GAMABA ARTIST
Federico Caballero
December 25, 1938 (82 years old)
Frederico “Tuohan” Caballero was born on December 25, 1938, near the stream of the river Pan-ay at the border of Masaroy, Calinog, and Tapaz, Capiz.
A Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Awardee for the year 2000, he comes from a long family line of epic chanters. Which shaped and harnessed his skill for epic chanting. It began when he was a child, when he and his brothers and sisters, as well as her mother and even his great grandmother, lulled him to sleep by chanting events of mythological heroes and the stories of their exploits. His interest developed as he learnt more, until he was able to chant himself
He works with the Bureau of Nonformal Education and goes from barangay to barangay to educate and encourage more people about the importance of reading and writing, as well as to promote the epic chanting tradition in his region. He was not just an artist, but also a Manughusay, or arbiter, who resolved conflicts and arguments in their society, as well as a Bantugan for his beneficial effect.
He helped create the first School for Living Tradition (SLT) in the Visayas, in Barangay Garangan, on the boundary of Tapaz, Capiz, and Calinog, Iloilo, in SY 2000–2001, with Dr. Alicia P. Magos. He is assisted by his siblings and relatives in teaching epic chanting alongside the other arts during that informal weekend schooling.
Federico Caballero is also called Nong Pedring. His love for his people’s folklore began in his childhood. His mother and great-great-grandmother would chant the epics episode and each night, he would imagine recreating the heroes and beautiful maidens of their tales.
Nong Pedring’s fascination naturally grew and started learning the chant epics himself. He would agree to do the chores in their house in exchange for learning to chant an epic. Through his eagerness, he conquered all ten epics and other forms of oral literature.
Nong Pedring
TEN EPICS
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Talks about the hunting spree of Datu Paiburong,
About an old ugly Amburukay who demands payment for the theft of her gold pubic hair from Labaw Donggon, the Datu.
The most beautiful bride was given an expensive gift, the "derikaryong pada". However, she was given to another man because of her unprepared groom which leads her into trials.
A breathtaking fight between two brave men by the river mouth—Sarandihon who guards the Bangga-an gibwangan (river mouth) and Balanakon who is intent on passing through that river route.
Is all about a joy forever and the contest of men.
It tells about Pahagunong, deity from the upper world, who gazes down the pagtung-an (middle world) to the wide open sea.
A story consisting characters who possess unique heroic traits.
The longest of ten epics and has four episodes woven in a sea journey.
Nagbuhis
Portrays Matan-ayon as thin and sickly. An obligatory rite is needed to make her well.
Alayaw
The tenth book is Humadapnon it is advised by LaoAlayaw n Sina to plant an Alayaw tree in the yard of Malis’ parents.
The Epics
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References:
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Alburo, L. J. (2019). Federico Caballero Info Essay - Federico Caballero December 25 1938- preserving tradition a Gawad. StuDocu. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-of-manila/life-and-works-of-rizal/federico-caballero-info-essay/16897005.
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UP Press. (2017). Derikaryong Pada Sugidanon (epics) of Panay Book 3. University of the Philippines Press. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://press.up.edu.ph/project/derikaryong-pada-sugidanon-epics-of-panay-book-3/.
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NBDB. (n.d.). Tikum Kadlum: Suguidanon (epics) of Panay Book 1. National Book Development Board. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://booksphilippines.gov.ph/tikum-kadlum-suguidanon-epics-of-panay-book-1/.
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PUP. (n.d.). PPT-Federico-caballero.pptx - federico caballero literature epic chant Federico Caballero is also called Nong Pedring Nong Pedring learned about epics: Course hero. ppt-federico-caballero.pptx - FEDERICO CABALLERO Literature EPIC CHANT Federico Caballero is also called Nong Pedring Nong Pedring learned about epics | Course Hero. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://www.coursehero.com/file/45436945/ppt-federico-caballeropptx/.
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Amburukay Sugidanon (Epics) of Panay Book 2 | University of the Philippines Press. (2017). University of the Philippines Press. https://press.up.edu.ph/project/amburukay-sugidanon-epics-of-panay-book-2/
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Gamaba: Federico Caballero. National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (2019, September 3). Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/gamaba/national-living-treasures-federico-caballero/.
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Federico Caballero. (n.d.). Prezi.Com. Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://prezi.com/p/8p1x3qmdtt67/federico-caballero/
Group Members:
Reyes, John Paul
Santos, Cedric Jan
Torrecampo, Maria Mia
Valencia, Kelsey Shane
Vanderlipe, Ma.Rose