The edifices and houses of the natives of all these Filipinas Islands are built in a uniform manner, as are their settlements; for they always build them on the shores of the sea, between rivers and creeks.  The natives generally gather in districts or settlements where they sow their rice, and possess their palm trees, nipa and banana groves, and other trees, and implements for their fishing and sailing.  A small number inhabit the interior, and are called tinguianes; they also seek sites on rivers and creeks, on which they settle for the same reasons.

The houses and dwellings of all these natives are universally set upon stakes and arigues [i.e., columns] high above the ground.  Their rooms are small and the roofs low.  They are built and tiled with wood and bamboos, [137] and covered and roofed with nipa-palm leaves.  Each house is separate, and is not built adjoining another.  In the lower part are enclosures made by stakes and bamboos, where their fowls and cattle are reared, and the rice pounded and cleaned.  One ascends into the houses by means of ladders that can be drawn up, which are made from two bamboos.  Above are their open batalanes [galleries] used for household duties; the parents and [grown] children live together.  There is little adornment and finery in the houses, which are called bahandin. [138]

Besides these houses, which are those of the common people and those of less importance, there are the chiefs’ houses.  They are built upon trees and thick arigues, with many rooms and comforts.  They are well constructed of timber and planks, and are strong and large.  They are furnished and supplied with all that is necessary, and are much finer and more substantial than the others.  They are roofed, however, as are the others, with the palm-leaves called nipa.  These keep out the water and the sun more than do shingles or tiles, although the danger from fires is greater.

The natives do not inhabit the lower part of their houses, because they raise their fowls and cattle there, and because of the damp and heat of the earth, and the many rats, which are enormous and destructive both in the houses and sowed fields; and because, as their houses are generally built on the sea shore, or on the banks of rivers and creeks, the waters bathe the lower parts, and the latter are consequently left open.

There were no kings or lords throughout these islands who ruled over them as in the manner of our kingdoms and provinces; but in every island, and in each province of it, many chiefs were recognized by the natives themselves.  Some were more powerful than others, and each one had his followers and subjects, by districts and families; and these obeyed and respected the chief.  Some chiefs had friendship and communication with others, and at times wars and quarrels. [139]