Monday, February 28, 2011

"Viva Marinduque" as vehicle for cultural preservation

(Contd)

It wasn't just the honorable members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque who stepped forward to convey their positive response to the cnduct of the festivities. The Sangguniang Bayan of Gasan also conveyed their full appreciation.

Among others, the resolution stated that "Viva Marinduque is truly reflective of the richness of Marinduque's beliefs, customs and traditions, and can also be an effective vehicle in the preservation of these cultures."

It also stated that with respect to the participation of youths from Gasan to the theatrical presentations, "their participation in this theatrical production have elevated them to a new dimension of skills, confidence and discipline..."

Full text of said resolution resolved on motion of Councilor Jose Maria A. Sore and seconded by Councilor Patrick T. del Mundo of the Sangguniang Bayan of Gasan, Marinduque:

Republic of the Philippines
MUNICIPALITY OF GASAN
MARINDUQUE

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF GASAN, MARINDUQUE HELD AT THE MUNICIPAL SESSION HALL ON FEBRUARY 26, 2008.
PRESENT:

Hon. Servillano M. Balitaan Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer
Hon. Celia Margarita L. Asuncion Councilor
Hon. Consuelo S. Salcedo Councilor
Hon. Jose S. Luna Councilor
Hon. Jose Maria A. Sore Councilor
Hon. Edelinda R. Sadiua Councilor
Hon. Patrick T. del Mundo Councilor
Hon. James Marty L. Lim Councilor/President
Liga ng mga Barangay
Hon. John Christopher M. Mascarinas Councilor/Vice President
SK Mun. Federation
ABSENT:
Hon. Nancy Arca-Iturralde (O.B.) Councilor
Hon. Elisa J. Lao (On Leave) Councilor

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-48

A RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION IN FAVOR OF MR. ELISEO J. OBLIGACION FOR HIS UNTIRING EFFORTS IN BRINGING TO GASAN A WHOLESOME THEATRICAL PRODUCTION KNOWN AS “VIVA MARINDUQUE” AND FOR MOULDING AND DEVELOPING GASAN YOUNGSTERS ALONG THIS ART


WHEREAS, behind the conceptualization of “VIVA MARINDUQUE”, is a man whose love of arts can not be discounted;

WHEREAS, those who were able to watch the presentation of this theatrical production can not help but admire the depth of its message, the beauty of its choreography, and the craftiness of its adaptation of light and sound effects and musical scoring;

WHEREAS, Viva Marinduque is truly reflective of the richness of Marinduque’s beliefs, customs and traditions, and can also be an effective vehicle in the preservation of these cultures;

WHEREAS, most of the talents used in this theatrical production are Gasenos, because fact of the matter is that they are youths from Bangbang National High School and Marinduque Midwest College, something which Gasan must be proud of;

WHEREAS, surely, their participation in this theatrical production have elevated them to a new dimension of skills, confidence and discipline – and all these we owe to Mr. Obligacion who patiently trained and coached them along this discipline, and without him there is no such an entertaining production known as “VIVA MARINDUQUE”, which is worthy of watching again and again and again;

WHEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above premises, on motion of Councilor Jose Maria A. Sore, seconded by Councilor Patrick T. del Mundo, be it

RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to recognize the services rendered by Mr. Eliseo J. Obligacion in showcasing the cultures of Marinduque, particularly the cultures of Gasan and his effort to preserve them.

RESOLVED FURTHER, to issue this commendation to Mr. Obligacion in recognition of the above-cited efforts and concern to Gasan youths.

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copies of this resolution be furnished Mr. Eliseo J. Obligacion and the Honorable Governor Jose Antonio ‘Bong Carrion’ for their information.

APPROVED: February 26, 2008.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:
(Signed)
DANILO M. DE BELEN
Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED TO BE DULY ADOPTED:
(Signed)
SERVILLANO M. BALITAAN
Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer


Friday, February 25, 2011

"Araw '08": Unprecedented kudos to all individuals and orgs

(contd)

Spreading cultural and historical awareness and continuously exploring, searching for that something that could help bring about unity and positive change in a small, poor, politically divided island-province, promoting a sense of oneness, a clearer sense of identity and direction among Marinduquenos, are tasks cultural workers and artists take upon themselves to undertake. Existing political structures could make it rather difficult for cultural undertakings of the same magnitude as the first "Araw ng Marinduque" to prosper.

But the message of the Araw ng Marinduque celebration was clear. As the first Araw ng Marinduque celebration was concluded, a RESOLUTION was adopted by the SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN NG MARINDUQUE. It was to commend all the individuals behind the success of the two projects for such an achievement "despite the limited time and budget of the provincial government and the six municipalities... and even strengthened a collaborative effort with the national government offices/agencies and other organizations..."

The resolution stated that the celebration "exuded the province's unique culture, customs and traditions which were hailed by most of those who witnessed the various activities and presentations".

Full text of said Resolution adopted on motion of board member ELEUTERIO "BONG" RAZA, Jr. follows. In a strong show of support and solidarity with all those involved in the project, the said Resolution was "unanimously seconded" by all the members of the provincial council, and therefore unprecedented:



Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE
Boac

OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES
5th SPECIAL SESSION, 11th SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN
SUPREME COURT COMPOUND, BAGUIO CITY
FEBRUARY 24, 2008



Resolution No. 264 series 2008

RESOLUTION

COMMENDING ALL INDIVIDUALS, OFFICES, AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE “ARAW NG MARINDUQUE”


WHEREAS, the recent celebration of the “Araw ng Marinduque”, the founding anniversary of the province, had exuded the province’s unique culture, customs and traditions which were hailed by most of those who witnessed the various activities and presentations relative to the same;

WHEREAS, despite the limited time and budget of the provincial government and the six municipalities, it did not constrain them from organizing a committee that made the event a success and even strengthened a collaborative effort with the national government offices/agencies and other organizations that led to such an achievement;

WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is truly grateful to all individuals and/or organizations who in one way or another, and through their efforts, have contributed to the success of such an endeavour;

WHEREFORE, on motion of Hon. Eleuterio R. Raza, Jr. unanimously seconded, it was:

RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, to commend all individuals, offices/agencies and organizations who contributed to the success of the celebration of the “Araw ng Marinduque”.

RESOLVED, finally, that copy of this resolution be furnished the following for their information, to wit:

1. Provincial Governor
2. Provincial Administrator
3. Executive Assistant to the Governor
4. Mayor and SB of the 6 Municipalities
5. Organizing Committee through the Consultant for Tourism Affairs*
6. Department of Education
7. Department of Trade and Industry
8. Marinduque State College and all School Participants
9. National Commission for Culture & the Arts
10. National Historical Commission
11. Department of Tourism
12. Sponsors, Donors, Guests, Others.

ADOPTED, this 24th day of February 2008 at Baguio City.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:
(Signed)
NIMFA M. CABRERA,Secretary, SP

ATTESTED:

(Signed)
TOMAS N. PIZARRO
Vice-Governor & Presiding Officer

The First Araw ng Marinduque Celebration 2008

The idea of celebrating Marinduque’s founding anniversary in fitting ceremonies province-wide with activities showcasing its traditional arts & culture, history, products and uniqueness as a province, in the same vein that all municipalities, provinces and cities in the Philippines mark their own anniversaries, was proposed by this blogger, as consultant for tourism and cultural affairs of the provincial government in late November 2007. The proposal received endorsement of support from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee on Tourism chaired by board member Yolando Querubin.

Knowing that the funds of the provincial government for such activities were limited, I had the opportunity to discuss the possibility of obtaining a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts with NCCA Commissioner Elmer B. Ingles while attending a seminar in Vigan. He was enthusiastic about the idea of a joint Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) and “Araw ng Marinduque”celebration, both occurring in the month of February.

On my way back to Marinduque I got a phone call from a culture and arts officer of NCCA, informing me to immediately fax my proposal that should strictly follow the official guidelines for the Philippine Arts Festival grants, as the deadline for submission expired the next day. This was complied with, and soon after came the response for the inclusion of Marinduque in the arts festival project. A Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government of Marinduque and the NCCA was eventually signed, witnessed by the Provincial Accountant with the Provincial Treasurer issuing a certificate on which bank account the funds should be transferred to.

PAF-ARAW NG MARINDUQUE COMMITTEE

A committee tasked to map out plans for the celebration was created. This was composed of representatives of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, the Provincial Tourism Office, the Office of the Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Education, the Provincial Engineering Office and the six municipalities of Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, Mogpog, Torrijos and Sta. Cruz.

“VIVA MARINDUQUE” was adopted as the project title of the “Ani ng Sining in Marinduque: Philippine Arts Festival 2008”, and in line with NCCA objectives: To celebrate the Filipinos artistic creations; to promote the Filipino creativity, specifically of local and indigenous talents, through various forms of artistic expressions; to provide a venue for broader participation in creative activities; to drumbeat “Araw ng Marinduque” as a new avenue for cultural-tourism promotion and development in the province.

It also aimed to raise the level of cultural awareness among local artists and the community, in general, and expected to pave the way for the honing of local talents, as well as strengthening their network among other artists, cultural workers and arts enthusiasts within and beyond the island-province. It was also seen as a rare opportunity to raise the level of local and national awareness on Marinduque’s rich cultural heritage.

The “Viva” project was held as an interactive and collaborative project with the NCCA, the local municipalities, participating schools, cultural organizations, performers and participating groups. The showcase was presented in all the six municipalities, simultaneous with the arts festivals in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

VENUE

Available public spaces were utilized, namely, covered courts, gyms or open spaces, specifically Boac Covered Court, Mogpog Covered Court, Sta. Cruz Gym, Open Court in Torrijos, Open Public Park in Buenavista and Municipal Tennis Court in Gasan.
The February rains posed a problem as there were days when it rained the whole day on scheduled dates. In Sta. Cruz the original venue had to be changed from the Sta. Cruz Open Court to the Gym two hours before the show. In Torrijos, Buenavista and Gasan, the venues of which had open spaces the rains stopped as if on cue. In all the venues and scheduled dates the programs started at exactly 7:31pm).

The cast dressed up all the venues with backdrops, curtains, mobile platforms designed for the purpose, and additional plants and designs where needed. The municipal governments provided monobloc chairs for the use of town officials, visitors and guess. The general public used bleachers or watched standing on top of parked jeepneys or trucks. A technical crew that tavelled with the group was responsible for installation of lights and sound requirements.

THE SHOWCASE

Cultural and historical researches were major components of this project that went beyond the traditional arts expressions for which Marinduque is known for, such as moryonan and putong that remained important “Viva” features. Presented were:
“Moryonan” – dance drama on Marinduque’s famous Lenten tradition; “Bulong” – dance-drama on teleportation, a belief still popular in far-flung areas;

“Labanan sa Pulang Lupa” – dance-drama with original song on the “Battle of Pulang Lupa” with choral rendition by the Marinduque Provincial Capitol Choir; Mini-feature on one of the U.N. Millenium Development Goals, poverty alleviation (an NCCA requirement);

“Kalutang” played by the Pangkat Kalutang group of Gasan; “Harana”, local songs of courtship; and “Putong”, Marinduque’s welcome or thanksgiving ritual.

Students from Bangbang National High School and Marinduque Midwest School and out-of-school youth underwent workshops/rehearsals conducted by this blogger as artistic director and project coordinator with the assistance of choreographers Joseph Ogalinola and Ian Sotto (both from Buenavista), Oliver Macunat and Roselo Salvacion (both from Gasan).

Well known director Frank Rivera was also invited to conduct a workshop for the dance-drama cast and the participating cultural groups. Altogether, the “Viva Marinduque” artistic and production staff were composed of 100 persons. During the performance in Buenavista, Mayor Ofelia Madrigal requested that some dancers who took part in their municipal showcase be also included in the Viva repertoire to perform some of the local dances, increasing the number of participants to 120.


Part of the arts festival concept was municipal showcases. The municipality of Mogpog (left photo), came up with “Battle of Camarines (Bintakay)”, performed by DepEd teachers, about the revolutionary struggle in Mogpog during the Filipino-Spanish war. The story was presented from the point of view of Olympia Manuba, the local Gabriela Silang. The play also incorporated local dances, songs and cultural practices, and underscored the capacity of women to be so empowered as to join the fight for Inang Bayan.

In Boac, DepEd teachers presented a local folk dance; In Sta. Cruz the municipal choir rendered various local songs with an elderly veteran of “Harana” songs dishing out a few songs. In Buenavista, selected students from Buenavista National High School performed three local dances, including “Banderitas de Libas”, said to be a native dance that was eventually included in the Viva presentations. “Harana” songs complete with a movable ‘bahay kubo’ was likewise performed as part of the municipal contribution.

In Torrijos, DepEd teachers danced “Inalimango” as well as other lesser known folk dances. As most of the Viva performers were from Gasan including the Kalutang musicians, the municipal government helped in the technical aspects of the production from rehearsal, providing additional mobile platforms when necessary, providing additional meals and snacks to the cast and appointing a municipal staff as coordinator for all Gasan performers throughout the duration of the project (January-February).

Responsibility for lights and sound, production design, costumes and props, transportation, accommodation, meals and snacks, streamers and documentation were variously assumed by the provincial government and participating sponsors.

AUDIENCE

Government officials, employees, teachers, students, parents and people from all walks of life watched the “Viva Marinduque” presentations. Depending on the weather situation and other factors such as efforts exerted by the municipal governments to attract a good crowd the estimates were: Mogpog (2,000), Sta. Cruz (500 mostly people dressed up for the occasion); Boac (700); Buenavista (2,000); Torrijos (1,000) and Gasan (2,500). The Mogpog Viva presentation was shown on the two local cable channels and covered by the local paper, “The Weekly Marinduque”. Performances were held in Boac (Feb 9), Mogpog (Feb 12), Torrijos (Feb 16), Sta. Cruz (Feb. 17), Buenavista (Feb 23) and Gasan (Feb. 26, 2008).

THE OTHER “ARAW NG MARINDUQUE” FESTIVITIES

“Viva Marinduque” was the most visible of all the Philippine Arts Festival-Araw ng Marinduque celebration because of its province-wide presence. There were other activities undertaken, however, to mark the event. Among them: “Barakalan at Turismo” (Trade, Tourism and Food Fair) a cooperative endeavor among the six municipalities of Marinduque, the Department of Trade and Industry and the provincial government. The exhibition site (Boac Covered Court), served as a big bazaar of quality Marinduque trade and tourism products and served as tourist information center as a whole. (Feb. 16-21, 2008)

“Quiz-Bee & Oratorical Contests” organized by the Department of Education, the Quiz-Bee on Marinduque’s culture and history, as well as the Oratorical Contest were undertaken for high school students in public and private schools. The latter’s theme was “Marinduque: Alab ng Puso ng Pilipinas”. DepEd took care of the responsibility for the guidelines and mechanics of the contests. Held at the Boac Covered Court. (Feb. 18, 2008)

“Harana”. As Marinduque is known to be one of the few remaining localities in the country where the traditional “Harana”, local serenade, is being practiced, or where the old songs remain popular to oldtimers, all municipalities showcased their versions of Harana to generate new interest in this tradition. Held at Sta. Cruz Municipal Court (Feb. 18, 2008).

“National Conference on Marinduque”. The former National Historical Institute identified eminent historians, researchers, anthropologists and archaeologists to present papers on various aspects of Marinduque’s culture from pre-Hispanic times to the present.

Students, teachers, government officials, historic-cultural societies, researchers and media participated in this conference organized by the provincial government in cooperation with the National Historical Institute, National Museum, Philippine Historical Society, Department of Education, private schools and the six municipalities. Held at the Mogpog Central School. (Feb. 19-20, 2008).

“Grand Parada” (Street-Dancing Festival Showcase). Showcase of municipal festivals introduced in recent years to promote the province as a year-round tourist destination. Parade with all municipalities bringing their own festivals to the capital started from different designated areas in Boac Poblacion and converged at the Boac Covered Court.


Participated in by the provincial government, the six municipalities, Phiippine National Police, Department of Education, other participating agencies, NGOs and the business community.

Streets of Boac & Covered Court (Feb. 21, 2008 morning).

“Putong Festival”. Showcase of different “Putong” rituals from the six municipalities. Suceeding annual festivals were intended to be competitive, with traditional and modern categories. Organized by the Provincial Tourism Office in cooperation with the Municipal Government of Mogpog and the other five municipalities. Mogpog Covered Court (February 21, 2008 afternoon)

(contd.)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Culturally significant Marinduque

Six years ago I posted a blog in my old website about Marinduque's cultural significance which I am re-posting as introduction to more articles henceforth on this subject:

Yeah, 'John G' thanks! I guess it's different when you often find yourself in the midst of it all. SEE troubles brewing everywhere and watch how people merely LOOK at what transpires around through rose-colored glasses, or through dollar-rimmed ones or not look at all and pretend to be blind. Based on electronic 'impulses' of the last few days (a few emails reaching me that is), there's putting forward of 'strong advocacy work' in the matter of turning Marinduque into a center for excellence in tropical mining and as eco-tourism ground. I could only support these views with the following cultural viewpoint from my side that couldn't be, mustn't be, brushed aside if we are to step forward in the right direction:

Old Marinduque

It must be stressed that the beginnings of archaeology in the Philippines began right here in our now-troubled island. Prior to 1900, only one important archaeological investigation had been carried out in the country: Alfred Marche’s exploration of Marinduque from April to July 1881. While many other accidental finds have been recorded from time to time, and a few burial caves and sites had been casually explored by European or local scientists, no really systematic work had been done elsewhere prior to that except for the efforts of Marche. After his, the next important work was by Dr. Carl Gunthe in the Central Visayan Islands in 1922.(Beyer)

"An abundant yield of Chinese urns, vases, gold ornaments, skulls and other ornaments of pre-Spanish origin,” was what Marche's finds represented. He brought back to France in 40 crates the artifacts he uncovered. They are now said to be housed at the Musee de l’Homme in France. (Solheim). The finds also included a wooden image of the Marinduque anito called ‘Pastores’ by the natives. (Marche's local adventure was tackled in my 1995 play: 'Moryonan: Ikalawang Yugto' and I still keep a replica of the anito for stage productions).

Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), conducted a research a few years back and discovered that part of the Marche loots had found their way into the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He wrote thus:

“Imagine these fragile jarlets traveling from China to the pre-colonial Philippines. Buried in a cave in Marinduque for centuries, they were excavated in the late 19th century, brought to Paris and eventually ended up in a museum bodega outside Washington, D.C. Part of our history lies in museums abroad and it will take sometime to analyze these artifacts to piece together our pre-colonial past”. (The Philippines' pre-colonial history, that is; and it shows what happens if we keep looking the other way!)

Cultural researchers and national artists (and probably even you, yourself, John G), had been naturally drawn to Marinduque for here, there's undeniable certainty that they'd find what inspiration or ‘that something, something’ they were looking for. Alejandro Roces (Literature) discovered the Moryonan (though he must assume responsibility for introducing it wrongly to the outside world as 'Moriones'); Lucresia Kasilag (Music), found the Putong ritual and songs (or Tubong as it is called in Boac) and replaced it with a shorter version that eventually became popular to the defeat of around 80 or so 'unglorified' versions that the natives used to sing on the island at any given day; Celso Carunungan intervened to write a script for the Pugutan beheading ritual because to use his own words “it was meaningless”. Arsenio Manuel wrote a detailed account of the 'Marinduque' name’s origin. (He's also a national artist, you know).

There were a few, staunchly pro-Marinduqueno: Cecilio Lopez, acclaimed Father of Philippine Linguistics got thrilled with the Tagalog spoken here, for “such provincial forms of speech have been originally the roots, or among the roots, from which modern national forms have spung” - the Filipino language we speak today in the urban centers. In Marinduque we could find “remnants of the more archaic speech of our forefathers”, he wrote conclusively.

Even the acclaimed British-writer James Hamilton-Paterson discovered this "stunningly beautiful world" of sand and offshore reefs where he learned his Tagalog and came to love the people. Since 1979, he has lived off and on in “enforced solitude” in a makeshift shelter, teaching himself to spear fish for food, then writing about his adventures here the book became one of his biggest best-sellers. (“Playing with Water” has sold more than 4-million copies).

Recent studies conducted by cultural anthropologists Patricia Nicholson on the negative effects of politics on ‘Moryonan’, and by Catherine Coumans on the struggle of poor Calancan Bay fisherfolks against mine waste disposal on their fishing grounds accounted for the systematic advance of cultural and political degradation on the island.

Then we have to be reminded of days when fighting for and dying for Marinduque was considered glorious and not anachronistic. The Marinduqueno’s struggle for independence from Spanish rule saw the first declaration of freedom from Spain by Martin Lardizabal a month before the Kawit declaration was made; the fierce resistance against the American rule in the 1900s where local revolutionaries led by Maximo Abad underscored the first major battle won by Filipinos at Pulang Lupa; the united resistance against the Japanese during World War II which dramatically exploded on the feast day of its Patroness – all attest to the strong sense of cultural identity and striving for peace and freedom that our Marinduqueno forefathers held, don't you think?

Martial rule and the negative side of local politics, greed and selfishness, complacency and the Marcopper mining disasters of 1993 (Mogpog) and 1996 (Boac) not to mentioned the decades of pollution in Calancan Bay, have impacted on our lives and on our environment, wreaking untold misery and endless manipulation, so certainly dividing our people now even under further threat of a new armed conflict.

All of these are adversely affecting that which we hold most dear to us, threatening to get them buried beneath tonnes and more tonnes of toxic waste as our country's singular and toxic legacy to Marinduque, what could be our only tool left for salvation: Our cultural significance to the Filipino nation!

“Heart of the Philippines” we love to say of Marinduque. Makes sense, doesn't it? Yet the will to change, the vow to assert ourselves as a people can only come first from the very Heart. The Marinduqueno’s Heart.

Got to do it, 'John G'!

There was an email response to the above article that, I am sure triggered, somewhat, something inside me to just keeping aflame that Marinduque fire:


"Hi Eli,

I very much enjoyed reading your cultural piece on Marinduque. And to hear where Ambeth is now. I first met him at Cornell but had been reading his columns for years.

Your piece resurrected for me some of the sense of history and magic I felt when I lived in Marinduque - when the roads beyond Mogpog was not yet paved, there were so few personal cars on the island that they were known individually by who owned or drove them.

I have almost forgotten that joyful feeling of being in a special place over the years now of solidarity struggle for justice over the damage done by Placer Dome. Very soul sapping on the whole.

But the raiding of Marinduque's cultural treasures was going on at the same time as her natural treasures were being raided even as I lived there. While I was in Marinduque a Ming dynasty era wreck was found near Tres Reyes and trust me, not all the treasures of this ship made their way to the national museum.

Best,
Catherine"

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Marinduque: The name's origin

Malindug, Malindig

< Am reposting this from my old blogsite as even I, myself, might have forgotten some of the details:

The origin of the name, "Marinduque", has been the subject of discussions and thought-provoking conjectures.

Fr. Miguel Bernad in a brief account commented on the origin of the names of a number of places in the Philippines, among which was Marinduque. He said that "Malinduk (or Malindik) is now Marinduque." Explaining that there are provinces, towns and villages whose modern names have been the result of some inability on the part of the Spaniards (or of others), to pronounce the original native name.

F. Arsenio Manuel (of the former National Historical Institute), who conducted a study of place-names, made an interesting one on the origin of 'Marinduque'. He said that 'Marinduque' could not have originated from Malinduk or Malindik but rather from "MALINDUG".

This he said, has historical implication, for the word "malindig" which means "tall and elegant stature" in Tagalog has similar if not parallel meaning to the Visayan term "malindug". These were two cognate terms, Manuel wrote in the study, which fittingly describe the island's volcano, Mt. Malindig.

As for the probability that the Visayan term used as basis for naming the mountain and not the Tagalog word, accounts of early Visayan migration to the island would appear to support this view. The Dasmarinas listing of encomiendas in 1751 already spelled Marinduque in this manner, said he. (But I suspected then that Manuel must be Visayan...)

Manuel explained further that the phonetic hispanization of Malindug followed the Spanish phonetic system. Spanish does not tolerate the voiced velar stop "g" in its phonology. In Morga's Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas and other Spanish chronicles for example, the term for 'loincloth' is spelled 'bahaque'. This spelling and its Spanish pronunciation follows Spanish phonetic laws - 'bahag' becoming 'bahaque'.

This change according to Manuel also appears to have happened to "Palanyag" which became "Paranaque", with additional change taking place, the "l" becoming "r", again following Spanish phonetic tendencies. This "l" - "r" 'spin shift' is, of course, also evident in 'Marinduque'.

Hence, the legend of Marinduque as having resulted from the romance of "Marin" and "Duque", the ill-starred lovers of a popular local myth cannot have any value in historical writing nor folklore studies, stated Manuel. This, he opined, was just another instance of 'folk-etymologising'.

In 2002, as a volunteer cultural worker I decided to call the theater group I formed in Buenavista, "Teatro Malindug", for that town lies at the foot of the subject volcano. I spent sometime, of course, explaining to the cast (students from the Marinduque Victorian's College), that we owe it to our ancestors to preserve that forgotten name.

The MALINDUG name wasn't new to me, though. I first encountered the same explanation from a research paper given to me by the late Ding Jardiniano of Boac back in 1993, in connection with a play I was writing entitled "Saan Nanggaling ang Moryon", that we presented as "Moryonan" Isang Baliktanaw."

The said research paper (there was a dearth of such at that time so we valued anything about Marinduque), was authored by another person (Jardiniano told me then that he knew the guy personally), not Manuel.

However, in 1997, I happened to attend the Conference on Local History sponsored by the National Historical Institute (NHI) held in Makiling, where Manuel, who was present, freely distributed copies of his work entitled: "Marinduque: A Study of Place Names" - an identical copy of the same document I encountered in 1993. And so I took note to change the name of my source promptly to that of Mr. Manuel.

(I was aware at that time that the previous author, also from NHI, earlier figured in the loss of the famous Bonifacio trial papers and sale of other historical documents and was promptly jailed. For that reason I decided that he must have been the one who copied Manuel's paper and claimed the work as his. I am also aware that even on this small island-province, this kind of practice happens. Anyway, in 2004Manuel was declared as National Artist for Literature).

Then, in 2000, former Balangaw member (and kindred spirit), Patrick Henry R. Manguera, who decided to take up a Master's Degree in History at the University of the Philippines, after some discussions on our local history, sent me a mimeographed copy of a 1923 (repeat 1923), article on Boak Tagalog, written by a CECILIO LOPEZ, of the University of the Philippines. It gave me a surprise, almost startled by its implications. The said article was reprinted in 1970 also in mimeographed form for distribution.

Excerpts from the Lopez paper:

"A few words may here be said regarding the derivation of the name Marinduque, a word around which the same kind of regrettable, because superficial and erroneous etymologyzing and inventive story-telling has sprung up which is indulged in, nowadays, by only too many of my countrymen who seem to have allowed themselves to be guided away from that historical sincerity which true patriotism should dictate to them.

"The name in question has nothing to do with a Mary, and a Spanish duke ('duque'), but can be shown to be derived from the name of a high and particularly steep mountain on the island, called Malindig.

"In old chronicles the name of the island occurs in such varying forms as Malinduc, Marinducq, Marinduc, Malindic, and Malindig, forms quite evidently to be analyzed into the well-known 'adjectival' prefix 'ma-' denoting chiefly existence, and a radical word, or stem, occuring in Tagalog as 'lindig', in Bikol as 'lindog' or 'lindug', the second vowel of both forms (i.e. Tag. 'i', Bik. 'o' or 'u'), going back, in accordance with the so-called 'pepet law', to the indistinct vowel 'e'.

"The change of the first sound of the stem, 'l', to 'r' is likewise in consonance with a common Indonesian phonetic law, while the conversion of final 'g' into the Spanish ending 'que' finds an exact parallel in the case of the town Paranaque on Manila Bay, which in Tagalog is called Palanyag. Note, in this connection, also the fluctuation of the last sound of the name Boac which is given by Buzeta y Bravo (Diccionario geografico de las Islas Filipinas) as 'Boac o Boag'.

"The stem 'lindig occurs, according to Noceda y Sanlucar, in the new obsolete Tagalog word 'maglindig', meaning 'rising up straight so as not to be covered by the water', while for the Bikol form 'lindog' Marcos de Lisboa states quite clearly that it means 'monte muy alto y derecho', both forms embodying thus the idea of English 'steep, towering'."

After further research, I came to know that Cecilio Lopez was known as the 'Father of Philippine Linguistics', and his works have not been squarely contested. I like and admire Lopez. Why? Listen to his expert remarks made after a very thorough study of Boak Tagalog (that's really Marinduque Tagalog, I should say):

"When listening to a conversation between people belonging to the speech-group here in question, a native from the country around Manila is likely to receive the impression that Boak Tagalog is simpler, more imperfect form of his own more highly developed speech, an impression comparable to that experienced under similar circumstances by an Englishman, German, or Frenchman, when listening to one of the different dialects spoken in his country.

"We should not forget, however, that altho they have followed a different development, such provincial forms of speech have been originally the roots, or among the roots, from which modern national forms have sprung, and that in them may, therefore, be found remnants of the more archaic speech of our forefathers, remnants long forgotten by our modern parlance but nevertheless of great interest to the linguist".

Wala na si Lopez pero mahalaga hindi lamang sa mga mag-aaral ng wika, kundi higit para sa mga taga-Marinduque ang kanyang naisulat. Higit sa lahat. Galaw-galaw mo, ang Boak Tagalog (na Marinduque Tagalog din) ang pinag-ugatan, o isa sa pinag-ugatan ng Tagalog at inasalita pa rin natin ngay-on, at doon pa mismo maririnig ang mga sinaunang pananalita ng 'ating' ('ating' bilang Filipino, dahil hindi taga Marinduque si Lopez, ha?), mga ninuno! Isipa raw maigi!

Monday, February 21, 2011

No Celebration of "Araw ng Marinduque" 2011

In 2009 the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque passed a resolution enacting an ordinance declaring February 21 of every year as "Araw ng Marinduque". The administration of Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes opted not to celebrate the 91st Founding Anniversary of the Province of Marinduque, first celebrated in provincial-scale with various cultural, historical, trade and tourism-promotional activities in 2008 and continued on in 2009 and 2010.


The past celebrations that coincided with the Philippine International Arts Festival were consistently supported during the 3-year period with appropriate grants from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The province of Marinduque, then declared a priority area for culture and arts development, was the only provincial LGU having been granted that kind of NCCA support for three consecutive years.

Excerpts from the minutes, 59th Regular Session, 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Gov. Damian J. Reyes Session Hall, January 28, 2009:
Resolution No. 534 series 2009

RESOLUTION ENACTING PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE NO. 81 Series 2009

“Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque in Session assembled, the following:

“AN ORDINANCE DECLARING FEBRUARY TWENTY-ONE OF EVERY YEAR AS “ARAW NG MARINDUQUE”

“Authored by Hon. Yolando R. Querubin

"Section 1. DECLARATION. In commemoration of the re-establishment of Marinduque as an independent province on February 21, 1920, through Act No. 2880 signed by then American Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison, the 21st day of February of every year is hereby declared as “ARAW NG MARINDUQUE”.

"Section 2. BRIEF POLITICAL HISTORY OF MARINDUQUE.
When Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo, two Spanish conquistadores, returned to the Philippine islands in 1569, and conquered Manila, they stayed on to establish other settlements in the region.

"Marinduque, together with Mindoro, the southeast part of Laguna and Camarines was made a part of Batangas when the latter was founded in 1581 by the Spaniards. (Balayan was the capital from 1597-1732; Taal, earlier known as Bonbon, in 1732; then Batangas (the present city) in 1754).

"Early in the 17th century, the island of Marinduque was separatd from Batangas and became a part of Mindoro as a corregimiento, town. In 1671 Marinduque functioned as a province but was later reduced as a Mindoro sub-province.

"On April 28, 1898, with the overthrow of the last Spanish casadores (Tagalog soldiers) after armed conflict and hostilities with the revolutionists during the Philippine-Spanish War, Marinduque declared its separation from Mindoro and from Spanish rule, a move that was ratified by the ruling class from the different towns of the island-province. The local struggle was led by Martin Lardizabal, who was military governor of Marinduque’s first revolutionary provincial government.

"The first major victory of the Filipinos during the second phase of the Philippine revolution (the Filipino-American War), in Marinduque (1900-1901), occurred at the Battle of Pulang Lupa (Torrijos), when local forces led by Col. Maximo Abad defeated the American contingent under the command of Capt. Deverieux Shields. (The said battle was considered one of the most dramatic reversals the Americans suffered during the war with the Philippines).



"On May 1, 1901, the United States-Philippine Commission (The Philippine Commission was a body appointed by the President of the United States to exercise legislative and limited executive powers in 1901, acting as the upper house of a bicameral legislature, with the elected Philippine Assembly acting as lower house. The Jones Act of 1916 later created an elected Philippine Senate to replace the Philippine Commission), passed Act No. 125 which created the Province of Marinduque, composed of the islands of Marinduque, and the adjacent small islands. The provincial government was established in the municipality of Boac, the capital.

"By virtue of Act No. 423, dated June 23, 1902, the US-Philippine Commission annexed the island of Mindoro, including the island of Lubang (then separated from Cavite), to the Province of Marinduque. Boac remained as the capital of the consolidated provinces.

"Four months later, on November 10, 1902, by virtue of Act No. 499, Marinduque was made a part of the Province of Tayabas, the present Quezon. On May 17, 1907, under Act No. 1649, the Commission made Marinduque a sub-province of Tayabas with Juan Nieva as Lieutenant Governor.

"Finally, on February 21, 1920, Act No. 2280, sponsored in the Lower House by elected representative Ricardo Paras of Marinduque, separated the sub-province of Marinduque from Tayabas and re-established the former Province of Marinduque. The law was signed by American Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison.

"Section 3. Contestability Clause. Any person or entity/organization who might find that February 21, 1920 was not the exact date when Act No. 2880 was signed into law may contest this Ordinance upon presentation of validated documents and evidences.
Section 4. Effectivity. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

"Adopted, this 28th day of January 2009, at Boac, Marinduque on motion of Hon. Yolando R. Querubin, duly seconded by Hon. Jose F. Alvarez.

"Certified Correct: NIMFA M. CABRERA, Secretary, SP

"Attested: ILDEFONSO P. DELOS SANTOS, SP Member & Temporary Presiding Officer

"Approved: JOSE ANTONIO N. CARRION, Governor"



Saturday, February 19, 2011

What MSC athletes brought home

They were so excited and inspired to compete, and returned home proud, displaying their golds, silvers and bronzes from the recently concluded PASUC IV Olympics in Odiongan, Romblon.

MSC Sepak Takraw Team composed of Zaldy Laylay, John Ryan dela Vega, Glenn Lasic, Wendell Laririt, Jorlan Luz, Richard Hizole, Merwin Robledo, Norvin Oliveros, Roncemer Sosa, Ademar Olavide and Nomer Laylay won a Silver Medal.

In Chess: Edward Pastrana, (Bronze).

Taekwondo (Men and Women): Michael Jayson Rey,Fin Weight (Bronze); J-Gleen Palmero, Fly Weight (Bronze); Mars Morte, Light Weight (Bronze); Louie Mar COnstantino, Middle Weight, (Silver) Mark Paulo Clutario, Heavy Weight (Bronze); Karen de Villena, Feather Weight (Bronze); Lyndel de Luna, Welter Weight (Silver).

Track Events: Ardy Malimata was the most bemedalled bringing home three medals,i.e.: 1500 run (Silver); 5000 run (Gold); and 10000 run (Gold). Raymond Lacerna, 10000 run (Bronze); Christian Allan Valentino, 400 m run (Silver; 110 hurdle (Bronze);

Field/Throwing Events: Peter Ricamara, Discuss Throw (Bronze); Francis Jamig, Javelin Throw (Gold).

Friday, February 18, 2011

Medals for MSC athletes in PASUC Olympics

(MSC President Malvar and Congressman Velasco)

The annual PASUC Olympics for regions IV-A & B, was held from January 30 - Feb 4, and was hosted by the Romblon State University. Marinduque State College athletes accompanied by its officials traveled to Odiongan, Romblon to compete with the different state colleges and universities from Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions.

The MSC athletes did come home with golds, silvers and bronzes from the various sports competitions, good enough reason for the entire college to give them a warm welcome back to the campus.


Congressman Lord Allan Velasco was invited as guest. The young solon articulated his commitment to support MSC's educational and infra programs, provide incentives to deserving athletes and partner closely with the college's sports development activities.




(Velasco congratulating the athletes. Winners were provided with cash incentives by the solon).