The Agong of Gregorio Fermin from Brgy. San Ramon, Laua-an, is a traditional musical instrument made of a thin sheet of “saway” or copper. The instrument has been passed down through generations in the Fermin family. Estimated to be around 90 years old, it is used in babaylanic rituals, where its sounds are believed to call upon idadalmunon (lower realm entities) as well as the ibabawnon (upper realm beings. The agong is intricately designed with embossed fleur-de-lis patterns and dragon motifs, and is played by two people using a cob of mais (corn cob) or sometimes a padded mallet typically made of kawayan (bamboo) and tied cloth. It holds significant spiritual and historical value, serving as an important tool in the community’s healing rituals and cultural practices. While rare in the region, it remains a key part of the local tradition, although its physical condition has deteriorated over time, with cracks in the rim and a depressed boss. The rhythms associated with the agong are in danger of being lost, and while no formal conservation measures have been implemented, it is kept securely by the owner.
Photo Credit/s:
Jose R. Taton, Jr., Kyla Agnes L. Ramirez (December 1, 2021)
Mappers:
JOSE R. TATON, JR.,MICHELLE L. VILLAVERT,
Tags:
" copper, 90 years old, Agong ni Gregorio Fermin, babaylanic rituals, bamboo, Brgy. San Ramon, cob of mais, cracks, cultural practices, depressed boss, deteriorated condition, dragon motifs, embossed fleur-de-lis patterns, Fermin family, healing rituals, historical value, ibabawnon, idadalmunon, informal conservation, kawayan, Laua-an, loss of rhythms, padded mallet, played by two people, rare in the region, securely kept by owner, spiritual value, thin sheet of "saway, tied cloth, traditional musical instrument
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