Puerto Princesa, Cuyo Island, Palawan,
Philippines, March 5-April 10, 2010.
After much work and preparation, we were off to the Philippines, to Puerto Princesa
and on to Cuyo Island with the first CLCP Newsletter for in Puerto Princesa. We
arrived in Puerto on March 10. Shortly after, we went to Futuristic Printing and
ordered of 3,000 copies of the newsletter. The printing was done in time for us to
take 2000 to Cuyo.
At the printer’s office I met Dr. Marjorie Espanola, director of all departments of the
Cuyo campus of Palawan State University. I told her briefly about CLCP and we
arranged to meet at PSU to plan a workshop on Cuyonon orthography
On Friday, March 12, there was a surprise call from a priest inviting us to a meeting
on March 15 in the afternoon at the chancery of the Cathedral. We were cordially
received at the meeting. In attendance were Fr. Benjie Badajos, Fr. Jess delos
Reyes, Bishop Juanich and Bishop Arigo. The main topic was the revival of the mass
in Cuyonon, especially in churches where most of the congregation are Cuyonons.
All throughout the meeting we were impressed by the earnest determination of the
clergy in facilitating the use of Cuyonon. It has come to the attention of the bishops
that even in Cuyo, masses are being conducted in Tagalog and many people have
complained to the priests and bishops.
Philippines, March 5-April 10, 2010.
After much work and preparation, we were off to the Philippines, to Puerto Princesa
and on to Cuyo Island with the first CLCP Newsletter for in Puerto Princesa. We
arrived in Puerto on March 10. Shortly after, we went to Futuristic Printing and
ordered of 3,000 copies of the newsletter. The printing was done in time for us to
take 2000 to Cuyo.
At the printer’s office I met Dr. Marjorie Espanola, director of all departments of the
Cuyo campus of Palawan State University. I told her briefly about CLCP and we
arranged to meet at PSU to plan a workshop on Cuyonon orthography
On Friday, March 12, there was a surprise call from a priest inviting us to a meeting
on March 15 in the afternoon at the chancery of the Cathedral. We were cordially
received at the meeting. In attendance were Fr. Benjie Badajos, Fr. Jess delos
Reyes, Bishop Juanich and Bishop Arigo. The main topic was the revival of the mass
in Cuyonon, especially in churches where most of the congregation are Cuyonons.
All throughout the meeting we were impressed by the earnest determination of the
clergy in facilitating the use of Cuyonon. It has come to the attention of the bishops
that even in Cuyo, masses are being conducted in Tagalog and many people have
complained to the priests and bishops.
Who Are the Cuyonon?
Ethnic Identity in the Modern Philippines
JAMES F. EDER
James F. Eder (james.eder@asu.edu) is Professor of Anthropology at Arizona State U.
READ MORE
Ethnic Identity in the Modern Philippines
JAMES F. EDER
James F. Eder (james.eder@asu.edu) is Professor of Anthropology at Arizona State U.
READ MORE
Cuyonon
Language & Culture Project
MANGA TANGAY, BOGTITINAI IG MANGA GORANG-GORANG:
Kong manga sarang, pagdayon kamo digi sa ateng Cuyonon Website. Dia parti ren da i' ateng pagprosigir, pagpriserba,
pagta'ling ig pagpadayon i' ateng bisara ig koltorang Cuyonon. Basipa makatabang da kanaten ang agkaragapil digi.
Kong manga sarang, pagdayon kamo digi sa ateng Cuyonon Website. Dia parti ren da i' ateng pagprosigir, pagpriserba,
pagta'ling ig pagpadayon i' ateng bisara ig koltorang Cuyonon. Basipa makatabang da kanaten ang agkaragapil digi.
Flor Dangan
Elizabeth Caporal
Fe T. Fernandez
Carolina F. San Juan
Cuyonon
Language & Culture Project
Buddy.Mendoza, Jr.
Rosanna P. Trampe
THE CUYONON LANGUAGE
AND CULTURE PROJECT, INC. (CLCP)
The Cuyonon Language and Culture Project, Inc. (CLCP) is a small non-profit
corporation dedicated to documenting Cuyonon, an endangered language spoken in
Palawan Province, the Philippines. Ester Timbancaya Elphick, the CLCP’s president
and chief lexicographer, is a native Cuyonon speaker, with an advanced degree in
descriptive linguistics (UCLA), research experience in Austronesian languages, and a
long career in language teaching--a combination highly unusual among students of
endangered languages. She speaks four Philippine languages. Elphick's associate
and co-lexicographer, Virginia Howard Sohn, is the secretary of CLCP. Sohn devoted
sixteen years, with Filipino colleagues, to translating the New Testament into Cuyonon.
She retains remarkable fluency in the language. Elphick and Sohn have been aided
throughout by expert linguists, lexicographers, and translators of Philippine
languages. READ MORE
AND CULTURE PROJECT, INC. (CLCP)
The Cuyonon Language and Culture Project, Inc. (CLCP) is a small non-profit
corporation dedicated to documenting Cuyonon, an endangered language spoken in
Palawan Province, the Philippines. Ester Timbancaya Elphick, the CLCP’s president
and chief lexicographer, is a native Cuyonon speaker, with an advanced degree in
descriptive linguistics (UCLA), research experience in Austronesian languages, and a
long career in language teaching--a combination highly unusual among students of
endangered languages. She speaks four Philippine languages. Elphick's associate
and co-lexicographer, Virginia Howard Sohn, is the secretary of CLCP. Sohn devoted
sixteen years, with Filipino colleagues, to translating the New Testament into Cuyonon.
She retains remarkable fluency in the language. Elphick and Sohn have been aided
throughout by expert linguists, lexicographers, and translators of Philippine
languages. READ MORE
| MASASAGANG PA KABAY ANG PAGKADORA I' ANG BISARA IG KOLTORANG CUYONON? Maliag kita ra andan agsabat sa pakiman nga dia i’ “e’en” nga makidel-kidel. Apay kong panidan ta sa manga timpong dia, midio makori-kori ren. Agaite nga agaite ren ang agalimeg i’ Cuyonon. Sa Puerto, marake pa ra andan ang manga Cuyonon o irinsia i’ Cuyonon, piro maski sa masigka Cuyonon, kadangmitan Tagalog pa ang pagarampangen. Sa Cuyo ngani, sa lansangan, marake ang agakon don i’ “tao po”, beken den i’ “tagbalay”. READ MORE |
SIMBORIO: This important monument that was a symbol of Cuyo, has unfortunately, been
demolished as part of the renewal of the port. While the motivation for this action was
undoubtedly good, would the presence of an organized society for the preservation of Cuyo
monuments have made a difference in the decision?
demolished as part of the renewal of the port. While the motivation for this action was
undoubtedly good, would the presence of an organized society for the preservation of Cuyo
monuments have made a difference in the decision?
The Fortress-Church of Cuyo, which for centuries served as a refuge for inhabitants of the island,
is even more a symbol of our history. Like all ancient buildings it has suffered deterioration and
has been substantially altered over the years. Has the time come for an organization of
history-minded Cuyonons to offer its services to the Church authorities to foster its preservaion
for future generations of Cuyonons?
is even more a symbol of our history. Like all ancient buildings it has suffered deterioration and
has been substantially altered over the years. Has the time come for an organization of
history-minded Cuyonons to offer its services to the Church authorities to foster its preservaion
for future generations of Cuyonons?
PLONING
Rowena Sandoval
Katz Timbancaya
FR. Vince Badajos
Jerry P. Gabo
MAS MANANAM PA RA ANDAN
Mi manga sondalong agpakon sa talonan; agasagiap kono i'
manga ribildi. Ang apon don, agsangkel sanda sa kobo-kobo i'
saka malam doto.
Ang agayapon sanda ren, makon ang malam: "Pasinsia kamo
lamang manga dodoy, ateng sera dadi langkang ginatan lamang."
Makon da ang manga sondalo: "Oki lamang dia Manong. Ang
ka sabor ngani; ang nanam ingan."
Makon da ang malam, "dan mas mananam pa ra andan kong
nadogangan ko ang gata;agsakit den moro akeng ipen."
INDI AGPASAGANG
"Manong Joe," makon ang ilog, "Indi mo ra iampangan i'
Tagalog si Manang Anita agod kaeelam agcuyonon."
Makon da ang Joe, "Ika'na Ben, aliliag ta ra agadal i' Tagalog."
Ta, matawtaw i Joe anang bogtitinai nga agapaayon nga
magapetpet i' ang kamias, makon:
"Wag mong petpetin . . . pangaslim yan."
Ta, makita reman i Joe anang inables nga magasaka ren andan
'ang niog, makon tana: "Wag mong sakain. . . walang titi yan."
Mi manga sondalong agpakon sa talonan; agasagiap kono i'
manga ribildi. Ang apon don, agsangkel sanda sa kobo-kobo i'
saka malam doto.
Ang agayapon sanda ren, makon ang malam: "Pasinsia kamo
lamang manga dodoy, ateng sera dadi langkang ginatan lamang."
Makon da ang manga sondalo: "Oki lamang dia Manong. Ang
ka sabor ngani; ang nanam ingan."
Makon da ang malam, "dan mas mananam pa ra andan kong
nadogangan ko ang gata;agsakit den moro akeng ipen."
INDI AGPASAGANG
"Manong Joe," makon ang ilog, "Indi mo ra iampangan i'
Tagalog si Manang Anita agod kaeelam agcuyonon."
Makon da ang Joe, "Ika'na Ben, aliliag ta ra agadal i' Tagalog."
Ta, matawtaw i Joe anang bogtitinai nga agapaayon nga
magapetpet i' ang kamias, makon:
"Wag mong petpetin . . . pangaslim yan."
Ta, makita reman i Joe anang inables nga magasaka ren andan
'ang niog, makon tana: "Wag mong sakain. . . walang titi yan."
| Flor Dangan, Ester P. Elphick, Rachel Tablazon and Elizabeth Caporal |
Click Photo to play:
SAYAW 'ANG CUYONON
SAYAW 'ANG CUYONON
si Ginny ig si Chief,
anang kabayong palangga ingan.
anang kabayong palangga ingan.
Grace G. Magbanua
Shirley D. Dangan
Estrella S. Paras
CLCP welcomes these outstanding
professionals, the most recent
addition to the Advisory Panel. They
are based in Cuyo and each one
expressed their commitment in the
CLCP Mission Statement. Ester
Elphick met with each of them.
professionals, the most recent
addition to the Advisory Panel. They
are based in Cuyo and each one
expressed their commitment in the
CLCP Mission Statement. Ester
Elphick met with each of them.
Click Photo to play:
PISTA SA CUYO
PISTA SA CUYO
Click Photo to Play:
ATIATI SA CUYO
ATIATI SA CUYO
ANG INGKOKONKON
Ang mairintek kami pang magbogtitinai, timprano mi apon ingpapanaw amen ang kaleba tatlo ka
kilomitro nga agaadal. Sa timprano agapanggetes kami lamang ay mataged i’ maite ang dalan.
Piro sa apon, ara kami ren ipapanggetes ay midio ameng pamati mi magabating o dakep
kanamen sa manga kapalongpongan--makaadlek; labi pa kong madelem pa. Animan sa
kalsadang mayor kami agaaging magaoli. Dan lamang, malelebasan amen ang balay ni i Mang
Lucio nga ingkokonkon. Ta kadangmitan, doto tana sa bintanang agapanolangked; midio
agaelat enged i’ ang manga kabatan nga agaololi.
Kaming magbogtitinai, agigoan nga lagi nga bago kami makaabot sa mi balay ni Mang Lucio,
akeng libayen magapaonan i’ maite agod magseleng kong si Mang Lucio agatawtaw sa bintana.
Magsinial den ngani akeng libayen nga si Mang Lucio manda doto, keras kaming darwa nga
midio ingpopotolan i’ ikog, tegka sa makalebas ig makaparaye kami sa balay ni Mang Lucio.
Adlaw-adlaw dia maman ameng ingboboat. Animan kaleba sa high school, ako maman ang
kadasigan agdalagan. Ameng adlek sa taong dia agdogang den da enged ameng pagkabati i’
ang istoriang natetenged kanana. READ MORE
Ang mairintek kami pang magbogtitinai, timprano mi apon ingpapanaw amen ang kaleba tatlo ka
kilomitro nga agaadal. Sa timprano agapanggetes kami lamang ay mataged i’ maite ang dalan.
Piro sa apon, ara kami ren ipapanggetes ay midio ameng pamati mi magabating o dakep
kanamen sa manga kapalongpongan--makaadlek; labi pa kong madelem pa. Animan sa
kalsadang mayor kami agaaging magaoli. Dan lamang, malelebasan amen ang balay ni i Mang
Lucio nga ingkokonkon. Ta kadangmitan, doto tana sa bintanang agapanolangked; midio
agaelat enged i’ ang manga kabatan nga agaololi.
Kaming magbogtitinai, agigoan nga lagi nga bago kami makaabot sa mi balay ni Mang Lucio,
akeng libayen magapaonan i’ maite agod magseleng kong si Mang Lucio agatawtaw sa bintana.
Magsinial den ngani akeng libayen nga si Mang Lucio manda doto, keras kaming darwa nga
midio ingpopotolan i’ ikog, tegka sa makalebas ig makaparaye kami sa balay ni Mang Lucio.
Adlaw-adlaw dia maman ameng ingboboat. Animan kaleba sa high school, ako maman ang
kadasigan agdalagan. Ameng adlek sa taong dia agdogang den da enged ameng pagkabati i’
ang istoriang natetenged kanana. READ MORE
ANG SIKING MABAEL
Mi doktor nga agatokad ay ingpaayanan ‘ang ingabot i’ masakit sa bokid. Gabi ren. Ingtatabid
tana ra i’ anang tabiang sa Jeep nga anang ingmamanihoan. Maambeng sandang darwa sa
dalan, agaistorian ig agakanta-kanta pa ngani.
Kong ayamo makalebas sanda sa idalem i’ ang dangkalan nga mabael, nasintian anda nga
ang Jeep midio golpi lamang nga agaberebere sa pagdalagan-imorat lamang kaigod, maski
moro anang lapak sa gasolina. Indi anda maintindian kong ayamo: mi gasolina ra, ta ang
sarakayan ingpapa-check anda rang pirmi. More
Mi doktor nga agatokad ay ingpaayanan ‘ang ingabot i’ masakit sa bokid. Gabi ren. Ingtatabid
tana ra i’ anang tabiang sa Jeep nga anang ingmamanihoan. Maambeng sandang darwa sa
dalan, agaistorian ig agakanta-kanta pa ngani.
Kong ayamo makalebas sanda sa idalem i’ ang dangkalan nga mabael, nasintian anda nga
ang Jeep midio golpi lamang nga agaberebere sa pagdalagan-imorat lamang kaigod, maski
moro anang lapak sa gasolina. Indi anda maintindian kong ayamo: mi gasolina ra, ta ang
sarakayan ingpapa-check anda rang pirmi. More
ANG KALAG NGA INDI KADAYON SA
PAPAKONAN
Mi saka gabi, magakatorog don andan ang lola, nanay, ig inables,
mi nabati sandang agapanaw, agagoyod i’ anang sinilas sa oto.
Malagatlagat i’ maite, mi agkororantol sa kosina.
Ang kosina belag sa balay nga mayor agod kong mi sonog inding
lagi maomid ang ibang parti i’ ang balay. Makon ang lola sa
inables, “Ikaw i’ na, ara mo roman isiradoi ang istanti--dato ingsaka
ren i’ koti ig ingdapay den ang manga platon. Panginsapoa; dato
agkarabong dong tanan.” MORE
PAPAKONAN
Mi saka gabi, magakatorog don andan ang lola, nanay, ig inables,
mi nabati sandang agapanaw, agagoyod i’ anang sinilas sa oto.
Malagatlagat i’ maite, mi agkororantol sa kosina.
Ang kosina belag sa balay nga mayor agod kong mi sonog inding
lagi maomid ang ibang parti i’ ang balay. Makon ang lola sa
inables, “Ikaw i’ na, ara mo roman isiradoi ang istanti--dato ingsaka
ren i’ koti ig ingdapay den ang manga platon. Panginsapoa; dato
agkarabong dong tanan.” MORE
ANG BATANG NAINGKANTO
Mi magina nga agpakinas. Kamped sanda ra i’ andang parakinasan. Ang nanay naliliag
agpamel i’ lato ig tirik animan ingrombo na ang bakolod. Makon tana sa anang batang lalaki,
“Dian ka lamang sa mababaw i’ maite ig magpamel i’ pakinasen.” Tola’ dato manda andang
ingboat.
Ang magataeb den, ang nanay agamatamat den da i’ takas. Ang marapit tana ren sa takas,
anang bata indi na ren makita. Tawag tana ki tawag, ara i‘agasabat. Akatatarangis tana ren i’
alidalid sa baybay piro anang bata ara na enged nakita. Agatangis nga agoli ren lamang sa
anda. Anang manga kamalay nga akabati kananang agadayag agparakon nga lagi ig
ingonongan tana. Mi agkon, “Aroy dato kaleba naingkanto. Imposibling nalemes ay makati pa
ra. Basipa makademdem da nga indi agkaen.”
Dato gali manda ang bata nalingat sa pamotay i’ pakinasen; akaparaye sa anang nanay ig
kong ayamo indi na ren makita. Mi babai konong agrapit kanana. Agpakiman nga, “Dodoy,
ikaw nadodora?” Makon tana ra, “E’en.Si nanay ara ren sa enasan ta indi ako ron ka toman
agoli.” “Ta amos, pagtabid kanaken sa balay. Masanag ngani sasagiapen ta indong balay.”
Ang bata agtabid manda. Ang balay i’ ang babaing dato sa mi kaoy nga mabael. Matinlo
ang balay ig dorong padake. Makon ang bata sa anang isip lamang, “Ako ara enged i’ laem-
laem nga mi balay galing matinlo sa logar nga dia.” Marake kono ang manga tao doto, midio mi
kombida. Andang oyen ig andang bisti ang ka titinlo ingan. Mi saot ig maligoang togtog ig
maambeng ang manga bisita. MORE
Mi magina nga agpakinas. Kamped sanda ra i’ andang parakinasan. Ang nanay naliliag
agpamel i’ lato ig tirik animan ingrombo na ang bakolod. Makon tana sa anang batang lalaki,
“Dian ka lamang sa mababaw i’ maite ig magpamel i’ pakinasen.” Tola’ dato manda andang
ingboat.
Ang magataeb den, ang nanay agamatamat den da i’ takas. Ang marapit tana ren sa takas,
anang bata indi na ren makita. Tawag tana ki tawag, ara i‘agasabat. Akatatarangis tana ren i’
alidalid sa baybay piro anang bata ara na enged nakita. Agatangis nga agoli ren lamang sa
anda. Anang manga kamalay nga akabati kananang agadayag agparakon nga lagi ig
ingonongan tana. Mi agkon, “Aroy dato kaleba naingkanto. Imposibling nalemes ay makati pa
ra. Basipa makademdem da nga indi agkaen.”
Dato gali manda ang bata nalingat sa pamotay i’ pakinasen; akaparaye sa anang nanay ig
kong ayamo indi na ren makita. Mi babai konong agrapit kanana. Agpakiman nga, “Dodoy,
ikaw nadodora?” Makon tana ra, “E’en.Si nanay ara ren sa enasan ta indi ako ron ka toman
agoli.” “Ta amos, pagtabid kanaken sa balay. Masanag ngani sasagiapen ta indong balay.”
Ang bata agtabid manda. Ang balay i’ ang babaing dato sa mi kaoy nga mabael. Matinlo
ang balay ig dorong padake. Makon ang bata sa anang isip lamang, “Ako ara enged i’ laem-
laem nga mi balay galing matinlo sa logar nga dia.” Marake kono ang manga tao doto, midio mi
kombida. Andang oyen ig andang bisti ang ka titinlo ingan. Mi saot ig maligoang togtog ig
maambeng ang manga bisita. MORE
VIRGINIA H. SOHN
CLCP, INC. PROJECT UPDATE
by Ester. T. Elphick
by Ester. T. Elphick
Click Photo to play:
SA KAPOPOROAN
SA KAPOPOROAN
Doy, anonong brand ang ingsisigarilio 'imong manga
kaiban sa Paragua?
Ingpakimanan ko akeng libayen, agaisip ako andan nga magapadara
'andang tinaboan. Makon da akeng libayen:
"Wi, kong kaisan Manila Times; kong kaisan Daily Inquirer.
Sigon lamang sa akeng madarang diario."
KA MAITE AGPARABOTILAN
Naabotan i' Cuyonon ang saka bisaya nga agaparigos sa kilid
'ang basiaw. Makon ang Cuyonon: "Hoy, alin dian! Dan
ingsasageban amen i' inemen!"
Agsabat ang bisayang makon: "Di ko ka sabot." Ang aliag ikon indi
tana kono kaintindi.
Makon doman ang Cuyonon: "Sibayang ara kaw i' sabot. Basta
pagalin dian."
READ MORE PAKADLAW
kaiban sa Paragua?
Ingpakimanan ko akeng libayen, agaisip ako andan nga magapadara
'andang tinaboan. Makon da akeng libayen:
"Wi, kong kaisan Manila Times; kong kaisan Daily Inquirer.
Sigon lamang sa akeng madarang diario."
KA MAITE AGPARABOTILAN
Naabotan i' Cuyonon ang saka bisaya nga agaparigos sa kilid
'ang basiaw. Makon ang Cuyonon: "Hoy, alin dian! Dan
ingsasageban amen i' inemen!"
Agsabat ang bisayang makon: "Di ko ka sabot." Ang aliag ikon indi
tana kono kaintindi.
Makon doman ang Cuyonon: "Sibayang ara kaw i' sabot. Basta
pagalin dian."
READ MORE PAKADLAW
Meeting with the Catholic Church heirarchy in Palawan: From left to right:
Fr. Vincent Badajos, CLCP-CEO Ester T. Elphick, Fr. Jess delos Reyes,
Bishop Arogp. and Bishop Juanich.
Fr. Vincent Badajos, CLCP-CEO Ester T. Elphick, Fr. Jess delos Reyes,
Bishop Arogp. and Bishop Juanich.
| Flower girls at the Domingo de Ramos celebration in San Miguel Parish, Lucbuan |
Lifestyle in many many places on Cuyo Island is still quite Cuyonon and
full of the simple pleasures of just enjoying what is available locally--fresh,
fish, fruits from people's own trees and the sea for swimming, lato, tirik and
pakinasen. The air is clean and hopefully will always remain that way.
Perhaps the Cuyonons would realize how blessed they are to have a
language and culture that grew out of this kind of environment and to
preserve what they have.
full of the simple pleasures of just enjoying what is available locally--fresh,
fish, fruits from people's own trees and the sea for swimming, lato, tirik and
pakinasen. The air is clean and hopefully will always remain that way.
Perhaps the Cuyonons would realize how blessed they are to have a
language and culture that grew out of this kind of environment and to
preserve what they have.
"The COOP" Hospital of Puerto Princesa City . . .a 'Cuyonon-friendly'
establishment where many of the staff--doctors, nurses and aides speak
Cuyonon which appeals to many Cuyonon speaking patients.
establishment where many of the staff--doctors, nurses and aides speak
Cuyonon which appeals to many Cuyonon speaking patients.
at the PSU campus . . . waiting for the
lecture on Cuyonon and teaching
English as a Second Language.
lecture on Cuyonon and teaching
English as a Second Language.
Marjorie Espanola
ULIBANUA 2012: CUYONON HOMECOMING
COUNTDOWN TO 2022: THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF
CHRISTIANITY IN THE CUYO-AGUTAYA ISLAND GROUP
CHRISTIANITY IN THE CUYO-AGUTAYA ISLAND GROUP
APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF TAYTAY
AVT Mission Center, St. Joseph the Worker Village
5312 Taytay, Palawan, Philippines
A LONG TIME AGO, in 1622, His Excellency Don Pedro de Arce, Archbishop of Cebu,
requested the Augustinian Recollect Fathers to evangelize the inhabitants of the islands
of Cuyo and the entire province of Palawan. Unlike conquests in other places, the
missionaries, headed by Padre Juan de Santo Tomas de Villanueva, had no need for the
sword. Armed only with the cross, and their evangelical zeal, they were able to convert the
early Cuyonons to Christian ways and teachings. The following year, in 1623, the
inhabitants of Agutaya and Taytay were baptized. Later came the Christianization of the
Calamianes - Concepcion (today Culion) Coron, Dumaran, Linapacan and the locality of
Paragua (in front of Dumaran).
The calm acceptance of Christianity in the islands can be traced to the gracious manners
of the missionaries in contrast with the cruelty of the pirates from Borneo, Jolo and
Mindanao who frequently committed brutal atrocities. The missionaries united the warring
clans of the islands and together they established Christian communities. Enraged, the
pirates intensified their attacks, burning towns and churches, stealing everything they
can, killing missionaries and old people and abducting young men, women and children.
The Church Hierarchy in Manila requested the Spanish Government for forts to protect
the Christian settlements and the missionaries. Taytay’s Fort Isabel was built, but as the
carnage in other areas persisted year after year, requests for succeeding forts were
constantly ignored.
The Augustinian Recollects and their benefactors decided to take matters into their own
hands. They brought material, masons, carpenters and laborers and their own money.
With the help of the townspeople led by Recoleto Padre Severo, they constructed forts in
Cuyo, Agutaya, Concepcion, Linapacan, Dumaran and other places.
The forts reinforced their people’s unity. The forts were their common protection. It
protected their lives. It protected their missionaries. It protected their faith. AND SO IT DID
FOR THE NEXT THREE CENTURIES.
In 1972, the Catholic Church, the Cuyonons and their friends, Cuyonon businessmen and
non-Cuyonon colleagues, government officials and employees led by the President Of
The Philippines himself did an amazing thing…
THEY ALL PAID TRIBUTE
TO THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIANIZATION OF
“ LAS ISLAS DE LOS AMANTES”
“EL GRAN CUYO”
THE CUYO ARCHIPELAGO
It was a celebration of history. It was a celebration of survival. It was a celebration of
culture. It was a celebration of faith. IT WAS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE. Forty years have
passed hence. The year 2012 marks the 390th anniversary of the Christianization of the
Cuyo Archipelago. It is time we begin the countdown towards the QUADRICENTENNIAL in
2022.
Due to persistent worldwide clamor of Cuyunons who communicate through the internet,
a grand reunion called ULIBANUA (homecoming) was proposed to celebrate the
occasion, a sentiment ecstatically echoed and supported by Palawenos based in Palawan
and elsewhere around the country.
It is my fervent prayer that we find the prudence to refocus our attention to the cradle of
Palawan’s Christianity and development. The seeds have fallen and flourished on good
ground and has yielded harvests of a thousandfold for the last three centuries. As we
pay tribute to the 390th Anniversary of Christianization in 2012 may we be reminded that ,
the contribution of the Cuyo-Agutaya-Magsaysay Archipelago to the Socio-Political-
Economic evolution of Palawan cannot be overemphasized. What Palawan is now,
we owe much to the Islanders.
May we all be nurtured by God’s renewing Spirit.
+ MOST REV. EDGARDO S. JUANICH, DD
Vicar Apostolic
AVT Mission Center, St. Joseph the Worker Village
5312 Taytay, Palawan, Philippines
A LONG TIME AGO, in 1622, His Excellency Don Pedro de Arce, Archbishop of Cebu,
requested the Augustinian Recollect Fathers to evangelize the inhabitants of the islands
of Cuyo and the entire province of Palawan. Unlike conquests in other places, the
missionaries, headed by Padre Juan de Santo Tomas de Villanueva, had no need for the
sword. Armed only with the cross, and their evangelical zeal, they were able to convert the
early Cuyonons to Christian ways and teachings. The following year, in 1623, the
inhabitants of Agutaya and Taytay were baptized. Later came the Christianization of the
Calamianes - Concepcion (today Culion) Coron, Dumaran, Linapacan and the locality of
Paragua (in front of Dumaran).
The calm acceptance of Christianity in the islands can be traced to the gracious manners
of the missionaries in contrast with the cruelty of the pirates from Borneo, Jolo and
Mindanao who frequently committed brutal atrocities. The missionaries united the warring
clans of the islands and together they established Christian communities. Enraged, the
pirates intensified their attacks, burning towns and churches, stealing everything they
can, killing missionaries and old people and abducting young men, women and children.
The Church Hierarchy in Manila requested the Spanish Government for forts to protect
the Christian settlements and the missionaries. Taytay’s Fort Isabel was built, but as the
carnage in other areas persisted year after year, requests for succeeding forts were
constantly ignored.
The Augustinian Recollects and their benefactors decided to take matters into their own
hands. They brought material, masons, carpenters and laborers and their own money.
With the help of the townspeople led by Recoleto Padre Severo, they constructed forts in
Cuyo, Agutaya, Concepcion, Linapacan, Dumaran and other places.
The forts reinforced their people’s unity. The forts were their common protection. It
protected their lives. It protected their missionaries. It protected their faith. AND SO IT DID
FOR THE NEXT THREE CENTURIES.
In 1972, the Catholic Church, the Cuyonons and their friends, Cuyonon businessmen and
non-Cuyonon colleagues, government officials and employees led by the President Of
The Philippines himself did an amazing thing…
THEY ALL PAID TRIBUTE
TO THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIANIZATION OF
“ LAS ISLAS DE LOS AMANTES”
“EL GRAN CUYO”
THE CUYO ARCHIPELAGO
It was a celebration of history. It was a celebration of survival. It was a celebration of
culture. It was a celebration of faith. IT WAS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE. Forty years have
passed hence. The year 2012 marks the 390th anniversary of the Christianization of the
Cuyo Archipelago. It is time we begin the countdown towards the QUADRICENTENNIAL in
2022.
Due to persistent worldwide clamor of Cuyunons who communicate through the internet,
a grand reunion called ULIBANUA (homecoming) was proposed to celebrate the
occasion, a sentiment ecstatically echoed and supported by Palawenos based in Palawan
and elsewhere around the country.
It is my fervent prayer that we find the prudence to refocus our attention to the cradle of
Palawan’s Christianity and development. The seeds have fallen and flourished on good
ground and has yielded harvests of a thousandfold for the last three centuries. As we
pay tribute to the 390th Anniversary of Christianization in 2012 may we be reminded that ,
the contribution of the Cuyo-Agutaya-Magsaysay Archipelago to the Socio-Political-
Economic evolution of Palawan cannot be overemphasized. What Palawan is now,
we owe much to the Islanders.
May we all be nurtured by God’s renewing Spirit.
+ MOST REV. EDGARDO S. JUANICH, DD
Vicar Apostolic
The bishops commented that the Word of God might have a greater impact on the
Cuyonons if they can hear it in their own language. We informed them that we have
sixty-four masses that have been transcribed in Cuyonon and that we are also
translating the 3-year cycle of the latest lectionary. The section on feast days and other
special days are done and they are welcome to look at them, especially with Lent and
Easter coming up.
March 13, the CLCP advisory panel meeting.
The agenda included an update on the project, need for funding initiative, and help in
defining vocabulary. It was a pleasant surprise for the members to receive and read the
first issue of the CLCP Newsletter and to find themselves reading Cuyonon texts fluently.
CLCP Team on Cuyo Island. We arrived in Cuyo on March 16 after an overnight
voyage on the Montenegro from Puerto Princesa. Among the passengers were Dr.
Espanola, Bishop Juanich and the parish priest in Cuyo. While we were still on board,
the bishop asked for a hundred copies of the newsletter for him to take to Agutaya, El
Nido and Taytay. Also accompanying us was our brother, Vicente (“Ben”) Timbancaya
who had volunteered to take care of us throughout our stay in Cuyo.
Cuyonons if they can hear it in their own language. We informed them that we have
sixty-four masses that have been transcribed in Cuyonon and that we are also
translating the 3-year cycle of the latest lectionary. The section on feast days and other
special days are done and they are welcome to look at them, especially with Lent and
Easter coming up.
March 13, the CLCP advisory panel meeting.
The agenda included an update on the project, need for funding initiative, and help in
defining vocabulary. It was a pleasant surprise for the members to receive and read the
first issue of the CLCP Newsletter and to find themselves reading Cuyonon texts fluently.
CLCP Team on Cuyo Island. We arrived in Cuyo on March 16 after an overnight
voyage on the Montenegro from Puerto Princesa. Among the passengers were Dr.
Espanola, Bishop Juanich and the parish priest in Cuyo. While we were still on board,
the bishop asked for a hundred copies of the newsletter for him to take to Agutaya, El
Nido and Taytay. Also accompanying us was our brother, Vicente (“Ben”) Timbancaya
who had volunteered to take care of us throughout our stay in Cuyo.
Highlights of our 18-day stay in Cuyo: (1) Video taping activities during Lent and
Easter including processions and the making of Palm Sunday ornaments. (2)
Conducting a 2-hour workshop on Cuyonon orthography at the Cuyo campus of
Palawan State University, attended by more than 200 students, faculty, government
officials and guests (3) Attending three commencement programs in Cuyo and
Magsaysay (elementary, private and public high schools). (4) Attending three
Catholic masses and two Protestant services (all but one in Cuyonon). (5) Video
taping four Cuyonon folk dances in full costume accompanied by music using native
instruments. (6) Attending a municipal meeting (special invitation by the mayor) as
resource persons on the preservation of Cuyonon language, culture, relics and
visual arts. (7) Attending a meeting of barangay captains on environmental problems
and issues (protecting the beaches from pollution; the fishing industry from illegal
use of dynamite, cyanide, native poisons, etc. (8) Attending a workshop on research
projects presented by Dr. Ramon Docto, PSU University Research Director. (9)
Recruiting six additional (Cuyo-based) members of the CLCP advisory panel:
Jeremiah Gabo, Gracencia Gabo Magbanua, Shirley Dancil Dangan, Marjorie
Astorias Española III, Estrella Solomon Paras, and Rowena Sandoval. (10) Attending
an all day celebration of the International Day of Women.
CLCP Newsletter: It was a pleasant surprise for us to realize the tremendous impact
the newsletter has had among adults and young people. The students who got their
copies from the nearby internet café valued them so much that they would not lend
them to their parents and other relatives or friends. Many asked us when the next
issue was going to be. Many have given us riddles, proverbs, humorous anecdotes
and other Cuyonon material with hopes of seeing them published in future issues or
on the website. Several Cuyonons read the sample texts in the newsletter and it was
delightful to hear them read the stories, jokes, etc. with ease. It was a validation of
the Orthography that we designed.
Projects in Progress
The Second Issue of the CLCP Newsletter and Cuyonon Phrase Book have been
started. The newsletter should be in circulation by early March 2011 and the Phrase
Book much later this year. The Dictionary: As of November 2010, 258 Cuyonon audio
tapes have been transcribed and 80% have been parsed, and entered into a
dictionary database using Toolbox and Wesay software. This is an ongoing process
until all data are accounted for.
Easter including processions and the making of Palm Sunday ornaments. (2)
Conducting a 2-hour workshop on Cuyonon orthography at the Cuyo campus of
Palawan State University, attended by more than 200 students, faculty, government
officials and guests (3) Attending three commencement programs in Cuyo and
Magsaysay (elementary, private and public high schools). (4) Attending three
Catholic masses and two Protestant services (all but one in Cuyonon). (5) Video
taping four Cuyonon folk dances in full costume accompanied by music using native
instruments. (6) Attending a municipal meeting (special invitation by the mayor) as
resource persons on the preservation of Cuyonon language, culture, relics and
visual arts. (7) Attending a meeting of barangay captains on environmental problems
and issues (protecting the beaches from pollution; the fishing industry from illegal
use of dynamite, cyanide, native poisons, etc. (8) Attending a workshop on research
projects presented by Dr. Ramon Docto, PSU University Research Director. (9)
Recruiting six additional (Cuyo-based) members of the CLCP advisory panel:
Jeremiah Gabo, Gracencia Gabo Magbanua, Shirley Dancil Dangan, Marjorie
Astorias Española III, Estrella Solomon Paras, and Rowena Sandoval. (10) Attending
an all day celebration of the International Day of Women.
CLCP Newsletter: It was a pleasant surprise for us to realize the tremendous impact
the newsletter has had among adults and young people. The students who got their
copies from the nearby internet café valued them so much that they would not lend
them to their parents and other relatives or friends. Many asked us when the next
issue was going to be. Many have given us riddles, proverbs, humorous anecdotes
and other Cuyonon material with hopes of seeing them published in future issues or
on the website. Several Cuyonons read the sample texts in the newsletter and it was
delightful to hear them read the stories, jokes, etc. with ease. It was a validation of
the Orthography that we designed.
Projects in Progress
The Second Issue of the CLCP Newsletter and Cuyonon Phrase Book have been
started. The newsletter should be in circulation by early March 2011 and the Phrase
Book much later this year. The Dictionary: As of November 2010, 258 Cuyonon audio
tapes have been transcribed and 80% have been parsed, and entered into a
dictionary database using Toolbox and Wesay software. This is an ongoing process
until all data are accounted for.
| Sobra sa darwang polo ka dagon andang patikaseg i’ dara ang bisara ang Dios ig sa timpo rang dato, agkolay nga agkolay da anang gegma sa Palawan ig ang Cuyonon nga maman pa ang inglilimeg i’ ang karakean nga andang agkarakilala. Ang gegmang dan, ingpakita na sa ka bael i’ anang patikaseg nga makapalagted sa Cuyonon ang New Testament ig naimprinta ang 1982. Tana enged ang agpamono sa anang gropong manga Cuyonon. Dadi, kaloy sa Dios, inggagamit pa. Ig maski dadi, anang Cuyonon matandes pa ingan, maski maboay tana ren nga agalin sa Palawan. Kaleba, makokon ta nganing anang lawas maman lamang ang ara ren sa Palawan; anang leba ig gegma sa bisara ig koltorang Cuyonon doto pa enged; makikita sa ka bael i’ ang tabang ni Gimmy ig anang asawang dadi nga si Don Sohn nga indi maprisioan sa pagporma ig pagpadayon i’ang CLCP sa pagboat i‘ang Cuyonon Dictionary ig ibang bagay para sa proyiktong dia. Anang manga batang agkorolay da sa Palawan, dadi mababael den ig mi manga sadiling istado ron. Isara sa anang kalipayan ig ingpapanglingat-lingatan, poira pa sa obra ‘ang CLCP, anang palanggang kabayong si Chief. |
WRITING CUYONON -
PAGSOROLATEN I' CUYONON
copyright 2008
ESTER PONCE DE LEON TIMBANCAYA ELPHICK
and VIRGINIA HOWARD SOHN
The sounds in the Cuyonon language can, for the most part,
be written quite simply, and (in contrast to the English
language) in ways that are easy to read. Here is a start at
describing the system. We recognize that there will be areas
we have not addressed, and so we solicit your questions and
comments.
Remember that we are writing our own language, Cuyonon,
not Tagalog, or English, or Hiligaynon, or Spanish. So we
must think in terms of the Cuyonon language itself, and not
utilize patterns we have seen in other languages unless they
fit the structure and sound system of Cuyonon.
THE ALPHABET -
The Cuyonon alphabet has 20 letters: a, b, d, e, g, h, i, k, l,
m, n, ng, o, p, r, s, t, w, y and ' (glottal stop written as an
apostrophe). Please note that ng is a single sound.
PAGSOROLATEN I' CUYONON
copyright 2008
ESTER PONCE DE LEON TIMBANCAYA ELPHICK
and VIRGINIA HOWARD SOHN
The sounds in the Cuyonon language can, for the most part,
be written quite simply, and (in contrast to the English
language) in ways that are easy to read. Here is a start at
describing the system. We recognize that there will be areas
we have not addressed, and so we solicit your questions and
comments.
Remember that we are writing our own language, Cuyonon,
not Tagalog, or English, or Hiligaynon, or Spanish. So we
must think in terms of the Cuyonon language itself, and not
utilize patterns we have seen in other languages unless they
fit the structure and sound system of Cuyonon.
THE ALPHABET -
The Cuyonon alphabet has 20 letters: a, b, d, e, g, h, i, k, l,
m, n, ng, o, p, r, s, t, w, y and ' (glottal stop written as an
apostrophe). Please note that ng is a single sound.
Consonants - Here are the 16 consonants,
with examples:
b - baboy, babai, boawi, lobiok, koyab, boi
d - doto, kadkad, doadoa, Dios, dadi
g - gosto, dagat, goapo, bagiaw, libag
h - irihis, kahil, bihon, sotanghon
k - kawayan, bakawan, koago,
bakia, apok
l - lalaki, balay, loaw-loaw, lieg, kodal
m - maslit, aromasit, malam, amianan, ilam
n - nana, ana, nanay, noibi, ponios, dan
ng - ngirit, boringisen, bong
(remember, ng is one sound
and equals one consonant)
p - paray, apat, teptep, poas, mapiet, akep
r - rabotrabot, rokrok, tanggar,
riabriab,rika, barot, piar
s - sarok, boslit, ta’bas, soay, siansi, baras
t - todlo, litson, litsi, toak, tian, paret, toad
w - way-way, bo’wa, kawil, karabaw
y - yaya, ayamo, patay
' - (glottal stop – see notes below)
be’ras, be’na, te’me
with examples:
b - baboy, babai, boawi, lobiok, koyab, boi
d - doto, kadkad, doadoa, Dios, dadi
g - gosto, dagat, goapo, bagiaw, libag
h - irihis, kahil, bihon, sotanghon
k - kawayan, bakawan, koago,
bakia, apok
l - lalaki, balay, loaw-loaw, lieg, kodal
m - maslit, aromasit, malam, amianan, ilam
n - nana, ana, nanay, noibi, ponios, dan
ng - ngirit, boringisen, bong
(remember, ng is one sound
and equals one consonant)
p - paray, apat, teptep, poas, mapiet, akep
r - rabotrabot, rokrok, tanggar,
riabriab,rika, barot, piar
s - sarok, boslit, ta’bas, soay, siansi, baras
t - todlo, litson, litsi, toak, tian, paret, toad
w - way-way, bo’wa, kawil, karabaw
y - yaya, ayamo, patay
' - (glottal stop – see notes below)
be’ras, be’na, te’me
Vowels - Here are the 4 vowels, with examples:
a - mal, abaga
e - beken, em, petpet, beleg, e'en
i - sit, bitbit, siki
o - kotkot, onod, bok, oto
Vowel clusters - There are also clusters of vowels - that
is, two vowels found together.
aa - (this is only found in affixed forms
-affix is defined later) - nagaadal
ae - kaen, baeg, bael, laem
ai - babai, bait
ao - laod, bao, daon, kaoy, baog
ea - (only in affixed forms) - karakean, te'mea
ia - siak, biak, bagiaw, liaibi
ie - piet, lieg
io - tio, limpio, liolio
oa - boat, loa, boawi
oi - dispois, noibi, koilio, doindi
When a root word starting with a vowel, for example, ayad,
is given a prefix ending in the same vowel, such as ma-,
ka-, pa-, the first and second vowels are written as in
maayad, kaayadan, paayaden, and in many other words
as in kaapon, (yesterday, as opposed to kapon, which is
"capon" in English, referring to a castrated rooster). In
speech, the two identical vowels (aa) are pronounced as
one long vowel. READ MORE
a - mal, abaga
e - beken, em, petpet, beleg, e'en
i - sit, bitbit, siki
o - kotkot, onod, bok, oto
Vowel clusters - There are also clusters of vowels - that
is, two vowels found together.
aa - (this is only found in affixed forms
-affix is defined later) - nagaadal
ae - kaen, baeg, bael, laem
ai - babai, bait
ao - laod, bao, daon, kaoy, baog
ea - (only in affixed forms) - karakean, te'mea
ia - siak, biak, bagiaw, liaibi
ie - piet, lieg
io - tio, limpio, liolio
oa - boat, loa, boawi
oi - dispois, noibi, koilio, doindi
When a root word starting with a vowel, for example, ayad,
is given a prefix ending in the same vowel, such as ma-,
ka-, pa-, the first and second vowels are written as in
maayad, kaayadan, paayaden, and in many other words
as in kaapon, (yesterday, as opposed to kapon, which is
"capon" in English, referring to a castrated rooster). In
speech, the two identical vowels (aa) are pronounced as
one long vowel. READ MORE
| CONTACT US ESTER T. ELPHICK Cuyonon Language and Culture Project, Inc. 12 Yellow Yellow Circle Middletown, CT 06457 USA eelphick@cuyonon.org |