umalahokan
prehispanic news bearer; town crier
Usage Note
Umalahokan was the designated news crier in pre-colonial Philippine barangays, responsible for publicly announcing community matters, laws, events, and proclamations by voice. The role is analogous to a town crier. The term has historical and cultural significance and is sometimes used metaphorically today to describe someone who loudly spreads news or gossip.
Examples
" Sumigaw ang umalahokan sa nayon. "
Natural Translation
The town crier shouted in the village.
Literal Translation
Shouted the town-crier in village.
" Ang umalahokan ang nagbalita sa buong nayon ng pagdating ng bagong datu. "
Natural Translation
The town crier announced to the whole village the arrival of the new chieftain.
Literal Translation
The town-crier the announced to-the whole village the arrival of-the new chief.
" Bago pa man umiral ang radyo at pahayagan, ang umalahokan ang inaasahan ng buong baryo upang ipaalam ang mga utos ng datu. "
Natural Translation
Long before radio and newspapers existed, the town crier was relied upon by the whole village to announce the chieftain's orders.
Literal Translation
Before even existed the radio and newspaper, the town-crier the relied-upon of whole village so-that to-announce the orders of chief.
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