“Angkan ng Butiki” (The Lizard Clan), one of the prominent family clans in Marikina City. (Photo Courtesy: Marikina PIO) 

The city of Marikina has taken pride in its local shoemaking industry since the 1880s.

However, did you know that Marikina is also a melting pot of culture, where generations coexist to foster a sense of collective identity towards the formation of a progressive society? 

The “Angkan-Angkan Festival” or the “Feast of Clans” is being held annually, coinciding with the founding anniversary of the city every April to establish the primacy of the family and other kindred relationships that lie at the core of a positive social structure. The yearly event is also a celebration of kinship and solidarity among Marikeños.

As Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said, “may kapwa ang taga-Marikina (Marikina citizens embrace a shared identity),” which means that the interactions of its residents are genuinely dictated by the value of shared bond and interdependence. 

“Ang una kong naiisip kapag sinabing Marikina ay pamilya. Ang pamilya, bilang pinaka-payak na bahagi ng pamayanan, ay ang sentro ng ating komunidad. Sa pamilya natin unang natututunan ang values na nagsisilbing gabay natin kung paano mamuhay,” said Marikina 1st District Representative Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro. 

(The first that comes to my mind when I hear about Marikina is family. The family, as the basic unit of society, is the core of our community. We first learned about the values that serve as a guide of our way of life within the social context of family.) 

Unique family names 

The celebration of the “Angkan-Angkan Festival” started in 1999 to gather together relatives of the same lineage to establish familial connections.

In the past, last names were developed in order to group people based on various factors like job, where they are from, family ties, and even how they look.

To date, the social fabric of Marikina is being weaved by 50 clans that have existed in the city for about a century or more. 

There are plenty of unique clan names in the city which are essentially used as a source of identity and to trace the history and ancestry of community members. 

These names also represent the values, traditions, and even the occupations of the clan which can provide a source of pride, inspiration, and a sense of connection among members. 

In case you have not heard of the clan names in Markina, here are some that you might find unique: 

Agimat 

This clan has its roots in Barangay Malanday and is known for possessing an “agimat” or amulet that is passed down from generation to generation by their ancestors. In terms of values, this clan is admired for being helpful to the community in times of need. 

Ampalaya 

Due to the strong liking of their ancestor to “ampalaya” or “bitter gourd,” the members of this clan thus had the name. They are also known for being reliable at all times. Meanwhile, this clan sprang into existence in Barangay San Roque. 

Andres 

Originated in Barangay Calumpang, this clan on the other hand, is known for embodying the values of generosity and excellence. What also made the clan commendable was the willful decision of its ancestors to reside and build a family in Marikina. Marikina Vice Mayor Marion Andres belongs to this clan. 

Ayuson (Daga)  

This clan stands out because of its ancestors’ practical skill in hunting and catching mice or rats on farms. Stemming from Barangay Malanday and Concepcion Uno, the Ayuson Clan is distinguished for exhibiting unity as part of their core family values. 

Bakaw 

“Bakaw” or “tagak” is a type of bird with a long beak that is often seen on top of a carabao. The forefather of this clan was given the moniker “bakaw” because of his unique trait of resting on the back of his ancestors in-between farm work. This clan is also known for their industrious qualities in Barangay Calumpang. 

Bangus 

The name of this clan originated from its forefather named Macario Francisco who was said to have the ability of prolonging his breath while swimming in a river. Its founding members were also mostly described as “matinik” (similar to a fish with a lot of bones like bangus), which is a Filipino term for men who seek or pursue relationships with women. This clan has its roots in Barangay Concepcion Uno. 

Bukayo

“Bukayo” is a delightful Filipino dessert made from sweetened shredded coconut. This delicacy symbolizes the collectiveness of the Bukayo Clan that originated in Barangay Sto. Nino. Their ancestors used to eat this dessert while growing crops and cultivating farm lands. This clan is also known for their unity as a family. 

Supok 

Vincente Manuel Santos, one of the earliest political figures in Barangay Sto. Niño, has significantly contributed to the name of this clan. He was given the name “Enteng Supok” when the dynamite he was making suddenly exploded after a direct contact with the sunlight. Enteng’s face was covered with the black powder used in making the explosive, similar to anything that has been burned or “natupok,” hence the name. 

Tabo 

This clan was named after Cornelio Sta. Ana who had a body figure like a “tabo” or a “dipper.” He was also often seen with a dipper on his hands, hence the moniker. At present, the members of this clan continue to honor their heritage by selling “Pansit sa Calumpang” by the “tabo.” 

Talong 

The name of this clan was sourced from the biggest supplier of eggplants in Marikina Market. The forefathers of the Talong Clan were known to be the ones who started the planting and growing of eggplant along the Marikina River back in the 19th century. They are also acknowledged for being trustworthy. 

The present cannot exist without the past. Placing value on kinship is placing value on the array of relationships and ties that paved the way for a generation to thrive. 

Do you know your family tree? If not, you might be interested in tracing the fragments of your identity by knowing which clan you belong to. (JMP/PIA-NCR)