down” (getting further off-topic) as without the halt, I would have probably written a thesis!
Thanks again – I do appreciate your comments and the links you’ve provided.
my great grandfather was the govenor of zambales have you heard of him? Gov. Baretto. There are many pictures of him with aetas. I don’t think they’re so poor in Zambales I think. Maybe the flood made them poorer. There are many villages who look aetas near the beaches. And they are nice.
Hi Ana – I am indeed honored that the great granddaughter of Governor Baretto is visiting this column and this e-zine. Thank you for providing additional input to (what I think is) a fascinating topic.
A little off-topic chat, first: I am a little uncertain of whom we speak – so many famous men of that name. Was your great grandfather the Honorable Lauro Al Baretto or the Honorable Manuel Baretto? (It’s difficult to discern time lines based on ages, etc.) There was also the Honorable Alberto Baretto of Cabangan – one of the framers of the Malolos Constitution – but he wasn’t a governor. There are numerous schools, buildings and barrios named in honor of the Barettos (I have some friends who live in Barrio Baretto in Olongapo, but I digress). Again, thank you and welcome.
Many members of Zambales area tribes were employed by the U.S. Navy over the years. Along with providing “don’t ask, don’t tell” anti-intrusion and protection services for Subic Base fences and other “projects,” they also provided top-notch jungle survival training to US forces. I’m sure their “quality of life” was above that of others around the islands.
Some in Pampanga, near Clark AFB, had similar benefits, but lost a lot when Mt. Pinatuba erupted. Those from the Cordillera as well as many on Negros are not as fortunate, and have much “simpler” lives.
Those who live around here are displaced from the mountainside of Pinatubo. When their volcano eruption relocation area in Pampanga/Tarlac suffered severe typhoon damage years later, they were further dispersed among the provinces of Luzon. They are poor, but hardly ever seen – staying to themselves more than venturing out.
Hi, Paul K, if you can access the following book online as you have been doing with your other research materials, it should tell you which Baretto was the governor of Zambales. The bibliographic entry I have supplied below is taken from the National Library of Australia. LOC also has a copy. I used to keep that copy at my desk. The publisher is Union Zambalena, located in Manila.
(Researching this name is a bit tricky because of the spelling variations, i.e., Baretto, Barreto, Barretto.
Zambales / Ramon V. De Jesus
Book
Bib ID 1762588
Format BookBook
Author Jesus, Ramon V. de, 1914-1989
Description Manila : Union Zambalena, c1990.
viii, 116 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 29 cm.
ISBN 9718551042 :
Notes
Includes index.
Subjects Magsaysay, Ramon, – 1907-1957. | Zambales (Philippines) – History. | Zambales (Philippines)
Other Authors Union Zambalena
Hi John – Well, I know that the Honorable Manuel D. Baretto was a three-term governor between 1956-1967 and that the Honorable Lauro Al Baretto was governor between 1916-1918. (The former lost his fourth-term bit to the Honorable Vincente P. Magsaysay, the youngest governor of Zambales.)
Figuring “great-grandfatherhood” based on those dates is s bit difficult for a Kano like me! My great-grandfather’s productive life was at the turn of the 20th Century. I know just a few Pinoy relatives whose productive years were in the mid-20th Century and have been blessed with great-grandchildren.
Perhaps, in a “flirting” way, I was bestowing the presumption of youth while not trampling too deep into the question of age!
Hi, Paul, please take a look at this image of a Governor Barretto (note the spelling) in a picture that must have been taken either in Subic or Olongapo as a Navy officer looks on. http://lenapedelawarehistory.net/mirror/PHOTOS/GovBarretto.jpg
The shoes worn by the Filipino gentleman on the extreme left suggests a 1950s to 1960s picture. “Flirting” aside, could this be Ana’s great grandfather?
Hi John – Yes, that would be the Honorable Manuel D. Barretto (sometimes spelled Baretto, but who’s really taking precise notes?
).
I date the picture, however, by the naval officer’s (captain’s) Class A Tropical White (Long) uniform – a uniform that didn’t exist in the early 20th Century. His two rows of “ribbons” over his left breast pocket include a Korean era award. When in this uniform, the wearer can opt for either wearing all “ribbons” he’s entitled to wear or just the top “so-many ribbons” (the number has changed over the years – I wore my “top three” when I could, saving wear & tear). He’s wearing “top eight” which is in-line with that period of time.
The officer could have been a Guest of Honor or a Guest Speaker for some special occassion as he is wearing a special “lei” and is sitting at the dias with his similarly lei’ed spouse (wedding bands and similar age giveaways). The governor would have a special lei regardless of his reason for appearing. The number of local school-aged children in the background would suggest the fuction was connected with the local schools (children providing some entertainment to guests and attendees).
So much info in just one picture – even what appears to be a 1950/60s-era Astatic JT series microphone.
yeah that’s my lolas father. He died I think on the 80’s or something like that XD He died of heart attack. He loves eating baboy kasi like all my relatives. Anyway yeah that’s him. I didn’t know about the aetas that they were employed by the military wow..
Anyway did you know he took all his grandkids (not me, my dad) to hunting? He hunted I think the tamaraws before and there are so much photos of him cutting the deer lol the things you got away with (no he wasn’t corrupt, if he was I’d be so rich right now.)
Hi Ana – I’m glad we were able to make the connection, especially at this time of year (Nov. 1 & 2).
Oh, to return to that time when one didn’t have to personally vouch for the honesty of a politician, related or otherwise!
Speaking of “rich Barrettos,” I wonder if there’s a link in your heritage/lineage back to the old Spanish-Portuguese mestizo Barretto clan of Zambales? They originally lived in India and were descended from Francisco Barretto, a 16th Century viceroy of Portuguese Goa.