Oral Traditions and Expressions, including Language Archives - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Katawtawan folktale from Sitio Bingig in Himamaylan City tells of a silver church bell hidden during the Japanese occupation in 1942 to protect it from being taken. The bell, once used to warn residents of approaching Japanese soldiers, was thrown into the deepest part of Bingig River after the Japanese began searching for it. According to locals, strange events followed, the appearance of a venomous snake and mysterious sounds and sightings in the river, including a fish-tailed creature believed to guard the bell. This tale, passed down by elders, highlights the bravery of locals and the strong presence of ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Oral Traditions and Expressions, including Language

BULAWAN NGA BARKO

Capiz, Pilar

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Bulawan nga Barko (Golden Ship) is a famous legend from Capiz about a magical golden ship that appears on the Balisong River, believed to bring good luck and blessings. The story is told by elders and shared in the community through oral storytelling, festivals, and cultural events. The legend connects people to their heritage, reflecting their beliefs in supernatural beings and nature spirits. Although still well-preserved, the tale faces challenges like declining interest among young people and competition from modern entertainment. To keep the legend alive, the community uses non-formal education and digital media, such as social media and ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Oral Traditions and Expressions, including Language

BINABAYLAN MUSIC

Igtuble, Iloilo, Tubungan

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Binabaylan music is a traditional musical form used in healing rituals led by babaylans or folk healers in Tubungan, Iloilo, especially in barangays Igtuble, Igpaho, and Molina. It uses native instruments like the bandyo and gitara, creating spiritual soundscapes that accompany rituals such as awag and pasaka. This music plays a central role in the community’s spiritual life and is passed down through hands-on mentorship, participation in rituals, and oral tradition. Banda musicians and elders serve as cultural bearers, guiding the younger generation through active involvement in ceremonies. However, its survival is threatened by modern influences, lack of youth interest, ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Oral Traditions and Expressions, including Language

MIRACLES OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Iloilo, Oton, Poblacion West

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The people of Oton believe the Immaculate Conception has protected their town through numerous miracles during war, natural disasters, and personal struggles. Stories include her appearance to ward off Japanese soldiers, her image calming an approaching tidal wave, and her pedestal remaining untouched during a major earthquake. Other accounts describe her miraculous intervention during typhoons and her image becoming immovable when attempts were made to transfer it to another town. These miracles have strengthened local faith and devotion, inspiring novenas, pilgrimages, and community-wide celebrations. Passed down through oral tradition and documentation, these stories are vital to Oton’s spiritual and cultural ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Oral Traditions and Expressions, including Language

SUGUIDANON (EPIC CHANTING)

Calinog, Garangan, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Suguidanon is a centuries-old oral tradition of epic chanting performed by the Panay Bukidnon communities in upland Central Panay. This features ten epics that reflect their spiritual worldview, customs, and identity. Traditionally performed by manugsuguidanon such as binukot (secluded maidens) and babaylan (shamans), it serves as both entertainment and a medium for transmitting cultural knowledge during social and spiritual gatherings. The chanting is complex, using Old Kinaray-a and requiring great memorization and vocal skill, often taking days to complete and performed during rituals, harvests, or as lullabies. Despite the decline in the number of chanters due to social changes and ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Oral Traditions and Expressions, including Language

ISTORYA NI MAGKATUN

Anini-y, Antique, Lisub-B

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The stories are a collection of local folktales centering around Magkatun, whose real name was Santiago Salcedo, believed to be a former member of the US Navy. According to these stories, he often ventured into mariit (mystical or dangerous) places and cut down trees considered sacred or inhabited by spirits. After these trees were cut, residents of nearby houses would report hearing loud noises believed to be caused by a tamawo (local supernatural being). He avoided directly returning home, often resting under trees or going from one house to another to evade any spirits that followed him. His stories are ...

KATAWTAWAN

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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