Mythologies of the Obu Manuvu Tribe

November 05, 2024

The Obus occupy Tambolong, Baguio District, and Marilog District on the Davao side, and Arakan, Antipas, Roxas, MAgpet, Kidapawan, Makilala on the Cotabato side. Stray froups can be found in Southern Cotabato. As the Obus lived in very remote areas, the Spaniards failed to identify them as a separate tribe and simply lumped them together with the Atas. Pastellas called Atas "the indigenous natives who generally lived about the western districts of Mt. Apo." An Obu epic tells of the adventures of Tuwaang, particularly his fight with the Moros. Tuwaang is actually claimed by many other tribes, as variants of the Tuwaang epic are also sang among the Ata Manobo tribe in Talaingod in Davao del Norte and the Matigsalogs in San Fernando, Bukidnon. But instead of Tuwaang, the name of their hero is Tulalang. A common theme of his adventures is his fight with the Ikogans (tailed men) who are associated with the Moros. Obu oral tradition tells of Apo Sandawa's journey from the north to Davao. Apo Sandawa's point of entry in Davao was at Ulas. If so, this suggests a sea journey. From Ulas, Apo Sandawa and hid family moved north towards the Talomo mountains, even reaching Mt. Sinaka. Apo Sandawa's journey ended in Mt. Apo where he was buried. Apo Sandawa is considered the ancestor of the Obos.

Manobo simply means “people” or “person”; alternate names include Manuvu and Minuvu. The term may have originated from “Mansuba,” a combination of man (people) and suba (river). Manobos are concentrated in Agusan, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Davao, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao Del Sur. he Ubo are a Manobo sub-tribe who inhabit the more isolated mountains of Southwest Cotabato in the area known as Datal Tabayong, as well as, more southerly Davao del Sur. As of last count, they numbered close to 17,000 (OSCC, 1987); a follow up on their numbers in subsequent years has proved difficult. Known for their intricate casting, the Ubo fashion fine weaponry and jewelry that they believe possess souls, making it harder for the maker to part with them. Agriculturally, they practice swidden, a slash-and-burn farming, oft planting and harvesting rice, root crops, and vegetables for consumption. Like the Bagobo, the Ubo believe in multiple deities headed by a central figure, Diwata (God); they're animist, they also believe in ancestral spirits and unseen beings inhabiting the animate and inanimate objects found throughout their environment. In civic matters, the political leader and Datu (Filipino chieftain) of the village attains his position by virtue of wealth; speaking ability and knowledge of customary law, known as fendan. The primary obligation consists of settling disputes among members of a family, neighbors, and the community. When a fine is set and/or imposed by the Datu, the accused has to pay it to the aggrieved party; if he's unable to, then he will become servant to the one who pays for him, otherwise known as dok.