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Kapampangan rice legends

Manila Bulletin

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June 20, 2025

Rice is an important part of the Filipino diet, and has been that way for centuries. It was so valued in ancient Kapampangan society that many folk beliefs have sprung up around it.

- AVANT GARDENER YVETTE TAN

In the continuation of my conversation with Mike Pangilinan, administrative officer of the Kapampangan Language Services Unit under the Office of the Mayor and administrator of the Sinupan Singsing Center for Kapampangan Culture and Heritage, he talks about the many beliefs that surround rice in ancient Kapampangan society. "Rice is very sensitive. With other crops, people don't really care... but rice is very important, so there's a lot of rituals connected to [it]," he said.

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