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Manobo

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND CUSTOMS (summarized)

The traditional social structure consists of four classes: the bagani, the baylan, commoner, and slave. The bagani class, now gone, defended the community and went to battle. The baylan, who can still be found, is a male or female priest and healer. The commoners were farmers; and the slaves, who had been seized in raids, belonged to the ruler and were usually given away as part of the bridewealth. Village members could also become enslaved if they could not pay the penalty for a crime they had committed, such as thievery, destruction of property, adultery, or verbal offense. Slaves however could win their freedom through diligence in the fulfillment of their duties, faithfulness to their master, or payment of their debt through servitude. Slaves who were treated like members of the family although still in servitude are bilew, and it was considered an insult if they were referred to as slaves. One who did so was committing tempela, ridiculing someone for their low status physical handicap.

Intervillage relationship is based on upakat or reciprocity. Village members, usually belonging to kinship group or groups allied by marriage, expect assistance from each other in matters of subsistent labor, defense, and support in crises.

Marriage is traditionally by parental arrangement, which begins when each of two families chooses a spokesperson, preferably a datu or bai, who is known for eloquence and knowledge of custom law. Marriage is an alliance system in which reciprocity and mutual obligation between the groom’s and bride’s kinship groups are expected. It is, therefore, a means of maintaining peace and order, for the Manobo’s practice of retaliation does not extend to one’s kindred or allies. Incest taboo is strictly followed up to a common great-great-great grandparent on both the mother’s and father’s side.

Polygamy, although rarely practiced, was allowed. A datu might resort to it, usually for economic and political reasons. Several wives allowed for more fields that could be cultivated, since the Manobo women did all the work in the fields. Polygyny also multiplied one’s alliances and expanded them to several communities. However, the man could take another wife only if the first wife and her parents consented. The first wife remained the head wife.

Illness may be caused by the person’s gimukod (soul) wandering away from the body. Or, the gimukod of the sick person has been captured by the gimukod of the dead person and carried away to the latter’s new home.

Trivia: I made this just this morning as instructed by our mentor in Sociology =)

Reaction:

The Manobo culture has prominent differences compared to the Christians. Though they also have the concept of having classes in the society, we don’t have the slavery system. I was just wondering why their healers and priests are women and not men. It was also sad to say that they have lost the class of defenders, making them more vulnerable for attacks and invasions of foreign groups. Their slaves I think sometimes receive special treatments because they can become part of the family and get defended from mockeries. Their way of punishment for those who committed crimes is unusual for me because keeping them as slaves might give them a chance to murder you to their hearts content. Social relationship existing in their society is remarkable because they go hand in hand on their obligations and protect each other. That relationship could be established through arranged marriage which is also evident on the Maranao Muslims. They also have small scope when it comes to enemy and never avenge to those on the allies. Practicing polygamy as their culture for me is considered a practical way of civilization and industrialization. They also believe in superstitions which I found bizarre.

National Treasures 2: Book Of Secrets

Yesterday, I’ve finished downloading this movie from isohunt and of course I watched it right away. As you know, the movie features Nicolas cage, a man of great level of logic, analysis, and transcript skills. The movie was based on the story of the assassination of President Lincoln, by which Gates, the great great grandfather of Nicolas was accused as the one who plotted the murderous intent. Nicolas’ aim was to prove the innocence and heroicness of his grandfather and to clean their names, so to say. Their reputation was smudged because of the issue and the truth was veiled. Along with Nicolas is a computer geek and a hot archeologist chick I think (I’m not really sure). They teamed up to and undergone marvelous and exciting adventures. Translating different figures, traveling fro place to place guided with deciphered codes, spying, running away from the villain, kissing and deceiving somebody, kidnapping the President, car chase, and many more. The highlight of the events was when they had their way to the absolute desk, a desk of a queen and a president where they find a tablet and a seal which guided them to the city of gold. As they go to their way to the deadly city of gold, the villain caught up with them and found themselves in a conspiracy, for proving, the credits of discovering the gold, and of course the gold itself. Along their ways are lethal traps that put their lives in jeopardy. They were trapped inside and they had to find their way out through translating ancient scripts. There was a sudden twist in the movie when Nicolas was supposed to die because of forced sacrifice but all of a sudden, the villain became their hero!

Well the movie was really great and it gave me the suspense and comedy I was longing. It was so darn awesome! I suggest you watch it coz you’ll really enjoy it!

Trivia: I wrote this last January on my First Blog. Unfortunately, I supposed that somebody (who envies me) must have hacked on it and totally deleted my account including all the original posts (including movie reviews of Blockbuster hit movies).

What we see is not what really that thing is. We may observe and see the outer image of a thing but it doesn’t mean what is seen in him/her is the real he/she. “Don’t judge the book by its cover,” the saying goes… When we see something about a thing, it may just be a matter of perception. Sometimes, it appears to be very pleasant physically, but we don’t know that behind those gorgeous, exquisite and charming stuff lies the terrible and horrifying clandestine or secret… Often times, we meet people by chance and hastily make friends with them, not knowing their true identity. Even in ourselves, sometimes we pretend to be someone just to earn fame, reputation, and respect. But what is important is what our heart tells, what it feels, the things that cannot be seen by our naked eyes, the things that are more worthy, more valuable, more precious than that of the things that glitter, spark, and lure our luxurious eyes and not the he/she that we see. For the essence and the vitality of a thing is found on its deepest part, the part where our eyes can no longer penetrate. The intangible things that ooze and make it unique and satisfy the one who approaches it. All we can say is that pretension is not a good thing. And we’d rather be hated for what we are than to be loved for what we’re not…

Trivia: I made this essay on my English Class

Hapy Tree Friends

Cute, cuddly, and horribly wrong… It’s the Happy Tree Friends! They may be sugary sweet but there’s no way they’ll escape their horrible fate! What chaos will these critters experience next?

In Spin Fun it is time to try out the merry-go-round at the playfield! Lumpy is ready to spin the three friends around but things tend to go wrong as the spinning gets too intense. Choose your desired character and spin the merry-go-round by pressing left on the joystick. When the merry-go-round is spinning fast enough, just press fire to send off cuddles, giggles or toothy.

Hit as many obstacles as hard as possible to get the highest score - not all obstacles are available from start - score high to unlock even more obstacles, that gives you more pleasure and more points. Good luck!

I am really addicted to this kiddie (kiddie? questionable!hehe) animation because it is unique. I praise the creator of this because of his innovative mind, a masterpiece that is! I didn’t know anything about this until Jopal Mathew Dumanig, a classmate of mine, told me about it. Well, so far I have unlocked all the items and hopefully will continue to the end! weeeh!

DOWNLOAD HERE