Guimaras Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pagpamanday, or blacksmithing, is a traditional craft practiced in Barangay Lanipe, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, passed down through generations. The process involves using scrap materials, typically from jeepney muelle, which are heated, shaped, and sharpened into tools like binangon, knives, and plows. Blacksmiths, or manugpamanday, use an anvil, hammer, and sanding machine to shape the material, grinding and polishing it, before quenching it in water to ensure durability. The craft is a significant source of livelihood for local families and is actively practiced by men typically aged 30-65 in the community. Knowledge of blacksmithing is transmitted informally through apprenticeships, where younger ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Performing Arts

ANG PAGTALTAL SA BALAAN BUKID

Balcon Melliza, Guimaras, Hoskyn, Jordan, Poblacion, Rizal

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Ang Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid is a theatrical re-enactment of the Passion of Christ, performed every Good Friday in the barangays of Poblacion, Rizal, Hoskyn, and Balcon Melliza in Jordan, Guimaras. First performed in 1975, the play starts at 12:00 PM and concludes at 3:00 PM, dramatizing key Lenten scenes from Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, His trial, crucifixion, and the Pieta. Originally a pantomime with only a narrator, the passion play has evolved to include dialogue, costumes, and dubbing to enhance its production. The play features 130 to 150 cast members, primarily volunteers, including youth and children, with plans beginning ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PAGPANGLABAY

Buenavista, Guimaras, San Miguel, Sawang, Zaldivar

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pagpanglabay is a traditional fishing method practiced in coastal barangays of Buenavista, Guimaras like San Miguel, Zaldivar, and Sawang. It involves using a long line baited with hooks placed at regular intervals, set in either deep-sea or coastal waters to catch fish. The practice is done during the night, the practice begins with the nagapanglabay preparing the labay, attaching hooks and bait depending on what they intend to catch, and then deploying it into the water. After soaking for 2 to 3 hours, the line is retrieved, and the caught fish are sold locally. The practice is learned informally and ...

Bodies of Water, Natural Heritage

SIBUNAG RIVER

Alegria, Guimaras, Sibunag

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Sibunag River is the longest river in Guimaras which spans approximately 10 kilometers from its source in the hills of Barangays Millan, Tanglad, and Ayangan to its mouth at the Guimaras Strait. Flowing through Barangay Alegria, it provides irrigation to agricultural lands and supports fishing, as well as sand and gravel extraction. Rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, the river is steeped in legend, most notably the tale of Prince Sibunag which explains the river’s mystical origins. During both the Spanish and Japanese colonial periods, it served as a strategic refuge. Presently, it is a site for community gatherings, festivities, ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

BUKID AYAKAN

Constancia, Guimaras, San Lorenzo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Bukid Ayakan is a hill in Barangay Constancia, San Lorenzo, Guimaras that stands 217 meters above sea level. It spans 57.65 hectares and features diverse vegetation, layered rock formations, and a notable cave-like structure known as trangkalan. Its coconut palms and rice fields which have been a source of livelihood to the locals. Historically, it served as a refuge and fortress for residents during World War II. Culturally, it is believed to be home to supernatural beings, and, during Holy Week, is visited by faith healers for rituals. From its summit, visitors can view the neighboring seas and mountains on ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

PULANG PASAYAN

Guimaras, Nueva Valencia, Pandaraonan

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pulang pasayan is a rare crimson-colored freshwater shrimp endemic to the tidal pools of Tiniguiban and Hinlaran Islets of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. These shrimps are uniquely visible only during high tide and inhabit in anchialine pools. Local folklore regard the species as sacred, protected by superstitions that discourage locals from catching, consuming, or even pointing at the shrimp. This cultural reverence has played a vital role in preserving the species and its fragile ecosystem. The site has become a subject of scientific interest and a developing eco-tourism destination that benefits the local community. Conservation efforts are reinforced by traditional beliefs, ...

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

LUNOK TREE AT SITIO SAL-AGAN, BRGY. POBLACION

Guimaras, Jordan, Poblacion

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Lunok tree, also commonly known as balete, is a towering tree located in Sitio Sal-agan, Barangay Poblacion, Jordan, Guimaras, believed to be a hundred years old. This endemic species thrives along moist stream banks and is notable for its wide canopy, moss-covered branches, and evergreen foliage. Beyond its ecological value, the tree holds cultural and spiritual significance for the local community, with numerous oral traditions describing supernatural beings believed to reside within it. Residents have shared stories of encounters with mythical entities such as the kapre, duwende, and kaperosa, reinforcing the community’s reverence and cautious respect for the site. ...

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

DALIRAN CAVE

Buenavista, Guimaras, Poblacion

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Daliran Cave, located in Sitio Daliran, Buenavista, Guimaras, is a natural formation known for its vast chambers, unique rock formations, and refreshing underground air. During World War II, it served as a refuge for locals fleeing invading Japanese soldiers. Today, it is a known tourist destination, especially during holidays and summer, with locals and visitors drawn to its beauty and mystery — including legends of a giant snake that was said to guard the cave. The cave is home to bats and other wildlife, and has become a source of livelihood through fishing and bathing in its spring. It is ...

Heritage Houses/Vernacular Architecture, Tangible Immovable Heritage

MAESTRAL ANCESTRAL HOUSE

Guimaras, Sebaste, Sibunag

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Maestral Ancestral House in Barangay Sebaste, Sibunag, Guimaras is said to be the first concrete house in the barangay and believed to be the only intact ancestral home in the municipality. Built with materials transported from Iloilo by batil, the house features a blend of modern and traditional designs. The house is located on a 3.4-hectare property and includes a spacious interior with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen extension. Significant to the community, the house is a witness to several prominent local events including a dubbed ‘wedding of the year’ in 1997. Furthermore, the house serves as ...

Schools and Educational Complexes, Tangible Immovable Heritage

GABALDON BUILDING

Aguilar, Guimaras, San Lorenzo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Gabaldon building at Aguilar Elementary School in Guimaras was constructed between 1932 and 1936 under the Gabaldon Law. The building served as the first public school in the municipality of San Lorenzo as a primary school, then turned into a multipurpose hall, even as an evacuation center during Typhoon Ruping in 1990. Over time, the building deteriorated due to natural wear, termites, and typhoon damage, with the roof and wooden floors having collapsed in 2008. The structure is now in ruins, surrounded by vegetation, and enclosed to prevent access due to safety concerns. Efforts for restoration have been delayed, ...

PAGPAMANDAY SANG BINANGON

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

Quick Links

Locations

Domains