Tagalog Myths – THE ORIGIN OF RICE

Long ago, people did not plant crops or raise animals for food. They relied only on nature and
their surroundings. They would live in places where they could find food. Some stayed in caves
and lived on fruits and animal meat.
Some stayed by river banks and the sea, so they could fish for their food. They would stay in a
place until food got scarce and then move to another place where food was bountiful.
The couple Banag and Danas belonged to a group who used to live near the sea. They were
looking for a new place. A fierce storm had destroyed their houses near the sea. They feared the
coming of another storm.
“Why do we always move our home?” Banag asked Danas. “I am tired of this kind of life. We
cannot even have children because we keep moving.” Banag wanted to seperate from the rest of
the group and stay behind in a pleasant place. “I want to bear our child there.”
Danas gave in to his wife’s request. They chose a nice place in the mountains and built a simple
house there. Their new home was tranquil and food was bountiful. Nearby was a clear stream
where Danas caught many fish.

But then came a drought. For a long time, no rain fell, and the earth dried up. Plants and trees
died, and birds and animals and disappeared. Fish perished in the dried stream.

Danas travelled far to look for food. But the drought was merciless. He travelled until he reached
the next mountain Still, he could not find food.

Exhaustion caught up with Danas in the middle of a vast field. He lay among the grasses and fell
asleep. Suddenly, the wind blew, and the grasses danced and sang. Danas woke up surprised.

Danas listened to the song of the grasses. “We are the hope of the people, Danas. Gather our
grains. Our grains are good food.” Danas noticed the head of the grains of the grasses. Each head
was full of golden grains. He picked a grain and bit it. “Pound our grains to remove their golden
covers, ” sang the grasses. “Cook the white kernels inside the grains to soften them. It is good
food.”
Danas gathered the grains until his bag was full and then hurriedly went home to Banag. “Now
we have food,” he happily told Banag. He removed the golden covers of the grains, as the
grasses had instructed him, cooked the grains, and then ate them.
The next morning, Danas returned to the field, “plant our grains,” sang the grasses. “Plant them
on land softened by rain. They will grow, and you will take care of them. When you harvest,
save some grains to plant again. Learn to plant and take care of plants. Planting will become your
source of livelihood.”
Danas suddenly felt raindrops. He looked up to see the heavens darken with rain. “Call your crop
palay (rice) ,” sang the grasses which danced vigorously as the rained poured. “Tell other about
this. Teach them how to plant palay.”
Danas followed the advice of the grasses. He planted a rice field around his house and studied
farming. He taught the others what he had learned. Farms got bigger and bigger and people no
longer had to move search for food.

Iloko Myths – THE FIRST MONKEY

Long ago in a thick forest, a young girl lived under the care of the goddess of weaving. Here she
lived happily and without care, for everything that she wanted to eat was provided for her by her
patroness.

One day the goddess said to the girl, “Take this cotton, clean it, and make out a dress for yourself
out of it.” Now, the girl knew nothing about making cloth and weaving it, so she said to the
goddess, “When the cotton is cleaned, is it ready for use?”

“No,” answered the guardian, “after it is cleaned, it must be beaten.”

“Well, after it is beaten, is it ready for use?” said the lazy girl. The goddess said that before it
could be used, it would have to be spun. “Well, after it is spun,” persisted the saucy maiden, “is it
ready for use?”

“No, it must next be woven into cloth, cut, and sewn,” answered the patient goddess.

“Oh!” said, the girl, “it will take a long time and much hard work to make clothes that way. This
leather hide which you have given me to beat the cotton on, will make me better clothing,
because it will wear longer.” So she covered herself with the leather. The goddess was so angry
at the girl for her laziness that she decided that the leather should not only be her dress but also
her very skin. Then the goddess took the stick for beating the cotton and thrusting it between the
maiden’s buttocks said to her, “This stick will become part of your body, and you will use it for
climbing purposes. As a penalty for laziness, henceforth you shall live in tress in the forest, and
there you will find your fruit.”

Thus, originated the first monkey with a coat of leather and a tail.
 Maranao Myths – HOW THE ANGELS BUILT LAKE LANAO

Long ago there was no lake in Lanao. On the place where it is now situated, there flourished a
mighty sultanate called Mantapoli. During the reign of Sultan Abdara Radawi, the greater
grandfather of Radia Indarapatra (mythological hero of the Lanao Muslims), this realm expanded
by military conquests and by dynastic marriages so that in time its fame spread far and wide.

The population of Mantapoli was numerous and fast increasing. At that time the world was
divided into two regions: Sebangan (East) and Sedpan (West). The mighty sultanate of
Mantapoli belonged to Sebangan. Because this sultanate rapidly increased in power and
population as well, the equilibrium between Sebangan and Sedpan was broken.

This dis-equilibrium soon came to the attention of Archangel Diabarail (Gabriel to the
Christians). Like a flash of sunlight, Diabarail flew to the Eighth heaven and told Allah, “My
Lord, why have you permitted the unbalance of the earth? Because of the power of Mantapoli,
Sebangan is now larger than Sedpan.”

“Why, Diabarail,” replied the Sohara (Voice of Allah), “what is wrong with that?”

“My Lord, Mantapoli has a vast population countless as the particles of dust. If we will allow
this sultanate to remain in Sebangan, I fear that the world would turn upside down, since
Sebangan is heavier than Sedpan.”

“Your words show great wisdom, Diabarail,” commented the Sohara.

“What must we do, my Lord, to avert the impending catastrophe?”

To this query, the Sohara replied, “Go right away to the Seven-Regions-Beneath-the-Earth and to
the Seven-Regions-in-the-Sky and gather all the angels. I will cause a barahana (solar eclipse)
and in the darkness let the angels remove Mantapoli and transfer it to the center of the earth.”

Upon receiving the mandate of Allah, Archangel Diabarail, traveling faster than lightning, rallied
the millions of angels from the Seven-Regions-Beneath-the-Earth and the Seven-Regions-in-the-
Sky. With this formidable army, he presented himself to Allah, saying, “My Lord, we are ready
to obey Your command.”

The Sohara spoke, “Go to Sebangan, and lift the land of Mantapoli.”

Diabarail, leading his army of angels, flew to the east. In the twinkle of an eye, the sun vanished
and a terrible darkness as black as the blackest velvet shrouded the universe. The angels sped
faster than arrows. They swooped on Mantapoli, lifting it with great care and carried it (including
its people, houses, crops and animals) through the air as if it were a carpet. They brought it down
at the center of the earth, in accordance with the command of Allah. The very spot vacated by the
sultanate of Mantapoli became a huge basin of deep, blue water-the present Lanao Lake.

The waters coming from the deep bowels of the earth rose higher and higher. Archangel
Diabarail, seeing the rising tides immediately returned to the Eighth Heaven and reported to
Allah, “My Lord, the earth is now balanced. But the place where we removed Mantapoli is
becoming an ocean. The waters are rising fast, and unless an outlet for them can be found, I fear
that they might inundate Sebangan and drown all Your people.”

In response, the Sohara said, “You are right, Diabarail. Go out, then, and summon the Four
Winds of the World: Angin Taupan, Angin Besar, Angin Darat, and Angin Sarsar. Tell them to
blow and make an outlet for the overflowing waters.”

Obeying the Master’s command, the faithful messenger summoned the Four Winds. “By the Will
of Allah,” he told them, “blow your best, and make an outlet for the rising waters of the new
lake.”

The four winds of the world blew, and a turbulence swept the whole eastern half of the earth.
The surging waters rolled swiftly towards the shores of Tilok Bay to the southeastern direction.
But the towering ranges impeded their onrush. The Four Winds blew, hurling the waves against
the rocky slopes but in vain; no outlet could be cut through the mountain barrier.

Changing direction, this time eastward, the Four Winds blew harder driving the raging waters
towards the shores of Sugud Bay (situated east of Dansalan, now Marawi City). Once again, the
attempt to create an outlet failed because the bay was too far from the sea.

For the third time, the Four Winds changed direction and blew their hardest. The waves,
plunging with ferocity, rolled towards Marawi. Day and night, the Winds blew as the waters
lashed against the shoreline of Marawi. This time the attempt succeeded. An outlet now called
Agus River was made, and through the outlet, that water of Lake Lanao poured out to the sea,
thereby saving Sebangan from a deluge.

It came to past that there was a high cliff at the outlet, and over the cliff the waters cascaded in
majestic volume. Thus, arose the beautiful falls which, aeons later, was named Maria Cristina,
after a famous queen of Spain.
 Maranao Myths - ECLIPSES

Up in the sky lives a huge lion named Arimaonga. This animal sometimes gets playful, and it
swallows the moon, thus producing an eclipse of the moon. Arimaonga is forced by the people to
disgorge the moon by the noise they make during an eclipse of the moon, so people beat gongs
and pluck their fingernails.

The eclipse of the sun happens when one of the wheels of the chariot which carries it gets
destroyed, thus forcing it to deviate from its regular path.

Tagalog Myths – LEGEND OF THE MARRIED RIVER

In the olden days, there was a small town in which a few farmers’ families lived. Among them
was the couple known as Ba Imo and Ba Sinta. They were well liked and respected in that place,
for although they were well off, they were humble and generous.

One day Bathala put them to the test. A beggar in tattered clothes came to their house and asked
for lodgings. The couple very hospitably welcomed their guest and even joined him for a meal at
their table. To the great amazement of the couple, although they had been eating for sometime,
the food at the table did not decrease. Realizing that their guest was God, the couple knelt before
him and prayed. The old man blessed them. In their prayer, the couple asked that they may die at
the same time, so that neither of them would experience grief and loneliness which would surely
happen if one of them died first.

God granted the wish of the couple. They died at the same time and were buried in adjoining
graves. Not long afterwards, a brook sprang from their graves. This later grew and grew until it
became a river, which was named Mag-asawang Tubig in memory of the loving couple.
 Ifugao Myths – JARS BROUGHT FROM THE VILLAGE

A long time ago, before the coming of the Spaniards, there lived at Hinagañgan a man called
Bañggilit. He was a wealthy man, possessing four rice granaries and a very large house; but he
was not a priest. His constant desire was to hunt in the forest.

One day Bañggilit went hunting in the forest and was overtaken by night. He called his dogs, but
they did not come. He made fire, cooked, and ate. Then one dog came to him, and he took the
lead and departed. Nearby he found a path. The dog with him barked and the second dog
answered, and they went on. And the dog with Bañggilit began to whimper and whine and to pull
on the leash. So Bañggilit began to run, and they went on. Suddenly it became light all around
them, and they came out of the forest into a large group of people. And the people said among
themselves, “Surely Bañggilit is dead,” and they examined his body and asked, “Where were you
speared?” and Bañggilit spoke and said, “I have not been speared! I went hunting and was
overtaken by night, and my dog here ran ahead on our path. I followed, and came here, and–lo!–
it is light here!”

And they took Bañggilit and went to their town, for there are many large towns there in the
dwelling-place of souls. They wished to give him food; but he said, “Wait until my own food is
exhausted, and then I will eat of your rice here.” And they asked him, “How many days will you
remain with us?” and Bañggilit answered that he would remain four days. Then the people
began to laugh and one of them said, “Not four days but four years here!”

“Ha!” cried Bañggilit. “I shall never do that! Wait until you see!”

“Just so!” answered the other.” One day here is the same as a year on the Earthworld,” but
Bañggilit thought that he was lying.

Bañggilit visited all of the towns there. He worked in the rice fields, and they gave him four jars
as his wages. Then his host said to him, “Return home now, for you have been here four days,
which, according to the usage of the Earthworld, are four years.”

“Yes,” answered Bañggilit, “I wish to go home now, as I am homesick for my family. You have
been very good to me, for you have given me wages for my work.”

And the host said: “It was a gift, not wages, but a gift, that I gave you,” and he led the way and
pointed out to Bañggilit a ladder. “Go down that ladder, and in a short time you will arrive at
your house,” he said. Bañggilit started to go down, but one of the jars struck heavily against the
ladder and was broken. He slid down the trunk of the tree to the ground. The chickens were
crowing, and it was just dawn. And he looked at his surroundings and exclaimed: “Why this is
my own house!” His relatives came out and said, “Who are you?” and he replied, “This is my
house.” They looked at him closely and cried, “Well now, it is Bañggilit who has been gone
these four years!” And they sat down and talked long together. He showed them the jars, and
they asked, “Where did you get those?” And he answered, “I brought them from the Skyworld,”
and they were afraid and went to look for the ladder. But it was no longer there.

Ifugao Myths – WHY THE DEAD COME BACK NO MORE

A very long time ago, there lived a very kind woman with her three little children. She loved her
children so much that she worked hard to be able to feed them.

One day she fell ill, and in a short time she died. Her spirit went to Kadungayan, of course, as
she lived a good life, but one night she thought of her poor little children whom she left on
earth. She imagined that no one cared for them and that they must be hungry and cold. She pitied
them so much that she decided to go back to earth.

When she reached their house, she called her eldest child to open the door for her. The children
recognized their mother’s voice and opened the door at once. She went in and spoke to them, but
they could not see her because it was so very dark and their fire had gone out. The children had
not built a fire since their mother died. The children were too small, and they did not know how
to build one.

So the woman sent her eldest child to beg for fire from the neighbors as she felt very cold. The
poor child went to the first house, but when she told them that she wanted fire for her mother
who had come back home, the people just laughed at her. They did not give her fire. She went to
the next house, but the same thing happened. Thus, she went to the next house, from house to
house, but no one believed that her mother had come back. They thought the poor child had gone
out of her mind. So the poor child went home without fire. The woman was very angry with all
the unkind people. She said, “Am I to die a second death because men are so selfish? Come, my
children, let us all go to that better place where I came from – Kandungayan. There are no selfish
people there.”

She took a jar of water and went outside in the yard. She shouted to all the people, “Ah, what
selfish people you all are. From this time on all people will follow my example. No man will
ever come back again to earth after death.” With these words she smashed the jar on a big
stone. This made a horrible sound. All the people became silent with fear.

The next morning the people came out to see what had caused the great voice. They saw the bits
of broken jar and they found the three children dead. They now knew that the woman had really
come back home that night and that in her anger at their selfishness had taken her three children
with her. The people were so sorry for not having given fire to the little girl. Since then no dead
person has ever come back to earth.
 Ibanag Myths – WHY THERE IS HIGH TIDE DURING A FULL MOON

Long, long ago only gods lived in this world, the earth, seas, and sky were ruled by three
different powerful gods. The sun god, who ruled the sky, had a very beautiful daughter, Luna,
the moon. Luna enjoyed going around the heavens in her golden chariot. One day she found
herself taking another path which led her outside her kingdom. She wandered on until she
reached the place where the sky met the sea. Beautiful and unusual sights greeted her eyes. As
she was admiring the beautiful things around, a voice startled her. It asked, “Where has thou
come from, most beautiful one?”

Turning around she saw a young man who looked much like her father though fairer. She wanted
to run away, but when she looked at him again, she saw that he was smiling at her. Taking
courage she answered, “I am Luna, daughter of the sun god.”

The young man smiled at her and answered, “I am Mar, the son of the sea god. Welcome to our
kingdom.” Soon the two became good friends. They had many interesting stories to tell each
other. When it was time for Luna to go, they promised to see each other as often as they could,
for they has many more tales to tell. They continued meeting at the same spot until they realized
that they were in love with each other.

One day after one of their secret meetings, Luna went back to the heavens full of joy. She was so
happy that she told her secret to one of her cousins. The cousin, jealous of her beauty and her
happiness, reported the affair to the sun god. The sun god was angered at his daughter’s
disobedience to the immortal laws. He shut her in their garden and did not allow her to get out.
Then he sent a messenger to the sea god informing him that his son Mar disobeyed the immortal
law. The sea god, who was also angered by his son’s disobedience, imprisoned him in one of his
sea caves.

Luna stayed in the garden for sometime. She was very sad at not being able to see Mar. She
longed to be with him again. Feeling very restless one day, she escaped from the garden. She
took her golden chariot and rushed to their meeting place. Mar, who was imprisoned in the sea
cave, saw her reflection on the water. He wanted to get out to meet her. He tried hard to get out
of his cave causing unrest in the sea. Luna waited for Mar to appear, but he did not come. Then
she went back home very sad. Each time she remembered Mar, she would rush out in the golden
chariot to the meeting place in hopes of seeing him again.

The fishermen out in the sea believe that each time Luna, the moon, appears, the sea gets
troubled. “It is Mar trying to escape from his cave,” they say.
 Tagalog Myths – THE LEGEND OF MACAPUNO

In pre-Hispanic days, there was a lagoon that connected with the River Pasig, where later stood
the Chinese Parian, near present Botanical Gardens. The Pasig lapped quietly against its banks.
Sailing slowly past on the current were floating islands of water-plants, including patches of
those resembling cabbages called quiapo, which that suburb is named after. Crocodiles–ancient,
scraggy-skinned specimens–abounded, and water-fowl filled the mornings and evenings with
their calls. Where the lagoon and shore met in a labyrinth of waterways, the green fronds of the
nipa-palm flourished, and forest trees grew about the edges, raised a few feet above the level of
the river. This lagoon was later used as a water-entry for the trading champans and cascos with
the Chinese, but gradually it filled up after the Parain was transferred across the Pasig to the
Alcayceria.

Upon the arrival of the Castilians to the Islands, the petty rajahs and rulers of the settlements
were–almost without exception–men of Borneo or, to more accurately, of the the sultanate of
Brunei, which claimed everything north to Manila Bay. Such places as Sapa (Sta. Ana) were
ruled over by Lakantagan, a Bornean, whose son by a “Bornean woman” named Pasay–it is
said–gave his name to that settlement. So Kainta, Kalilaya, and Komintang (Tayabas and
Batangas) of Panay, and Bago and Ilo of Negros were Bornean rulers, as was possibly
Lakandola, the grandson of Lontok and Kalangitan. A daughter of Lontok married the ruler of
Sapa (Baliuag), a colony planted from the original Sapa (Sta. Ana), who was called Balagtas.
Bunayog, the ruler of Bua (Nebuy, the chief settlement of Camarines); Panga, ruler of Lupa;
Kayayao ruler of Sabang, settlements of Bicolandia; and Sumaclob, rajah of the Cuyos were all
men of Borneo who paid tribute to Brunei before its decadence about the end of the16th century.

Its copper money, at least, was current in the beginning of this century here in the Islands.

Some generations before the caravels of Legaspi entered Manila Bay, this lagoon was home to a
family of the rajah class who had been exiled from Brunei for some reason connected with the
execution of the Sultan, a cruel and avaricious ruler. Reduced to the lowest circumstances, Rajah
Madia and his wife Kimay made the banks of the lagoon their home. Without the usual regiment
of slaves and with no means of obtaining them, their household consisted of their only daughter,
Macapuno, a girl of extreme beauty and affability and a princess in her own right; the aged
brother of Madia, named Tidoy; and Tidoy’s two sons, Kamanchille and Guanar, both growing
into manhood. The river, marsh, and forest supplied their simple wants, as it did those of their
neighbors on the lush banks of the Pasig.

Although many asked for the hand of the beautiful and modest Macapuno, none was of sufficient
rank to satisfy Madia and his wife. Attractive and lovable she grew into womanhood, but lacking
a noble suitor, she busied herself solely with the tasks of the household. If she had dreams, she
kept them to herself. In time, age overtook her parents, who died and were buried according to
Bornean customs. Kamanchille and Guanar, haughtily refusing to take service with the datus of
Lusong, became expert warriors and hunters, supporting their cousin Macapuno, and their aged
father Tidoy, a once-renowned warrior. A year or so passed in this manner for the reduced family
living in exile on the banks of the lagoon by the Pasig.

The day came when a wandering hero (bayani) from Brunei passed by, saw the
beautiful Macapuno, and fell violently in love with her. She in turn did not discourage his
advances. Having nothing but his arms and valor and pleasing address and appearance,
Luanbakar proposed to marry her, but the cousins, Kamanchille and Buanar, as heads of the
family, were fiercely proud of their high descent and, following age-old custom, suspicious of all
strangers. After conferring with the viejo Tidoy and Macapuno, they allowed him to follow the
regular condition of an unknown suitor of Malaysia.

This custom stated that the admirer should labor for a certain period for the family of the maid,
until the elders were satisfied that a good choice had been made and that the suitor would prove
an eligible match for the girl. Luanbakar readily agreed, and the first task appointed him was the
construction of a long dike in order to make part of the lagoon into a fishpond. This pond,
supplied by the tides from the Pasig, would prove a profitable undertaking in breeding the fish
among the roots of the mangroves and nilad. The work progressed for some time, the dredging
and building being done by hand alone. This was varied by hunting trips in the commons, and
Luanbakar proved his industry and dexterity on all occasions, partly allaying the suspicions of
the two cousins.

Because the fishpond was but a short distance from the house, Macapuno would carry food to the
bayani engaged in his labor of love for her, and in the flush of youth, they were naturally
attracted to each other. But the cousins of the princess believed that the stranger had not waited
for the rite of marriage and, out of revenge planned, to kill him as he had not followed the strict
custom. They reasoned that to doing so would save their honor, notwithstanding that the task
allotted him had been practically completed and that their cousin and the bayani were as good as
married. In accordance with Malayan custom, a wrong remains un-righted until death overtakes
the guilty. It is equally un-redressed if the avenger fails to make himself or his aims known to the
victim. The boys then plotted the death of the stranger, either singly or in the company of each
other.

As Luanbakar was busy finishing the dike, Kamanchille with his hunting spear appeared before
him one day, inquiring if the wild boar he was pursing had passed that way. The bayani replied,
“No,” adding that these animals rarely take to the river to hide. The cousin kept insisting on his
story, and Luanbakar turning his head towards the young man, saw him with his spear poised and
pointed in his direction. The same instant this was launched with such ferocity that it entered his
side below the ribs, passed through the body and hurled him into the water, while Kamanchille
taunted him for his flouting of immemorial custom. Terribly wounded, Luanbakar climbed the
dike, extracted the spear, bound the mortal wound tightly with his sarong, and saw Kamanchille
in full flight after his treacherous deed.

Certain of him imminent death, Luanbakar grasped the spear and pursued the flying
Kamanchille, shouting for him to wait and he would show how the wild boar could die. Gaining
on the youth, the latter glancing over his shoulder, tripped over a mangrove root and fell. At this
moment Luanbakar threw the lance with such dexterity that it passed completely through his
slayer, and at the same time, he fell exhausted beside the body of his enemy. In the moment
before their deaths, he whispered in the ear of Kamanchille that the Great Bathala would be their
judge, that he forgave the cowardly blow, and that he would so testify. And so they died
together.

Macapuno, noting that Kamanchille did not return after passing that way and apprehensive of his
attitude came to the dike. It was deserted, but the trail of blood told the story as she followed it to
where they lay side by side in death. Tears welled from her eyes for the fate of her relative and
her lover, and for some time, she gave herself up to silent sorrow. Stifling her grief, she piled
branches on the pair and returned to the house resolved to say nothing and to keep silence over
the affair. Guanar, returning later, asked her about the whereabouts of the two, and she replied
that the bayani and Kamanchille had gone hunting and awaited him in a distant part of the forest
which then extended through Paco–named after its edible ferns–to the nyun of Sapa itself.
Grasping his spear, he left hastily for the supposed rendezvous, sensing that his brother was
leading the stranger to his death.

Upon his departure Macapuno took a wooden spade and returned to the scene of the tragedy. The
night had set and turned dark and stormy. Rain from over the distant mountain pattered on the
forest canopies and the lagoon. The wind blew in fitful gusts, chilling her during her terrible task.
Without aid of light, she excavated a deep grave in which she placed both bodies, weeping
bitterly the while, the work taking some hours to finish. After washing herself in the waters of
the river, she returned to the house and prepared a meal for Guanar. He returned about midnight
carrying a deer which had fallen to his spear and remarking that he had not found a trace of
either his brother or the bayani, although he had searched the entire forest. Macapuno assured
him they would return the next day without doubt. The succeeding day Guanar himself continued
the work on the fishpond. Upon noticing the traces of blood he reported it to Macapuno, who
replied that it is probably that of some wounded animal in the fight. While the explanation did
not satisfy Guanar, he said nothing. Some months passed, and the hunters did not return nor was
anything further heard of them. The ancient warrior, Tidoy, passed on, and they were still more
alone. She took the child across the Pasig, entrusting it to an old woman to bring up. No
mention was made of its parents, but princess left with the old crone all her ornaments as
recompense–all the property she had left in the world.
Macapuno return sadly to her menial tasks with nothing but memories. The daily gnawing of
conscience tormented her. Unable to stand these, together with the buffetings of fate, she
arrayed herself in her best garments, carefully weighted them with stones, went to the end of dike
and threw herself into the river, thus ending the tragedy. Guanar, finding her absent, searched
for her high and low, finally discovering her corpse on a sandbar near the mouth of the Pasig.
His sorrow was great, but no amount of remorse could alter the facts. Recovering the body he
dug a grave on the bank in which he buried the unfortunate Macapuno, but he had nothing to
mark the spot.

Looking around he saw a coconut floating past in the current. This he retrieved and planted it in
the grave to permanently mark it. Returning to the lonely house, he in turn became disconsolate,
brooding over the circumstances that left him the sole survivor of all his exiled family. He
resolved to return to the land of his birth and take service under some datu (exiled family). He
paddled out to the island of Takaykay from whence he took passage in a boat bearing the tribute
to the Sultan of Brunei, the last of his race.

Years past and the coconut planted on the grave of Macapuno grew up into a noble palm bearing
fruit in turn. While not so tall as its species, its graceful fronds hid an abundance of small round
nuts. But these were entirely different from the ordinary variety, being solid, full of meat, and
much sweeter to taste. The wandering traders of Kalilaya and Bai took these nuts to propagate,
and they were thus in high demand.

May not the palm have absorbed the agreeable qualities of the unfortunate princess–her
perfection of form, her sweetness of temper? That at least is the legend, for this variety of
coconut is known by all and is called Macapuno.
 Iloko Myths – GODS AND GODDESSES

Cabalangegan was a formerly a jungle at the edge of the river Abra. On the far side of the river
were mountains, high and steep. On these mountains lived an old man named Abra, the father of
Caburayan. The old man controlled the weather. It is said that the river Abra was covered by a
gathering of water vapor at night, and during the days, it was always bright with sunlight.

At that time Anianihan, god of Harvests, was in love with Caburayan, goddess of healing. Her
mother, Lady Makiling, knew about their mutual attraction, but Abra did not know it because the
three were afraid to tell him since he might punished them as he disapproved of Anianihan. Abra
wanted his daughter to marry either Saguday, god of the wind, or Revenador, god of thunder and
lightning. This being so, Anianihan took Caburayan from her home. Abra wept a great deal. He
sent Lady Makiling away after beating her.

When Abra was alone, he wept day and night till Bulan, god of peace and calm, came. Though
Bulan was there to brighten Abra’s spirits, Abra did not stop weeping. He could not express his
anger. He begged the other gods to bring back his daughter.

One day the sun, eye of Amman, shone so brightly that the water of the river Abra was
excessively heated. Smoke rose from the the river. Soon, thick, black clouds began to darken the
sky. Then Saguday sent the strongest wind until the crowns of the trees brushed the ground. The
god Revenador sent down the largest strings of fire. The heaviest rains fell. All these frightful
events lasted seven days. The river Abra then rose and covered the trees. There rose a vast body
of water until only the highest part of the mountain could be seen. It looked like a back of a turtle
from a distance. This was the spot where Abra lived.

On the seventh day, Abra heard a cry. He also heard a most sorrowful song. Abra dried his tears
and looked around, but he saw no one. He was determined to find Maria Makiling, his
grandchild. He did not find her, for the cries of the baby stopped.

The search for the baby lasted three full moons but to no avail, and the poor old man returned to
his home very sad. He lost all hope; his wits were gone. At that time Maria Makiling was under
the care of the fierce dog Lobo, who was under a god of the Underworld. He had been punished
by the other gods, and that is why he looked like a fierce dog. He was sent down to do charity.
 THE LEGEND OF MALAKAS AND MAGANDA

A long time ago, the house of God was a fathomless vast of emptiness.

He was saddened because he can’t see nor hear anything.

The sun rose, bright as a gold and the heavens were embellished with clear blue skies. In a
distance the full moon peeked amidst the darkness with thousands of sparkling and twinkling
stars.

God gracefully lifted His powerful hands and in just a snap, the earth was created. Trees and
grasses sprouted from the lands and fragrant flowers came into bloom.

Oceans waved and surged; rivers outrageously flowed. Birds flew freely in the skies and they
rest to sing for a while.

God then created the world. It was such a beautiful and pleasure paradise to behold!

One day, the king of birds flew and explored the wild blue yonder. He proudly spread his sturdy
massive wings and flew to the forest.

From a distance, he saw a lofty bamboo bending from its waist as a gentle blow of wind touched
it.

He hurried through the bamboo and stopped for a short rest.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He felt a resounding knock coming from the tall bamboo. He was sure he heard a voice!

“Set me free, o, stalwart king of birds!”, was the plead. “Peck harder! I can’t breathe.

It’s a confinement!” “It might be a trap!”, the bird thought. After a while, a lizard crawled up to
the bamboo. The starving bird tried to grab the crawling lizard.

He hardly pecked the bamboo in his attempt to catch the lizard.

All of a sudden, the tall bamboo broke. To the bird’s surprise, a handsome man emerged from
the bamboo.
“Thanks, O, great king of the birds! My name is Malakas. Please continue pecking the
bamboo. Release my partner with your grace and power!”

Once again, the bird pecked the bamboo.

A modest and beautiful woman came out from the bamboo. “She is my wife. Her name is
Maganda. You freed us, O, King of the birds! You must live with us forever!”

“I can’t”, replied the bird. “I am but one bird and my home is the immense blue skies. I travel
with the wind. My wings were intended for flight. But, I would always sing for you. Even if
when I’m gone, my nestlings would also sing for you. With their rhythmic voices, they would
sing the song I sang for the both of you!”

“Come! Ride in my massive wings. I would bring you to the Land of the Morning. There you
must live and stay!”

Malakas and Maganda reached the land of green islands. It shone with the brightness of golden
sun. The whole land was a vast of glistening pearls of the east!

There, in the Land of the Morning, Malakas and Maganda lived together – the first parents of the
Filipino race.
 LEGEND OF ALITAPTAP

Once, along time ago, in the valley of Pinak in Central Luzon, one of the islands in the
Philippines. There was a deep large lake rich with fish. There, the people of Pinak fished for their
food, and always, there was plenty for all. Then suddenly, the big river dried up. In the shallow
mud, there wasn't a fish to catch. For months, there were no rains. Out in the fields, the land
turned dry. The rice-stalks slowly withered.

Everywhere in Pinak, there was hunger. Night after night, the people of Pinak prayed hard. "Dear
Bathala," they would recite together in their small and poorly-built chapel, " send us rains, give
us food to eat. For the people are starving, and there is want among us!" Then one black and
starless night, the good Bathala answered the prayers of the faithful people of Pinak. For
suddenly up in the dark skies appeared a blaze of gold! A beautiful chariot of gold was zooming
thru the sky. The people started to panic but a big booming voice came from the chariot soothing
them with words. " I am Bula-hari, and I have come with my wife, Bitu-in. We are sent to the
heavens to rule Pinak from now on. We have come to give you good life!" As Bulanhari spoke,
the black skies burst open.

The rain fell in torrents. Soon the dry fields bloomed again. The large lake rose and once again
was filled with fish. The people were happy once more under the ruler ship of Bulan-hari. Soon
Bulan-hari and Bitu-inhad a daughter. She grew up to be a beautiful maiden. Such long dark
hair! Such lovely eyes under long curling lashes! Her nose was chiselled fine. Her lips like
rosebuds. Her skin was soft and fair like cream. They named her Alitaptap for on her forehead
was a bright sparkling star. All the young, brave handsome men of Pinak fell in love with
Alitaptap. They worshiped her beauty. They sang songs of love beneath her windows. They all
sought to win her heart. But alas! the heart of Alitaptap wasn't human. She was the daughter of
Bulan-hari and Bitu-in, who burst from the sky and were not of the earth. She had a heart of
stone, as cold and as hard as the sparkling star on her forehead. Alitaptap would never know
love. Then one day, an old woman arrived at the palace. Her hair long and dirty. her clothing
tattered and soiled. Before the king Bulan-hari, Ba lo-na, the old, wise woman whined in her
sharp voice... that she had come from her dwelling in the mountains to bear the king sad news.
The news being that she saw the future in a dream and it behold of their fate... the warriors of La-
ut are coming with their mighty swords to conquer the land, the only solution is to have a
marriage between Alitaptap and one of the young men, so as to have a heir to win the war.

At once Bulan-hari pleaded with his daughter to choose one of the young men in their village.
But how could the beautiful maiden understand? Alitaptap's heart of stone merely stood in
silence. Bulan-hari gripped his sword in despair... "Alitaptap!" he bellowed in the quiet palace,
"You will follow me, or you will lay dead this very minute!" But nothing could stir the lovely
young woman's heart. Bulan-hari blind with anger and fear of the dark future finally drew his
sword. Clang! the steel of his sword's blade rang in the silence of the big palace. It hit the star on
Alitaptap's lovely forehead! The star burst! Darkness was everywhere! Until a thousand chips of
glitter and light flew around the hall. Only the shattered pieces of the star on Alitaptap's forehead
lighted the great hall, flickering as though they were stars with tiny wings. Alitaptap, the lovely
daughter from the heavens lay dead. And soon, Balo-na's prediction had come true. Riding in
stamping wild horses, the warriors of Laut came like the rumble and clashes of lightning and
thunder. They killed the people of Pinak, ruined crops, poisoned the lake. They spread sorrow
and destruction
everywhere. When it all ended, the beautiful, peaceful valley of Pinak had turned into an empty
and shallow swamp. At night, there was nothing but darkness. But soon, tiny sparkles of light
would flicker and lend glimmers of brightness in the starless night. And so, the fireflies came
about. Once, a long time ago, they were fragments from the star on the forehead of Bulan-hari's
daughter, the beautiful Alitaptap.
 THE LEGEND OF MARIA CRISTINA FALLS
Known as "the twin falls," Maria Cristina Falls has always been an attraction to locals and tourist
alike. Located in Iligan City in the Mindanao region of the Philippines, the falls has been the
source of the province hydroelectric, 70% of it is generated from the falls that is 320 feet high.

The city has been known as "City of Majestic" waterfalls because of its more than 20 falls that
can be found in the city. But of all those, there's one waterfall that stands out, and that is the
Maria Cristina Falls. There are more than one legend that goes on how the beautiful waterfall
came to be, but here's one of the legend that I wanted to share. What's this legend about the
Maria Cristina fall?

There was once a Sultan who gained fame because of his daughter's beauty. The maiden's name
is Maria Cristina. But Maria Cristina was adopted, the said Sultan isn't her real father, instead her
biological father is a fisherman from the province of Romblon. Yes, they are poor but they are
contented, as long as they are all together, that's all that matters. Every rainy season, Cristina
would eagerly help her father on planting in their small piece of land.

But how did the beautiful Maria Cristina got into the territory of the Sultan?

That happened when one day the Sultan raided their town. All the people scattered and went up
the hill to hide. Cristina was so little back then that she wasn't aware of what was going on
around her. It didn't sink in to her young mind. The Sultan's underlings saw her and abducted her
but Cristina's father saw it and gave a good fight. Sadly, her father got killed and she was taken
away.

The Sultan's underlings presented their captive, the poor little girl to the Sultan. Maria Cristina
was so beautiful that the Sultan decided to adopt her. He treated her like as if she's his own child.
The Sultan became even more popular to villages near and far because of Cristina's beauty. She
became the most beautiful maiden and suitors flocked from neighboring villages.

One of Maria Cristina's avid suitor was the son of another Sultan, a well-built and handsome
nobleman. And know what? Of all her suitors, he is the lucky one that had captured the heart of
the beautiful Maria Cristina. Later on, the young man decided to ask for Cristina's hand, and
soon after that a big wedding was set.

The two are so happy and looking forward to their married life. They went to a creek which is
their favorite spot and there, they set their plans and imagined all the things they want to do in
their future.
But concealed to them, there was a witch who was envious of Maria Cristina, of her beauty and
fate with the young nobleman. She vowed that the oncoming wedding would not happen.

Maria Cristina remembered her mother few nights before her wedding day. She hadn't seen her
mother since she was abducted, and that was a long time ago. Feeling sad with all the thoughts of
her mother, Maria Cristina went to the creek, on the big rocks which is her favorite spot, she sit
and she cried all the sadness inside. Her fiancé promised her that they would go to Romblon, her
province, to reunite with her mother after their wedding. She closed her eyes and reminisced the
days where she was still a young child. Those happy days with her mother and father.

She was in such a state when the ugly witch came from behind her. She thought it was
her fiance and it surprised her to see the ugly maiden instead.
"I loved him before he even came to know you. He's mine and your wedding will never happen!"
said the witch to her. "Go ahead and cry yourself out!"

Hearing this made Maria Cristina cry even more. She didn't know that despite her happiness with
her beloved fiance, there is a raging heart she isn't even aware of.

"You will never have the man I love. You just took him away from me. You are going to turn
into a mountain before your wedding day! And your tears will flow to the town, heading to the
sea," said the raging witch.

At last, the long awaited day arrived, the wedding day. Everyone wondered as Maria Cristina
didn't show up. And it was even a surprised when they saw a mountain as if in tears. Water falls
from atop flowing into the town and formed a river.

"This fall just showed up out of nowhere. And it wasn't here before," murmured the people to
their amazement. "And where could Cristina be? Today's her day." The witch burst out in
laughter and answered. "See that falls? That's Maria Cristina. So you don't have to look for her.
Her tears would flow to the town, and form a river to Iligan City."

The witch who cursed Cristina hadn't been seen again. And that's the legend of Maria Cristina
Falls. The twin falls looks like tears flowing from the eyes of the beautiful maiden, and so the
people named it after her, Maria Cristina.
 THE IBALON (from the Bikol region)

Yling, a bird reputed to talk, asks Cadugnung, a wise man, to sing of the ancient story of
Handiong. This is the story he tells:

Bikol was a land of wide plains and fertile fields; anything planted in its soil yielded bountiful
harvests. The first man was Baltog, originally from Botavara and of the race Lipod. His "linsa",
or gabi plants, were the lushiest in the place, but were destroyed by a great Tandayag boar.
Furious, Baltog pursued the boar and killed it, not with a lance but by breaking its jaws with his
own strong arms. The supersized boar had jawbones as wide as two arms extended, and tusks
which measured about two-thirds longer than the handle of his lance. He hung the gigantic
jawbone on a talisay tree near his house in Tondol. All the people who came from as far as
Panicuason were struck by the monstrous size of the dead boar.

Soon after, Handiong came to Bikol and destroyed the wild creatures roaming the land. In
Ponong he slew, after a ten-month fight, the beasts with one eye and three throats, winged sharks
under the sea, wild carabaos, and man-eating crocodiles bigger than boats. To the mountain
Kulasi, he exiled the "sarimaw", and buried in Hantik all the serpents whose voices rang like
sirens.

One elusive snake, however, he failed to subdue despite all his effort. Known as Oriol, the snake
was sometimes serpent sometimes woman. To Handiong, Oriol was a challenge, for even if he
would bind her a thousand times, she would scoff mockingly at him and cleverly untie her knots.
With sweet words she would entice Handiong, who would search the forests for her. But she was
seductive as well as deceitful. She would thwart his labors and interfere with his battle, although
there were occasions when she helped fight and kill the animals infesting the place. In the fight
with giant crocodiles, which colored red the Bikol river, he emerged unhurt, while the apes of the
pongo and orangutan variety who had watched with horror, were finally driven to the mountain
Isarog.

Having thus freed the land from wild beasts, he devoted himself to a settled life. He exhorted his
people to plant "linsa" and rice. He built the first boat ever to ply the Bikol river; its rudder and
sail were contributions of Guimantong, one of his men, who also invented the plow, harrow, and
roll, including the ganta and other measures, the yoke, bolo and hoe. Hablon invented a weaving
loom and bobbins. The native of Dinahon worked on the jar, claypot, stove, earthen bowl, and
other household utensils. Sural carved a Bikol syllabary out of a stone from Libong, and polished
to shine by Gapon.
Handiong and his men built towns. The houses of varying sizes hung from the branches of the
"banasi" and kamagong trees. The reason was that it was only up in the "moog", as the houses
were called, that one could escape the heat and swarming insects and wild animals.

Laws were set to insure protection of life and honor, and accord equality to all without
distinction. With this, respect for rights of heritage and succession were guaranteed, and slave
and master kept to his own place.

Suddenly, the great deluge caused by tempests brought havoc and destruction to the growing
civilization. The catastrophe completely transformed the land. Three volcanoes, Hamtik, Kulasi,
and Isarog, erupted simultaneously, and caused a strip of land, now known as Pasacao, to rise
from the sea. Torn apart from the mainland was Malbogon, now an islet, where lived two
witches named Hilan and Lariong. The Inarihan river turned its course and overflowed to
Ponong. In Bato, a big mountain sank, and, in its place, up came a lake which supplied fish to all
of Ibalon. The Dagatnon tribe, from which had come the Dumagats from Cotmon, was wiped out
as the gulf of Calabagnan overflowed.

Handiong had a close companion, the young warrior Bantong. To him, Handiong entrusted the
job of getting rid of Rabot, a fierce monster, who was half-man and half-beast. How many of the
people that came near his lair were turned into stone by the beast? The plague of the land, he was
also known as the great liar.

Smart Bantong first tried to find out about the monster’s habits. And he guessed right: Rabot
slept heavily all day long as he simply rolled over the ground. After watching him for days,
Bantong slew the monster in two parts and brought the corpse to Libmanan where Handiong
viewed the remains amidst the loud rejoicing of his people.

But the sight of Rabot shocked Handiong. For a long time, he remained stupefied. Why and what
else happened is not known as Cadugnung stops his narration and promises to talk about it next
time.
 THE LIFE OF LAM-ANG (an Ilokano Epic)

Namongan gives birth to Lam-ang, a baby of incredible strength and courage. The boy asks his
mother about his father's whereabouts and learns that he has gone to fight the Igorot. Lam-ang
arms himself with charms and decides to look for his father. From a dream, he learns that his
father Don Juan Panganiban had been killed by the Igorot. Later, Lam-ang finds the Igorot in a
"sagang", a feast celebrating a successful headhunting expedition. His father's head is displayed
in the feast. Lam-ang slays them all with his spear and mutilates the last among them.

When Lam-ang returns home, 99 maidens wash his hair in the river. For his shampoo, he burns
so much rice straw that the communities near the river are alarmed by smoke. The dirt from his
hair kills all the fish in the river. He then kills a crocodile and carries it on his shoulder ashore
amidst the applause of his companions.

Lam-ang hears of a beautiful maiden named Ines Cannoyan, daughter of the richest man of the
town of Kalanutian. He tells his mother of his desire to court the maiden. Although his mother
discourages him, he goes anyway, dressed in gold and accompanied by his pet rooster and white
dog. The giant Sumarang blocks his way and belittles him. Lam-ang defeats him in a duel and
hurls him nine hills away. Later, Sarindadan tries to seduce him, but Lam-ang rejects her
advances.

Reaching Kalanutian, he impresses Ines with his magic. His rooster crows and topples a small
outhouse. His dog barks and the outhouse is rebuilt. Ines invites him to the house where the
rooster acts as Lam-ang's spokesperson. Ines' parents ask for a bride price, which Lam-ang
agrees to give. Lam-ang returns home to prepare for the wedding and the presents. He and his
townfolk sail on two golden ships to Kalanutian where Lam-ang and Ines have a Catholic
wedding. The townspeople board the two ships to Nalbuan, Lam-ang's birthplace, to continue the
celebration.

After the celebration, Lam-ang agrees to hunt "rarang" a shellfish. He is swallowed by the giant
fish "berkakang" as he has dreamt so. However, a diver recovers his bones. The pet rooster flaps
its wings and resurrects Lam-ang. Lam-ang rewards the diver and lives happily with his wife and
pets.
1. Not in heaven, not on earth, it walks on its back BOAT

2. When I killed it, its life became longer CANDLE

3. I bought it against my will and I used it without my knowledge CASKET

4. It has a hand but it has no fingers CLOCK

5. In daytime it sleeps, at night it flies BAT

6. Wooden boards on either side, a canal in the middle BANANA LEAVES

7. It pops open but no sound can you hear CAMANCHILE

8. Here comes Ingkong boiling although there's no fire underneath GUGO

9. Tall when sitting; short when standing DOG

10. Grandfather is already old, but he has never taken a bath CAT

11. Nene is small, but she can climb the tower ANT

12. You crush it, but you still smell it BEDBUG

13. Here comes grandfather who is always murmuring BEE

14. Rain or shine, his pants reach only to the knees CHICKEN

15. When it was born, its skin was already wrinkled BITTER MELON

16. A young lady [princess/queen], sitting on a cup CASHEW

17. My pig of the mountain grown, red with fierceness CHILI

18. It is happy when it is hot, it wilts when it is cold ACACIA

19. Neither man nor animal but has curly hair CORN

20. My ATE, your ATE; everybody's ATE ATIS

 AKO’Y POBRENG ALINDAHAW

Ako'y pobreng alindahaw sa hoyuhoy gi-anud-anud

Nangita ug ka paniban-an ahay!
Sa tanaman ug sa mga kabulakan.

[Refrain]

Aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy

Aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy
Ania si bulak sa mga kahidlaw
Aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy
Aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy, aruy
Di ka pa malooy ning pobreng alindahaw

ANG PIPIT

May pumukol sa pipit sa sanga ng isang kahoy

At nahagip ng bato ang pakpak ng munting ibon
Dahil sa sakit di na makaya pang lumipad
At ang nangyari ay nahulog nguni't parang taong bumigtas

Mamang kay lupit Ang puso mo'y di na nahabag

Pag pumanaw ang buhay ko
May isang pipit na iiyak

May pumukol sa pipit sa sanga ng isang kahoy

At nahagip ng bato ang pakpak ng munting ibon
Dahil sa sakit di na makaya pang lumipad
At ang nangyari ay nahulog nguni't parang taong bumigtas

Mamang kay lupit

Ang puso mo'y di na nahabag
Pag pumanaw ang buhay ko
May isang pipit na iiyak

Mamang kay lupit

Ang puso mo'y di na nahabag
Pag pumanaw ang buhay ko
May isang pipit na iiyak
 ATIN CU PUNG SINGSING

Ako ay may singsing Ang taglay kong dusa

May batong kay inam Sino mang binata
Binigay sa akin Ang makakukuha
Ng mahal kong nanay Ang abang puso ko
Sa tapat ng dibdib Ay magiging kanya
Iningat-ingatan
Kung san nawaglit ' [Instrumental]
Di ko na nalaman
[Repeat all]
Nawala ang singsing
'Di ko na nakita Coda:
Abot hanggang langit Ang abang puso ko
Ay magiging kanya

BAHAY KUBO

Bahay kubo, kahit munti, Kundol, patola, upo't kalabasa,

Ang halaman doon ay sari-sari; At saka meron pang labanos, mustasa,
Singkamas at talong, Sibuyas, kamatis, bawang at luya,
Sigarilyas at mani, sitaw, bataw, patani. Sa paligid-ligid ay puno ng linga.

AWIT NG PULUBI

Doon po sa amin, bayan ng San Roque, Ang taba pa nito ay ipinatunaw,

May nagkatuwaang apat na pulubi; Lumabas ang langis, siyam na tapayan.
Nagsayaw ang pilay, umawit ang pipi,
Nanood ang bulag, nakinig ang bingi. Doon po sa amin, bayan ng Malabon,
May isang matandang nagsaing ng apoy;
Doon po sa aming maralitang bayan, Palayok ay papel, papel pati tuntong,
Nagpatay ng hayop, "Ninik" ang pangalan; Tubig na malamig ang iginatong.
 THE IGUANA AND THE TURTLE

Once upon a time there lived two good friends -- an iguana and a turtle. They always went
fishing together. One day the turtle invited the iguana to go catch fish in a certain pond that he
knew of. After they had been there about two hours, the old man who owned the pond came
along. The iguana escaped, but the turtle was caught. The old man took the turtle home, tied a
string around its neck and fastened it under the house.

Early in the morning the iguana went to look for his friend the turtle. The iguana wandered
everywhere looking for him, and finally he found him under the old man's house, tied to a post.

What are you doing here, my friend? said the iguana.

That old man wants me to marry his daughter, but I do not want to marry her, said the turtle.

Now, the iguana very much wanted a wife, and he was delighted at this chance. So he asked the
turtle to be allowed to take his place. The turtle consented. So the iguana released the turtle, and
was tied up in his place. Then the turtle made off as fast as he could.

When the old man woke up, he heard someone saying over and over again, I want to marry your
daughter. He became angry and went down under the house to see who was talking. There he
found the iguana saying, I want to marry your daughter. The old man picked up a big stick to
beat its head, but the iguana cut the string and ran away.

On his way he came across the turtle again, who was listening to the sound produced by the
rubbing of two bamboos when the wind blew. What! Are you here again? said the iguana.

Be quiet! said the turtle. I am listening to the pipe of my grandfather up there. Don't you hear
it?

The iguana wanted to see the turtle's grandfather, so he climbed up the tree, and put his mouth
between the two bamboos that were rubbing together. His mouth was badly pinched, and he fell
down to the ground. The turtle meanwhile had disappeared.
 THE MONKEY, THE TURTLE, AND THE CROCODILE

There was once a monkey who used to deceive everybody whom he met. As is the case with
most deceivers, he had many enemies who tried to kill him.

One day, while he was walking in the streets of his native town, he met in a by-lane a turtle and a
crocodile. They were so tired that they could hardly breathe. I'll try to deceive these slow
creatures of the earth, said the monkey to himself. So said, so done. He approached the
crocodile and turtle, and said to them, My dear sirs, you are so tired that you can hardly move!
Where did you come from?

The two travellers were so much affected by the kind words of the monkey, that they told him all
about themselves with the greatest candor imaginable. They said, We are strangers who have
just made a long journey from our native town. We don't know where to get food or where to
spend this cold night.

I'll conduct you to a place where you can spend the night and get all you want to eat, said the
monkey.

All right, said the two travellers. Lead on! For we are very hungry and at the same time very
tired.

Follow me, said the crafty monkey.

The turtle and the crocodile followed the monkey, and soon he brought them to a field full of
ripe pumpkins. Eat all the pumpkins you want, and then rest here. Meanwhile I'll go home and
take my sleep, too.

While the two hungry travellers were enjoying a hearty meal, the owner of the plantation
happened to pass by. When he saw the crocodile, he called to his laborers, and told them to
bring long poles and their bolos. The turtle clung to the tail of the crocodile, and away they
went.

Don't cling to my tail! Don't cling to my tail! said the crocodile. I cannot run fast if you cling to
my tail. Let go! For the men will soon overtake us.

I have to cling to your tail, said the turtle, or else there will be no one to push you.

But their attempt to escape was unsuccessful. The men overtook them and killed them both.
Such was the unhappy end of the turtle and the crocodile.
 THE LIZARD AND HER YOUNG ONE

There was once a lizard. She was a friend of the deer. The lizard said, Friend, take care of my
child because I am going to catch fish. While I am away do not dance because you might step on
my child. then she left.

She reached the river and started to fish. When she had been fishing for some time, she felt tired,
for she did not catch any. Soon she heard a noise in the house. She returned home immediately
because she became worried about her child. She found out later that her child was dead.

She said, What caused the death of my child? The deer said, I stepped on it because I danced, for
I heard the mangawag bird yelling. The lizard said, Come with me and let us ask from ba.i’ why
she yelled. Now they left.

When they reached the home of the mangawag, the lizard asked, Why did you yell? The
mangawag said, I yelled because I heard the woodpecker drumming the tree. I was surprised
why she was tapping the tree.

The lizard said, Come and let us go to her. Then they left. When they reached the place,
immediately the lizard asked, Ba.i’, why did you tap the tree? The woodpecker said, I tapped the
tree because I was surprised that the crocodile was drying up her limbutung under the sun. The
lizard said, Come with me and let us go to the crocodile and ask her why she was drying up her
limbutung. They started right away.

When they reached the crocodile said, Ba.i’, what news do you bring me? The lizard said, We
are asking you why you were drying up your limbutung. The crocodile answered, I dried up my
limbutung because I was surprised that the shrimp was carrying his gun downstream.

Then the lizard said, Come with me and we shall ask the shrimp why he was carrying his gun.
They left at once, and went to the shrimp and when they reached there the lizard asked, Ba.i’,
why did you carry your gun? The shrimp replied, I carried my gun because I was afraid of the
lizard who was running after me.

The lizard was surprised too, she did not say any word because she saw the cause of the trouble.
She was not able to say anything, so she lost her case.
 SHORT STORY ABOUT STUDENT’S LIFE

There was a boy named Angelo who was in Grade 8. He was very smart; he comes first in all
classes. After the end of school year, his father admitted him to another school. That school was
much bigger than the previous school. Angelo was very scared because he thought the teachers
of this school would be too strict and the students too intelligent.

On the first day of class, Angelo was sitting with all the students in his class, all the students
were telling him that the English teacher is very strict. He was very scared on hearing this. Due
to fear, he did not feel like doing any work and could not even study properly. Because of this,
his percentage in grade 9 was very poor.

In class X, he was moved to another section. With which he was very happy. All the students in
that section were very smart and very nice. Angelo had made Michael a very good friend of that
class’s student. Angelo used to share everything he had with Michael. Angelo told her everything
about grade 9. Michael was very sad to hear this.

To encourage Angelo, Michael tells him that a student’s life is a life of learning and that
sometimes the student faces fear. And you have to face all this fear and not be afraid of it.

Angelo was filled with enthusiasm after hearing Michael’s words. Hearing Michael’s words, he
forgot all the fear and after that, he started working very hard. And later he became a successful
businessman.

The student has to live his life with courage, not in fear, only then the student will be able to face
the life ahead.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Acknowledgement
II. Table of Contents
A. Myth

B. Legend

C. Epic

D. Riddles

E. Folk Songs

F. Animal Tales