Filipina’s Behind
A woman – how can we really describe a woman? Is it culture, skin color, education, clothing, or
the way others perceive them? These are a few attributes that defines women in today’s society.
Throughout history, no matter where in the world or what country, they have been bombarded with
stereotypes and discrimination, which to this day is still relevant. All these makes us wonder how it was
like in the Philippines as a woman in the pre-Hispanic period. It ascribes to the period either before 16
March 1521 (the coming of Fernando Magallanes) or 27 April 1565 (when Miguel López de Legazpi
established a stronghold in Cebu – the first Spanish settlement in the archipelago). Historically, women
have always enjoyed greater equality in the Philippine society compared to its neighboring Southeast
Asian countries. Since the pre-Hispanic era, Filipinos have observed egalitarianism. This relates to the
principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. According to the Magisterial
Lecture from Dr. Olivia Habana that I have just watched, this type of society is best described in the epics,
since they present the pure Filipino culture. An epic is a type of poetry which narrates a series of historic
achievements or events, usually of a hero. Women characters play various roles in Philippine epics,
including heroic roles. Prominent Filipino epics includes – Hudhud (Ifugao), Biag ni Lam-Ang (Ilocos
region), Labaw Donggon (Panay). Dr. Habana further explained that in many instances in Philippine preHispanic epics, women had roles as spiritual specialists, healers, ritualists, keepers of history, and decision
makers for their communities. They were also in position of leadership not just in their family or kinship
but in the community. Other sources were artifacts, oral tradition and folklore.
The source used in the lecture however, were the writings of Spanish civil and religious officials
in the early days of their colonization. The first thing noticed was the physical appearance of having brown
skin color and long, black hair. It can also be noted that man and women in the pre-Hispanic era wore
similar adornments and sported same long hairs and tattoos. Further noted in the writings were the
women’s demeanor. They can move freely, converse and work alongside men. On the economic side of
things, early Philippine society have abundant resources, but scarce labor. Both men and women work in
rice fields, fishing, trades and other agricultural activities. One work particular to women were weaving
and needle works, which up to this day is instilled in our strong weaving tradition. Women also take part
in decision makings specially those spiritual and religious specialists, called “Babaylanes” and
“Katalonan”. The egalitarian society can also be manifested in marriage, as the concept of dowry in the
pre-Hispanic Philippines, is the opposite of that in the west. The dowry is given by the bride to the groom,
whereas in the Philippines, it is given by the groom to the bride’s family, or for their children to enjoy.
The gift, which was often movable properties like, gold, heirloom, jars or plates and slaves were shared
within the woman’s kin group. They were joined together by an elderly woman who unites their hands
over a bowl of rice, throws it over the wedding guests, and declares the marriage is completed. The
marriage feast then commences with a lot of dancing and singing. Aside from the wedding ceremony
itself, the early clergymen’s criticisms were directed to the roles of a husband and a wife in the marriage.
This includes the financial, physical and personal autonomy of women, which translates to women being
free to do what they want, at par with man. This goes greatly against the patriarchal society of the Spanish
regimes.
As mentioned earlier, women were free to do what they want, such as but not limited to visiting
relatives, entering financial transactions on their own and even forms of reparation in case the marriage
ended. Women at that time were not afraid to commit adultery, because there is no law that punishes them.
Further, marriages at that time can end even with the slightest disagreement between spouses. If a husband
cannot provide for the wife anymore, she shall leave him and not return anything in the dowry he has
given. She can also have freedom and permission to marry another man. Issues on chastity and celibacy
in marriages were greatly frowned upon by the early clergymen. All these notable traits, practices, and
roles that a pre-Hispanic woman, the egalitarian nature of society was evident and that shocked them in
the early Spanish colonization. For hundreds of years now, various forces have sought to recreate the
Filipino woman. All these is relevant today because Filipino women are constantly battling the stereotypes
and discrimination that society throws at them. We should continually strive for an egalitarian society, not
just for women, but men as well.