Linguistic Survey of Milagros, Masbate-Edited Version

Linguistic Survey of Milagros, Masbate 2009
A LINGUISTIC SURVEY OF
MILAGROS, MASBATE
MICHAEL WILSON I. ROSERO

2007-00303
MRS. IRMA PENEYRA

LINGUISTICS 121
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0. Acknowledgement 3
2.0. Introduction 4
3.0. General Information on Masbate 5

3.1. History 6
3.2. Subdivision 9
3.3. Ethnic Groups 9
3.4. Topography 10
3.5. Climate 10
3.6. Places of Interest 11
4.0. Language Identification 14

4.1. Masbatenyo as a Language 14
4.2. Dialects of Masbatenyo 14
4.3. Literature on the Language 15
5.0. The Municipality of Milagros 16

5.1. Barangays of Milagros 18
6.0. Linguistic Survey of Milagros, Masbate 19
7.0. Conclusion 45
8.0. Journal 47
9.0. Bibliography 54
10.0. Appendix 55
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1.0. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Grateful acknowledgement is due to the following for the help and understanding they have
rendered me to be able to accomplish this paper:
Mrs. Irma Peneyra, for being such a wonderful mentor. Your previous experiences and
adventures that you have told us in the class really inspired me in doing my linguistic survey. And they
have given me the idea to focus my future linguistic researches on Masbatenyo. This is already my
second paper on the language and I hope to do more research on the subject. I hope that you will always
be there to guide me in my future endeavors
I’m also grateful to my Linguistics professors, Mrs. Ria Parsram-Rafael (Lingg 110), Ms. Laarni
Cepe (Lingg 115), Mr. Marfeal Santiago (Lingg 120) and Ms. Viveca Hernandez (Lingg 130, 140). Thank
you for everything you have taught me in this course. I will never regret my decision of choosing
Linguistics. And never will I think of shifting out again. Linguistics is much more fun than what I
expected.
To my uncle, Mr. Luwen Rosero. Thank you for accompanying me in my survey and giving us a
ride; driving us along the breathtaking zigzag road and the mountainous area down south of Milagros.
To my cousin, Dave, thank you for being my assistant and constant companion from the beginning until
the end of my journey. And of course, thank you to my relatives with whom I stayed during my
vacation/survey period.
To my family, muchisimas gracias! Thank you for everything.
To my friends and fellow linguists, thank you very much. Good luck!
Of course, this survey will not be possible if not for the cooperation and hospitality of my
informants (see Appendix), National Satistics Office (NSO) and the Office of the Mayor-Municipal
Government of Milagros.
Thank you!
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2.0. INTRODUCTION
Masbate is just a small province consists of three island; namely Masbate, Ticao and Burias. It is
also known as the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines. These basic geographical data are well-known.
However, other essential data that concerns the province are not given enough attention.
There are but a very few researches and studies that have been done on Masbatenyo language.
Aside from several instructional and religious materials, there is no other published work on the
language. This shows that as a language, Masbatenyo is not a well-researched area in the field of
linguistic and there really is a need for further discussion of the said language and the area where it is
spoken as first language.
This paper is another attempt to study the language. It is linguistic survey of the municipality of
Milagros in the province of Masbate. The researcher intends to present data and information that concern
the Masbatenyo language and other languages spoken in Masbate, especially in the municipality of
Milagros on a per-barangay basis. The survey has been conducted not only for the main purpose of
giving an overview of the languages spoken in the place but also to give an idea of what Masbate and
Masbatenyos are.
Masbate is nonetheless still a huge area for one to conduct a survey. For that, this paper will only
attempt to interpret data and consequently draw conclusions concerning the languages spoken in the
municipality of Milagros in the province of Masbate, and the number of those who speak each as their
mother language. The data gathered are from random people, with whom the researcher had no
knowledge about, who served as informants and who qualified as such. All data concerning the statistics
were obtained from the informants, although preliminary demographic figures were provided by the
local office of the National Statistics Office (NSO).
This paper has achieved its purpose mainly through direct interaction with the people of
Milagros. Field works, interviews and other researches were done to gather the data needed. Knowledge
on Philippine linguistics is also of great help in conducting the survey.
Aside from the statistics, other sections of this paper will deal with the essential information
about Masbate in general, Masbatenyo language and the municipality of Milagros.
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3.0. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MASBATE
Figure 1.0
Map of the Philippines with Masbate highlighted
The Province of Masbate lies at the center of the Philippine Archipelago between latitudes 11
degrees 43 minutes north and 21 degrees 36 minutes north, 123 degrees 9 minutes east and 124 degrees 15
minutes east. It is composed of a wedge-shaped mainland (Masbate), two major islands (Ticao and
Burias) and 14 small islands. It is bounded on the north by the Bicol Mainland, on the south by the
Visayan Sea, on the west by Sibuyan Sea and on the east by the Burias Pass, Ticao Pass and Samar Sea.
The province covers a total land area of 4,047.7 square kilometers. It is politically subdivided into
three congressional districts, 20 municipalities, one city and 550 barangays. Masbate had a population of
707,668 as of the 2000 census, growing at an average rate of 1.71 percent from 1995 to 2000. The province
had an average population density of 174.8 persons per square kilometer.
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Masbate is the biggest cattle raising province in the region. Its main economic activity is
agriculture with copra, rice, corn and tobacco as its main products. Fishing is also a major industry in the
province. Until lately, the province is the site of the biggest gold mining operation in the region. Other
minerals found in the island province are manganese and limestone.
Due to its geographic location, Masbate is a melting pot of dialects and cultures. Residents in the
capital town of Masbate speak the native Masbateño with a mixture of the Bicol dialect; natives of
Cataingan, Palanas, and Dimasalang along its east coast use Samar-Visayan; residents from Pio V.
Corpus, Cataingan and Placer in the south speak Bohol and Cebu Visayan; along the western coast of
Mandaon and Balud, people converse in Ilongo and Capiceño; natives of the Burias island talk in variants
of the Bicol dialect and Visayan due mainly to the droves of migrants to the island during the sixties.
Fast Facts:
Region Bicol Region (Region V)

Capital Masbate City
Divisions
- Highly urbanized cities 0
- Component cities 1
- Municipalities 20
- Barangays 550
- Congressional districts 3
Population 33rd largest

- Total (2007) 768,939
- Density 190/km² (48th highest)
Area 30th largest
- Total 4,047.7 km²
Founded March 10, 1917
Spoken languages Masbatenyo, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Bikol
Governor Elisa Olga Kho
3.1. HISTORY1
3.1.1. Pre-Colonial Period
Before the Spaniards came, the province was part of the province of Sorsogon. The province is
administrated by the Diocese of Sorsogon during the Spanish times.
1
This historical account is obtained from a book written by Orlando Almario about Masbate, namely:
Masbate: Men and Events
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The islands of Masbate were formed out of volcanic rocks over one hundred million years ago.
Many millions of years later, humans made their appearance in the tropical regions of the earth.
They lived on wild animals, plants, and fruits. They made tools of stone, bone, and wood. Some of these
very early stone tools and bones have been found in Masbate
Village settling grew from the development of farming; pottery flourished, stone tools were
improved and the early Masbate farmers made axes of polished stones. Many stone axes of this kind have
been found in Masbate. They are the remains of the first farmers who used the axes to cut down trees.
The early farmers also made beautiful ornaments of shells. They buried their dead in burial caves and
jars. Two large caves in Masbate, the Bat-ongan Cave in Mandaon and the Kalanay Cave in Aroroy are
known worldwide as burial caves.
About four hundred years B.C., iron and glass as well as woven cloth appeared in Masbate. The
stone tools gradually disappeared; agriculture improved. Beautiful decorated pottery was produced.
Unearthed fragments of porcelain tell of the brisk trade that existed with China.
3.1.2. Colonial Period
When Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman anchored on the shores of Masbate in 1569, he found
tiny settlements spread along the coasts engaged in flourishing trade with China. Chinese traders visited
Masbate and founded small settlements during the Shri-Vijayan and Madjapahit periods. Ruins of cave-
like dwellings resembling “kiva” (possibly built by Indians who accompanied the Chinese traders), were
found along the coasts of Aroroy, Palanas, and Masbate. Porcelain jars dating back to the 10th century
were excavated at Kalanay (Aroroy) in the 1930s.
Historical accounts show that the Christianization of the Bicol Region actually began in Masbate
in 1569:
Father Alonso Jimenez was the first missionary to the islands of Masbate, Burias, Leyte, and Samar. Then
he went to Ibalon (Bicol) in the provinces of Camarines, where he resided many years, and made many religious
incursions into Albay and Sorsogon. Fray Jimenez is considered the apostle of the island of Masbate.
In December 1600, Dutch Commander Admiral Oliver van Noorth, sought refuge at San Jacinto
Harbor after his fleet lost to the Spanish Armada in Manila. He was later engaged in a fierce clash with
Limahong’s fleet at Canlibas-Matabao passage.
At the height of the Galleon Trade, Mobo contributed first class lumber for the construction of
galleons, making it the center of trade in the province and was the capital of the province in the early part
of the Spanish occupation.
In 1864, Masbate was declared a separate province from Albay. Guiom was made the capital
while Ticao became a commandancia-politico-militar. Shortly before the declaration of Philippine
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independence by President Emilio Aguinaldo, the town of Masbate was established as the provincial
capital.
The Americans came to Masbate in 1900 to extend their pacification campaign. In December 1908,
Masbate was annexed to the province of Sorsogon. A bill declaring Masbate as independent province was
approved on February 1, 1922.
As early as 1906, the Masbate representative made the proposal to the United States Congress to
grant the Philippines her independence.
The first Japanese elements arrived in Mas bate the dawn of January 7, 1942 from Legazpi. They
landed in several places without facing opposition- the province was too stunned to mount any
resistance.
3.1.3. Masbate as an Independent Province
The Second Philippine Commission (the Taft Commission) organized the islands of Masbate,
Ticao and Burias into the Province of Masbate during their visit to the region in March 1901. Senor
Serrano, a native Masbateno, was appointed Governor of the province. Señor Serrano, a local was
appointed Governor; George Landers, a New York soldier, was appointed Supervisor; Lieutenant Snyder
of the Twenty-seventh Infantry Regiment was appointed Treasurer. The province had about 40,000
inhabitants at that time
In 1901, a very strong typhoon hit Masbate badly and seriously crippled its economy when
coconut plantations, forests and 90% of the houses were severely devastated. Governor Henry C. Ide
issued an Executive Order annexing Masbate to the Province of Sorsogon under the Philippine
Commission Act 1413 enacted on November 23, 1905 which took effect on January 1, 1906.
During the year 1917, Masbate became independent of its mother province, Sorsogon. Pio V.
Corpuz became its first governor after the American times. The municipality of Pio V. Corpuz is named
in his honor.
The Philippine Legislative Act 2934, approved on December 5, 1920, implemented by Executive
Order No.3 dated January 9, 1921 and was made effective on February 15, 1921, mandated the separation
of Masbate from Sorsogon as a separate Province
3.1.4. Second World War
The first Japanese elements arrived in Masbate at dawn on January 7, 1942 from Legazpi. They
landed in several places without facing opposition – the province was too stunned to mount any
resistance. The Japanese occupation reduced Masbate to economic shambles. Economic activities were
limited to fishing, buying/selling or stealing. Food production ground to a halt. Camote, pakol, banana
blossoms, pith, and even such obscure fruits as barobo were used as food substitutes. Lakan-bulan served
as cigarette, tea or coffee. Barter transaction prevailed. For lack of nutrition and sanitation, many people
succumbed to beri-beri or malaria. Lice and tick infestations spread to an unlucky few.
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In 1945, Masbate was re-colonized by the combined United States and Philippine Commonwealth
forces with the recognized Masbateño guerrilla units, which attacked the Japanese Imperial forces
beginning the Battle of Masbate
Dr. Mateo S. Pecso, who was governor of the province, having refused to cooperate with the
Japanese, evacuated the provincial government to Guiom, a command post used by the guerillas. Pecson
was eventually arrested by the Japanese and incarcerated in Cavite. He managed to escape; he later
joined the guerilla movement in Central Luzon.
Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, the lone house representative of Masbate, fought against a congressional
bill authorizing the conscription of Filipinos into service of Imperial Japan and for this he was detained in
Fort Santiago.
When Masbate was formally liberated on April 3, 1945, Pecso was sent to Masbate by President
Osmeña to organize the civil government. Pecso took reins of government on May 11, 1945.
3.2. SUBDIVISION
The province of Masbate, composed of 20 municipalities, 1 component city, 550 barangays2, and
a political and corporate unit of government, serves as a dynamic mechanism for development processes
and effective governance of local government units in its territorial jurisdiction.
Masbate is divided into three legislative districts. Each legislative district comprises contiguous,
compact and adjacent territory1. Each district is represented by one (1) Congress member.
The First District (composed of the municipalities of San Pascual and Claveria in Burias Island;
and the municipalities of Monreal, San Jacinto, San Fernando, and Batuan in Ticao Island) is represented
in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan by two (2) board members. They speak for a combined population of
144,580.
The Second District (composed of 7 municipalities: Aroroy, Baleno, Masbate, Mobo, Balud,
Mandaon, and Milagros with a combined population of 259,742 is represented by 4 SP members.
The Third District (composed of 8 municipalities: Cataingan, Dimasalanag, Palanas, Pio V.

Corpus, Uson, Cawayan, Esperanza, and Placer with a combined population of 249,319) is represented by
four (4) SP members.
3.3. ETHNIC GROUPS
More than half of the people (58.7%) speak Masbateño while one-third (33.3%) speak Cebuano.
Only 2.0% speak the Bicolano dialect.
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Ethnically, as well as geographically, the province is part of the Sibuyan Sea group of islands
which includes Romblon, Marinduque, Sibuyan and many other small islands. There is an admixture of
Visayan and Bicolano cultures in the area, and their language, Masbateño, is a Bisakol blend of Capiznon,
Hiligaynon, Bikol, Waray-Waray, Cebuano, Romblomanon and Tagalog. Most of Masbate Island speaks
Masbateño, but the peninsula which points towards Cebu speaks Cebuano and the peninsula which
points towards Panay speaks Hiligaynon. All of Ticao Island and half of Burias Island speak Masbateño,
but northern Burias speaks Central Bikol.
3.4. TOPOGRAPHY
The general surface configuration of the province ranges from slightly undulating to rolling and
from hilly to mountainous. In each island, the rugged topography is concentrated in the north-
northeastern and gradually recedes to blunt hills and rolling areas in the south, southeast and southwest.
The topography of the main island is characterized by rolling hills and discontinuous ranges of
highlands and relatively broad bands of lowlands. On its northwestern tip are limestone cliffs which rise
almost perpendicularly from the waterline. Several bays indent the coast of the island, the most
important of which are Port Barrera and Masbate Bay. The long and narrow islands of Ticao and Burias
are separated from the larger island by the water of Masbate Pass. Ticao Island appears to be the summit
of high submarine mountains which is why topography is generally rugged, with very limited expanse of
level land. The eastern coast of Burias Island is characterized by broad promontories and sea cliffs. The
southern boundary of the province encloses the Asid Gulf which extends to the Visayan Sea. The
Jintotolo Channel forms a demarcation between Masbate and Panay islands. The northwestern coast of
the main island faces the Sibuyan Sea. Off the western and southern coasts lie scattered reefs and corals.
3.5. CLIMATE
Burias and Ticao islands and the western and central parts of mainland Masbate are covered by a
climate characterized by no very pronounced maximum rain period, with a short dry season. The
southeastern parts of Masbate Island have rainfall more or less evenly distributed throughout the year.
The rainfall distribution in the province of Masbate is influenced by the air streams, tropical
cyclones, inter-tropical convergence zone and topography. Masbate has the lowest average annual
rainfall distribution in Bicol. The highest mean monthly and annual temperatures in the region are also
recorded in the province
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3.6. PLACES OF INTEREST
Masbate, the province, the island, and its capital, occupies a transitional position between Bicol
and the Visayas. Like an arrowhead, it lies between the main route south; that is, the Manila-Tacloban
highway and the sea lanes of Cebu and the Western Visayas. Its arrowhead tip points to the north,
separated by Jintotolo Island from Panay Island on the south.
Composed of three main islands, Ticao, Burias and Masbate, one can enjoy its beaches, scenic
hilly landscapes and warm hospitality of the residents.
Limestone Hills
Limestone Hills, Kalanay, Aroroy, Masbate . Believed to have been inhabited by the Kalanay
people. These early inhabitants practiced jar burials. Excavations yielded human bones.
Bat-ongan Caves
Bat-ongan Caves, Mandaon, Masbate are found in this mole-like mountain, famous for its
numerous chambers and beautiful rock formation towering at about 150 feet. The caves offer tourists a
thrilling experience in steep rock-climbing up to the highest peak.
Villa Bayot, Masbate , Masbate This house was constructed in 1880. In its dining room, Spanish
authorities enjoyed the best wines from Manila and Acapulco and the largest lobsters from Masbate Bay.
During the Commonwealth period, President Manuel L. Quezon is said to have danced the tango in its
halls and slept in its finest bedroom. The Japanese used it as their garrison. In 1944, the American
liberators shelled and bombed the capital but the big house was spared. It came under guerrilla siege to
dislodge the Japanese, but it remained unscathed.
In 1946, President Roxas visited Masbate and stayed in this house briefly to dance the waltz. His
hosts were Don Francisco Bayot and his granddaughter, 1937 Miss Philippines Chita Zaldarriaga
This is also home to the “Santo Intierro”. Every Friday, people queue here to say their prayers to
the “Santo”.
Kalanay Falls
A beautiful scenery, Kalanay Falls can be found in Nabangig, Palanas, Masbate
Bat-ongan Underground River
Bat-ongan Underground River, Mandaon. For daring and adventurous visitors. It is

approximately 10 kilometers from the subterrane to Mandaon town.
Sombrero Island
Sombrero Island, San Pascual. Hat-shaped island with stretches of white sand beaches.
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Cagpating Island
Cagpating Island, Monreal. It is noted for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful pebbles on one
side and a deep rocky side that provides a panoramic view of Masbate Island.
Underwater Cave
Underwater Cave, Claveria. This cave is located within the jurisdiction of Barangay Boca Engaño,
the entrance of which is undersea. During high tide, it will take even an unskilled diver only a few
seconds to enter the cave; it is neck-deep during low tide. Inside the cave are well-sealed human caskets
carved out of solid wood believed to be 500 years old that still contains human remains
Each casket measures 24 inches in length and 12 inches in width.
Tinalisayan Island
Tinalisayan Island. Located in Burias Island, this enchanting place is ideal for sunbathing and
swimming.
Bugui Point Lighthouse
Bugui Point Lighthouse, Aroroy. Located at barangay Gumahaang, constructed during the
Spanish era.
Jintotolo Lighthouse
Jintotolo Lighthouse, Jintotolo Island, Balud. Picturesque in its 19th century architecture.
Colorado Lighthouse
Colorado Lighthouse, Aroroy Believed to have been built during the Spanish era but renovated
during the American regime.
Aroroy Beach
Aroroy Beach A fast-becoming attraction among excursionists. Its unspoiled natural beauty is the
dominant feature.
Mataba-Tinigban to Napayauan Island
Mataba-Tinigban to Napayauan Island A five-kilometer stretch of glittering white sands. At

Napayauan Island, the surrounding water is full of marine life. It is ideal for snorkel and scuba diving.
San Isidro, Beach
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San Isidro, Beach, Claveria. This beach is located in barangay San Isidro extending south to east
from the barangay proper with an approximate and aggregate length of four (4) kilometers. Its fine and
silvery white sand can easily accommodate over a thousand people. The bottom of the sea is clear and
sandy extending some one hundred meters from the shoreline with a gradual depth of 5 to 7 feet during
high tide. Extending further from the shoreline are beautiful and colorful coral reefs which are inhabited
by a wide variety of fishes. The beach is lined by coconut trees.
Ki-Albay River and Beach
Ki-albay River and Beach, Claveria. This beach extends east-southeast from the town proper with
an approximate length of one and a half kilometers of sandy and well-polished pebbles ending in Ki-
albay River, a place believed to have been inhabited first by people from Albay, .
Matangtubig Spring
Matangtubig Spring, Monreal. A unique spring with three sources. The

spring comes out of a rock. Trees and lush vegetation give shade in the area around
the spring.
Catandayagan Falls
Catandayagan Falls, Ticao Island One of the most beautiful falls in the province. It cascades from
60 feet to its base where multi-colored fishes cavort. It is one hour by motorboat from the capital.
Talisay Beach
Famous for the rocks which serve as natural diving board for swimmers. This is found 13
kilometers southwest of San Fernando in Ticao Island. Smooth, shiny pebbles of various sizes abound.
Bontod Beach
A coral island southwest of Masbate, Masbate. Noted for its immaculate white sand. Its beautiful
surrounding water teems with exotic coral reefs. It is ideal for snorkel and scuba diving.
Bito-on Beach Resort
Bito-on Beach Resort, Mobo. A 30-minute ride from the capital by boat or jeepney. There are
cottages for picnickers and conference rooms for large groups. Food may be obtained right there.
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4.0. LANGUAGE IDENTIFICATION
4.1. MASBATENYO AS A LANGUAGE
Masbatenyo is the name used by the speakers of the language and for themselves, although the
term ‘Minasbate’ is sometimes also used to distinguish the language from the people.
Masbatenyo is a member of Central Philippines family of languages, spoken in Masbate and

some parts of Sorsogon. It is most closely related to Sorsoganon; the language of Sorsogon. This is
because Masbate was a part of Sorsogon Province and was governed from Sorsogon City until 1920s.
Masbatenyo is also closely related to Tagalog, the basis of the national language, and to Hiligaynon and
Cebuano.
Though Sorsogon (the southernmost province of Bicol) and Masbate are very much closer to Bicol
Peninsula, Sorsoganon and Masbatenyo shared the same grammatical systems which are close to that of
Hiligaynon, the trade language of Panay Island rather than that of Bicol.
The presence of competing grammatical and lexical subsystems in the language is the striking
characteristics of the language. This has probably been brought on by the influx of settlers from
surrounding major language groups who mixed in elements of their language with and alongside of the
Masbatenyo. This results to a number of semantic concepts that can be expressed by from two to five
alternate and different words for a single concept.
Masbatenyo is so unique in the sense of its being a mixed-up language. Speakers of the languages
often thought that their language is just a mixture of its neighboring languages which are Bikol, Waray-
Waray, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Tagalog.
4.2. DIALECTS OF MASBATENYO
Wolfenden (2001) identified three major dialects of Masbatenyo: the western dialect centered
around the town of Balud on the western coast which is close to Capiz, the southern dialect centered
about the town of Cataingan in the southeastern part of Masbate and the northern dialect covering the
whole northern half of Masbate and centered on Masbate City, capital. In the far southern and
southwestern parts of Masbate Island, Cebuano is spoken as the home language. There are several lesser
dialects spoken in the small towns on the island of Ticao. In Burias, most of the speakers are Cebuano
who migrated from Cebu.
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4.3. LITERATURE ON THE LANGUAGE
The span of almost 50 years, from 1954 to 2001 only produced a few significant literatures on the
language. The first was An Maayo na Barita Hali sa Dios, a translation of The New which has been
published in three editions Testament (1954, 1967, 1972).
The second was Magbasa Kita Sin Masbatenyo 1-3 (1981) and Mga Kanta sa Simbahan which were
published by the Summer Institute of Linguistics-Philippines. Magbasa Kita Sin Masbatenyo is an
instructional material containing alphabet of Masbatenyo and sample words for each letter. It also
contains a few short stories told in Masbatenyo language.
Orlando Almario (1995) included in his book, Masbate: Men and Events a few copies of songs and
poems written in Masbatenyo that survived through the years. This book is an historical account of the
origin and development of Masbate, from the pre-historical period to the contemporary times.
The most important of these was the Masbatenyo-English Dictionary by Elmer Wolfenden (2001). It
is a compilation of Masbatenyo words and by far, the most comprehensive study on the language. The
dictionary contains a detailed description of Masbateño grammar. Wolfenden has also done several
studies on the phonemes of Masbatenyo and on the subject noun phrase of Masbatenyo.
Celeste Chia-Yen Lee (2008) discussed the clitic pronoun system of Masbatenyo. This includes the
placement of clitics in relation to other nonclitics in the clause, the identification of the clitic distribution
type and the relative ordering of pronominal clitics within the cluster. Lee (2008) concluded that
Masbatenyo attests a mixture of post-initial and verb-adjacent position types and the domain of
Masbatenyo clisis can be either prosodic or clausal.
The others were instructional materials and religious text. This only shows that there is really a
need for further discussion on the language and the area where it is spoken as a first language.
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5.0. MUNICIPALITY OF MILAGROS
Its original name was Asid after the Asid River. But natives presumably prefer to call their place
‘Milagros’. Legend has it that St. Joseph, its patron saint miraculously saved the inhabitants of Asid from
the raiding bandits by appearing at the shore with a legion of soldiers thus deterring the incursion of the
bandits to Asid. Milagros is the largest municipality of Masbate in area with 565.4 square kilometers.
Milagros has 27 barangays. The main sources of income are fishing, farming and cattle raising.
Figure 2.0
Map of Masbate with Milagros highlighted
16
Figure 3.0.
Road Map of Milagros, Masbate
17
5.1. BARANGAYS OF MILAGROS
Barangay Population*
Bacolod 2960
Bangad 3763
Bara 1788
Bonbon 738
Calasuche 2363
Calumpang 2051
Capaculan 1356
Cayabon 2007
Guinluthangan 804
Jamorawon 2829
Magsalangi 2396
Matagbac 1332
Matanglad 487
Matiporon 1032
Moises R. Espinosa 931
Narangasan 2133
Pamangpangon 613
Paraiso 2937
Poblacion East 1942
Poblacion West 3885
San Antonio 911
San Carlos 873
Sawmill 1274
Tagbon 1519
Tawad 1358
Tigbao 2882
Tinaclipan 1021
*As of August 1, 2007

Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph
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6.0. LINGUISTIC SURVEY OF MILAGROS, MASBATE
This survey is done on a per-barangay basis. Three residents, ages ranging from 20-80 years old
were chosen as key informants for each barangay. They were chosen because: a) they are natives of the
place; b) they are knowledgeable about their native culture; b) they know how read and write; and d)
they are available for the interview.
In the case that no informants were available for interview, mainly because the area was not
accessible due to meteorological and geographical factors, the researcher made an approximation based
on the data elicited from the barangays that were already surveyed.
The barangays were arranged alphabetically.
BARANGAY BACOLOD
The key informants were Erlinda Danao, 44 years old who refers to Masbatenyo as Bisaya; Rosita
Canaway, 44 years old; and Milba Albarando, 57 years old. Mrs. Albarando speaks Cebuano
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 67%
Cebuano – 13 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) -13 %
Bikolano – 5 %
Waray – 2 %
Barangay Bacolod
13%
13% Masbatenyo
5% Cebuano
Hiligaynon
2% Bikolano
Waray
67%
19
BARANGAY BANGAD
The informants were Charles Zurbito, 42 years old; Paquito Young, 70 years old (who was the former
barangay captain) and Marlon Young, 55 years old, the current barangay captain.
Summary:
Masbatenyo – more than 90 %

Cebuano – 5 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 %
Other languages – less than 1 %
Bikolano, Waray, Tagalog
Barangay Bangad
89%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Others
1% 5% 5%
20
BARANGAY BARA
Due to geographical and meteorological factors, the researcher was not able to go to Bara. Only one
informant was available to be interviewed. He was Anacleto Ibañez, 61 years old, a native of Barangay
Bara.
Summary:

Cebuano – 5 %
Barangay Bara
5%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
71% 24% Hiligaynon
21
BARANGAY BONBON
Similarly, Barangay Bonbon was also not accessible due to bad weather. Only one informant was found
and interviewed. Mr. Jojit Duaman was 31 years old and he is a native of Barangay Bonbon. He is a high
school teacher.
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 100 %
Barangay Bonbon
100%
Masbatenyo
22
BARANGAY CALASUCHE
The informants were owners of an eatery or carinderia near the port of Calasuche. They were Lilia
Lazaro, 62 years old, and Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo Candelario, 44 years old.
-
Summary:
Masbatenyo – less than 90 %

Cebuano – 5 %
Bikolano – less than 1 %
Barangay Calasuche
89%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Bikolano
1% 5% 5%
23
BARANGAY CALUMPANG (former Taisan)
The informants were Narciso Requiama, 29 years old and he was the teacher in-charge of Taisan
Elementary School; Nila Rico, 45 years old and Apolinario Pagayunan. They are both natives of Taisan
Elementary School.
Summary:

Cebuano - 10%
Barangay Calumpang
50%
Masbatenyo
10%
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
40%
24
BARANGAY CAPACULAN
The informants were Antonio de Jesus, 58 years old; Cynthia Amante, 40 years old, a teacher; and
Windolo Rosero, 72 years old.
Summary:
Masbatenyo – more or less 60 %

Cebuano - 25%
Barangay Capaculan
24%
Masbatenyo
14%
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
5% Bikolano
57%
25
BARANGAY CAYABON
The informants interviewed were Januario Letada, 25 years old, the son of the barangay captain; Solomon
Cabug, 63 years old, a former high school teacher; and Nelia Estares, 28 years old, a teacher of Masbate
School of Fisheries.
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 92 %
Cebuano – 6 %
Barangay Cayabon
6% 2%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
92%
26
BARANGAY GUINLUTHANGAN
Barangay Guinluthangan is an island separated from the rest of Milagros. The researcher was fortunate to
find Mark Candelario as informant. He is 22 years old and works as boatman and trader.
Summary:

Cebuano – 50 %
Barangay Guinluthangan
50%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
50%
27
BARANGAY JAMORAWON
Barangay Jamorawon is separated form the rest of Milagros by a small river. It can be reached via
‘lantsa’, a big motor boat, which is a two-hour ride, from the port of Barangay Calasuche. However, due
to weather (which by that time is not good for traveling), the researcher was not able to go to Barangay
Jamorawon to conduct the survey. The following data is just an approximation done by the researcher.
Summary:

Cebuano – 5 %
Barangay Jamorawon
5% 5%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
90%
28
BARANGAY MAGSALANGI
The case is similar to Barangay Jamorawon. Barangay Magsalangi is a part of Milagros, facing
Cebu and Panay Island.
Summary:

Cebuano – 25 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – more than 30 %
Waray – less than 1 %
Barangay Magsalangi
24%
Masbatenyo
28% Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Waray
47% 1%
29
BARANGAY MATAGBAC
The case with Barangay Matagbac is similar to that of Barangays Magsalangi and Jamorawon.
The place is near to the part of Masbate peninsula which points toward Cebu.
Summary:

Cebuano – 20 %
Barangay Matagbac
50%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
20% Hiligaynon
30%
30
BARANGAY MATANGLAD
For Barangay Matanglad, only one informant was available for the suvey. He was Jojit Duaman, 31 years
old and a high school teacher
Summary:
Barangay Matanglad
Masbatenyo
100%
31
BARANGAY MATIPORON
Barangay Matiporon is situated on the northern part of Milagros which points toward Bicol
Peninsula.
The following informants were interviewed:
Raymunda Gonzales. She is 70 years old and a native of upper Matiporon
Roger Digos, 50 years old. He is the Provincial Head Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture. He is
a native of Lapu-lapu City, Cebu but has been in Matiporon for more than 30 yesrs. He speaks both
Masbatenyo and Cebuano
Mario Alba, 38 years old. He is the barangay captain of Matiporon
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano - 4 %
Bikolano – 2 %
Barangay Matiporon
4%3% 3%1%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Bikolano
Waray
89%
32
BARANGAY MOISES R. ESPINOSA
The northernmost and the highest part of Milagros. You have to drive along the zigzag road that
starts form Barangay Matiporon in order to get to the place.
The informants were:
Avelina Fernandez dela Cruz, 50 years old. She is a kagawad of Brgy. M.R. Espinosa
Ester Rapsing, 61 years old. She is a native of M.R. Espinosa and a teacher of M.R. Espinosa
Elementary School
Evelen Canaway, 32 years old. A native of MR Espinosa and the wife of the barangay captain
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano – 9 %
Other languages – 1 %
- Bikolano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Tagalog
Barangay Moises R. Espinosa
9% 1%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Others
90%
33
BARANGAY NARANGASAN
The main informants are:

Charito Blancaver, 50years old. She is an elementary school teacher
Vilma Fontelar, 64 years old, the principal of Narangasan Elementary School
Luwen Rosero, 35 years, and a high school teacher at Serafin Rosero Memorial High School
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano – 5 %
Bikolano, Tagalog, Waray
Barangay Narangasan
5% 5% 1%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Others
89%
34
BARANGAY PAMANGPANGON
The southernmost part of Milagros, facing Iloilo. ‘Pamangpangon’ is a Masbatenyo term for ‘near
the shore’.
The informants were:
Federico Tadipa, 52 years old. He speaks Hiligaynon/Ilonggo

Jose Paglinawan, 77 years old and speaks Cebuano
Vicky Villapando
Summary:

Cebuano - 20%
Barangay Pamangpangon
60%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
20%
Hiligaynon
20%
35
BARANGAY PARAISO
It was formerly known as Potot, a Masbatenyo term for ‘short’ or ‘bansot/pandak’. This place is
basically a farming area.
Informants:
Bobby Dalanon, 40 years old, barangay captain
Romeo Rubio, 65 years old
Leo Dalanon, 60 years old
Summary:

Cebuano – 5 %
Bikolano, Tagalog
Barangay Paraiso
5% 5% 1%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Others
89%
36
BARANGAY POBLACION EAST
The only urban area of Milagros. Together with its sister barangay, Barangay Poblacion West, it is
often referred to as ‘Milagros’. These two barangays are situated at the center of the municipality.
Informants:
Mildred Lasala, 43 years old, barangay secretary

Dioleta Briosa, 55 years old
Lucile de Jesus, 38 years old. She is the wife of the barangay captain
Summary:

Cebuano – 5 %
Barangay Poblacion East
3%1%
34%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Others
62%
37
BARANGAY POBLACION WEST
Sister barangay of Poblacion East. It is the most populated and the urbanized part of Milagros. It
is the center of every activity in the municipality. This is where the main institutions are located.
Informants:
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Saldibar, 50 years old

Lucia Cornal, 32 years old. She is the barangay Secretary
Lolita de Jesus, 69 years old
Erlinda Abinir, 64 years old
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 77 %
Cebuano – 13 %
Waray and Boholano (also called as Cebuano)
Barangay Poblacion West
13% 10%
1%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Others
76%
38
BARANGAY SAN ANTONIO
This place is located near the part of Masbate peninsula which points toward Cebu. Together
with Bara, Sawmill, Matagbac and other barangays of Milagros, the region in which this place is located
is difficult to reach. You need to cross a river in order to reach the said barangays. Due to geographical as
well as meteorological factors, the researcher was not able to actually conduct the survey. The following
data is just an approximation made by the researcher to complete the survey.
Summary:

Cebuano – 40 %
Barangay San Antonio
40%
20%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
40%
39
BARANGAY SAN CARLOS
Informant(s):
Ireneo Tabuada, 70 years old

- speaks Cebuano
Summary:

Cebuano – 30 %
Barangay San Carlos
33%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
22% Hiligaynon
45%
40
BARANGAY SAWMILL
Summary:

Cebuano – 15 %
Barangay Sawmill
15%
15%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
70%
41
BARANGAY TAGBON
Informants:
Floreña Elles, 75 years old
Maria Ever Guiguinto, 36 years old
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano – 5 %
Barangay Tagbon
5% 5%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
90%
42
BARANGAY TAWAD
Pacita Cortes, 73 years old

- native of Mapili (Tawad) an area between Tawad and Matiporon
Carmen Malinao, 56 years old

- teacher of Tawad Elementary School
Leonila Ostia, 45 years old

- teacher
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 80 %
Cebuano - 15 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) (Ilonggo) – 5 %
Barangay Tawad
5% 1%
15%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Others
79%
43
BARANGAY TIGBAO
From Barangay Tigbao, the informants were:

Molex Broces, 28 years old
Anna Gallo, 69 years old
Clarita Manola, 53 years old
Summary:

Cebuano – 25 %
Barangay Tigbao
24%
Masbatenyo
28% Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Waray
47% 1%
44
BARANGAY TINACLIPAN
Barangay Tinaclipan was formerly called ‘Bato’.

Regino Ramaya, 33 years old
- boatman
Manilyn Briol, 38 years old
Marites Rosauro, 36 years old
Summary:
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano – 5 %
Kinaray-a
Barangay Tinaclipan
5% 5% 1%
Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Kinaray-a
89%
45
7.0. CONCLUSION
Masbate surely lies at the center of the Philippines for its people speak every major language
group surrounding its area. The municipality of Milagros, at the same time is situated at the center of the
mainland Masbate, facing Cebu and Panay Island in which the two major languages, Cebuano and
Hiligaynon, have the largest number of speakers. This geographical location of the said places accounts
for the diversity of the languages that the population speaks.
While Masbatenyo remains to be the major language, having the largest percentage, Cebuano
and Hiligaynon still have a relatively large number of speakers. Other languages such as Bikolano, Waray
and Kinaray-a are spoken by those who migrated from the surrounding places and stayed in Masbate
province for good. They are also used as medium of trade. Meanwhile, Tagalog is used as medium of
instruction and is only used in the classroom. And being the national language, Filipino is used when
communicating with the other person who speaks another language that is not mutually intelligible with
Masbatenyo.
The following graph illustrates the percentage shared by each language.
Municipality of Milagros
14% 1%
15% Masbatenyo
Cebuano
Hiligaynon
Others
70%
Migration and trade account for the existence of other languages such Cebuano and Hiligaynon,
which the Masbatenyo people refer to as Ilonggo. The area of Masbate peninsula that points toward Cebu
shows a large percentage of Cebuano-speaking population. On the other hand, the area that points
toward Panay Island shows a large percentage of Hiligaynon-speaking population.
The survey that has been conducted is not very accurate. The data that are presented in this paper
is based mainly on the given by the informants. Several factors have to be considered in conducting the
survey. The researcher has done it best to accomplish this report on the Masbatenyo language and the
languages spoken in Milagros.
Still, a great number of Masbatenyos refer to their language as Bisaya [bi.sa.’yaq]. They often
thought that Masbatenyo is just a dialect of the Philippines and does not have a ‘language status’.
46
8.0. JOURNAL
Never did I expect that Linguistics 121 would be this interesting. Truly, I thought that it is just
another subject that will bore me to death with its readings but no, it turned out the other way around. I
never had any idea that this course would be this influential in my linguistic career. As a proof, it was
Lingg 121 that encouraged me to continue my dream – or we can say, my ambition – to study my mother
tongue, the Masbatenyo language. It was the subject, and my ever-enthusiastic professor, Ma’am Irma
Peneyra that made me realize that there is much for me to learn and to do here in Linguistics.
Tracing my days back to my first year here in the University of the Philippines when I was very
eager to shift out of the course, it was during one of my few attempts that I met Ma’am P. I always find
the incident as somewhat funny. I went to the Department to ask Ate Vicky if I could enroll in some
Psychology courses and make Psychology as my minor course. Ma’am P was also present then. Ate
Vicky said that it is possible and it would be considered as my cognates. And then she added, “Bakit,
gusto mo magshift no?” “Why, it is because you want to shift out, isn’t it?” Without hesitation, I said ‘yes’
because it was what I really planned to do and almost everyone knew that. There, Ma’am P asked my
reasons and advised me to do what I really wanted to do. It was Ma’am P that supported me, even
though I said that Linguistics bored me (that was when I was only first year).
That was my first meeting with Ma’am P. The next would be at PH 227, in our Lingg 121 class in
which she was our professor. The moment she learned that I was a native speaker of Masbatenyo, she
encouraged me to study the language, to focus on it and as what she always tells us, to do a thesis on it.
That time, I was not really interested on such things. However, it was when she told us that one of our
requirements in 121 is to make a linguistic survey of our town in our respective provinces that I began to
pay attention to what Ma’am P was saying. I then got excited with the idea of going to Masbate, returning
to the place of my childhood.
For five years, after I graduated in elementary, I never got the chance to go back to Masbate. It
was either my father was too busy that he did not have time to travel or it was me that was so busy with
my schooling even during summer. And because I was not comfortable with the idea of going alone, I
just contented myself with listening to the tales and stories that my relatives told whenever they come to
Manila. I really wanted to go back, meet my old friends and classmates, play the same old games I
played, climb the trees, swim in the river, etc. How badly I long to do and experience those things again. I
was filled with nostalgic feeling every time I think of it. However, because of my busy schedule, it was as
if there was no really time. And it was 121 that gave me the opportunity to go back to the place where I
spent most of my childhood.
Despite the fact that Ma’am P had already said that it was unnecessary for me to actually to go
Masbate, I immediately sailed out after the class ended last December. And now I will tell you the
account of my journey back to the place of my origin. It is not only a story of how I conducted my survey,
it is also an account of my return t o my motherland, back to its beautiful fields and dazzling rivers and
blue seas.
47
The Journey
December 20, 2008
The class had finally ended last Wednesday, December 17. After I enjoyed the Lantern Parade
with the company of my friends, I traveled to Parañaque the next day to say good bye to my family. I will
be going back to Masbate with my cousin who was also planning to take a vacation in Masbate.
After I had prepared everything, I met my cousin at my auntie’s house in Philcoa. Then we took a
ride to Cubao where we bought tickets to Pilar, Sorsogon. It was exactly 6:06pm when the bus left the
Cubao terminal and headed south.
The trip was quite long and tiring and starving. We stopped over at Lucena to eat dinner then
went back to road at 8:30pm. The end lasted for almost 14 hours. Inside the bus, I enjoyed reading the
first part of my favorite novel, The Alchemist, which I brought along with me, while listening to my Ipod.
I took a short nap to rest my eyes and then woke up every fifteen minutes to observe the road and
everything alongside with it. My cousin just slept throughout the trip
It was already 7:46pm when we reached the pier of Pilar. We met several people that were also
going to the same destination as we were. Inside the bus, I tried to speak in Masbatenyo (yes, I was
practicing but was unable to do it fluently) as I told them that we were also going to Masbate, specifically
to Milagros and asked them if w e could join them. They were so kind and they assisted us until we were
able to find a ‘lantsa’, a big motor boat that will bring us to our destination.
December 21
We were initially looking for a ‘fast track’ (I really don’t know what it was called, whether ‘fast
craft’ or ‘fast whatever’) so we would be reaching Masbate as early as 12 noon. However, the next trip
would be sailing at 10:30 am. Instead of waiting for another two hours, we decided to take the lantsa. The
trip would last for 4 hours and by 2:00pm, we are already in Masbate. Even though it is somehow slower
than the fast track, we could not afford to wait for another hour to continue the trip. I really wanted to see
Masbate and reached it shore as soon as possible. And besides, we have already traveling for 14 hours
and I was already feeling uncomfortable with the heat.
We left Pilar by 9:30am. At first the trip was smooth, the wind was blowing lightly and the sea
seemed calm. So I climbed the roof of the lantsa, which was huge enough for the passengers to sit, and
did what everyone was doing. I sat on top of the lantsa and immerse myself in the vastness and depth of
the blue sea that surrounded us. I watched in awe every time we passed by an island. It was a different
kind of feeling, serene and divine.
Feeling comfortable despite the heat of the sun, I laid down and read the The Alchemist which I
brought along with me. After several minutes, I grew sleepy and decided to close my eyes for a nap. The
splashes of water sounded like a lullaby and the rocking motion of the lantsa seemed to rock me to sleep.
When I woke up, the lantsa was rocking a little harder. We have reached the part where waves are big
48
and the wind was blowing stronger. I decided to stay for a while but after a couple of minute, I went
down and stayed beside my cousin,
I enjoyed listening to the stories of my fellow passengers. It seemed that however life is hard,
Masbatenyos never failed to amuse themselves and joke about their own problems. We really are very
Filipino in that matter. And I was listening to their jokes, my Masbatenyo lexicon started to pour out from
the repressed and remote area of my mind. And then I recalled most of long-lost memories.
After the exhausting journey, we finally reached the shore and came contact with other people.
My cousin and I decided to go on our own and we said good bye to our companions. Then we took a
jeepney to Milagros.
While inside the jeep, I let myself be amazed and watched the agricultural beauty of Masbate. I
remembered counting up to eleven carabaos which I saw along the road and saw parts of the National
Road that were marked by a carpet of freshly harvested ‘palay’ being dried under the sun. I also
remember watching my grandfather do the same way when I was a child and several times I was
assigned to look after while he was away.
After an hour, we finally reached Milagros. After that, we took a tricycle to drive us to Barangay
Narangasan. While in the road, i came to me how I really missed the place. I observed that the road was
already repaired. As we passed by my old elementary school, my memory of being such a little child
playing with my classmates during recess came back automatically. It was as if a scene was the switch
that would bring all my memory back. I remembered how I woke up early in the morning to enter the
school and swept the school yard and watered the gardens that were assigned to us; how we raced to
copy the writings in the blackboard. Yes, I really missed the place. I hoped to see my former classmates
sooner.
The place has only changed a little. But nevertheless, it was the same place where I spent most of
my childhood, the same place that I left five or six years ago. My cousin Dave saw our tricycle and ran
after us. He did not recognize me first. It was me who changed a lot, from a timid little boy to a Mhawi in
the present. Dave helped us unload our baggage, still amazed of what I was. He led me into my auntie’s
house, Auntie Charit. I did not know what was it but they all said that I was really different from the boy
that I had been in the past.
I took a rest and talked with my auntie, uncle, my cousins, and everyone. Afterward, I visited my
other relatives’ house, talked with them a little and then proceeded to our basketball court. I played with
Dave and his friends which I did not know yet but it seemed that they all know me.
That afternoon, I attended the simbang gabi which gave me the opportunity to meet me former
classmates, friends, teachers, and other relatives. It was a shame that I already forgot some of them but
they all remembered me. I was glad that Dave was beside me and every time I came across of someone
that I was familiar with but did not recall who exactly the person was, he told me who it was.
I also tried my best to speak in Masbatenyo when I took to them.
The day ended perfectly and I was really glad to be back home.
49
The Place Where I Belong
The following days allowed me to recall everything and to adjust. I became fluent again in
Masbatenyo.
December 22
I visited my old school. I observed that new buildings had been built and somehow the place is
more advanced than it was during my days. I recalled my humble days as an elementary pupil and the
things I have done that made me known in this school. This was where I started.
I met more of my friends at the Narangasan Chapel. This was what the people in the province
never forget to do. Everyone was present in the Simbang Gabi.
December 23
The day before the Christmas Eve. In the morning, I asked July and Dave to give m e company
going to Municipal Hall. I planned to request a map of Milagros and a list of the barangay captains. This
was my preliminary action before I did the actual survey which I decided to accomplish after the
Christmas day.
It turned out that my Lola Elsa worked at the Municipal Hall so we had an easy access on the
things we needed. I tried to set an appointment with the mayor but they said that the mayor was on a
vacation and will be back by January 3. We immediately went back after we got the information and the
data I needed for the survey.
That night there was a ‘pabayle’ o ‘barayle’, pasayaw or sayawan in Tagalog, in the plaza.
Together with my cousins, Dave and Maan, we went to plaza to watch. That was it, I only intended to
watch. But they kept on telling me and forcing me to dance. I refused because I did not really dance. Even
when I was a child, I only watched my friends as they went to the center and danced. I enjoyed myself
watching them. However, they would not allow me to just sit and watch. So they grabbed me and pulled
and pushed me to the center. And well, because there was no more way to escape, I danced with them
until 2:00 in the morning.
The pabayle lasted until around 3:00 or 4:00 am. The people danced until the rain forced them to
go home. As for me and my cousins, we went home just before it rained. We talked and told each other
our stories for the past five years that we did not see each other and by 3:00 am we decided to turn off the
lights and go to sleep. One of my younger cousins, Richard who said that he will only read and would
not sleep because he wanted to attend simbang gabi in the morning, had fallen asleep just before the
lights went out. When he woke up, the people from simbang gabi were already returning home.
50
December 24
It was Christmas Eve. Today, everyone was busy preparing for the Christmas day. I busied
myself helping them and running errands for my aunt.
That night, I was invited to the house of Lola Yoy, who was also my old Grade 5 teacher. Lolo
Intoy, her husband, was my Grade 4 teacher then. While I enjoyed myself eating, everyone in the table
was talking about me. They remembered how small I was and they recalled our adventures when I was
in elementary, every time I had a contest. I was glad that they remembered all of those.
When I told them my actual reason of going back, they offered me their assistance. And then they
gave me advices on how to conduct the survey.
After eating, we went home. My cousins had a small exchange gift party. I joined them and put a
guava fruit in the box as my gift. The one who got my gift cried so I replaced with the gift that I had
received. Then we played “Hep Hep Hooray!” and “Bring Me’. I played with them until we all got tired.
The night ended happily and memorable.
December 25
Merry Christmas! And it was also my Lola Taning’s birthday. We went to Capaculan and visited
them and celebrated with her birthday. It was like a mini-fiesta with lechon that was prepared for more
than two hours but only lasted 15 minutes in the tables. It was wonderful meeting with my other cousins.
While the adults were drinking, my cousins played the games we played the night before. I chose
to stay on top of the mango tree which I liked to climb when I was a child and slept on its branches.
However, it rained all of the sudden and I was forced to go down.
The celebration had not ended yet but I and my cousins decided to swim in the river near my
Lolo’s house. So we left and spent the rest of the time enjoying the water. It was already 3:00pm when we
decided to go home.
The next days that followed were the supposed days that I was planning to conduct my survey.
However, it rained continually for three days and I was left planning of what I was going to do in my
survey. It was December 23 that the sun shown up again and I wasted no time to start my task.
51
The Survey
December 28
I woke up early and prepared all the things I needed for the survey. I brought with me the map,
the list of barangay captains, and my notebook. With his motorcycle, Uncle Nonoy drove with Dave and
me up to the north of Milagros. We were planning to start in Matiporon which was the northernmost part
and continue going down. We headed north and climbed the breathtaking zigzag road with the
motorcycle. I listened to Dave as he told me his adventures on traveling along the zigzag road.
I immediately started my survey when we reached Matiporon. My strategy was to look for the
Barangay Hall, met with the barangay captain who would refer us to others who would qualify as
informants. However, most of the barangay captains were already on vacations and so we were left with
the choice to ask random people that we met while conducting the survey.
The survey went out quite well. The people were hospitable and friendly. And it was a good
thing that they already differentiated Masbatenyo from other Bisayan languages. I surveyed thirteen
barangays on this day.
However, there were geographical and meteorological factors that hindered us form conducting
the survey. Some barangays - namely Barangays Jamorawon, Matagbac, Sawmill, San Antonio, and
Magsalangi - were separated form Milagros by water forms. However, the weather that time that I was
conducting the survey was not really good for traveling. So I settled with the idea that I would just make
educated guess so that my data would be complete.
As we continued down south, we were invited to the house of my uncle’s friend. It was fiesta in
Barangay Capaculan and at the same time, it was the baptism of the baby of my uncle’s friend. After
interviewing my informants, I decided to continue the survey the next day. While my uncle was drinking
with his friends, I and Dave decided to explore the place. Then we met some of his friends who were
going to perform that night and we stayed with them, watching them as they practiced.
It was already 10:00pm that we decided to go home. The moment my head touch the pillow, I fell
asleep, tired with all I have done this day.
December 29
Today, we planned to go down south. So we started early and headed to Pamangpangon. It was
an adventure. The road was not yet complete and we drove along the rough road. Uncle Nonoy was not
able to manage the motorcycle across the mountainous path so he made us travel on foot. At first, we
enjoyed it but eventually we have grown tired and thirsty after two or three hours of traveling. We
reached Calumpang first and started immediately looking for the house of the barangay captain.
However, he had just left and only his wife was present. After I had introduced myself, I asked for a glass
of water. I was really thirsty.
When were done with Calumpang, we crossed a river to reach Pamangpangon. God, the place
was so marvelous. All day’s effort has been paid off. It was as if I was in a beach, the place was
surrounded by white sand and clear blue water. But before I immersed myself in that picturesque
52
scenery, I made sure that I was already done with my survey. After interviewing my informants, I ran
toward the water like a child, eager to feel and touch that clear water.
One of my informants offered to take to Milagros because that was where they were also going.
Dave and I agreed, and my uncle, drove home alone. We crossed the Asid Gulf by lantsa and we were
fortunate reach Milagros just before it rained. Then Dave saw his father who was driving a tricycle. Uncle
Ruben gave us a ride. I sat on top of the tricycle, on the roof and felt the rain.
It was a bumpy and chilling ride.
As what I have said, this journal is not only an account of my adventures while I was conducting
the survey. I also wanted to share to you my adventures and my experiences as I traveled back to the
place of my origin. No wonder Ma’am P loves doing Linguistic survey. I hope she can join us in our field
work next year.
This is just the beginning of my mission. I’m planning to really concentrate my studies on
Masbatenyo. This linguistic survey just marks the beginning of my journey that is yet to come.
53
9.0. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Almario, Orlando. 1995. Masbate: Men and Events.
Wolfenden, Elmer. 2001. A Masbatenyo-English Dictionary. Linguistic Society of the Philippines. Manila.
National Statistics Office. 2000. 2000 Census of Population and Housing. Manila.
Online resources:
http://masbate.islandsphilippines.com/
http://www.wikipedia.com/
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/
54
11.0. APPENDIX
1. Bacolod Masbatenyo – 80 %
Cebuano – 10 %
Erlinda Danao, 44 years old Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 10 %
- refers Masbatenyo as Bisaya Bikolano – less than 1 %
Masbatenyo – more than 50 % SUMMARY:

Cebuano – 20 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 20 % MASBATENYO – MORE THAN 90 %
Other languagers – less than 1 % CEBUANO – 5 %
Bikolano ( brought about by marriage) HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 5 %
Waray (mostly from Panay Island) OTHER LANGUAGES – LESS THAN 1 %
BIKOLANO, WARAY, TAGALOG
Rosita Canaway, 44 years old
Masbatenyo – less than 90 % 3. Bara

Cebuano - 5 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 3 % Anacleto Ibañez, 61 years old
Bikolano – 3 %
Waray -1 % SUMMARY:
Milba Albarando, 57 years old MASBATENYO – MORE THAN 75 %

- speaks Cebuano CEBUANO – 5 %
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 20 %
Cebuano – 15 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 15 % 4. Bonbon
Bikolano – 10 %
Waray – 5 % Jojit Duaman, 31 years old
- native of Bonbon
SUMMARY:
SUMMARY:
MASBATENYO – 67%
CEBUANO – 13 % MASBATENYO – 100 %
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) -13 %
BIKOLANO – 5 %
WARAY – 2 % 5. Calasuche
Lilia Lazaro, 62 %
2. Bangad - owns a carinderia near the port of Calasuche
Charles Zurbito, 42 years old Masbatenyo – 90 %

Cebuano – 5 %
Masbatenyo – more than 80 % Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 4 %
Cebuano – 10 % Bikolano – less than 1 %
Bikolano – less than 1 % Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo Candelario, 44 years old
- owns a carinderia near the port of Calasuche
Paquito Young, 70 years old
Masbatenyo – more than 90 % Other languages:
Cebuano – 5 % Cebuano, Bikolano and Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) are
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 % spoken by those who come to Calasuche for trade
Marlon Young, 55 years old SUMMARY:
55
Bikolano – les than 5 %

MASBATENYO – MORE THAN 95 %
CEBUANO – 5 %
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 5 % SUMMARY:
BIKOLANO – LESS THAN 1 %
MASBATENYO – MORE OR LESS 60 %
CEBUANO - 25%
6. Calumpang HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 15 %
BIKOLANO – LESS THAN 5 %
Narciso Requiama, 29 years old
- teacher in-charge, Taisan Elementary School
8. Cayabon
Cebuano - 10% Januario Letada, 25 years old
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 30 % - son of the barangay captain
Nila Rico, 45 years old Masbatenyo – 95 %

Cebuano – 5 %
Masbatenyo – more than 50 % Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) - 5 %
Cebuano - 10%
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 40 % Solomon Cabug, 63 years old
Apolinario Pagayunan Masbatenyo – 90 %

Cebuano – 5 – 10 %
Cebuano - 10% Nelia Estares, 28 years old
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 40 % - teacher of Masbate School of Fisheries
Masbatenyo – 92 %
SUMMARY: Cebuano – 5 %
CEBUANO - 10%
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 40 % SUMMARY:
MASBATENYO – 92 %
7. Capaculan CEBUANO – 6 %
Antonio de Jesus, 58 years old
Masbatenyo – more than 50 % 9. Guinluthangan

Cebuano - 25%
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 25 % Mark Candelario, 22 years old
Other languages: - boatman and trader
Bikolano
Summary:
Cynthia Amante, 40 years old
- teacher Masbatenyo – more than 50 %
Cebuano – 50 %
Cebuano – 20 %
Bikolano -5 %
Windolo Rosero, 72 years old 10. Jamorawon*
Masbatenyo – less than 70 % SUMMARY:

Cebuano - 15%
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 15 % MASBATENYO – MORE THAN 90 %
56
CEBUANO – 5 % Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 2 %

HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 5 % Bikolano – 2 %
Waray – 1 %
11. Magsalangi*
SUMMARY:
SUMMARY:
MASBATENYO – 90 %
MASBATENYO – LESS THAN 50 % CEBUANO - 4 %
CEBUANO – 25 % BIKOLANO – 2 %
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – MORE THAN 30 % HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 3 %
WARAY – LESS THAN 1 % WARAY – LESS THAN 1 %
12. Matagbac* 15. Moises R. Espinosa
SUMMARY: Avelina Fernandez dela Cruz, 50 years old

- Kagawad of Brgy. M.R. Espinosa
MASBATENYO – LESS THAN 50 %
CEBUANO – 25 % Masbatenyo –80 %
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – MORE THAN 30 % Cebuano – 18 %
WARAY – LESS THAN 1 % Other languages – 2%
Bikolano and Hiligaynon (Ilonggo)
– consist of 2-4 families (migrants)
13. Matanglad
Ester Rapsing, 61 years old
Jojit Duaman, 31 years old - native of M.R. Espinosa
- high school teacher - teacher of M.R. Espinosa Elementary School
SUMMARY:
Masbatenyo – 90 %
MASBATENYO – 100 % Cebuano – 9 %
Other languages – 1%
Bikolano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Tagalog
14. Matiporon
Evelen Canaway, 32 years old
Raymunda Gonzales, 70 years old - wife of the barangay captain
- native of upper Matiporon
Masbatenyo – 94 %
Masbatenyo – 100 % Cebuano – 5 % (less than 2000 families)
Roger Digos, 50 years old - Bikolano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) and Tagalog
- Provincial Head Coordinator, Department of
Agriculture
- native of Lapu-lapu City, Cebu but has been in SUMMARY:
Matiporon for more than 30 yesrs
- speaks both Masbatenyo and Cebuano MASBATENYO – 90 %
CEBUANO – 9 %
Masbatenyo – 80 % OTHER LANGUAGES – 1 %
Cebuano – 9 % - BIKOLANO, HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) AND
Binikol/Bikolano – 5 % TAGALOG
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo)– 6 %
Mario Alba, 38 years old 16. Narangasan

- barangay captain of Matiporon
Charito Blancaver, 50 years old
Masbatenyo – 90 % - Elementary school teacher
Cebuano – 5 %
57
Masbatenyo – 95 % HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 60 %

Cebuano – 3 %
Other languages: 18. Paraiso
Bobby Dalanon, 40 years old
Vilma Fontelar, 64 years old - barangay captain
- Principal, Narangasan Elementary School
Masbatenyo – 95 % Cebuano – 5 %
Cebuano – 3 % Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – more than 2 % Other languages – less than 1 %
Other languages: Bikolano, Tagalog
Romeo Rubio, 65 years old
Luwen Rosero, 45 years old
- High school teacher Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano – 5 %
Masbatenyo – less than 90 % Other languages – less than 1 %
Cebuano – 5 % Bikolano, Tagalog
Other languages: Leo Dalanon, 60 years old
Summary: Cebuano – 5 %
MASBATENYO – 90 % Other languages – less than 1 %
CEBUANO – 5 % Bikolano, Tagalog
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – MORE THAN 5 %
OTHER LANGUAGES – LESS THAN 1 % SUMMARY:
BIKOLANO, TAGALOG, WARAY
CEBUANO – 5 %
17. Pamangpangon HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 5 %
OTHER LANGUAGES – LESS THAN 1 %
Federico Tadipa, 52 years old BIKOLANO, TAGALOG
- speaks Hiligaynon/Ilonggo
Masbatenyo – more than 25 % 19. Poblacion East

Cebuano - 25%
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 50 % Mildred Lasala, 43 years old
Jose Paglinawan, 77 years old Masbatenyo – more than 90 %

Cebuano (Boholano) – 4 %
Masbatenyo – more than 25 % Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 4 %
Cebuano – 25 % Bikolano – 2 %
Dioleta Briosa, 55 years old
Vicky Villapando
Masbatenyo – less than 20 % Cebuano (Boholano) – 4 %
Cebuano - 10% Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 4 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – more than 70 % Bikolano – 2 %
SUMMARY: Lucile de Jesus, 38 years old

- wife of the barangay captain
CEBUANO - 20% Masbatenyo – more than 90 %
58
Cebuano– 5 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 % SUMMARY OF DATA:
SUMMARY: MASBATENYO – MORE THAN 40 %

CEBUANO – 30 %
MASBATENYO – MORE THAN 90 % HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 30 %
CEBUANO – 5 %
BIKOLANO – LESS THAN 1 % 23. Sawmill*
SUMMARY:
20. Poblacion West
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Saldibar, 50 years old CEBUANO – 15 %
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano (Boholano) – 5 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 % 24. Tagbon
Waray – less than 1 % (migrants from Capiz)
Floreña Elles, 75 years old
Lucia Cornal, 32 years old
- Barangay Secretary Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano – 5 %
Masbatenyo – 50 % Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 %
Cebuano – 30 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 20 % Maria Ever Guiguinto, 36 years old
Lolita de Jesus, 69 years old Masbatenyo – 90 %

Cebuano – 5 %
Masbatenyo – 90 % Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 %
Cebuano – 5 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 % Summary:
Erlinda Abinir, 64 years old MASBATENYO – 90 %

CEBUANO – 5 %
Masbatenyo – 90 % HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 5 %
SUMMARY: 25. Tawad
MASBATENYO – 77 % Pacita Cortes, 73 years old

CEBUANO – 13 % - native of Mapili (Tawad) an area between Tawad
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 10 % and Matiporon
OTHER LANGUAGES – 1 %
WARAY AND BOHOLANO Masbatenyo – less than 90 %
Cebuano – 5 %
Bikolano – 3 %
21. San Antonio* Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – 5 %
SUMMARY:
Carmen Malinao, 56 years old
MASBATENYO – MORE THAN 20 % - teacher of Tawad Elementary School
CEBUANO – 40 %
22. San Carlos* Cebuano – 15 %
Ireneo Tabuada, 70 years old
- speaks Cebuano Leonila Ostia, 45 years old
59
- teacher
SUMMARY:
Cebuano – less than 25 % MASBATENYO – 90 %
Other languages – 1 % CEBUANO – 5 %
Bikolano and Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) - spoken by HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – 5 %
migrants from the neighbor provinces OTHER LANGUAGES – LESS THAN 1 %
KINARAY-A
SUMMARY:
MASBATENYO – 80 %
CEBUANO - 15 %
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) (ILONGGO) – 5 %
OTHER LANGUAGES – LESS THAN 1 %
BIKOLANO AND HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) -
SPOKEN BY MIGRANTS FROM THE
NEIGHBOR PROVINCES
26. Tigbao
Molex Broces, 28 years old

Anna Gallo, 69 years old
Clarita Manola, 53 years old
SUMMARY OF DATA:

CEBUANO – 25 %
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO) – MORE THAN 30 %
WARAY – LESS THAN 1 %
27. Tinaclipan
Regino Ramaya, 33 years old

- boatman
Masbatenyo – 90 %z
Cebuano - 5 %
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) - 5 %
Manilyn Briol, 38 years old
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano - 5 %
Kinaray-a
Marites Rosauro, 36 years old
Masbatenyo – 90 %
Cebuano - 5 %
Kinaray-a
60

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Linguistic Survey of Milagros, Masbate 2009

MICHAEL WILSON I. ROSERO

MRS. IRMA PENEYRA

3.0. General Information on Masbate 5

4.0. Language Identification 14

5.0. The Municipality of Milagros 16

6.0. Linguistic Survey of Milagros, Masbate 19

To my family, muchisimas gracias! Thank you for everything.

3.0. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MASBATE

Region Bicol Region (Region V)

- Highly urbanized cities 0

Population 33rd largest

Spoken languages Masbatenyo, Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Bikol

Governor Elisa Olga Kho

3.1.1. Pre-Colonial Period

3.1.2. Colonial Period

3.1.3. Masbate as an Independent Province

3.1.4. Second World War

The Third District (composed of 8 municipalities: Cataingan, Dimasalanag, Palanas, Pio V.

3.3. ETHNIC GROUPS

3.6. PLACES OF INTEREST

A beautiful scenery, Kalanay Falls can be found in Nabangig, Palanas, Masbate

Bat-ongan Underground River

Bat-ongan Underground River, Mandaon. For daring and adventurous visitors. It is

Each casket measures 24 inches in length and 12 inches in width.

Bugui Point Lighthouse

Mataba-Tinigban to Napayauan Island

Mataba-Tinigban to Napayauan Island A five-kilometer stretch of glittering white sands. At

San Isidro, Beach

Ki-Albay River and Beach

Matangtubig Spring, Monreal. A unique spring with three sources. The

Bito-on Beach Resort

4.0. LANGUAGE IDENTIFICATION

4.1. MASBATENYO AS A LANGUAGE

Masbatenyo is a member of Central Philippines family of languages, spoken in Masbate and

4.2. DIALECTS OF MASBATENYO

4.3. LITERATURE ON THE LANGUAGE

5.0. MUNICIPALITY OF MILAGROS

5.1. BARANGAYS OF MILAGROS

*As of August 1, 2007

6.0. LINGUISTIC SURVEY OF MILAGROS, MASBATE

The barangays were arranged alphabetically.

Masbatenyo – more than 90 %

Masbatenyo – more than 75 %

Masbatenyo – less than 90 %

BARANGAY CALUMPANG (former Taisan)

Masbatenyo – more than 50 %

Masbatenyo – more or less 60 %

Masbatenyo – more than 50 %

Masbatenyo – more than 90 %

Masbatenyo – less than 50 %

Masbatenyo – more than 50 %

The following informants were interviewed:

Raymunda Gonzales. She is 70 years old and a native of upper Matiporon

Mario Alba, 38 years old. He is the barangay captain of Matiporon

BARANGAY MOISES R. ESPINOSA

The informants were:

Barangay Moises R. Espinosa