#ibanag

Ibanag (Ybanag)

Basic facts

Number of native speakers: 500,000

Official language: Philippines

Also spoken: United Kingdom, United States

Script: Latin, 29 letters

Grammatical cases: 0

Linguistic typology: agglutinative, VSO

Language family: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Cagayan Valley

Number of dialects: 2

History

2012 - creation of a revival program by the government

Writing system and pronunciation

These are the letters that make up the script: a b ch d e f g h i j k kw l m n ng ny o p q r s si t u v w y z '.

Diphthongs are frequently monophthongized. Stress occurs in the last syllable if the penultimate vowel is followed by two consonants or a consonant and a glottal stop.

Grammar

Nouns have two numbers (singular and plural). Plurality may be expressed by adding a suffix or by reduplication. Words of Spanish origin are marked for gender.

There is no gender distinction in third-person personal pronouns. Adjectives follow nouns.

Verbs are conjugated for tense, aspect, person, and number. Focus is also marked. There is no verb "to be", whose meaning is expressed using "to have".

Dialects

Thanks, @liapher!

2. What dialect or variety of your native language do you speak?

I speak the basic, generic Tagalog that someone who grew up in the nation’s capital would know. The kind that you hear on TV and the radio, see in the ads, and choose to address a stranger if you’re lost.

Sometimes I meet people from just a few hours out of the big city, who speak Bulacan Tagalog or Batangas Tagalog, and I love and envy what they can do with the language.

(Some might say that I speak “Filipino.” I decided to stop calling Tagalog “Filipino” because I disagree with the decision to make it, out of the dozens of other languages in the country, the national language. Both today and at the time it was chosen, it’s not even the local language with the most native speakers.)

6. Do any of your family members speak a language you don’t?

Not at the moment, but I have to give an honorable mention here to my late maternal grandmother, who was the first family polyglot. She was fluent in Ibanag, English, and Spanish, and conversational in Tagalog and Ilokano. Later in life, she also attempted French, but gave it up for other hobbies.

There is so much I could write about her and Spanish, which was the true language of her heart. But I’d better save it for a future post!

17. Are you interested in learning a conlang or creating one?

I feel that the cool answer is yes . . . but unfortunately, my real answer is no. Even if I manage to achieve fluency in all the languages I’m currently interested in, I’d definitely set my sights on another natural language rather than mix it up a bit with a conlang.

Philippines 🇵🇭

Basic facts

Official name: Republic of the Philippines/Republika ng Pilipinas (English/Filipino)

Capital city: Manila

Population: 115.3 million (2023)

Demonym: Filipino

Type of government: unitary presidential republic

Head of state and government: Bongbong Marcos (President)

Gross domestic product (purchasing power parity): $1.39 trillion (2024)

Gini coefficient of wealth inequality: 41.2% (medium) (2021)

Human Development Index: 0.710 (high) (2022)

Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)

Fun fact: It is home to the world’s longest snake.

Etymology

The country’s name comes from Philip II of Castile, who was Prince of Asturias at the time of their discovery by the Europeans.

Geography

The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, south of Taiwan and north of Indonesia, and is surrounded by the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea.

There are four main climates: tropical rainforest in the east and south, tropical monsoon, dry-winter tropical savanna, and monsoon-influenced subtropical highland in the west. Temperatures range from 20 °C (68 °F) in winter to 31 °C (87.8 °F) in spring. The average annual temperature is 25.7 °C (78.2 °F).

The country is divided into eighteen regions (rehiyon), which are further divided into 82 provinces (probinsiya). The largest cities in the Philippines are Quezon City, Manila, Davao City, Caloocan, and Taguig.

History

3000 BCE: Austronesian migration

2000 BCE-1000 CE: Philippine jade culture

900-1589: Kingdom of Tondo

971-1339: Ma-i

1001-1597: Rajahnate of Butuan

1175-1571: Namayan

1200-1569: Confederation of Madja-as

1225-1576: Ming dynasty

1280-1405: Lupah Sug

1292-1527: Majapahit

1350-1905: Sultanate of Buayan

1363-1906: Sultanate of Brunei

1400-1565: Rajahnate of Cebu

1457-1915: Sultanate of Sulu

1486-1950: Sultanate of Ternate

1500-1571: Maynila

1515-1926: Sultanate of Maguindanao

1565-1567: Dagami Revolt

1565-1898: Viceroyalty of New Spain; Spanish-Moro conflict

1574: Lakandula and Sulayman Revolt

1585: Pampanga Revolt

1587-1588: Tondo Conspiracy

1589: Cagayan and Dingras Revolts Against the Tribute

1596: Magalat Revolt

1601: Igorot Revolt

1603: Sangley Rebellion

1607: Caquenga’s Revolt

1616-1904: Confederate States of Lanao

1621-1622: Bankaw Revolt; Tamblot uprising

1625: Itneg Revolt

1643: Ladia Revolt

1649-1650: Sumuroy Revolt

1660-1661: Malong Revolt; Maniago Revolt

1661: Almazan Revolt

1662: Chinese Revolt

1663: Panay Revolt

1681-1683: Zambal Revolt

1744-1829: Dagohoy Rebellion

1745-1746: Agrarian Revolt

1762-1763: Silang Revolt

1762-1764: British occupation; Palaris Revolt

1807: Basi Revolt

1823: Novales Revolt

1828: Palmero Conspiracy

1840-1841: Pule Revolt

1843: Tayabas Regiment Revolt

1872: Cavite Mutiny

1896-1899: Philippine Revolution

1898-1901: Republic of Negros

1898-1902: Military Government of the Philippine Islands

1899-1902: Philippine-American War

1902-1935: Insular Government of the Philippine Islands

1935-1941: Commonwealth of the Philippines

1941-1945: Japanese occupation

1945-1972: Third Philippine Republic

1962-present: North Borneo dispute

1968-2019: Moro conflict

1972-1981: martial law

1981-1986: Fourth Philippine Republic

1986: People Power Revolution

1986-present: Fifth Philippine Republic

2010: Manila hostage crisis

2016-2022: Philippine Drug War

Economy

The Philippines mainly imports from China, Indonesia, and Japan and exports to the United States, Japan, and China. Its top exports are electronic integrated circuits, coconut oil, and bananas.

It has copper, gold, nickel, and silver reserves. Services represent 62.3% of the GDP, followed by industry (29.1%) and agriculture (8.6%).

The Philippines is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Demographics

The Tagalog people are the largest ethnic group (26%), followed by the Visayans (14.3%), Ilocan (8%), Cebuano (8%), Hiligaynon (7.9%), Bicolano (6.5%), and Waray (3.8%). The main religion is Christianity, practiced by 85.3% of the population, 78.8% of which is Catholic.

It has a negative net migration rate and a fertility rate of 1.9 children per woman. 54% of the population lives in urban areas. Life expectancy is 72.6 years and the median age is 25.7 years. The literacy rate is 97%.

Languages

The official languages of the country are English and Filipino, which is a standardized version of Tagalog. Nineteen others are regional languages: Aklanon (spoken natively by 0.4% of the population), Bikol (3.9%), Cebuano (22.5%), Chavacano (0.6%), Hiligaynon (7.3%), Ibanag (0.2%), Ilocano (7.1%), Ivatan (0.02%), Kapampangan (2.4%), Kinaray-a (0.9%), Maguindanaon (1.4%), Maranao (1%), Pangasinan (1.3%), Sambal (0.06%), Surigaonon (0.4%), Tagalog (39.9%), Tausūg (1%), Waray (2.6%), and Yakan (0.09%).

Culture

Spanish and USAmerican influences are very present in Filipino culture. Pakikisama, which means “to get along with other people”, is a key value in the Philippines.

Men traditionally wear an embroidered shirt (barong) and loose-fitting pants. Women wear a narrow dress with butterfly sleeves (terno) or a blouse (baro) and a tight skirt (saya).

Indigenous men wear a wraparound skirt (sarong), a band on their chest, and a headpiece. Women wear a blouse (silup), a wraparound skirt (tapis), cross bands (pilaked), and a headband (dalisdis).

Architecture

Traditional houses in the Philippines are built on stilts and made of wood and reef and have thatched roofs.

Cuisine

The Filipino diet is based on fish, meat, rice, and vegetables. Typical dishes include binakol (chicken soup in coconut water with vegetables), biko (a cake made of brown sugar, coconut milk, and sticky rice and topped with syrup), kaldereta (meat stewed in tomato sauce and liver paste), pancit luglug (noodles with chorizo, hard-boiled eggs, and shrimp), and pinakbet (vegetables with shrimp).

Holidays and festivals

Like other Christian and Muslim countries, the Philippines celebrates Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. It also commemorates New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Specific Filipino holidays include EDSA Revolution Anniversary on February 25, Day of Valor on April 9, Independence Day on June 12, Ninoy Aquino Day on August 23, National Heroes Day on August 26, Bonifacio Day on November 30, and Rizal Day on December 30.

EDSA Revolution Anniversary

Other celebrations include the Peñafrancia Festival, which features a fluvial parade; Sinulog, which honors the Holy Child with dance and music, and Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival, which revolves around boat races and parades.

Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival

Landmarks

There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Baroque Churches of the Philippines, Historic City of Vigan, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Other landmarks include the Santo Niño Basilica, the Chocolate Hills, Fort Santiago, the Ruins, and the Tabon Caves.

Ruins

Famous people

Alex Eala - tennis player

Bella Poarch - singer

Clint Ramos - costume designer

Cristeta Comerford - chef

Efren Reyes - pool player

Hidilyn Díaz - weightlifter

Jake Zyrus - singer

Manny Jacinto - actor

Manny Pacquiao - boxer and politician

Pia Wurtzbach - actress and model

Bella Poarch

Mapia nga aggao nikamu amin! I’m Daniella, a native Peñablanceña. I just want to share my little experience here in Tuguegarao, a nearby Municipality. While growing up, we only went to Tuguegarao to buy necessities and quick trips with my family. Why? Because it is so HOT in here! Let me explain to you why;

Tuguegarao City has been renowned as the “Hottest City in the Philippines” since May 11, 1969 with a heat index of 42 °C beating the recorded heat index in 1912 which is 39 °C. Despite of being the Philippines’ hottest city, its true warmth comes from the welcoming spirit of its people.

Tuguegarao City (Ciudad nat Tuguegarao) is the Capital of Cagayan Province. ‘Tuggui’ means ‘fire’ and ‘Gari Yaw’ means ‘it was here’ in Ibanag, “Fire was Here”believed by the locals. Their local folklore about this was that the Spanish recorded that early settlers used controlled burns (kaingin) to clear land for farming, connected to the great fire that once swept through the area. Well, some may link it to the fiery determination of Ybanag people.

Looking back on the history of the Ybanag people (also called ‘Ibanag’) on Tuguegarao City, They were the earliest settlers along the Cagayan River.  ‘I’ means ‘people’ and ‘banag’ means ‘river’, “People of the River” is the meaning of Ibanag. As time goes by, Itawes people slowly emerging in the city and dominates them, but ybanag remains the “language of the streets” especially in the Barangays near Riverside.

Let us dig first into the places where Ibanag hearts still beats the strongest.

Growing up as a kid who have Faith in God, This Church was always the first place to go whenever we have something to pray for—Gratitude for the blessings we are receiving everyday, Forgiveness on our sins, Guidance, and Good Health. When I was a kid, the First song that I have memorized was ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ or ‘Ama Mi’ in Ibanag, and other songs like ‘Kyrie’, ‘Gloria ta Dios’, ‘Cordero na Dios’ and ‘Natay si Cristo’ , these songs touches my heart and it feels like I am talking to Him sincerely.

In this photo, We went to the St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral to pray and offer our Gratitude to Him, as he passed the stages on becoming a Cadet in the Philippine Military Academy and as we Graduate on our Senior High School together being an Academic Achievers and Special Awardees, We have also prayed for his Guidance on his way to Baguio.

TUGUEGARAO’S SACRED LANDMARK

'Ti Kappon ni Rizal' (Rizal's Meeting Place) or known now as the Rizal Park is near the Riverside. Historically, before statues is this was where Ibanag elders held "tulagan" (community debates) under ancient acacia tree. Now, there are some vendors nearby who sells vegetables in the morning and it is a night market in the evening where street foods and thrifted clothes are being displayed.

When I was in high school, this is the place where we will meet up with my classmates to have a practice, not just because it is wide and beautiful but it is convenient for all of us considering the distance.

Rizal Park: Where Ibanag Memories Meets National Hero

Ermita De San Jacinto Church or locally known as 'Tukel ni Ermita' (Ermita's Hill), this was where Ibanag "mama-anito" (spiritual leaders) read omens. The Ibanag devotees before and until now rubs the St. Hyacinth Statue's feet, praying for bountiful harvest.

An Ibanag Sacred Church Hill

In the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of the Divine Mercy Church, where Ibanag Catholicism echoes. This Church features homily delivered in Ibanag every First Friday Masses. The songs being used are also in Ibanag to keep our Faith in our Mother Tongue.

Ibanag Homily Keeps Faith Alive

The Cagayan Provincial Capitol is more than just a government building—it stands on land where it has Ibanag history. "Balay ti Gobierno" (Government House) hosts the Annual Ybanag Day or much known now as Pavvurulun Afi Festival.

Every year, we visits the Capitol to witness its colorful lights and to unwind. This 'Ti Pailaw ta Kapitolyo Mangiyawa ta Pangayaya ta Tottolay ira' (This Lights in the Capitol gives Happiness to Its People).

A little experience of mine was to have a Welcome Dance to the Chinese Ambassador, celebrating the partnership with Cagayan being held at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol. He also visits the Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center which features some Ibanag's Heritage.

'Balai ti Gobyerno': Stands on Ibanag Grounds

The Tuguegarao City Hall is not just the seat of government—it’s a symbol of how the Ibanag people have shaped the city’s identity. "Funa’y Turay" (Place of Authority), that's what Ibanag elders calls it. "Mapia nga aggao!" and "Mabbalo" are the phrases that you will hear at the help desk, showing that Ibanag dialect is still being used even in workplace.

Ibanag Legacy in City Hall

Mall of the Valley or locals say more as MOV is not just a normal shopping center, this mall represents something deeper—a bridge between urban progress and cultural identity. "Tanap ti Cagayan" in Ibanag. This reflects many Ibanag Cultures, from local food stalls which sells Pancit Batil Patong, Vegetables for 'Inabraw' and many more. You will hear everywhere a buyer trying to bargain, asking "Piga taw?" and vendors "anni allegan mu?"

This place is crowded everyday, but it doubles when 'Back-to-School Season' and 'Christmas Season', so try to avoid it!

MOV Still have Ibanag Culture

Now, we're going to the famous Buntun Bridge which is more than just a structure. This 1.1km bridge that linked Tuguegarao to Solana, this shows that Ibanag people have connected across generations. Not just to their own ethnicity, but to others also.

I believed that long before this bridge was built, people uses 'barangay/balangay' that crosses the river and eventually the cause where Itawes people moved and chose to reside in Tuguegarao City.

Ibanag History Flows Beneath The Steels

Pinacanauan River is the living Ibanag Heritage. To the Ibanag people, this turquoise-watered isn’t just a body of water; it’s “Nattavan a Bannag” (the River of Stories). For me, “Nu awan ti Pinacanauan, awan ti Ibanag.”

The Ibanag’s Sacred River of Stories

After exploring those places, I will now introduce to you the Festival in Tuguegarao City which is the Pavvurulun Afi Festival. The name itself means 'gathering' . This is not just a street dance, it is a cultural reawakening where ancient traditions dance alongside modern rhythms.

This is being performed on the streets along the Mall of the Valley, so try to secure a spot if you want to watch!

Flames of Faith, Rhythms of Roots

We shouln't forget about Foods!!

Temperature may soar past 40 °C, but there’s a dish where it’s everyones’ favorite. The Pansit Batil Patong, Originated in Tuguegarao City. It is a chewy stir-fried noodles, topped with a carabao meat, and a Poached Egg. “Nu nangan ka ta batil patung, numay ka ta Tuguegarao ngana” (When you have already eaten a Batil Patong, You’ve been to Tuguegarao)

In every celebration, Pansit Batil Patong should be present too.  

TUGUEGARAO’S PRIDE SERVED IN A PLATE

Chicha-rabao snack is a crispy, golden carabao skin cracklings. It is an Ibanag Product. When beef was in scarce before, our ancestors used every part of the "nuang" (carabao)—even its skin, so that's how they made that. They sun-dried it first, taking advantage of Tuguegarao's Heat then Pounded into thin before cooking.

It is a nice and tasty snack, might taste heavenly when paired with a vinegar!

Scarcity into a Culinary!

Tuguegarao’s true essence lies not in its scorching heat or iconic landmarks, but in the enduring spirit of the Ibanag people that breathes life into every corner of the city.