Cupang, Bauan, Batangas: Historical Data

Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines.

Past name of the barrio - - - - - - - - - Cupang

This barrio was established in the latter part of the Spanish Regime. Date unknown.

How the Barrio Got Its Name

I have sought the eldest and responsible persons of the barrio and no one could tell me the origin of the barrio’s name. They came to know it from their forefathers but as to the name, they, too, got no information about it. They told me that the place had four names: Tingig, Calicanto, Pook, and Ludlod.

As one approaches the barrio, a group of fifty or more dwelling places could be seen, which is called Tingig. This group is so closely bound together that whatever affair the people undertake, each member has a part to do. Till the present, they still cling to that name although the whole place is called Cupang.

About twelve houses south of the school, a tall massive stone stood which gave it the name “calicanto.” It had been destroyed due to age and no trace could be seen of its existence now. Instead, a semi-permanent house [is] in its place.

The place in front of the school was called “Ludlod.” It got its name from its situation – it is so high like a ravine that one needs to use a cane in going up or down when the provincial road was not yet constructed. But now, the name was discarded and the whole place is called “Cupang.”

About one kilometer north of the school stood “Pook.” This place is secluded from other houses. Most of the families came from another barrio,

Gelerang Kawayan. Owing to its to the main road, they built their houses in that place.

1. Cabezang Tulome Marasigan
2. Cabezang Jose Biscocho
3. Cabezang Luzindo Magpantay
4. Cabezang Eulalio Usisa
5. Teniente Saturnino Banta
6. Teniente Andres Villanueva
7. Teniente Nestor Abreu
8. Teniente Luis Ilao
9. Teniente Cayetano Alcantara
10. Teniente Eustaquio Ilao
11. Teniente Eustaquio Calalo
12. Teniente Teodoro Jasa
13. Teniente Alejandro Ilao
14. Teniente Luis Alvarez
15. Teniente Epitacio Salcedo
16. Teniente Basilio Quitain
17. Teniente Enrique Ilao

Most of the old houses are of the average type, made of light materials such as bamboo, cogon and nipa. At present, some houses are made of wood and galvanized iron roofings, with cement walks. No old ruins were noted.

A. During the Spanish Occupation:

In the early part of the 17^th century, the Spaniards came to this barrio. Most of the people were afraid of them, so they hid in ravines and in the forest. Most of the Spaniards rode on horses. The people who evacuated didn’t come back until after two weeks.

Weaving and farming were the most important industries of the people.

In the year 1840, there was a shortage of food. The price of palay rose to ₱3.00 and four reales per cavan. A majority of the masses depended on cassava and corn for food.

In the year 1863, when the promulgation of the order that all males from 18 years to [the] age of 60 must work for the town for a period of 40 days in one year, about sixteen persons from this barrio were taken to the town. Among them were Jose Magpantay, Nicolas Ilagan, Sianong Dimalibot, Peru Banta, and Tomas Ilao. [The] Others were not known.

Measures and accomplishments toward rehabilitation and reconstruction following World War II – None

Domestic and social life - A couple is not allowed by the folks to transfer to their new home after the full moon. They have to wait for the new moon.

Birth - A mother on the family way is not allowed to stand by the door and on the stairs. She not also allowed by the old folks to wind a handkerchief around her neck. The husband is not allowed to build a house or labor on the part of the expectant mother.

Baptism - There must be a big party with plenty of food and drinks. One pig at least should be killed.

Courtship - Parents are on guard while a visitor is in the house.

Marriage - Marriage does not take place when the moon is in the last quarter. Before marriage, the suitor has to work in the house of the girl, doing some domestic services.

Deaths - Keeping vigil over the dead, no sweeping until after 9 days. A novena for 9 consecutive nights is held. When the dead body is soft, somebody will die next.

Festivals - The traditional barrio fiesta is on May 31 of each year. Every day in the afternoon in May, some children offer flowers to their Virgin. Their tuklong is fully decorated with flowers and olives. They have a grand celebration on May 31. In the evening, they have a procession.

Subli has been a popular dance of the early folks of Cupang. Subli was danced during the fiesta honoring our Patron Saint, “The Holy Cross.” It was performed by three or four pairs of boys and girls. The girls were in “Patadiong” and the boys were in “barong tagalog.” The musical instrument used was called “Tugtugan.” This instrument was made of lizard’s skin and of wood. The wood was of jackfruit, preferably it produced a better sound than any kind of wood. The boys used “calaste” known to us at present [as] “castanets.” These calastes were made of bamboo. The varieties of Subli were “Subling Taal,” “Subling Baliktaran,” and “Subling Saliwa.”

How the dance is performed might be something queer to us. The group was divided into two. Two pairs were at the windows of the house near the chapel (tuklong) where the Holy Cross was and the two pairs were on the ground of the said house. The pairs on the ground were kneeling, looking at the pairs at the window. They sang these verses:

“O manga ambulong, Ngayon bagong bagong Halika, O bininyagan Turuan ang daan

The pairs in the house sang these verses:

“Alin kayo at sino
Ang naliligaw ninyo,
Saan ang bayan ninyo
Sampu ng pagkatao at pagkakristiano?”

The pairs on the ground answered:

“Kami nga ang sala,
Inapu ni Eba
Nagwawalang ganda
Dilim ang nakikita.”

The pairs in the house sang again these verses:

“Kung siya ninyo hanap
Ang Poong Mesias,
Dumulog, yumakap
Sa Poong Mesias.”

Then, the pairs in the house would go down and join the pairs on the ground. They walk slowly to the chapel. They begin to sing this verse:

“Kurus na ama Wala kaming nadala

They begin to dance. They sing as they dance. Each pair would have a turn in the middle. The girls hold the hat and the boys their castanets. They dance around.

The different steps were as follows:

As they dance these steps, they are singing to the accompaniment of the “tugtugin.”

The verse runs this way:

“Ako ay nagpupuri at nagpapasalamat
Sa di matingkalang santisimang hayag;
Siyang naging gamot, siyang naging lunas
Sa sala ni Adan – Pagsuay sa atas.

Ako’y nagpupuri at nanikluhod
Sa di matingalang santisimong krus;
Siyang naging lunas, siyang naging gamot
Sa sala ni Adan pasuay sa utos.

Ititigil ko na yaring pagpupuri
Sa harap ng Krus aking pintakasi,
Sa mahal na Poon nakawiliwili
At gintong makinang pulos diamante.

Naghihiwalay lamang
At nagsisipuring hinayang,
Niyakir ang lumbay
Tuwa ang inialampay.”

Speaking softly soothed the heart.

No diligence to save; no restraint to waste.

Before doing and saying anything, think it over seven times.

It is easy to become a man; it is difficult to behave as one.

Better a glutton than a thief.

Honor is like drinking water in a jar; a little bad drop in it will make the water repugnant.

The monkey laughs at the cow’s long tail; but to see his own, the monkey does fail.

What from the dew you gather must vanish with the water; Don’t quarrel with old people.

Remember that you will also get old.

When young the bamboo grows, it points high up to heaven; but when it grows old, it bends down to lowly earth.

If you wish to improve yourself, take the initiative.

The arrogant is useless, in poverty he dwells; everywhere, he is despised.

1. By means of the position of the sun.
2. By means of the crowing of the cocks.
3. By means of the opening of the patola flowers.

Data submitted by:

ISABELO CONTI

Notes and references: