Magpasumbaih (also sarahakan tupul, this according to another observer of the Tausog custom with respect to the same, Amadeo S. Timbol) seems to be a reckless form of Tausog courtship. In this, the love-smitten fellow tries to forego the usual tradition of courtship by going directly to the heartthrob’s father, bringing with him a barong or kali (a kind of Tausog bladed weapon) and thereby present it to the latter accompanied by the following admonition: “Sire, I am in love with your daughter, a love that transcends everything in this life. Permit me to ask for her hands in marriage. But should you refuse the offer, life would be meaningless for me. Death would be sweet. You may smite me down with this barong if you so desire.”
It would be nice if the prospective father-in-law is in an amiable frame of mind when this transgression occurs. But if is not, it is utterly dangerous, as he really might cut the swain down.
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Source:
Anima, N. 1975. Courtship and Marriage Practices among Philippine Tribes. La Loma: Omar.
