Folk dancing is an essential unit of the total physical education program. At present all public and private schools in the Philippines include folk dance instruction in their physical education classes. Folk dancing was never taken up by large numbers until recent years. The revival of interest and the increased popularity of our native folk dances must nave been brought out by the success of the performances of the different folk dance groups in the country and abroad.
Our folk songs and dances have been handed down to us our heritage. They evolved during a time about which have very written historical records. Except for the pioneering work of Mrs. Francisca Reyes Aquino, Philippine folk dance literature is unquestionably meager in this country. The publication of a book containing instruction in dancing is very appropriate at this time since it will meet the needs of many teachers and leaders in the physical and dance fields.
Inluded in the book are chapters of the coming of Ferdinand Magellan, Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Don Juan de Salcedo, Don Esteban Rodriquez de Figueroa, Governor General Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa and the other conquistadores, because they are characters that are interwoven in the history of the land and therefore must be given their due in our historical life.
The book is lump into centuries, from Datu Payburong's grandson Datu Buyong Ampatuan in the 13th century, Datu Buyong Balan of the 14th century, Datu Disayaran of the fifteenth century, the first known Bornean settler to rebel against the Spanish occupiers in Panay, to his son Datu Bantugan one of the leaders in the Ba-ong revolt in 1586, of the late 15th century, to Datu Pangkug of the 16th century, Datu Mal-am Makiling of the 17th century and to the last recorded Datu of Suaga, Governadorcillo Don Lazaro Makiling in the 18th century.
The main feature of the book is not only on the discovery of the remnants of the datus who stayed and settled in Panay, but also in the discovery of some leaders of the 1896 revolution like Col. Eusebio J. Sanglap, Mayor Felix Serra, and Gen. Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro, who are direct descendants of the Bornean settlers in Panay.
The central figures also include two notable personalities, Fr. Tomas Santaren OSA, writer of History of the Datus and Gen. Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro author of Maragtas, the two original books which form part of the basis of the history of Panay. Other books relating to Panay which were published later were only excerpts, and copied or patterned from the work of the two.
This book contains varied facets on the story of Igbaras, my hometown. With the numerous incidents related, the Igbarasnon is the central character in a setting comprised of nature's beauty. The scene opens with a legendary backdrop, in a pre-Hispanic era when Aetas and Malays lived peacefully. The roles of Marikudo, Sumakwel, Diro-an, Tamo-ok, and others are in the popular folklore of the town. Different oral versions of their existence and adventures are gathered and modified in this volume.
Like other towns all over the Philippine Islands, Igbaras evolved from the hardships and consequences of foreign rule and invasion, during the Spanish regime up to the American occupation and World War II.
Today, Igbaras is progressing in every aspect. This phase is given only a brief glance in this book, but to see the beautiful panorama of Igbaras today, the Igbarasnon is always ready to welcome everyone.
Subtitle: Where the Filipino flag was raised in victory outside Luzon, and the Revolutionary Government of the Visayas was inaugurated.
Contents: The Filipino flag is raised in victory — How the flag got to Sta. Barbara for the “Cry” — The Revolutionary Government of the Visayas — Gen. Martin T. Delgado
Published in connection with the 97th Anniversary of the "Cry of Sta. Barbara" and the Launching of the Philippine Centennial Movement in the Visayas. Sponsored by the National Centennial Commission, National Historical Institute, Province of Iloilo, and Municipality of Sta. Barbara at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo on Nov. 17, 1995.
"Iloilo being a pilot province in integrated development, the provincial government has requested every municipality to prepare a municipal profile. Among the first of the forty-six towns to submit the manuscript of its "municipal profile" was Pavia. I thought the work was good enough, until I read Miss Guia C. Villaprudente's PAVIA, ILOILO: YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW.
This is a comprehensive study of life in Pavia which include history, people, geography, language, beliefs, practices, folkways, etc. This is the kind of work that should be encouraged, nay, required of all municipalities and provinces in the country."
