Exploring the Oral Tradition of Kwentong Bayan in Bobon, Northern Samar amid the Phenomenon of Mass Media and Communication Technologies

Abstract

Oral tradition is an anthology of verbal utterance of past human experiences expressed sophisticatedly in many ways. Anchored on the Theory of Narratology, Structuration Theory, and Theory of Media Ecology, this study explores the oral tradition of kwentong bayan in Bobon, Northern Samar relative to the interplay of individuals and societal structures. This study also probes into the possible changes instigated by media to the said tradition.

In line with its qualitative approach, participant observation and unstructured focused interviews with 18 natives and migrant Bobonanons were conducted.

Findings reveal that religious tales are the most popular kwentong bayan among the 25 folktales collected in the area. Along with these folktales are stories with touch of magic, Juan Posong tales, and stories about creatures of lower mythologies. It was found out that aside from its entertainment and spiritual function, kwentong bayan serves as an edifying tool, an instrument for reconstructing the past, and a sanction to established beliefs and attitudes. Unfortunately, the oral tradition of kwentong bayan in Bobon is already waning. Several factors are pointed out as reasons for its decline, namely, the parents, generation gap, formal education, modernization, and media. Interestingly, however, informants see the potential of media to revive this vanishing tradition.

Mengullo, M. I., & Mogueis, M. C. (2010). Exploring the Oral Tradition of Kwentong Bayan in Bobon, Northern Samar amid the Phenomenon of Mass Media and Communication Technologies, Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.

View Thesis

Subject Index: Mass media, Press, Oral communication--Northern Samar--Philippines, Heritage tourism, Fiction, Legends