El Folk-lore Filipino (Tomo I)

In this opening essay the author sets out a lively defence of “folk‑lore” as a serious field of study, arguing that the rich, often humorous customs of the Filipino people deserve the same scholarly attention once given to European peasant traditions. He explains how early attempts to explain natural phenomena were rooted in imagination and ignorance, and how modern anthropology now demands careful, verifiable documentation of myths, proverbs, songs, rituals and even place‑names. The piece also outlines an ambitious agenda: to gather every fragment of popular knowledge—medicine, agriculture, astronomy, math, moral teachings and more—so that scientists can compare the Philippines’ cultural inheritance with that of other societies.

The introduction stresses the importance of accurate transcription, urging the use of music notation, sketches, photographs and other tools to preserve the original voice of the community. By framing folklore as a multidisciplinary archive, the author invites readers to see everyday sayings and childhood games as vital clues to humanity’s past. This groundwork promises a treasure trove of stories, legends and practical wisdom that illuminate the island nation’s collective imagination.