Museode Manticao
CULTURAL ARTIFACTS
A zine-pamphlet guide for visitors of The Bird’s Nest Sanctuary, Barangay Pagawan, Manticao Misamis Oriental
All Rights Reserved. 2024.
This zine is the intellectual property of the authors and informants. No part of this zine may be reused, republished, or reproduced without written permission from the authors.
All illustrations were made by Eunice Lavilla, Khristine Maguddayao, Alec Mendoza, and China Binondo and the reproduction or reuse of these illustrations without prior permission is prohibited.
Information about the artifacts were gathered during the UP Anthropology Field School 2024 in Manticao, Misamis Oriental by the students as part of their field methods in archaeology course supervised by Asst. Prof. Edwin Valientes.
This zine was written and compiled with care and verified to the best of our abilities, however we acknowledge that some errors or omissions may still be present.
Authors: Chito Arceo Jr., China Binondo, Kamila Del Rosario, Lyle Dumo, Lorenzo Juan, Eunice Lavilla, Khristine Maguddayao, Alec Mendoza, Francie Sabalza.
About the Cover
The zine’s cover highlights its title, surrounded by line art of cultural objects featured within. These illustrations symbolize the connection between heritage, space, and identity, inviting readers to explore the narratives and insights woven throughout its pages.
Museode Manticao
Museo de Manticao
Manticao, located in Misamis
Oriental, is home to natural diversity and cultural heritage, making it a mustvisit destination.
At the heart of this experience is the Bird’s Nest Sanctuary, also known as the Mindanaw Arboretum, located in Barangay Pagawan. This sanctuary is home to over 300 native Philippine trees, including fruit-bearing, medicinal, flowering, and hardwood species, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Mindanao.
Inside is Museo de Manticao, Manticao’s first museum, showcasing a collection of artifacts, ranging from ethnographic objects, archival holdings, traditional craftsmanship, and more. Founded in 2018 by known local Carl Cesar Rebuta, he advocates for empowering local history and strengthening Manticao’s cultural heritage.
The Creation of the Municipality of Manticao
On June 15, 1948, Councilor Cesario Lagrosas introduced Municipal Resolution No 54 Series of 1948 proposing the establishment of Manticao as a
The community believed that their growing population, high agricultural output, and income justified the need for an independent local government, likening their situation to that of a grownup child ready to live independently.
Initially, the Initao Municipal Council hesitated to approve the proposal, citing the need for a thorough analysis of its financial implications. This prompted a special session held on July 10, 1948, at the Manticao Elementary School Building, where supporting documents were presented to strengthen the case
R th g th a re annual income of around 13,000 pesos, exceeding the legal requirements for establishing a new local government unit.
After reviewing the submitted documents, the council ultimately approved the creation of the Municipality of Manticao.
To this day, the original copies of these documents are preserved in the New Municipal Hall of Initao.
1951GoodrichBicycle
The 1951 Goodrich Bicycle
The 1951 Goodrich Bicycle is culturally relevant because it was associated with an important person during Manticao's beginnings. Bicycles were rare during its time and were seen as a commodity in rural Manticao. It was used to get around able to traverse rocky paths.
It belonged to Jose P. Eyana, a carpenter who built more than 200 homes in Manticao. Some of the homes he built belonged to influential families like the Ratunil, Asok, and Talaroc families.
He used his bike for 66 years, carrying his tools and materials to build homes for many families.
Today, the community associates the bike with Eyana's service to the community.
Manticao basketry
Manticao Basketry
In Manticao, baskets are commonly used as containers of fruits and vegetables; they persist until today and have even more extended use such as in festivities and decorations. The museum prominently features local basketry in the design of the Mantukaw Hall ceiling, which is adorned with baskets glued together to create chandelier-like installations.
While basketry is widespread across the whole municipality, it is most common in Barangay Pagawan. The commonly used materials were coconut leaves, nito, bamboo, and bagakay a smaller type of bamboo. The vines and sheath of these materials are cut by the use of sundang, a kalis type of Philippines sword.
Basketry is often a heirloom practice, and variations can be discovered according to the distinct type of technique and materials employed by the background of the artisan.
In Pagawan, Misamis Oriental, the families of Abanilla and Partosa are known makers of the traditional baskets supplied in the local markets and neighboring cities like Iligan.
The Stone Grinder “Gilingan”
Every 7th of February, the Municipality of Manticao holds their founding anniversary, alongside celebrating their Bibingka Festival.
In 2010, the local government chose Bibingka to represent the one town, one product of the municipality. With this, the stone grinder represents the traditional method of preparing bibingka, significant to the craftsmanship and a symbolism of the preservation of Manticao’s culinary traditions.
As a work implement, the stone grinder (locally known as Gilingan) is used in preparing local delicacies such as bibingka or puto. “Humay,” the mixture consisting of rice submerged in coconut milk (gata) , is grinded manually to produce a thick liquid ready to be fired. The estimated age of the grinder is possibly 50-60 years or more.
1950 Royal Quiet de Luxe typewriter
The Typewriters
There are two typewriters in the Museo de Manticao:
a 1950 Royal Quiet de Luxe and a 1942 Woodstock 5N.
Both are manual typewriters that we manufactured during the Second World War. They were handed down to Attorney Cesar Rebuta by his mentors, who were significant figures of Manticao: Juan Arnejo, the first Principal of Pagawan Elementary School, and Laureto Talaroc Sr., the first appointed mayor of Manticao.
As the only lawyer in the rural town by the 1970s, Atty. Rebuta and his typewriters drafted many documents for the people. Documents such as affidavits, deeds of absolute seal, deeds of sale with the right to repurchase, and extrajudicial settlements were made from these very typewriters, which were crucial for the beginnings of Manticao.
Manticao MISAMIS,ORIENTAL