Tubong's social history

ABSTRACT TUBONG’S SOCIAL HISTORY: BACKGROUND, LYRIC ANALYSIS AND CUSTOM OF PUTONG IN MARINDUQUE. GEMARIE B. MANAO. SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS. MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE, BOAC, MARINDUQUE. “Putong" which is known also as "Tubong" in some parts is a ceremony indigenous only to the island of Marinduque, Philippines. Literally, the word “putong” means to crown, is a song of thanksgiving, hope and prayer for a long, blessed life and held as a welcome or thanksgiving rite done through song and dance wherein guests are crowned and showered with flowers for good health and money for good luck. It is also done during birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or any special events that a person is thankful of and praying for a blessed path in life.

It is only a small part of the island culture but with no one from any class of society being exempt to be honored with a crown of flowers bestowed upon an individual, it serves as the great island equalizer for all have equal shots at getting his or her crown and be showered with love and wishes for good luck, health and prosperity.

It has been practiced in the island of Marinduque for over a century. There are numerous versions of the "Putong" in the province but the main ideas express through the song are similar. The original song-and-dance rituals used to last from 6 hours to a whole day, involving saints and "Maria" whose names must be invoked, followed by drinking tuba (coconut toddy), eating and merriment, using candles, floral crowns, incense and coins as props.

The main objective of this study was to determine the background, lyric analysis and custom of “Putong” in Marinduque. The study used a qualitative research method to assess the collective socialistic history. The subjects of this study were the people of Marinduque who conduct “Putong” and officials of tourism department in the province.

Two sets of questionnaires were used in the study. Through an analysis of the results of survey-interview, photographs from the provincial library and museum, testimony taken from officials of Marinduque Tourism Department, representations and significant documents of the Marinduque legacy in culture and arts, this study focused on the context of Marinduque’s heritage. In particular, the researcher concentrated on how social history influences and is influenced by 1) background of “Putong” known and remembered by native people living in Marinduque 2) the lyrical analysis and interpretation of every lines in the ceremony in which visibility and invisibility of the island traditions are negotiated through the song and 3) the detailed narration of the ceremony’s custom with its significant effect to the lives of people living within and outside the province. To discuss these three themes, the researcher focused on the cultural dynamics and various mediated forms (performance, photography, documents and literature) involved in the representation of the “Putong” ceremony in Marinduque, Philippines. The study sought to

understand the ways in which individuals and communities take up and negotiate these imperatives as mediated through visual culture.

The findings of the study revealed that “Putong” ceremony have been introduced in the early 1860’s originally associated with ancient healing rituals that involved the intercession of patron saints.

Majority of the

respondents believed that the patron saint rejoices at this kind of celebrations and intercedes for the honoree in his wish for long life, happiness and safety from accidents and bad luck. The study presented the significant lines on the ritual song and analyzed every ideas expressed. The study also revealed that this custom is relatively the same all around the island of Marinduque wherein the “mamumutong” wear costumes such as kimona and saya for ladies and barong for men wherein they bring with them baskets of fresh flowers, palm leaves and coins. Also, the study focused on the chronological way this significant ceremony is done wherein the study showed and explained that “putong” begins as the “mamumutong” or the “manunubong,” gather around the host’s home. As they enter the house, they will explain their purpose and request for host’s hospitality. The first part is known as the “pananayawan.”

The verses are sung slowly until everybody is in the receiving room. Next, the honoree is seated on a chair which serves as a throne for him at the center of the room or stage and with two family members beside the honoree, each holding a lighted candle. The song’s tempo picks up, as celebration reaches its climax when the crown is placed on the honoree’s head. The performers shower the honoree with flowers and coins, symbolizing affection and wishes of good luck and prosperity. During this moment too, the host and other guests throw candies, coins and paper bills to the honoree, as children and adults alike rush in for the bounty. The room will be filled with laughter and scream of happy attendees. It is said that the crown and the coins must be kept for good luck. The ceremony ends by everybody screaming “Mabuhay” and with shared meal and drinks offered by the host. It was found out that Marinduqueños are the most hospitable people in the Philippines and the “putong” or “tubong” ceremony justifies it more. A religious and popular ceremony giving identity to the people is the “Putong” which is only one tradition but is guaranteed to inspire, uplift and enrich the Marinduque experience of any traveler and for his tears of joy to well down the cheeks.

This study examined the community and its people life stories represented by “Putong”. The collected and studied data reflected conformation to the uniqueness of Marinduque from other places in the Philippines. A total of 150 people containing their knowledge and experiences were surveyed, interviewed and studied in-depth. This study revealed that social history of Tubong could be understood in terms of its background, lyric analysis and custom which evolved based on the context of truth and reconciliation on the heritage of Marinduque.