trying to learn: Malabuyoc, Cebu South

Malabuyoc, Cebu

Location : 125.5 kms S of Cebu CityTown Fiesta : September 9-10
Patron Saint : San Nicolas
Places of Interest : watchtower, Mainit medicinal springs, Legendary Kagula cliffs

Historical Notes

According to oral accounts, the ancient name of the town was Kandaton, after a man, the most respected at that time. Not long after his death, he was succeeded by Kantigo. The name of the locality accordingly became Kantigo after the new ruler.

The first Spaniards who came to the town found it to be inhabited by many people. There were many big houses and plants were in abundance.

It is written that immediately after the arrival of the Spaniards, a bandillo (town crier) was sent around the town, urging the parents to send their children to school in Cebu City. It was not understood by the natives as it was worded in Spanish. Fearing that the bearded conquistadores would get their children to be butchered and eaten, the women, children and old people fled to the mountains, leaving only able-bodied men behind.

The bravest among them was Kantipa. Angered by the news, Kantipa confronted the head of the Spanish party whether it was true. The Castilian, not knowing a word of Cebuano, just nodded and nodded his head. Interpreting this as a confirmation, Kantipa unsheathed his bolo and hacked off the head of the hapless Spaniard. The others immediately fled.

But another group returned to retaliate. They were more in number and with more weapons. It was announced that with the killing of an encomiendero, the whole town will be massacred (juez de cuchillo) unless Kantipa will be made to pay for his crime. Since Kantipa had meanwhile fled, his courageous Kagula offered to take his place. The soldiers were at first reluctant to accept his sacrificial offer. But seeing that he was resolute, they cut off his head.

From this incident rose a folklore of how Malabuyoc got its name:

From the time the encomiendero was slain, the Spaniards began to call the place “mala” meaning bad in Spanish. However, they and the natives soon became friends.

One day, a Spanish soldier came upon a woman cooking dinner. He asked what she was doing, and was told “Nagbuyoc”, which meant pouring milled corn into the pot.

Back with his companions in the boat, they interpreted this to be the name of the place. They prefixed the “mala” to “buyoc” to read in full as Malabuyoc.

Another version of the etymology of the town came from an amusing incident. Lavilles relates the story:

During the Spanish times, the place grew numerous trees laden with delicious tropical fruits that the branches were weighed down or “buyoc” in the dialect. When a group of Spaniards visited the locality, they were afforded the famed southern hospitality and were at once served the mouth-watering fruits. Because they were indeed delicious, the Spaniards gorge on them. Having overeaten, they subsequently came down with stomachaches. “Mala!” they complained, pointing to the fruits. Combined with “buyoc” the site came to be known as Malabuyoc.

According to church records, the town was founded in 1832. The founders were Agustin Fuentes, Leon Carbonella, Jose Balentos, Pedro Vildosola and Martin Carredo. They were known the prominent men at that time and one after the other became capitanes from 1832 to 1845. Rev. Fr. Bernardo Ruiz was the first curate starting 1832.

Malabuyoc is 93kms(57.5miles) from Cebu City