Intangible Heritage Archives - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

March 4, 2025

Istorya ni Magkatun

March 4, 2025

Aodh Joash Alegoro

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 ...

October 19, 2024

“Pinakas” Dried Fish Fillet

October 19, 2024

CMPG

Pinakas is a traditional method of drying fish particularly in coastal communities. The practice was likely developed to prevent spoilage and to ensure a stable food supply during periods of scarcity. Fresh local fish like hasa-hasa (mackerel) are selected and cleaned by scaling and removing the organs. The fish are then salted generously to draw out moisture and prevent bacteria growth. These are then split open and laid out to dry in the sun on bamboo racks or mats made from woven coconut leaves. This method of food preservation is prepared with meticulous care, following techniques that have been passed ...

October 19, 2024

Tinala nga Sisi

October 19, 2024

CMPG

Tinala nga sisi is a traditional practice of extracting the meat of the sisi (rock oysters) harvested from rocks during low-tides. These are then washed clean with seawater, then bottled in saltwater to maintain its freshness. These are sold immediately or cooked within the day to prevent spoilage. Tinala nga sisi is very affordable and sells out almost everyday, providing stable income for families engaging in this activity. However, fluctuating market demand as well as competition from other seafood options affect the practice as sisi has a very short shelf life. Pollution and habitat destruction also have adverse effects on ...

October 19, 2024

Pangbatak

October 19, 2024

CMPG

Pangbatak is a traditional healing practice in the Philippines, wherein the word “pang” means to touch or to strike and “batak” means to press or knead. It is a traditional healing guide practiced in barangays without easy access to hospitals or modern medicine as well as those who are suffering from financial difficulties and cannot afford medical expenses. The process consists of herbal medicines, massages, and spiritual security from the ancestors to assist the women in delivering the infant or adjust its position in the womb.

October 19, 2024

Tuba (Coconut Palm Wine)

October 19, 2024

CMPG

Tuba or coconut wine, is a traditional beverage made from the sap of coconut trees and is often consumed during community gatherings and celebrations. The mananggiti or coconut sap collectors climb the coconut trees twice per day to reach the trees’ suwak (inflorescence). Using a sanggot (a kind of knife), they then cut through its inflorescence allowing the sap to flow into a kaw-it (a container usually made of bamboo) attached to the tree. This is then left overnight, to which the mananggiti will return to check the gathered sap and repeats the process, ensuing continuous collection. Tuba collecting has ...

September 14, 2024