TAMBARA

Tambara is a bi-annual peer-reviewed journal of the Ateneo de Davao University released every June and December.  It aims to provide a forum for vibrant and informed public discourse on various pertinent issues—theoretical and practical—affecting Mindanao and beyond among established as well as aspiring scholars.  It publishes original articles, editorials, and review essays in the areas of humanities, social sciences, philosophy, and theology.  Replies to articles are also welcome.

This journal has borrowed the Bagobo word tambara to emphasize the commitment of the Ateneo Community and the larger Mindanao region as a Filipino, Catholic and Jesuit University.

When the balatik appears in the sky, it is time for the yearly sacrifice.  All who are to prepare new fields or are to assist others in such work gather to take part in the ceremonies honoring the spirits.  For three days, the men abstain from work.  No music and dancing are allowed. “With the ending of the period of taboo, the workers go to the fields and, in the center of each, they place a tambara, fitted with a white dish containing betel nut. This is an offering to Eugpamolak Manobo, who is besought to drive [away] from the field [evil spirits]…to keep the workers in good health, to allow an abundant crop, and, finally, to make the owner rich and happy. (Faye-Cooper Cole, The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao, 1913)