Tagabawa-Bagobo Group Apo

History They are the indigenous tribe in Mindanao. They live in the surrounding areas of Mt. Apo Their origins can be traced back to the early Malay peoples who came from the surrounding islands of Southeast Asia.

The most common lifestyle of the Manobo is that of rural agriculture Social life for the Manobo is patriarchal (male-dominated). The head of the family is the husband. Polygyny (having more than one wife at a time) is common and is allowed according to a man's wealth.

Nature of their poetry Since they are agriculturally inclined they used prayers before and after harvest They also used songs as offers for good harvest They also use stories to tell kids of the ideal attitudes they must possess

Sample poetry Ke mevandes ne ed-ipanenew ne melaaran ke egkeruhi. English version: if a man walks fast and steps on a thorn, it will go in deep, but if he walks slowly, it will go in only a little.

Sample epics Tuwaang (English version of a Bagobo epic) Tuwaang received a message of invitation from the wind saying that he should attend the long waited wedding of the Dalaga ng Monawon.

Don't go, Tuwaang, his aunt warned him Don't go, Tuwaang, his aunt warned him. I feel that something wrong is going to happen to you there. Don't worry, tiyang. I can take care of myself! he said firmly, determined to go. You don't understand me, Tuwaang. I'm not afraid of anything, tiyang. Right now, all I ever want is to have a glimpse of the beauty of the Dalaga ng Monawon.

Tuwaang just shrugged his shoulder and did not listen to his aunt Tuwaang just shrugged his shoulder and did not listen to his aunt. He insists to go and prepared to attend the grand wedding. He wore the clothes the goddesses made for him. He got the heart-shaped basket that could make the lightning move. He took along with him his sharp spear and shield and the long knife. He rode in the lightning and he soon reached the beautiful boundless plain of Kawkawangan. There, he found a gungutan, a bright colored bird that could talk. The bird wanted to go with him to the grand wedding so he took it along with him. When they reached the town of Monawon, they were politely let into the hall where the wedding would take place.

The guests started coming one by one The guests started coming one by one. First to come was the young Binata ng Panayangan, then the charming Binata ng Sumisikat na Araw. Last to come was the groom, the Binata ng Sakadna who was with his one hundred well trained men. As soon as he arrived, the groom ordered all his men to drive away the guests who should not be there or those uninvited guests. Insulted, Tuwaang told the groom that they, the guests were all pulang dahon, which meant heroes. In short time, the ceremony started with the guests being offered several precious things that they should top with what they had. Two were left for the groom but the Binata ng Sakadna admitted that he didn't have a gold flute and a gold guitar to top what were left. Tuwaang came to the quick rescue. With his mysterious breath, he produced a gold flute, guitar and gong.

The beautiful bride came out of her room and started offering a bowl containing nganga to every guest. Then she sat beside Tuwaang that put the groom in a very embarrassing situation. The groom felt insulted and degraded. He went out the hall and challenged Tuwaang to a fight. The Bagobo tribe has an epic hero named Tuwaang (Tatuwang), Tuwaang was a brave and strong warrior with various powers. In one story, he rode a lightning to the land of Pinanggayungan and later, met the maiden of the Buhong Sky who was running away from the young man of Pangumanon: A giant with great vigor. Tuwaang and the giant fought but it was an even match. So the giant used his magical powers and threw a flaming bar at the hero. Entwining itself at Tuwaang, our hero escaped this ordeal and used his own magical ability to call the wind to fan the flames and let the giant be engulfed by the flames.

tasking Leader: James Joyce Stilskin Multimedia editor: Leonardo Cruz Researchers: Helena Depp Johnny de Caprio Reporters: Peper Jung Reynold Bardburry

resources http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Summary_of_tuwaang_in_English http://www.everyculture.com/East-Southeast-Asia/Bagobo.html