|
Early origins
There are almost no physical records nor evidence to indicate when the first people came to Bantayan, nor their places of origin. Some believe they can be traced back to Panay, others believe that the bulk of them were of Cebuano origin, and still others say they came from Leyte and Bohol. Writing in 1630, Fray Juan de Medina notes:[b]He goes on to say:Religious were established in the island of Bantayan, located between the island of Panay and that of Sugbú,[c] but farther from that of Panay. However, if one wishes to go to the island of Sugbú without sailing in the open sea, he may coast from islet to islet, although the distance across is not greater than one or one and one-half leguas.[d] These Bantayan islets are numerous, and are all low and very small. The largest is the above-named one. When Ours acquired it, it had many inhabitants, all of very pleasing appearance, and tall and well-built. But now it is almost depopulated by the ceaseless invasions from Mindanao and Jológ.
We can deduce connections between Bantayan and all those places from the mixed dialects spoken by the people, and their ancient culture such as cloth weaving, dance and architecture. In addition certain old-established Hispanic family names are associated with certain locations:This island has a village called Hilingigay, which it is said was the source of all the Bisayan Indians who have peopled these shores, and whose language resembles that of Hilingigay.
- Panay
- Rubio, Arcenaz, Alvarez
- Cebu
- Rodriguez, Ancaja, Mansueto, Villacruz
- Leyte
- Villacin, Villaflor, Otega, Carabio
- Bohol
- Hubahib, Garcia, Caquilla
There is little documentary evidence of life and culture before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores. What we know of them is gathered from handed down accounts.
The early people were said to be timid. They didn’t travel and knew little of places away from their homes. They wore little clothing because the climate didn’t need it. The abundance of fish, wild games, wild fruits and tuber like BA-AY, HAGMANG (wild yam), BAILACOG, and KIOT, made the people do little more than make clearings on which to plant corn, camote (sweet potato) and other vegetables. Large and small trees grew and spread, shading the ground all year round with their heavy foliage. Vines and creepers climbed the trees hanging from bough to bough; cultivation of open land was difficult.
