Tagbawa (tɐgˈbɐwɐ)
Empress of the Tagápulo Empire
"If you want to know where Princess Liwayway's poise and sophistication came from, look no further than the Empress her mother. She is the model the Princess emulates, at least in public." - Pinuno ng Pananalapi
Tagbawa is the Empress of the Tagápulo Empire, and mother to the four legitimate children of Emperor Matatag. Many in the empire believe that she is the model all women should aspire to, and hold her up as a paragon of decorum and civilization. More political commentators will contrast her behaviour with that of her husband Emperor Matatag, and subtly suggest that her restraint and proper manners are more becoming to the throne than his debauchery. Comparisons such as this are often used as ways to discuss the more pressing issue of the succession, since the same comparison is easily made between Crown Prince Haribon and Princess Liwayway, the two main contenders to the throne.
Early Life
Tagbawa was born into one of the most powerful and influential families in the Tagápulo Empire, and was raised to be a perfect noblewoman. She learned early how to use her position to influence those around her, by behaving as a living embodiment of politeness, civility, and decorum. People often reported that her very presence seemed to enforce all the rules of society, a reputation that has grew to become a legend. Saying a rude word or omitting a curtesy while under her gaze was unthinkable, at least for most people. One of the notable exceptions was Matatag, the raucous prince who would later become her husband and the Emperor of Tagápulo.
Marriage to the Crown
As Matatag threw himself into debauched revelry, his father Emperor Dakila grew worried about the fate of the Empire in his heir's hands. He came to believe that Matatag could only be tempered by the appropriate marriage, to someone who would balance his excesses and keep the Imperial Court from following their emperor into decadence. To Dakila, Tagbawa seemed like a prayer answered. He proposed the match to her father in such terms that made it clear that no was not an acceptable response, and then assigned his katulong to begin the wedding plans. When Tagbawa was informed of her engagement, she simply inclined her head in submission to the fate decreed, but she did not smile or speak. To those who knew her, this was as shocking as a screamed curse, and many feared what might happen after the two were wed.
The wedding ceremony was perfect, with all the forms and rituals performed to Tagbawa's exacting standards. Within the formal setting of the temple, Tagbawa's aura overwhelmed Matatag's such that even he was forced to comply with all the rules and expectations of his position. Once they were in a less restrictive environment, his nature reasserted itself, but he did keep most of his carousing out of the view of his father and his wife.
Empress and Paragon
As Empress, Tagbawa has done everything anyone could have expected. Dakila died less than two months after her marriage, and she gave birth to crown prince Haribon in the first year. As Dakila had hoped, her presence did moderate Matatag's behavior, especially when they met in formal settings. Over the years, formal meetings became the only ones they both attended - when not required to appear together, they did not do so. Despite this, Tagbawa and Matatag have still managed to have three more children together, seemingly conceiving a child any time they lay together.
Her Position on the Succession
While many believe that Liwayway would be the better heir to the throne, Tagbawa has always held that Haribon is the proper heir. As the firstborn and the declared heir of his father, he has the precedence and mandate to rule. When one of her ladies attempted to suggest that Liwayway might be a better ruler, Tagbawa silenced her with a glance before stating that it did not change anything - Haribon was the heir. She remains the most influential supporter Haribon has, and seems unlikely to change her position.
Librarian's Note
Empress Tagbawa's aura of propriety is legendary - so much so that it has taken on the force of a Folk Magic spell. At some point during her childhood, she became so associated with politeness, civility, and decorum that the Egregoric Force began to enforce this in her presence, and only those with a comparable but contrary reputation (such as Emperor Matatag are able to defy it. After decades of this, it is extremely likely that she has begun to suffer from Dissolutio Identitatis and may herself be incapable of violating the rules of society. On the other hand, her reputation has such force that I would be unsurprised if she achieves apotheosis after death.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
I feel so sad for her that she is not in a happy marriage. She seems like a lovely lady, albeit formidable.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
She’s not happy, that’s true. I think she’ll prefer godhood to her mortal existence when the time comes.