PRE-COLONIAL PHILIPPINES The Land Bridges Theory offered the best explanation on how the Philippines and the

e rest of Southeast Asia were populated by its first settlers Ancient artifacts found across SE Asia served as strong evidence to the claim that all these people were once together because their ancient tools have strong resemblances Samples: - stone tools found in Cagayan Valley were dated back at least 200,000 years ago - a skull cap of man was found in the Philippines by Robert Bradford Fox, which was labeled as the Tabon Man - a piece of charcoal (30,000 years old) was also found together with the Tabon Man, and this led to the conclusion that ancient settlers in the country know how to use fire ANCIENT SETTLERS IN THE PHILIPPINES NEGRITOS - came from the Southern part of the Philippines; broad nosed, dark and kinky hair, dark complexion, round black eyes; nomadic; kaingin systemagricultural practice INDONESIANS - believed to be the first settlers to reach the Philippines by sea; 5-6 ft high, fair skinned, high bridged noses, protruded forehead; arrived in two batches

- first batch were better looking while batch two were shorter, bulkier and built, and had darker complexion; settled in one area and survived through hunting, farming, fishing MALAYS - also arrived through sailboats or balangays; 3 batches - headhunting, alphabet using, and Muslim Malays; medium height, brown skin, straight & black hair, dark brown eyes and flat noses; has the most advanced culture as compared to Negritos and Indonesians; clothes made of fabric, have tattoos, and ornaments; have weapons for hunting and defense ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SETTINGS INDUSTRIES AGRICULTURE FISHING MINING SHIPBUILDING LOGGING WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY They are treated as equal WITH MEN in the eyes of the law, and they are also highly respected by men Permitted to inherit, own, and sell properties Permitted to become village chiefs in the absence of a male heir Right to name their children SOCIAL CLASSES NOBLES FREEMEN SLAVES NAMAMAHAY/SAGIGILID TUMATABAN/TUMARAMPUK/AYUEY

MARRIAGE CUSTOMS Marriage should be between people in the same social class Men can marry as many women as he could support - the first wife and kids are the legitimate ones (heirs), while the rest are considered as illegitimate Courtship was long and difficult - paninilbihan should be done by the man to the womans family/estate The groom should give dowries and gifts to the brides family and wet nurse - common gifts include cattle, land, jewelries and precious stones, etc. Wedding ceremony - both the groom and bride will drink in the same cup which signifies the start of the ceremony - the babaylan (priestess) will take the hands of the couple and join them over a plate of uncooked rice. She would then throw the rice to the guests, in which they should respond with a loud shout indicating that the ceremony was over.