Ethnic - Book Review

Introduction

The book "The Samals in History and Legend" by Margarita delos Reyes Cojuangco explores the Samal people of the Philippines.
There is a rich historical background of various cultures and groups across the Philippine islands.
The Mindanao Sea region, particularly Sulu, is home to the Samals, who maintain a distinct cultural identity.

Margarita delos Reyes Cojuangco: Known as "Tingting", she graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, earning her master's in Philippine History in 1987 and in National Security Administration.
She comes from a prominent family; known for her beauty, she was listed as one of the "100 most beautiful women in the world" by Harper’s Bazaar.
Cojuangco served as the Governor of Tarlac from 1992-1998 and held various political roles until the present, including being a Colonel in the Philippine Army reserve.

Cojuangco's thesis titled "The Samal: Balangingi: An Experiment in Colonial Diaspora" focused on the survivors of the Balangingi Massacre.

Discusses the Mindanao Sea as a mysterious, underexplored area inhabited by Samals known for maritime activities.
Various names for the Samals based on location: "Sama" in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, "Samar" in Lanao del Sur, and "Samal" in Maguindanao, meaning "together".
The Samals are described as disunited sea nomads with no land ownership, yet they have preserved their history and culture.

Utilized uncommon sources including epics and historical records like the Maranao epic "Darangen" for research.
Emphasized oral traditions, myths, and manuscripts to gather information.

Evidence suggests a group known as "Sam-Ma" resisted the Chinese Emperor Shun and migrated south to the Sulu region.
Alternative theories propose origins from the Malay Peninsula, particularly Johore.

Examines three central Mindanao epics: Ulahinfan, Radia Indapara, and Radia Sulayman, revealing socio-cultural relationships among ethnic groups.
Underscores the integration of the Samals with other ethnic groups for survival.

Traces the history of the Sultanate of Sulu and the slave trade, linking it with economic necessities prior to Spanish colonialism.
Describes the role of Balangingi in the trading network and involvement in piracy due to limited resources.

Details the rise of piracy in the 19th century, leading to an increase in slave raids while legal slave trading diminished in Luzon.
Sarangani Bay became a central hub for slave trade.

Focuses on Taluksangay as a sanctuary for displaced Samals, established by Abdula Mas Nuno.
Migration patterns into this area began in 1902 as a response to conflict.

Investigates Samal Lutangan's roots and their migration due to conflict in Celebes, culminating in their settlement in Olutanga.
Fishing and mat weaving are key economic activities.

Chronicles the forced migration of 350 Samals to Isabela in 1858 to work in tobacco plantations, showcasing cultural transformation.
Discusses the fusion of Christianity and Islam among Samal communities.

Highlights migration from Jolo to General Santos City, emphasizing the resilience of Samals against displacement.

Presents a detailed exploration of Samal history using a thematic research approach.
Critique includes a need for objectivity, reliability of oral histories, and careful contextual examinations of primary sources.
Cojuangco's background may influence her portrayal of the Samals' resilience and cultural identity.

Cojuangco’s research significantly contributes to the historiography of Central Mindanao, providing a perspective on the Samal ethnic group that is important for historical and cultural understanding.

Provides citations for works discussing Cojuangco and her influence in political and cultural domains.