San Jose (Patay), Lipa City, Batangas: Historical Data

Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines.

Full transcription of the so-called “Historical Data” for the barrio of San Jose Patay in the City of Lipa, Batangas, the original scanned documents at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections not having OCR or optical character recognition properties. This transcription has been edited for grammar, spelling and punctuation where possible. The original pagination is provided for citation purposes.

[Table of Contents]

T A B L E    O F    C O N T E N T S

[Preface.]

I – P R E F A C E

This historical sketch of the barrio of San Jose, popularly known as “Patay,” was prepared for the information of the pupils in this locality in particular and to give knowledge to the public in general. It contains not only its history but also the culture and traditions of the people of the place. The scarcity of materials to supply the growing demands of our pupils and teachers as well, the teaching force in this barrio thought it wise to make one in order to answer the need of the hour and to aid the teachers in their Social Studies work.

The present educational system in our country, under the new curriculum, emphasizing community-centered activities through the initiation of our energetic supervisor and with the able leadership of our Head Teacher, prompted us to write this pamphlet.

We are extending our grateful acknowledgment for the valuable assistance of some of the barrio folks and the unselfish cooperation of our co-teachers.

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HISTORY OF SAN JOSE (PATAY)
PRESENT OFFICIAL NAME OF THE BARRIO

This barrio was formerly and popularly called “Patay.” According to the barrio folks, it was called such [a] name because it lies between two creeks, and the water of which runs short every summer. The creeks, having no water during summertime, was thus called by the natives “Patay.” From generation to generation, this name of their barrio was transmitted so all the people in the city of Lipa called it “Patay.”

Any stranger who heard the word “Patay” was scared and astonished for the word means “dead.”

The barrio people, having realized that the very name of the place was not nice to hear, made up their minds to change it. In 1951, some prominent persons under the leadership of the barrio lieutenant, approached the official concerned and expressed their great desire to change the name of their barrio. Upon approval of Republic Act No. 13642, “Patay” was officially changed to San Jose after the patron saint “San Jose.” This is the present official name of the barrio.

Sitios comprising the jurisdiction of the barrio:

Original Families in the barrio of San Jose

Chronological Arrangement of Tenientes del Barrio

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Leaders During the Spanish Occupation

Prominent Leaders During the American Revolution

Destruction of Lives and Property

It is a lamentable fact to know that during the enemy occupation, some inhabitants of this barrio were killed by the Japanese soldiers. About forty (40) persons were massacred in Tipakan, a barrio adjacent to this place. These people were evacuating hurriedly for fear of the Japs when unfortunately, they met a group of godless Japanese soldiers.

Accomplishments towards Rehabilitation and Reconstruction following World War II

In 1946, Mr. Arnold Endaya, the Barrio Lieutenant, initiated the construction of the school building. He was able to get four hundred pesos (₱400.00) from the municipal fund. This amount was used to purchase the materials for the school building. Besides the purchase of the school site, the barrio people extended their free labor in constructing the school building. This wholehearted cooperation and support of the barrio folks marked the successful establishment of their school.

Last October 1952, the strongest typhoon called “Trix” that occurred during that year, blew down the San Jose Barrio School. The head teacher, Mr. Gregorio Africa, and Mr. Gerardo Carandang, together with some of the civic-minded people and the teachers, initiated the reconstruction of the school building.

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The road leading to this barrio of San Jose was previously rugged and narrow.

In 1949, when Jose Katigbak was a candidate for Councilor, the construction of the road was begun. When Francisco Medrano was a candidate for Governor, he offered help for the construction of roads. Thus, the road to San Jose (Patay) was partly improved.

FOLKWAYS
Traditions, Customs and Practices in Domestic and Social Life:
Birth, Baptism, Courtship, Marriage, Death, Burial, Visits, Festivals and Punishments, etc.

The barrio people have their own culture, customs and traditions in observing any of those above occasions.

When a child is born, either a boy or a girl, the parents of the baby select the godfather or godmother of the child. The sponsor will be notified. On [a] certain date, they baptize the baby at home first. They call it “bohusan.” The family of the child prepares some good food and drinks for this occasion. The babe’s name is registered according to the calendar or practically chosen by the parents of the baby.

After the “bohusan,” the real baptism takes place in the church by the priest. The ceremony is more elaborate and there is a bigger and better preparation for the day at the house. Some close relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend it. The godfather or godmother gives money or jewelry or any article for the child as a “gift.” They call it “pakimkim.” It is their belief that this gift or pakimkim is indispensable.

The most prominent and happiest life of a man and woman in this barrio is the time of their courtship and marriage.

When a young man happens to fall in love with a beautiful woman, he visits her often and sometimes serenades her at night. His love may be expressed by writing love letters and [he] goes to the extent of giving some valuable articles as a token of his love for the girl.

Parents usually intervene, so they talk to the parents of the girl amicably to set the date for the marriage ceremony. I believe this is the most glorious day for the young couple. Within three weeks, the wedding ceremony takes place in the Catholic Church if the families of both parties possess the Roman Catholic religion. Relatives and friends of both the bride and the groom are invited. Sponsors for the bride and groom are to be carefully chosen by both parents.

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The preparation for the wedding party is extravagant or luxurious. Sometimes, several pigs are not enough, that they even butcher a cow for that purpose. Nice food, drinks and merrymaking marks the occasion.

When the couple arrives home from the church, a young woman and a man meet them at the stairs with two plates, one containing grains of rice and the other with some grains of salt or sometimes some silver coins. The boy and the girl holding the plates, throw some grains of rice and salt or coins at the same time to the newly married couple as they ascend the stairs. As soon as they come up the house, both of them kneel down before their fathers and mothers, grandmothers and grandfathers to receive their parental blessing. Then, they shake hands with the people around them.

The “Ninong” and “Ninang” ah sponsors, play an important part in this ceremony. Each of them gives a certain amount of money to the couple as gift. This is what they call “pakimkim.” Sometimes, costly and worthwhile articles are given instead of money.

It is interesting to notice that the first table set for the meal is exclusively for the married couple and their comrades who accompanied them to the church. The bride is at one end of the table and the groom at the opposite end, so that all their companions are on both sides of the long table.

As soon as the serving is over, parents and relatives of the young man brings the girl to their home. Not even one of the relatives of the young girl should go with her. She will be alone with her husband and her husband's relatives. Sometimes, before the girl goes to her husband's home, they have “sabogan.” Money of the parents of the bride and the groom, their relatives and friends will be given to the newly married couple. Such money is theirs, for their expenses when they are living separately from their parents. This practice symbolizes the true parental love to their children.

The saddest and most pathetic situation is when a member of one's family dies or several hours, the dead person is prepared in the coffin at the house. Prayers are set while the sick person is agonizing. Everyone who visits him or her after his or her death, says his or her prayer for the dead. The poor people take their dead to [the] cemetery passing the church first if he or she (the dead) happens to be a Catholic to be blessed by the priest. After the ceremony in the church, he or she is brought to the cemetery for burial. It is noticeable that the members of the family of the deceased and close relatives have [on] mourning clothes. Especially women, they wear black clothes.

From the date of the death of the deceased, they have to make a nine-day novena for him or her. They have a little celebration, however, on the fourth day, believing that the dead comes back to life on the fourth day and visits his or her family. Another celebration takes place on the ninth day of

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the novena. The family of the dead person waits for one year before they can change their mourning clothes. Another luxurious preparation is held. Praying, eating and drinking characterized the occasion.

Popular Songs

Sa Mundo

Riddles

1) Ang ama’y catores ang ina’y cantor, nag-anak ng puti at bituka ay pula. (itlog)
2) Ang aso kong si puti lumayas ay hindi na umuw. (lura)
3) Isang tibuhus na kawayan, punong-puno ng kamatayan. (baril)
4) Dala mo, dala ka, dala ka pa ng iyong dala. (tsinelas)
5) Ang baboy ko sa pulo, ang balahibo ay pako. (langka)

Sayings and Proverbs

Pareho kitang kumakain ng kanin. I eat rice like you do.

Hindi ko kailangan hagdanan ng iyong bituka. To your guts I need no ladder.

Ang magkamandag ay lunas. Every poison has its antidote.

Pagdating sa guhit ay di ka lalampas. When you come to your line, you cannot pass.

Bago maalaman ang isang pitis pag naraanan na ng pawalis. Literally, a crack is not discovered until after sweeping. That is to say, courage can be assayed only after a fight.

Iba ang kalasti ng bakal sa kalasti ng pinga. The ring of steel is unlike the clatter of china.

Kung anong kamulatan ay siyang pinagkalatandaan. Literally, what is acquired in childhood is preserved in old age. Meaning to say, the son of a brave father is also brave.

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Ang bayaning masugatan ay nag-iibayo ang tapang. A wounded warrior doubles his courage.

Ang tunay na bakal sa apoy nakikilala. True steel is proven in the fire.

Ang lalaking tunay na matapang di natatakot sa pana-panaan. A truly brave man has no fear of play arrows.

Ang lihim na katapangan ay siyang pinakikinabangan. Hidden courage is that which will be useful.

Ang tubig na malalim ay tahimik. Still water runs deep.

Methods of Measuring Time

The old folks do not use either clock or watch in telling time. They observe the sun during the day. If it is overhead, it is twelve o’clock.

At night time, they use the stars in the sky. The cross stars help them to tell the time. When the cross stars (four stars) are balanced or in [a] straight line, it is midnight.

Beliefs and Superstitions

The farmers have some beliefs or superstitions in order to have [a] good harvest. They plant their plants during the month of May. According to their experiences, they have their best harvest during the time of planting them as compared to other months.

When there are many stars at night, they plant some plants like squash, avocado, ampalaya or papaya, etc. because they will bear many fruits.