Tuesday 23 October 2012

Diverse Cultures of our Community (Tangalan, Aklan)

Purposes
  1. To introduce Tangalan, Aklan to the global community
  2. To provide significant information about Tangalan, Aklan
  3. To promote Tangalan, Aklan for local, national and international  tourism industry.
History



The descendants of Datu Bangkaya in barangay Afga, a seaside barangay facing the sea of Sibuyan, established Tangalan in the early part of 16th century. Because of the continuous raid and furious behavior of the non-Christians (Moro) pirates, the native of the said barangay transferred their place to another inland location at sitio Nagub-an of Barangay Tagas. 
After the termination of the Spanish rule in the country and the Americans took the reign of control all over the Philippines, the town of Makato and Tangalan was fused into one municipality. But the people of Tangalan did not relish the set-up of being merged and/or fused with Makato, and silently accepted the bitter and unhappy situation, but worked a way out of the dilemma. It was a true love for freedom and self-government that enlightened and fired a fervent desire of the leaders and the people of Tangalan to wage a struggle for separation of the town of Tangalan from Makato. 
The separation of the Municipal government of Tangalan from Makato passed so many obstacles and hard struggle. The legal aspect had been filed, but due to political intrigues of the other politicians, the attempt was failure. The people of Tangalan firmly believed that the unity achieved their cherished dream, so that their leaders and its people joined and acted together and found support from the late Congressman Jose M. Reyes. Republic Act No. 285 was passed and was signed into law and on July 31, 1948, the banner of independence was hosted in the municipality of Tangalan. 

Tangalan got its name from the two incidents during the Spanish regime. It has been told that when the Spanish sailboat, manned and piloted by a Tagalog, broke its rudder and was brought ashore for repair, the native asked the captain of the boat, what was the cause of their being ashore, and the captain answered “natanggalan” meaning displaced, referring to the detached rudder of the boat. Another incident happened, when a Spanish officer passed by the shore and found trees growing with distinctive foliage nearby and asked the native, and the native answered, “Tanggal,” the name of the tree in local dialect. The name of the town was coined from these two incidents. 

Practices of the People

One of the most common reasons for lip pointing is to give quick directions, of which explaining verbally would take a longer time.  So, if you’re at a mall, and you ask a Filipino whose carrying grocery bags up to his arms where the rest room is, he might purse his lips then extend his neck to the direction of the restroom in one smooth action.  Or he would pursue his lips, lift his head up, and turn it to his left, which means: walk straight ahead, and make a left turn at the next corner. A head bobble before the head lift would mean pass two aisles down before making a left. If he over extends his neck, bends a bit, and stretches his lips outward, it means you’ve got a farther ways to walk.

Another reason why a Filipino would do this gesture is to instruct you to do something.  So when a Filipino carrying large boxes looks at you and purses his lips towards a door knob, it’s a sign for you to open the door.  When that’s combined that with several short and quick head bobbles, it means, “Hurry up!”

Traditions of the Community

1. The Parol 
The Parol is uniquely Filipino. In its more basic forms, the parol is a lantern shaped like a star. It symbolizes the star that the 3 wise men followed to reach the stable where Jesus was born. Today, it has evolved into more ornate forms decorated with multicolored lights, flashing patterns and added sparkle. Once parols are seen going up in public places, it is apparent that the Christmas Season is upon us.
2. 9 day Novena, Simbang Gabi 
Simbang Gabi or "Night Mass" is a tradition that gets its roots from the Spaniards who had settled & had contributed to the Philippine culture. The Spanish version is called "Misa de Gallo."
The novenas of masses begin 9 days before Christmas day in various parishes. Usually, these masses are celebrated either early morning or in the evening. Prior to the mass starting, a simple food offering, flowers, statues of Saints, and/or children depicting the Holy Family, shepherds, Maggi and angels parade towards the altar in remembrance and honor of the Nativity.
3. Queso de Bola 
The term "queso de bola" refers to a large ball of yellow cheese wrapped in thick red wax. It is a common snack eaten by Filipinos during the holidays coupled with rolls of bread or pan de sal. My mom always made sure we had a Queso de Bola during Christmas and would slice us pieces
4. Round Fruits 
Round fruits are the recommended items to be placed on the table on New Year's Eve. It symbolizes a bountiful & fruitful future in the upcoming year and helps to make sure that the homes always have plenty of food throughout the year. Failure to place it on one's table may bring misfortune into that household.
5. Eat 12 Grapes 
Before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, all the Filipino mothers in our circle of friends would tell the children, "Go eat your 12 grapes!" By eating 12 grapes on New Year's Eve, the eater would be sealing their fate for the upcoming year with good fortune.
6. Money in Your Pockets 
My parents made sure that everyone in our family had money in our pockets on New Year's Eve, even if it was just a few coins. We were instructed to jingle our pockets with coins as the clock strikes the midnight hour. This was another way of bringing good luck & wealth into the New Year.
7. Throwing Money 
I clearly remember the eager anticipation of midnight on New Year's because of the money throwing. The adults gather the children together in a centralized area, i.e. the living room. As soon as it is midnight, the adults throw & scatter coins in the air for the children to pick up. Not only is it amusing to watch the children crawl for the coins, it also is good luck to all those involved.

Celebrations of the Community

Significant part of various festivals and national celebrations are part of the community’s religious traditions and customs. Fiestas or local feasts take place to give honor to saints; one-week Lenten season observation; and the Christmas holiday is just few of its well-celebrated, spiritual practices. 

Occasions in the Community

The town of Tangalan, Aklan celebrates its Municipal fiesta every second week of the month of May. Its five days of celebration presenting their native products in “food festival” and talents in their nights of programs. The most highlight is the Bugna it Tangalan Festival. It shows the life living of every people of Tangalan, the process of gathering foods, and preparations. And they proudly present their Seafood products. The Bugna it Tangalan also proud to presents their local tourist destinations. The Afga Wave Rock at Brgy. Afga, Jawili Beach and Jawili Falls at Brgy. Jawili. 

Beliefs of the People

Majority of the population are Roman Catholic. Although, folk beliefs, otherwise known as "superstitious beliefs", form part of a people's value system and culture. 

Barangay/Local Officials

LIST OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

HON. GENE T. FUENTES . . . Municipal Mayor
HON. JED A. TIROL . . . Municipal Vice Mayor

Sangguniang Bayan Members
HON. BAYANI S. TALA-OC
HON. EFREN M. TAMPOS
HON. RANDY T. GOBOY
HON. JAY E. TEJADA
HON. STANLEY T. AGUIRRE
HON JOSE ROXIE Z. TIROL
HON. ARJAY D. FERNANDEZ
HON. RHEAN F. YAP

LIGA ng mga Barangay President
HON. NOLINA T. TORIAGA

SKMF President
HON. NINIA DONA CRISELA D. LIM

LIST OF BARANGAY CAPTAINS
1. AFGA   HON. MARLON T. TRAJE
2. BAYBAY HON. NOLINA T. TORIAGA
3. DAPDAP HON PEDRO M. URETA
4. DUMATAD HON. EDINA T. GELITO
5. JAWILI HON. NONILO S. TABAGON
6. LANIPGA HON. MELVIN B. MASULA
7. NAPATAG HON. BRENDA M. TIONGCO
8. PANAYAKAN HON. SEGUNDINA R. TUGO
9. POBLACION HON. JERRY T. TAMPOS
10. PUDIOT HON. BLAS D. MAAYON
11. TAGAS HON. RODILFO T. TALA-OC
12. TAMALAGON HON. GLENN C. TABANG
13. TAMOKOE HON. ELVIN T. LOPEZ
14. TONDOG HON. WILSON D. MENDOZA
15. VIVO HON. VICTORIO P. LORENZO  

Recreations of the Community and the People

Sports and recreation is one of the priority thrusts of the municipal government of Tangalan. Multi-purpose pavements in every barangay were established which serve as their sports and recreation facilities. At 15,000 sq.m. area in Poblacion, the municipal plaza was developed with the newly constructed Tangalan Sports & Cultural Center. This center caters civic, cultural and sports activities, especially during fiesta and school meets. 

Adjacent to the said sports and cultural center is the Jay A. Mahusay Memorial Park, where recreational facilities like slides, swings and the like were established together with the erected statue of Jose Rizal. 
Additional sports and recreation facilities in the municipality are three billiard pools in Poblacion and a cockpit stadium located at Barangay Pudiot. 

Specialties, Delicacies, Products of the Community

The major products in the municipality are rice, coconut, corn, banana, root crops, fish, prawn, swine, cattle, poultry and cottage industry/ies.

Based on the availability of raw materials, the following industries that can be found in the municipality are:
  1. Agri-based industries 
  2. Food processing & preservation 
  3. Rice Milling Industry 
  4. Piña/abaca & Sinamay Industry 
  5. Nito & Bariw products industry 
  6. Coconut-based products (copra, coco husks, coco lumber, tuba, vinegar, charcoal, coco shells) 
  7. Marine-Based Industries 
a) prawn/shrimp/milkfish
b) fish processing
c) fishponds 
     8.  Mineral-based industries
a) cement-based products (concrete blocks and concreted balusters) 
     9.  Livestock-based Industries
a) Piggery and swine industries  
b) Livestock & Poultry Raising 
Potential Spots for Tourism

St. John Nepomucene Parish Church 




The century-old church was finished in 1889 after 28 years of forced labor. Men, women and children were forced to join this great polo and toiled from sunrise to sunset carrying blocks of coral and limestone from the quarries in Barangay Afga to the construction site in the Poblacion. The still intact church is one of the oldest in the province, featuring distinct walls of coral and limestone similar to the famous church of Miag-ao, Iloilo. 

Afga Point




It is where Afga Wave-Rock Formation is located. It is a unique environmental phenomenon which resulted from wave rock action on a rocky shore. It is told that the wave rock formation served as the quarry site for the town church. to the construction site in the Poblacion. The still intact church is one of the oldest in the province, featuring distinct walls of coral and limestone similar to the famous church of Miag-ao, Iloilo. Afga Point also offers a hill-top pavilion, picnic cottages, lighthouse and spectacular view of the Sibuyan Sea. 

Afga Crafts Village

It provides guest an opportunity to witness the production of Aklan’s famous piña and abaca cloth first hand. The local community will be happy to demonstrate the indigenous nito weaving method used to produce baskets, trays, wallets and placemats as well. 

Dumatad Souvenir Shop


You can enjoy a relaxing native massage with a fragrant mixture of warm coconut milk and fresh flower petals by one of the trained masseuses at Dumatad Souvenir Shop. Or you can peruse the colorful array of bags and locally produced nito products on display. 

Bughawi Beach and Reforestation Project

The white sand of Bughawi Beach are surrounded by one of the nations most successful reforestation projects. Bughawi Beach is located within the DENR Regional Training Center and is an ideal location for a cool retreat during the summer months. Mountain trekking within the reforestation project brings one deep into the dense forest of Mahogany, Mountain Agoho, Beach, Teak, Alibangbang and Fire trees.

Jawili Falls




The seven-basin Jawili Falls has been uniquely arranged by centuries of water flow. Cool and clear water rolls from basin to basin as if cascading down a giant stairwell. Tracing the stream into the Bughawi Reforestation Project is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Jawili Falls is easily accessible by road, and only a five to ten minute walk from the white sands of Jawili Beach. 

Jawili Beach




It provides Boracay like scenery with the low pace and tranquility of a quiet fishing village. Fishing boats still outnumber the resorts offering rooms, conference halls and picnic cottages, which makes for a peaceful vacation or weekend getaway. 

Campo Verde

Campo Verde is located in Barangay Panayakan and offers mountain trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on a trail that extends from Campo Verde to Jawili Falls. Camping is also welcomed at a well maintained campground deep in the forest. 

Marine Sanctuary and Coral Garden





The 135 hectare Marine Sanctuary was officially established in 2003 at Pungtod Reef. Numerous species of hard and soft corals, sponges, shells, sea stars, sea cucumbers, oysters and lobsters can be found within the sanctuary. There are a variety of colorful fish as well, including Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, sea turtles are also found within the sanctuary, as well as dolphins and stingrays. The sanctuary is currently closed for SCUBA diving and snorkeling, but will soon open for tourists. 

The Coral Garden is a 10 hectare area located within the Marine Sanctuary. The goal of the project is to rehabilitate an area previously decimated by dynamite and cyanide fishing. Forty nine (49) pyramid type artificial reefs were deployed in July 2003. The artificial reefs are already being utilized by a diverse array of corals, fish and marine life. The LGU is currently developing a truly unique Ecotourism Project where SCUBA divers will be able to purchase a growing coral and “plant” it on an artificial reef, thereby contributing to the rehabilitation of coastal resources in the Philippines. 

Cottages and Resorts:

Devora Beach Resort & Cottages
Madelyn’s Beach House
Jawili Falls Resort
Green Meadows Resort
Villanueva Resort
Jawili Blue Starfish Resort
D’ Wave Resorts
Wasennar Beach Resort
Ecologico Beach Resort Rose Beach House

Tangalan is one of the coastal towns in the province of Aklan endowed with a combination of marine and land resources plus the unique physical features that lend the place a rugged elegance. Thus, the natural endowments include the legendary Jawili Falls set amidst exuberant greenery and Jawili white sand beach, comparable with that of Boracay in textures. These and the surrounding verdant forest cover and rocky promontories land and the place of charm and beauty which too many cannot resist. 

Jawili Falls and Beaches





Of the varied attraction of the municipality, Jawili falls stands unrivaled with its distinguishing feature of seven basins uniquely arranged by nature to appear like seven steps of a giant stairway into which crystal-clear water cascades. It is estimated to 100 feet from the base to the top. The basin so delicately carved so that the upper basins are smaller than the lower basin. All oval shape, the basin are arranged in tiers of about 20 feet high from each largest pool rock and boulders from the bottom and sides of each basin such that the water does not become turbid even with the presence of many bathers. Further, the natural basins are always kept clean by crystal clear water that perpetually flows from its sources high up in the mountain. 

Surrounding this area are the lush, greenery and verdant forest that serve as wild life sanctuary where bird watchers and nature lovers can enjoy.  A five-minute walk from the waterfalls is the Jawili beach, stretching for approximately five kilometer that extends several hectares at low tide. Its gradual slope makes it safe for swimming and beach combing. 

Mublaran Coral Reef 

Ten minutes by pump boat further west is Mublaran Coral Reef. It is an ideal place for spear fishing and scuba diving. The area teams with flower-like corals and fish in different various colors. Just a few meters from Mublaran, behind the beach are hills which given an overview of the Sibuyan Sea where fishing and inter-island vessels passes strongly the horizon. Down beneath are unique nature-hewn rock promontories arranged like dining table in underwater restaurant. These promontories extend over a hundred feet at low tide. 

Campo Verde

Not to be left unnoticed by trekkers, mountain climbers and nature worshipper is the Campo Verde, a reforestation area, barely three kilometers from the beach. It rises to an altitude of 3,700 feet above sea level and boast a green pines, mahogany, acacia and other trees. The vast greenery, the gently rolling terrain and the quite idyllic atmosphere will allure tourist and sightseers to explore the depth of the woods. 

The development areas, includes the National Park and Recreation area. One can go mountain climbing and explore the depths of the woods and where one can go on thrilling trek to the mountain. Further, the place still abounds with wildlife species as wild chicken, parrots and wild ducks that become extinct in other places. 

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following persons who have made the completion of this Blog possible:

Our Teacher Ms. Bernadette T. Arevalo for her vital encouragement and support.  And to my Instructor Mr. Joeblas Diaz to giving to chance to create a blog. To Mr. Jason Echeveria to helping me in creating a blog. 

Thank you very much all of them. Most especially to my family and friends.
And to God, who made all things possible.

Credits

http://www.tangalan.ph/municipal-profile/history
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangalan,_Aklan
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tangalan-Aklan/288690740966
http://thebaltik.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/the-7-waterfalls-of-jawili-tangalan-aklan/