MUNICIPALITY OF PAETE (LAGUNA), Historical Data of Part IV
PART IV
PART I | PART II | PART III | PART IV
[p. 35]
"Carlos, (that was the name of the stranger) I am glad that you came," said a voice coming from the bright light. "I am Saint Roque," he said as he approached Carlos. "I know the purpose of your coming. And because you are sincere and believed in God and me, you shall be rewarded. Go forth to that well, scoop some water from it, and wash your ailment." Saint Roque disappeared in the wink of an eye.
The stranger did exactly as he was told and, to his amazement, his skin became soft, smooth, and free from the dreaded disease.
The next day, when Mang Serapio came, Carlos, the stranger, related to him the story in detail. Mang Serapio immediately relayed the news to the people and caused a notice to be nailed on that trunk of the mango tree that read as follows: "SAN ROQUE WELL," commonly known in the dialect as "TOONG NI SAN ROQUE."
During the Spanish occupation, when leprosy was considered a dreaded and incurable disease, many people from other towns in the neighborhood who were afflicted with that malady came to that place to get medicinal water for their ailment.
Today, the pool is nowhere to be found. The flood in 1938 carried the mango tree and the pool was covered by boulders and soil. No trace of the medicinal waters of the pool could be located anymore.
[p. 36]
THE LEGEND OF THE HORSESHOE PRINTS ON THE
BIG STONE IN SAN PEDRO
– Jose P. Cadang
(As told to him by his late grandfather, Mr. Mariano Pagalanan.)
Paete is a town of many legends. How things happened and places so-named bear wonderful stories behind them. As we ascend the path leading to the hills in Barrio Santiago, we may still see the faded prints of horshoe on the big, flat stone which lies right on the trail. That sign may frinds [?] is a stone with a history, if we will ever take it so, or if not, it has behind those almost invisible tracks a still luminous ray of an event woven around it by our ancestors depicting a memorable page in our history as a town and proving to us that our patron Saint James, or better known to our children as "Santiago Apostol," is miraculously a savior. We are, indeed, happy and grateful for having him as our "Pintakasi," to maintain peace in our homes and prosperity in our town. Let me unfold to you the mist that covers the legend of the horseshoe prints on the big, flat stone found in a trail of Barrio Santiago, which now lies south of the town proper between Longos and Paete.
Time was when the town of Paete shrieked with terror on the successive raids and lootings of the notorious gang of bandits that hid in the deep forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains. They were lawless, rough, and merciless; leaving no house unrobbed and no life spared. They attacked at night, took anything they fancied and did what they desired, then they noisily retreated to the hills and vanished into the dense jungle. The helpless townspeople could do nothing but lament the truth that they were either cowards or that they were really not in a position to offer resistance for lack of weapons. The great havoc brought about by such incidents, which were so cleverly plotted and treacherously carried out by the band of marauders, forced the people to resort to seeking aid from the Almighty, and since no strength on earth could be possible to put an end to all their sufferings, day in and day out, they poured to church and prayed to our patron Saint James, the Holy Warrior, to help them and save the town from the dread of the thieves. They held "novenas" and offered Masses for him, and climaxed the celebration with a procession of his image, mounted on a white horse, a sword in his hand slashing the Moors beneath his feet. It seemed a miracle of what happened after that.
[p. 37]
Several days passed with not a single broken sleep from the townsnpeople. Nights seemed so long in waiting for the morrow and, as days broke, people rejoiced and wondered at the truth that they were saved at last. The mystery was solved when some farmers reported one afternoon that they saw some wonderful signs on a big flat stone which was found inside the town, just on the path leading up the hills. Crowds flocked to the place, and there — on the big, hard stone, they saw fresh prints of horseshoes which seemed to be from a stampeding herd of an invisible cavalry. Who could it be? The thieves went on foot and nobody else in town possessed even a donkey. Oh! The Great Divine St. James or Santiago Apostol — our Redeemer, our Savior.
Weeks later, the band of robbers surrendered to the authorities, telling of their miseries and hardships in the mountains; fighting a single man who, although old and small, proved powerful being mounted on a white horse and could travel on clouds. They revealed that many a time they did attempt to raid the town, but they always got lost in a wilderness of spears or an ocean of blood that they could do nothing but retreat. When they changed their route and dared to enter the town in the south, there — in front of them, this brave warrior blocked their way, a burning sword in his hand and mounted on a beautiful white horse which seemed to trample them to dust. Thus, the truth was revealed and the people rejoinced and worshipped St. James with awe and reverence from that time on.
Whether true or not, we are still proud to have with us St. James, who seems to look after our happiness and fight for the maintenance of peace and order of our town.
#####
[p. 38]
No. 29 Songs:
Our people have been music lovers since time immemorial, and signs are taken from the old songs that our grandmothers and fathers sing to us when they lull us to sleep. There was once a group of minstrels who traveled from town to town singing their way to their hearts' content. These chants were gradually polished into tuneful melodies, and later into familiar songs distinctive of our emotions, feelings, and beliefs. A few only of these songs are being heard nowadays, for most of those who used to sing them are now gone through the years.
Some of them may be gleaned from the following:
Bendito tu eres, Sabado ng hapon.
Binabati kita'y di ka lumilingon
Nagmamalaki ka't may panyo kang asul.
Ang panyo mong asul, dinagit ng lawin,
Dinala sa gubat, siyang pupugarin.
Bukas makalawa, ako'y bibili rin;
Luma na ang iyo, bago pa ang akin."
Sa mga bundukin, malawakna gubat,
Sa paglalakbay ko, pakpak ko'y nawasak;
Nilikha ng dusa, at sa lupa ay lumagpak.
Napakahiwaga nitong napagsapit
Pagka't ang nilagpaka'y nadawag at matinik,
Tumatangis ako sa hirap at sakit
Nguni't kahit sino ay walang lumapit.
Ang hirap pala ng gawang umibig,
Sa pananambita, wasak na ang dibdib.
Nguni't ikaw Neneng na tangi kong langit,
Ayaw pang mahabag sa aking pag-ibig.
Puso'y lipos ng sugat, dahilan sa pagliyag.
Ang dusa't kalungkutan, at kurus ng kamatayan;
Ang sa aki'y nakaatang, nasa 'yo ang dahilan.
Sa gabing madilim ng sawi kong palad,
Napapangarap ka sa gabing magdamag.
Kung ako'y magising, at di ka mamalas;
Itong may sugat kong puso ay lalo pang naghihirap.
[p. 39]
At ikaw ay haharap sa katahimikan
Tuloy lilisanin ang lahat ng layaw,
Dahil sa asawang dapat panimbangan.
Sa mundo'y wala ng mahirap isipin
Sa gawang humirang ng kakasamahin
Pilit lilimutin ang ligaya't aliw;
Buhay mag-asawa ang siyang haharapin.
[p. 40]
No. 29 Our Native Dances:
Through the courtesy of Tandang Juanang-Langit (Mrs. Juana de Afuang), the daughter of the late Manuel Roque, we were able to collect some pertinent information about native dances common in our locality. Our dances are influenced by the different peoples who took stand on our soil a long, long time ago. It is said that a certain man by the name of Cleto, who came from Italy, was a close friend of Manuel Roque, who taught him the dances he learned abroad and, in turn, taught his daughter Juana, who at present can still interpret those dances as easily and gracefully to us in spite of her old age. The existence of these dances is credited to her ingenuity and ability, who is more than willing to teach us all her dances to revive the golden era of Filipino dances in order to give life to our traditions and customs as a race.
Some of these dances are the "Estudiantina," a lively courtship dance in the parochial school days; the Ala Jota Italiana, a favorite festival dance of the Italians; Poñal de Rosa, a favorite dance that ended in tragedy; the "Grambal," a creative dance made by Mr. Manuel Roque himself, where there are two men and a lady in a funny, thrilling triangle of love; the "Cachucha," another threesome dance; "Dos Amantes," the old version of jealousy; "Lanceros," a quadrille dance; the "Rigodon de Paete," "Molinero," "Paso Español," "Pandango Malaqueña," "Jota Civiliana," "Escocesa," "Habanera," "Mazurka," "Valse," "Porkabal," and "Sotis." These dances depict the feelings, sentiments, and habits of our people, rich in grandeur, spectacle, and thrill, both to the dancers and to the audience as well.
Recreations:
[p. 41]
No. 30 Puzzles and Riddles
Mga Bugtong (Riddles) | English Translation |
1. Heto na, heto na
Sa dahon nakikita.
(hangin)
|
1. Here it is, here it is
We can see on the leaves.
(wind)
|
2. Bahay ng anluagi
Iisa ang haligi.
(bahay ng kalapati)
|
The house of the carpenter
has only one post.
(dovehouse)
|
3. Naligo ang Kapitan
Hindi nabasa ang tiyan.
(banca)
|
3. The captain took a bath
but did not wet his stomach.
(banca)
|
4. Duwag ako sa isa
Matapang sa dalawa.
(kawayang tulay)
|
4. I am a coward to one
But brave to two.
(bamboo bridge)
|
5. Hindi pare, hindi hari,
Nagdadamit ng sari-sari
(sampayan)
|
5. Neither a priest nor a
King but uses different attires.
(clothesline)
|
6. Maalala'y aywan
Dalhin kung nakalimutan.
(coat)
|
6. When you think of it you leave it
When you forget it you carry it.
(coat)
|
7. Dahon ng pinda-pinda
Sinlalapad, singgaganda.
(lupa at langit)
|
7. Leaves of pinda-pinda
are of the same width and of the same beauty
(earth and skies)
|
8. Dalawang bangyasan
Naghahagaran.
(paa)
|
8. Two bamboos
Running a race.
(legs)
|
9. Nagsaing si Hudas
Kinuha ang hugas
Itinapon ang bigas.
(gata ng niyog)
|
9. Judas prepared the rice
He took the water
But threw the grains.
(coconut milk)
|
10. Malaking bayabas
Pito ang butas
(mukha)
|
10. A big guava
With seven holes.
(face)
|
11. Umupo si Itim, sinulot ni
Pula, Lumabas si Puti
Na Tatawa-tawa
(sinaing)
|
11. Black sat down,
Red tickles him, and
came out white laughing.
(cooking rice)
|
12. Kung kailan pinapatay
Saka nagtatagal ang buhay;
Kung kailan binubuhay Saka nauumay.
(kandila)
|
12. When we try to extinguish
It stays preserved.
When we try to maintain It sinks to perish.
(candle)
|
13. Baboy ko sa Jolo
Balahibo'y pako.
(langka)
|
13. My pig in Jolo spring
Has hair of nails.
(nangka or jackfruit)
|
14. Buong butil nang itanim
Turumpo ng bunutin.
(singkamas)
|
14. A whole seed planted
A top harvested.
(turnip)
|
[p. 42]
Hanggang langit.
(mata)
|
Can reach the sky.
(eyes)
|
16. Gintong binalot sa pilak
Pilak na binalot sa ginto.
(itlog)
|
16. Gold wrapped in silver
Silver wrapped in skin.
(egg)
|
17. Maliit pa si kumpari
Nakaka-akyat na sa turi.
(langgam)
|
17. My "compadre" although still
Small can climb a tower.
(ant)
|
18. Tatlong butones
Apat na uhalis.
(krusipiho)
|
18. Three buttons paired
with four buttonholes.
(crucifix)
|
19. Magkabila'y langit
sa gitna ay tubig.
(niyog)
|
19. Opposite sides are heaven
the middle is water.
(coconut)
|
20. Guang na ang tiyan
Malakas pang sisigaw.
(kampana)
|
20. Hollow stomach
can shout out loud.
(church bell)
|
21. Inutusan ko si Puti
hindi na umuwi
(laway)
|
21. I sent white on an errand
but he did not return.
(saliva)
|
22. Lumalakad ang banca
ang piloto ay nakahiga.
(patay na nasa kabaong)
|
22. The banca is sailing
the pilot is lying.
(dead man in a coffin)
|
23. Bato ko sa Saray
Nakapipilay
(dumi o tae)
|
23. My stone in Saray
can make you lame.
(excreta)
|
24. Munting bundok
Hindi madampot.
(ipot)
|
24. Small mountain that
cannot be picked up.
(bird dropping)
|
25. Dinamput na dalawahan
Ipinaghampasan ng limahan.
(uhug)
|
25. Picked up by two
thrown away by five.
(mucus)
|
26. Isda sa Mariveles
Nasa loob ang kaliskis.
(sili)
|
26. Fish in Mariveles with
scales within themselves.
(chili pepper)
|
27. Aling dahon dito sa mundo
ang iginagalang ng tao?
(watawat)
|
27. What leaves on Earth
are respected by men?
(flag)
|
28. Nagtago si Pedro
Nakalitaw ang ulo.
(pako sa dingding)
|
28. Pedro hid himself but
sticks his head out to show.
(nail on a wall)
|
29. Dala ako niya
Dala ko rin siya.
(bakya)
|
29. I carry him,
he carries me.
(footwear)
|
[p. 43]
30. Dalawang balong malalim
hindi maabot ng tingin.
tainga
|
30. Two deep pits cannot be
be fathomed by the sight.
(ears)
|
No. 31 Proverbs and Sayings (Mga Salawikain)
1. Pag may isinuksok
Ay may madudukot.
|
1. If one has something kept,
He has something to get
|
2. Saan mang gubat ay may ahas | 2. In any woods, there are snakes. |
3. Ang ilog na malagaslas
Arukin mo at mahibas;
Ang ilog na matining Arukin mo at malalim. |
3. A river that is noisy is shallow
A river that is quiet is deep.
|
4. Ang tao ay makikilala
sa gawa, hindi sa salita.
|
4. A person is known by his
deeds, not his words.
|
5. Aanhin ang maraming sabi
sa marunong umintindi.
|
5. Many words are unnecessary
to one who can understand.
|
6. Walang matimtimang birhen
sa matiyagang manalangin.
|
6. No virgin will remain silent
to one who persistently prays.
|
7. Bago gawin ang sasabihin,
maka-ilang isipin.
|
7. Think many times before
you do what you say.
|
8. Kung tunay ang tubo
matamis hanggang dulo.
|
8. A real sugarcane is sweet
throughout the end.
|
9. Kung ano ang masama sa iyo,
Huag mong gagawin sa kapwa mo.
|
9. Do not do to others
What is bad to you.
|
10. Ang maniwala sa sabi
walang bait sa sarili.
|
10. One who believes in tales
has no mind of his own.
|
11. Nakikita ang butas ng karayom
hindi butas ng palakol.
|
11. A needle's hole is seen
but not the hole of an axe.
|
12. Nasa Diyos ang awa,
Na sa tao ang gawa.
|
12. To err is human
to forgive divine. [erroneous translation]
|
13. Kapag tunay ang anyaya,
sinasamahan ng hila.
|
13. Sincere invitations are
accompanied by personal pull.
|
14. Walang sumisira sa bakal
kundi ang sariling kalawang.
|
14. Iron is destroyed by
its own rust.
|
[p. 44]
15. Ang namamali'y aralan
huag pag-usapan.
|
15. One who goes wrong should
be righted but not be made
a subject for gossip. |
16. Iba ang tinitingnan
Kay sa tinititigan.
|
16. There is a great difference
between looking and seeing.
|
17. Anak na di paluhain,
ina ang patatangisin.
|
17. A child who is never allowed
to cry will in the future
be a problem-child. |
18. Walang mabigat na kañap [?]
sa magkatulong na mag-anak.
|
18. No task is too heavy for
a whole cooperating family.
|
19. Kung sino ang umaako
ay siyang napapako.
|
19. One who makes a promise is
caught in the net.
|
20. Ang hindi lumingon sa
pinanggalingan ay di
makakarating sa paroroonan. |
20. One who does not regard his
past will not be able to
realize his future. |
21. Nag-iiwan ng alaala ang
gumagawa ng maganda.
|
21. One who does good deeds
leaves good memories.
|
22. Pantas ka ma't dilang paham,
mayroon ka ring di alam.
|
22. No matter how learned
you are, there is something
you still do not know. |
23. Magalang man at masipag
ay daig ng maagap.
|
23. While it is good to be
industrious, it pays to be alert.
|
24. Ano mang agwat ay di mararating
kung titingnan lamang at di lalakarin.
|
24. Whatever distance cannot
be reached if we will do it
by just seeing and not by walking. |
[p. 45]
Part Three - Other Information
24. A. Information on books treating of the Philippines:
1. Compilation of Facts about Paete from 1580 to the Present, Volumes I & II by Mr. Teodoro Cajumban.
2. Records of the Church - in the possession of Mrs. Mercedes Cagandahan de Rocamora.
3. Magazines or Pamphlets:b. Town of Paete - The Elk - Vol. I No. 4 (Eastern Laguna Colleges) April 1948.
c. Legends of Three Towns - Pasay-Morong-Paete - Phil. Jr. Red Cross Magazine, Dec. 1948.
d. History and Important Facts about Paete - The Laguna Magazine - April 1950.
e. Paete Moving Saints - The Sunday Times Magazine - April 17, 1949.
B. Documents: None.
35. Filipino authors born or residing in the community: None.
PART I | PART II | PART III | PART IV