#Bicol Legends

[itsbensart]

He is prepared to join the fight to protect his people, and earthrealm.

The official character bio my OC, Aris.

The three tribes of Ibalon is based of a legend "Ibalon" from the region of Bicol of the Philippines. Which portrays the heroic deeds of Baltog, Handiong and Baltong in freeing the Bicol Peninsula from beasts and monsters.

#mortal kombat 1 #mortal kombat #mk1 #oc

[theamariecanton]

A Travelogue.

Whimsical grace of Bicolandia🗻

Bicol, bassinet of natural scenery, savory of dishes, and yesterday's history. Is alive like the memories bustling through mind of each tourists. The land trip to discover the fascinating view, wether with the help of car is all along with your imagination full of expectancy as the Cagsawa ruins will call you to take a moment to capture it which once stood with its whole piece a long time ago as Mayon Volcano destroyed it because of devastating eruption.

The history of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron also starts here, it just serves a living legend that once in a book of wonder the imagination and importunate mind of people here in bicol is really creative and wonderful. That even the story tells the tragic love story of the both, on the other half they find a way to highlight the beauty of albay or the Mayon itself.

Bula, Camarines Sur sitted on Bicol province is cot of mountain ranges, rivers and falls. Is so fascinating particularly the Nalalata Falls. Everything there feels surreal as the crunch crashing sounds of water when hitting the white brownish sharp clean rocks collide. As the birds chirp on trees sitting with tranquility will fill the ears of tourists far from the motorcycle and loud noise from the city's gate. The story behind on why this is in the top trip list is not all about its beauty but also about the People who will welcome you with warm feeling. Tha fact that they can look after and take care of the place is a living proof that they can take care of you too. It's like you will naturally pause just to admire all it here. The Photographable scenery of nalalata falls will leave you in a thought that you will just find youself coming back again and again here without any hesitations.

As one of the provinces that celebrating with a lot of festivals because of galore grace from above, bicolanos and bicolanas are proudly presenting their delicacy with pride and honor as they prove that they are deserving to have that wonders sitting on the land soil of bicol.

Drooling is the perfect word as these food delicacy of bicol really has its own way to seduce you to eat them. These top two really embark to the name of bicol province as it is the thing you will think just by simply hearing 'Bicol' on a ferry trip after a long time making your skin tan. Pili nuts and Laing, there are so many food there but these are many bicolanos go to comfort food. The sweet crunch of the pili nuts will persuade you to get more as the sugar glaze outside the nuts will sits on your smooth teeth. While laing serves as the proof that each people in Bicol are truly daring and valiant as they put chili pepper as they can to the green gabbi leaves with fresh coconut milk, as it will run through the mouth and the spice will kick rushing to your throat to the point that you find yourself wiping the teary eyes of yours.

That even the ten hours of drive from manila going to bicol will surely make you exhaust by just sitting but your eyes will have the kaleidescope reflection of each natural beautiful disaster outside the window pane will leave your stomach nothing but full of cravings. The food delicacy in bicol will satisfy it and will leave you saying that Bicol really is " MAGAYON"

[gintermelon]

hello, Kisei~

I hope this finds you before I do (de jk lang HAHAHAHAHAHAH)

Anyway, I'm using this opportunity to say arigathanks gozaimuch for being a good friendo~ ❤️ hehe. it's really nice to find a circle na I belong to and I hope I could meet you, ate Emerald, Lucas, Gohan, Bacon, and Tito Legend banda dyan (tara na sa Bicol)

To more discord hangouts with you guys!

[jolinarozano]

Wonderful Paradise: Discovering the Diverse Tapestry of Filipino Foods on Your First Trip to the Philippines"

One of the best places in the world for foodie travel is the Philippines. By exploring the country, you can taste the many cuisines that are offered on every island. Although a lot of visitors come to the Philippines to view its stunning islands and internationally recognized beaches, the nation's more than 7000 islands offer an incredibly varied food experience encounter. The people, history, and culture of a region, city, or island are reflected in each dish in Filipino cuisine. A component of visiting the Philippines as a tourist includes sampling local cuisine and doing culinary tours. Your taste buds will be stimulated, and you'll also learn more about Filipino culture. Every area of the nation has a unique cuisine. Despite the fact that some of them are the same, the places usually have twists and changes! The top cuisine locations in the nation are listed below, and you should include them in your itinerary:

In addition to being the location of the magnificent Mayon Volcano, Bicol has become known for its unique use of coconut and chiles in Filipino cuisine across the nation. The most well-known food item associated with Bicol is the Bicol Express. This stew with coconut milk is made with either sautéed shrimp or pork chunks, chiles, and shrimp paste. Another delicacy is kinunot, a coconut-based dish made with stingray, shark flesh, and malunggay leaves. Remember to consume some pili nuts or their derivatives. The typical Bicolano snack is this nut, which is harvested from a tree of the same name. Second, Cebu has established a name for itself in the culinary world. The traditional Cebuano food is lechon. Lechon is available all throughout the country, but Cebu's version is definitely worth trying! Sutukil—a a acronym of the words "sugba" (grill), "tula" (stew), and "kilawin"—is a well-liked culinary experience (soaked in vinegar). One can find Sutukil restaurants throughout the province. Other Cebuano dishes to sample include pochero (beef soup similar to bulalo), kinilaw (fish ceviche), and utan (leafy green and root vegetables cooked in salted water). Third, Pampanga is approximately a few hours' drive from Metro Manila. The province has been named the Culinary Capital of the Philippines since it is home to some of the country's best culinary legends and mouthwatering native specialties. Morcon never misses a family or community event. This recipe calls for wrapping ground beef and pork, chorizo sausages, onions, eggs, raisins, and cheese in pig's caul fat. Sisig is another traditional Pampanga dish that is a must-try on Pampanga vacations and has received widespread praise. If you're a gourmet, these attractions in the Philippines will grab your interest and spark your creativity.

#travelwritingandphotography

[gorgeousattorneyjournalist]

Things you will love in BU

By Kimberly Palenzuela

If you’re looking for a place you can call home where you can create fun-filled memories as you navigate your college life, there’s certainly no place like Bicol University. Excited to know more about it? Worry no more, let me take you inside!

Let’s start our campus tour. Talking about accessibility, Bicol University main campus is located along the border of Legazpi and Daraga, Albay. Jeepneys are the easiest and most convenient means of transportation to get there. BU is rider-friendly as the university road is connected to the highway. You will often see students with their own motorcycles or e-bikes, but people won’t mind if you choose to walk around. Distance is quite a burden when you walk from campus to another, but you'll get used to it anyway.

When you enter the campus, you will surely catch a glimpse of the shiny silver landmark called the "torch of wisdom," which is a representation of the university’s four pillars. What’s interesting about this symbol? Well, there is an urban legend that says you shouldn't try to take a picture there during your freshman to junior years, because there is a possibility you will not graduate. Whether you believe it or not, it's fun to anticipate the feeling of taking a picture once you are sure you can graduate from your senior year. One indication of that is when you have your thesis hard-bounded, just satisfaction you can get from that. So better warn your friends about that or else they will be haunted.

Yes, of course, let us state the obvious: the field, the green field backdrop of the torch itself. As you can see, it might be simple yet you are going to enjoy your time in the field. Why? It's because your college years will surely be stressful and you are only going to escape this when the university will have an event in this huge field. Booths are usually planted here. Dance and music performances also take place in this plain greed field. If you love parties and the vibe of a huge crowd, you will surely appreciate this field. How about when there's no event? Well, in those eventless days, you will find a lot of Bueños just laying around with their friends, just basking in the soft golden hour, while some are taking their photographs with their OOTDs. You can also find couples holding hands, and if you're in luck, you may catch them kissing. The things we do for love. And of course, let us not forget those who just want their alone time, listening to their headphones and reading a book - living in their own world.

Another place that you will love is the famous BU Oval. If you're just living around Albay, you have heard about it for sure. This is where the sports competitions are being held. But it also has a special role for your college life. When you are in your freshman and sophomore years, you will surely devote your sweat, time and energy here for the obvious reason that you will have your P.E classes here. But what makes it historic and popular is that it has been serving as the venue for the infamous BU HATAW for several years now. Also, the bleachers will serve as your haven if you just want to rest and feel the breeze on your exhausting days as a college student.

For sure, there are plenty of outdoor activities here in BU. But let us not forget that the core of the university is academic learning and research. There is certainly no place like the BU Library, a three-story building where you can go if you want to indulge in books of any genre per say, because the BU Library has it all. You will surely spend your time here even if you are not a bookworm, because it offers a comfy space where you can have a little chit chat with your college besties.

And last but not the least, the Canteens. We have the Kem's Ongpin batchoy house just beside the Aquilino Bonto Building Old Cal. But who doesn’t know about Graciana's? It is a famous food kiosk in the College of Science (CS) canteen that offers a variety of budget-friendly snacks.

Finally, it’s a wrap. These are the few major things you will love and appreciate in your BUEÑO journey. Always remember to never forget to stop and smell the flowers even though it's tough to be a college student.

[fernalyndelosreyes16]

*✧･ﾟ:* MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY *✧･ﾟ:*

My life is like a written book regarding the past and future events that may happen. I am Fernalyn L. Delos Reyes, I live in Brgy. Cabatuan Cuyapo Nueva Ecija, I am 16 yrs old, I was born on October 14 2006, at Pacac Guimba District Hospital, Nueva Ecija. I am an only child. My mother's name is Analyn L. Delos Reyes, She is from Bicol and My father's name is Fernando B. Delos Reyes Jr, he is from Cuyapo Nueva Ecija. I took my elementary education in Democrito Jose Elementary School located at Aguila St, Cuyapo Nueva Ecija. I took my Junior High School at St.Pius X Institute Inc. also located in Aguila St. District 1 Cuyapo Nueva Ecija. I am now a Grade 11 Senior High School Student and I am still studying at St. Pius X Institute Inc. There are a lot of things that I like and I don't like. I like to have fun with my friends, I like playing Volleyball, tug of war and online games(mobile legends), I love listening to music, I like singing and dancing, and also I love reading wattpad stories, I start reading wattpad stories when the pandemic start and until now I was still Reading Wattpad Stories when I have a vaccant time to release may self in stress.

During my junior high school years, specifically grade 7 and 8. I always spend my free time hanging out with my friends, talking for the whole vaccant about our crushes or futures, or playing old school games. In our school, we have a lot of events in our school and one of it is intramurals. I usually play tug of war along with my friends and other classmates. Aside from Intramurals, we also have an event called foundation day. This is where all of us are participating to compete. In our free time during foundation day, me and my friends always hang out in different parts of the school because there are a lot of booth’s around the school that entertains students. Then suddenly, the pandemic came and everything shut down. Malls are closed, schools are closed, and a lot of places not just in the philippines but in the whole world.but the pandemic didn’t stop me from reaching my dreams. Teachers still stood up for us to have a better education and lead us to what grade we are right now.We students helped ourselves to be what we are right now but teachers did the rest. And now, we are adjusting to the new normal and we are trying our best to stay strong for our dreams.

[imairam17]

The Bicol Region has an array of cultural sites that showcase its rich history. Originally descended from incomers from China, the inhabitants of Bicol often mix Chinese, Arab and Spanish ancestry, and most are devout Catholics.

Bicol is also famed for its spicy food, which is based largely on coconut and chillies – as evidenced in the likes of gulay na lada or Bicol Express (pork and local chillies cooked in coconut cream). Other dishes not to miss are laing (taro leaves with meat or seafood in coconut milk, spiced with chilli, lemongrass and more) and local specialities featuring local pili nuts.

Tinagba Festival, Iriga City – February

A harvest thanksgiving including parades, street dancing and sporting challenges.

Ibalong Festival, Legazpi – August

A celebration of a local legend, with masked and costumed reconstructions of classic battles.

Peñafrancia Festival, Naga – September

A barge procession, fireworks and more, celebrating Bicol’s patron, Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

#Ilovebicol

[miss-ing-diary]

August 20, 2022

Diary Entry #4

Bizarre things I've encountered

Do you believe in ghost or in any paranormal and mythical entities?

Some may not care, some may have thought it's just a product of mind, and some may do believe.

For all I've known, Filipinos have superstitious beliefs. They tend to make some explanations mix with superstitious beliefs of the things they don't understand. That's when urban legends, folklore, and mythical creatures like aswang, mangkukulam, and ghost such as "the Lady in Balete Drive" became part of Filipino culture.

As of me? I do believe in those. Why? Because I could see them.

Ghost of an old man

It all started when I was just a little girl, although I don't remember it at all, there was time as my grandmother told me where I screamed out of fright while pointing on the air. Shouting "Mumu... Mumu..."

They believed it was my Lolo Bien for before he died he said that he will haunt my grandmother. When my grandma finished the story I couldn't help but laugh because I found it very funny scenario. They believed that I could see ghost.

Even I myself didn't believed at first... Thinking it was just a product of my imaginative mind when I was a child.

Strange Person

Until another bizarre thing I encountered... I was in elementary that time when we visited my lola in Bicol Province. It was dusk that time, and I was with my cousin that time when all of a sudden electricity went out. Screams can be heard around that's when my cousin began to run towards home. As the result of that, I also run towards her when I unexpectedly I stumbled on a rock and fell down. When I looked behind there was a man or a woman just standing behind while looking at me. My cousin helped me got up, and together we ran home. I couldn't see its face yet all I know is that that person is weird.

A boy on the cloud

The next odd thing that I encountered was when I was in my 4th grade. I was just resting on a big branch of mango tree in our hiding place in school when I saw a figure of a boy on the clouds. Watching from the sky. Peculiar right?

But have you ever read about the Sky City? The very city that happened to appeared and yet scientist can't explain? What if it really exists? What if there are just a certain time when people on earth can see it? I leave that thought to you.

Baby Footprint

A year later, I got transferred from private school to public school where I encountered lots of bizarre thing. First of the list was the baby footprint on the scattered blood.

It happened on my fifth grade, my adviser that time is caring a child on her tummy. I came at 5 am at school with my classmate. It was still dark that time, but we chose to go inside our room to start cleaning. Since our room didn't have a lock, we easily opened it.

We got shocked of what we saw. There was a head of a kitten facing the door and blood scattered on the floor all the way to the comfort room. What's made it more shocking was that there was a baby foot print on the smattered blood on the floor. That made a great commotion in our class that day.

Wait for part 2

[mysummer2022]

A Saturday, confidence and stupidity

June 11th, 2022 - Day 3

To-Do:

Read The Sky Over Dimas by Vicente Garcia Groyon

Edit previous posts

Edit tumblr blog

Schedule:

7:00AM - Woke up, then breakfast, then bath

8:45am - Short video call with Camille

9:00am - Read

12:00nn - Lunch

2:30pm - Coffee at my Lola's

Around 7:00pm - My youngest cousin’s modules

I do not know where to begin my little essay about today. It’s a bit a little over the place. I’ve been uprooted once more from Bacacay to Tabaco in the afternoon because my father needs to settle me down before he leaves for Manila– Metro Manila, but people usually just call it  Manila; and I am conscious enough to be specific that home is not in Manila but a whole other city in that group of cities. Manila is under a different impression, a little opposite to ‘home’ but that is an entirely different story.

I was the first of the cousins to wake up. I slept beside the eldest of my uncle’s three daughters, my cousins. I could confidently say so because I had an alarm and when the first alarm of six in the morning went off, I knew I was the only one awake between the two of us on the bed, and so I slept again.

The morning was slow so I did some errands for this daily blog (or whatever) and now it has a little profile photo of the number 22. The very design of it is the peak of my creativity when it comes to graphic design. The bare minimum is where I thrive in this kind of creative project.

Then I had an opportunity to call Camille for barely fifteen minutes. I had nothing else to do– sorry to admit that to you, Camille, but, I know you love me and you miss me. Well, it was random so I couldn’t possibly sum up our short video call. But I did see the puppies one of her dogs gave birth to.

I was planning to read one of the books I’ve brought with me, and that I consciously pressured myself to finish the reading pile before this trip ends, but Groyon had to wait because, for the first time, I had a conversation with my cousin without feeling insecure about the way I speak, that I am not highly conscious of my English or my Tagalog or my Taglish. I think she might be the first cousin who lives in Bicol that I didn’t feel verbally insecure about. 

I was proud of that little confidence. I joked around with her in my usual jokingly ‘mataray’– not quite rude and not quite snobbish; Literary Translation isn’t my best subject, sorry professor– manner. It also helped that she had a degree in English that leaned more towards a degree in Literature, and so we talked of books, of genres, of urban legends, and of folklore. I felt at ease and showed more personality. Then we talked of movies and of Marvel. We were planning to watch Eternals tonight but, as I’ve said, we left mid afternoon.

I felt very disappointed by that. When I’m beginning to warm up (more than usual), I am pulled out of the moment. But it was definitely nice to have felt a ‘friendship’ connection rather than a I’m-supposed-to-be-friends-with-you-because-you’re-my-cousin. Though I never really felt the latter to any of my cousins, even the faraway ones, I just categorize them in a general analysis of ‘ones I see often and grew up with’ and ‘ones I do not see often and I know merely one or two information about who you are’. I must admit that it is awful categorizing them like this, but I have no choice. When the opportunity for a lengthier moment or a surprisingly good conversation, the cousins categorized in the latter would be transferred to ‘ones I was surprised to be friends with’. Samantha was the first of my cousin– or niece, I have no idea and I just like her and I like our conversations– to have been transferred to that third category.

I am hoping for the movie date night even if it’s not in this trip. And I hope my confidence don’t fade away so suddenly when I meet her again.

After my uncle’s, my father and I went to my Lola’s, his mother, place and had coffee before taking a jeep back to Tabaco to my other Lola, my mother’s mother. It is after our dinner back here in the city that I felt stupid. Not at all in the ‘I am truly a dumbass and I know nothing, zero’ but stupid in a funny and a more ‘I can’t believe I’m old enough not to know or have patience for any of this’ kind of way. 

I did modules. I did my youngest cousin’s modules. I was part of the party of cousins and aunts who are helping to pass our eleven-year-old. It was during these almost three hours of work, actual school work, actual fifth-grade school work, that the proverb, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, truly reach deep within my veins. It is also a pretty good birth control because I do not ever want this for myself every night or once a week. I do not want to help with school work. Well, sure, English or Filipino is nice, maybe even History, but Science and Math and PE and Health and whatever else, fuck it. I do not have the patience to teach a child all these subjects, so truly God bless the parents who are going through this because of quarantine, and bless more the elementary teachers who have the sanity to go through this with many, short-attention spanned children. I do not know whether ‘spanned’ is a word, but because of my toil in Filipino, Aralin Panlipunan, Science, and whatever else, don’t dare say it isn’t because reading and answering through worksheets is such a pain. I do not want to be a mother because of this. May my child be brought to me as a lovely, well-knowledgable, well-manageable young eighteen-year-old.

Music:

Well, I didn’t take note of music today. There were no songs that accompanied me through my work or songs that have struck me today. But I did tune my youngest cousin’s guitar which was also my first ever guitar, and now we've given it to him. So here’s the link to my go-to YouTube guitar tuner video. 

#summer #summervibes #philippines #2022 #daily life #blog #journal #online diary #tumblr diary #diary entry #my diary #day to day #blogger #tumblr blog #home & lifestyle #art #beauty #funny #books & libraries #visual diary #dear diary #journaling #life #writers #writers of tumblr #writer things #writing #writers block

[bicol-xpress]

The Santilmo

Once there lived in a town two boys who were brothers. They were Pedro and Juan. One time their mother sent them to their aunt, whose house was about thirty kilometers away. It was a long way for the boys to go; nevertheless they went, for it was their mama's order. Night overtook them on the way. There were woods and bamboo groves that the boys had to pass. When it was already dark, they noticed ahead of them a light hanging on the branch of a tree. It was high enough for the two boys to reach. Pedro was a brave and naughty boy, so he drew his bolo to strike it. Juan stopped him saying: "Pedro, let it alone; it does not do us any harm."  About fifty paces from the place where they saw the light, a snow-white hen came across their way. In the darkness of the night, it appeared clear into view. It was beautiful and Pedro thought that it would be lovely to have it. Therefore he tried to catch it. His brother, Juan, liked it too, so together they tried to catch it. The hen at first did not seem to move, but as they came close to catch it, it instantly disappeared. As they were wondering where it went, they caught sight of the light which they saw earlier. It was right on the path where they will have to pass. Pedro drew his bolo and said that he would put it out. When struck, the fire became larger and the two boys were so frightened that they fainted. In the morning Juan recovered, but Pedro died. People explained that it was the santilmo.

Source: Eugenio, D.L. (2002). The Santilmo. In The Legends. (1st Edition, Vol. 3,  p337). University of the Philippine Press.

#Bicol Legends

[babyselfabsored]

The Ancient Bicolano Deities and Creatures

(ALL ART BY AFRAN MARFIL)

- "Gugurang"

Gugurang loomed high in the Bikol pantheon of gods. He was their (the people’s) benefactor, guide and defender against the god of evil, Aswang, who would anger Gugurang by inciting the people to rebel against the good god, do evil deeds and resort to sloth and easy pleasures. Seeing this, Gugurang would punish and pounce on Aswang and to his people, he gave protection and exhorted them to make sacrifices in order to appease his anger. The myths disclose him as a powerful and loving god who would vent his fury mercilessly on the transgressor but would shower them with gifts and protection in return. (Realubit, Bikols of the Philippines, p. 10).

It is believed that ancient people looked up to him with great respect as they fervently gestured to the skies and spoke with profound affection for a great lord whom they adored, revered, and feared.

- "Asuang"

Brother of Gugurang; an evil god who wanted Gugurang’s fire, and gathered evil spirits and advisers to cause immortality and crime to reign; vanquished by Gugurang but his influence still lingers.

- "Bakunawa"

Believed to be the cause of eclipse, Bakunawa is the deity of the deep and the underworld.

- "Oryol"

A demi-goddess in Bicolano myths, she is mentioned in the Ibalong Epic. A wily serpent who appeared as a beautiful maiden with a seductive voice; admired the hero Handyong’s bravery and gallantry, leading her to aid the hero in clearing the region of beasts until peace came into the land

- "Haliya"

Haliya is the masked goddess of the moonlight worshipped in pre-colonial Ibalon (present-day Bikol region) and in some parts of coastal Bisayas. Haliya was a warrior goddess who would wear a mask of gold to hide her beauty. In Philippine Mythology, Haliya was the name of a lunar goddess. She was said to be so beautiful that the sea goddess Bakunawa fell in love with her and sought her affections.

- "Tambaluslos"

A tall humanoid creature from Bicol. Generally black in complexion, it has long and thin legs with big joints, hooves, long thin arms and fingers, and a mane that runs from the back of the head down to its buttocks. It also has wide protruding lips like an ape. Another strange feature of this creature is that it has a long wrinkled penis and loose testicles which dangle on the ground. The creature’s name is derived from this feature which is referred to as ‘luslus’ which means ‘loose and hanging’. The Tambaluslos chases people who wander in the woods. The only way to escape it is to take off your clothes and wear them upside-down. The creature finds this act very hilarious and it will laugh so much that its wide lips would cover its face, therefore preventing it from seeing the victim who in turn will have ample time to escape.

- "Tawong Lipod"

The ''Tawong Lipod'' or wind people, is a race of mythological creatures in Philippine mythology, most prevalent in Bicol area they are the court servants and handmaidens of the lunar gods Bulan and Haliya. They are beautiful, supernatural beings, youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. They are the nymphs of the winds and clouds forever loyal to the moon gods. lithe beings with light-colored skin who inhabit the skies, and are often depicted taking flight. they are called Biraddali by the Tausug

- "Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Maiden)"

The heroine that appears in the legend of Mt. Mayon. She grew up to be a very beautiful and sweet woman that struck the swains from faraway tribes who vied for her attention. When a war between her lover, Panganoron, and his enemy, Pagtuga, arise, her lover dies in her arms. In her grief, she grabs the knife used to kill Panganoron and stabbed herself. Magayon and Panganoron are buried together, their burial soon turning into what is now Mt. Mayon.

Some people say that it's a curse because she took her own life, but myths and legends say Magayon is the volcano and Panganoron is the clouds that surround the beautiful volcano.

- "Triburones"

A shark, with razor sharp teeth,  that can fly and circle its prey from the air. ‘Tiburon’ is Spanish for ‘shark’, most English translations of the Ibalon use this name for the creature (Triburon). In Bikol, these creatures are known as Pating na Pakpakan. In the Ibalon epic, they were tamed by the warrior-hero Handyong.

#bicolano deities #phillippine deities #filipino gods #filipino goddesses #philippines #philippine art #art #research #alfran marfil #eclipse #gugurang #asuang #bakunawa #oryol #haliya #tambaluslos #tawong lipod #triburones #long post #bicol #bicolano #bikolano #bikol

[astoryinred]

Mayon Volcano and the Love Triangle Behind It

Anyone traveling to the Bicol peninsula of the Philippines will surely hear of Mayon volcano and its near-perfect cone that make it such a perfect subject for photography. Locals affectionately refer to Mayon as "my queen" because of its beauty that dominates the landscape of Albay province, and the destructive power that has shaped the towns nearest its cone. Being an active volcano, Mayon is constantly being monitored for its occasional rumblings and spitting out rocks and steam, as it did during its last major eruption in 2019. It is only fitting that such a dangerous peak should have a tragic and passionate legend behind its origins.

The Legend of Daragang Magayon

Once in those parts lived a beautiful maiden named Daragang Magayon, the only daughter of a renowned chieftain named Makusog. Makusog loved his daughter dearly and was reluctant to simply give her hand in marriage to any of her many suitors. Daragang Magayon knew her own mind and heart, and would not give herself to any young man, not even the most ardent of her suitors the hot-tempered Pagtuga.

One day, Magayon was strolling by the river when she slipped and fell in the rushing waters. Her cries for help were heard by a brave man named Pangaronon, who lost no time in jumping in to save her. After he rescued Magayon, he was captivated by her beauty and she was enamored with his bravery and heroism. Pangaronon knew there and then that Magayon was the one woman for him. However, Magayon's father Makusog was not easy to persuade, and it took some time before the lovers got his blessing for their marriage.

Word of this upcoming match reached the ears of Pagtuga, who was enraged at having been spurned time and again by Magayon. One dark night, he and his men kidnapped Makusog. Pagtuga sent word to Magayon that he would kill her father if she did not consent to marry him instead. Magayon tearfully accepted, for she had no other way to save Makusog.

When Pangaronon heard of this, he rallied the men of his tribe to help him rescue Magayon. They arrived in the middle of the wedding feast for Magayon and Pagtuga, and the sounds of merriment quickly turned to the screams and tumult of battle. Pangaronon quickly killed Patuga, thus freeing his beloved. Yet as Magayon ran to Pangaronon, a poisoned arrow suddenly struck her in the chest. As she collapsed, breathing her last in Pangaronon's arms, one of Pagtuga's men hacked Pangaronon's head off. Makusog lost no time in avenging Pangaronon, and the battle was over...but to what end?

Grief-stricken for the loss of Magayon and Pangaronon, Makusog and their people had them buried together. One day, the site of their grave began to rise higher and higher till it became a beautiful volcano, as shapely and lovely as Magayon had been in life.

To this day, Pangaronon and Pagtuga are said to have not given up their rivalry over Magayon. When the volcano rumbles and spits out fire, Pagtuga is said to be challenging Pangaronon. On calm, clear days when the peak of Mayon is covered in clouds, Pangaronon is said to be embracing Magayon. And they will continue this, for ages to come.

#filipino folklore #mayon #my queen #legends #things I lost my heart to

[boughtwithaprice]

The Literary Forms in Philippine Literature

by: Christine F. Godinez-Ortega

        The diversity and richness of Philippine literature evolved side by side with the country's history. This can best be appreciated in the context of the country's pre-colonial cultural traditions and the socio-political histories of its colonial and contemporary traditions.         

       The average Filipino's unfamiliarity with his indigenous literature was largely due to what has been impressed upon him: that his country was "discovered" and, hence, Philippine "history" started only in 1521.

       So successful were the efforts of colonialists to blot out the memory of the country's largely oral past that present-day Filipino writers, artists and journalists are trying to correct this inequity by recognizing the country's wealth of ethnic traditions and disseminating them in schools and in the mass media.

       The rousings of nationalistic pride in the 1960s and 1970s also helped bring about this change of attitude among a new breed of Filipinos concerned about the "Filipino identity."

Pre-Colonial Times

       Owing to the works of our own archaeologists, ethnologists and anthropologists, we are able to know more and better judge information about our pre-colonial times set against a bulk of material about early Filipinos as recorded by Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and other chroniclers of the past.

       Pre-colonial inhabitants of our islands showcase a rich past through their folk speeches, folk songs, folk narratives and indigenous rituals and mimetic dances that affirm our ties with our Southeast Asian neighbors.

       The most seminal of these folk speeches is the riddle which is tigmo in Cebuano, bugtong in Tagalog, paktakon in Ilongo and patototdon in Bicol. Central to the riddle is the talinghaga or metaphor because it "reveals subtle resemblances between two unlike objects" and one's power of observation and wit are put to the test. While some riddles are ingenious, others verge on the obscene or are sex-related.

       The proverbs or aphorisms express norms or codes of behavior, community beliefs or they instill values by offering nuggets of wisdom in short, rhyming verse.

       The extended form, tanaga, a mono-riming heptasyllabic quatrain expressing insights and lessons on life is "more emotionally charged than the terse proverb and thus has affinities with the folk lyric." Some examples are the basahanon or extended didactic sayings from Bukidnon and the daraida and daragilon from Panay.

       The folk song, a form of folk lyric which expresses the hopes and aspirations, the people's lifestyles as well as their loves. These are often repetitive and sonorous, didactic and naive as in the children's songs or Ida-ida (Maguindanao), tulang pambata (Tagalog) or cansiones para abbing (Ibanag).

       A few examples are the lullabyes or Ili-ili (Ilongo); love songs like the panawagon and balitao (Ilongo); harana or serenade (Cebuano); the bayok (Maranao); the seven-syllable per line poem, ambahan of the Mangyans that are about human relationships, social entertainment and also serve as a tool for teaching the young; work songs that depict the livelihood of the people often sung to go with the movement of workers such as the kalusan (Ivatan), soliranin (Tagalog rowing song) or the mambayu, a Kalinga rice-pounding song; the verbal jousts/games like the duplo popular during wakes.

       Other folk songs are the drinking songs sung during carousals like the tagay (Cebuano and Waray); dirges and lamentations extolling the deeds of the dead like the kanogon (Cebuano) or the Annako (Bontoc).

       A type of narrative song or kissa among the Tausug of Mindanao, the parang sabil, uses for its subject matter the exploits of historical and legendary heroes. It tells of a Muslim hero who seeks death at the hands of non-Muslims.

       The folk narratives, i.e. epics and folk tales are varied, exotic and magical. They explain how the world was created, how certain animals possess certain characteristics, why some places have waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains, flora or fauna and, in the case of legends, an explanation of the origins of things. Fables are about animals and these teach moral lessons.

       Our country's epics are considered ethno-epics because unlike, say, Germany's Niebelunginlied, our epics are not national for they are "histories" of varied groups that consider themselves "nations."

       The epics come in various names: Guman (Subanon); Darangen (Maranao); Hudhud (Ifugao); and Ulahingan (Manobo). These epics revolve around supernatural events or heroic deeds and they embody or validate the beliefs and customs and ideals of a community. These are sung or chanted to the accompaniment of indigenous musical instruments and dancing performed during harvests, weddings or funerals by chanters. The chanters who were taught by their ancestors are considered "treasures" and/or repositories of wisdom in their communities.

       Examples of these epics are the Lam-ang (Ilocano); Hinilawod (Sulod); Kudaman (Palawan); Darangen (Maranao); Ulahingan (Livunganen-Arumanen Manobo); Mangovayt Buhong na Langit (The Maiden of the Buhong Sky from Tuwaang--Manobo); Ag Tobig neg

Keboklagan (Subanon); and Tudbulol (T'boli).

The Spanish Colonial Tradition

       While it is true that Spain subjugated the Philippines for more mundane reasons, this former European power contributed much in the shaping and recording of our literature.   Religion and institutions that represented European civilization enriched the languages in the lowlands, introduced theater which we would come to know as komedya, the sinakulo, the sarswela, the playlets and the drama. Spain also brought to the country, though at a much later time, liberal  ideas and an internationalism that influenced our own Filipino intellectuals and writers for them to understand the meanings of "liberty and freedom."

       Literature in this period may be classified as religious prose and poetry and secular prose and poetry.

       Religious lyrics written by ladino poets or those versed in both Spanish and Tagalog were included in early catechism and were used to teach Filipinos the Spanish language. Fernando Bagonbanta's "Salamat nang walang hanga/gracias de sin sempiternas" (Unending thanks) is a fine example that is found in the Memorial de la vida cristiana en lengua tagala (Guidelines for the Christian life in the Tagalog language) published in 1605.

       Another form of religious lyrics are the meditative verses like the dalit appended to novenas and catechisms. It has no fixed meter nor rime scheme although a number are written in octosyllabic quatrains and have a solemn tone and spiritual subject matter.

       But among the religious poetry of the day, it is the pasyon in octosyllabic quintillas that became entrenched in the Filipino's commemoration of Christ's agony and resurrection at Calvary. Gaspar Aquino de Belen's "Ang Mahal na Passion ni Jesu Christong Panginoon natin na tola" (Holy Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Verse) put out in 1704 is the country's earliest known pasyon.

       Other known pasyons chanted during the Lenten season are in Ilocano, Pangasinan, Ibanag, Cebuano, Bicol, Ilongo and Waray.

       Aside from religious poetry, there were various kinds of prose narratives written to prescribe proper decorum. Like the pasyon, these prose narratives were also used for proselitization. Some forms are: dialogo (dialogue), Manual de Urbanidad (conduct book); ejemplo (exemplum) and tratado (tratado). The most well-known are Modesto de Castro's "Pagsusulatan ng Dalawang Binibini na si Urbana at si Feliza" (Correspondence between the Two Maidens Urbana and Feliza) in 1864 and Joaquin Tuason's "Ang Bagong Robinson" (The New Robinson) in 1879, an adaptation of Daniel Defoe's novel.

       Secular works appeared alongside historical and economic changes, the emergence of an opulent class and the middle class who could avail of a European education. This Filipino elite could now read printed works that used to be the exclusive domain of the missionaries.

       The most notable of the secular lyrics followed the conventions of a romantic tradition: the languishing but loyal lover, the elusive, often heartless beloved, the rival. The leading poets were Jose Corazon de Jesus (Huseng Sisiw) and Francisco Balagtas. Some secular poets who wrote in this same tradition were Leona Florentino, Jacinto Kawili, Isabelo de los Reyes and Rafael Gandioco.

       Another popular secular poetry is the metrical romance, the awit and korido in Tagalog. The awit is set in dodecasyllabic quatrains while the korido is in octosyllabic quatrains. These are colorful tales of chivalry from European sources made for singing and chanting such as Gonzalo de Cordoba (Gonzalo of Cordoba) and Ibong Adarna (Adarna Bird). There are numerous metrical romances in Tagalog, Bicol, Ilongo, Pampango, Ilocano and in Pangasinan. The awit as a popular poetic genre reached new heights in Balagtas' "Florante at Laura" (ca. 1838-1861), the most famous of the country's metrical romances.

       Again, the winds of change began to blow in 19th century Philippines. Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called ilustrados began to write about the downside of colonization. This, coupled with the simmering calls for reforms by the masses gathered a formidable force of writers like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio.

       This led to the formation of the Propaganda Movement where prose works such as the political essays and Rizal's two political novels, Noli Me Tangere and the El filibusterismo helped usher in the Philippine revolution resulting in the downfall of the Spanish regime, and, at the same time planted the seeds of a national consciousness among Filipinos.

       But if Rizal's novels are political, the novel Ninay (1885) by Pedro Paterno is largely cultural and is considered the first Filipino novel. Although Paterno's Ninay gave impetus to other novelists like Jesus Balmori and Antonio M. Abad to continue writing in Spanish, this did not flourish.

       Other Filipino writers published the essay and short fiction in Spanish in La Vanguardia, El Debate, Renacimiento Filipino, and Nueva Era. The more notable essayists and fictionists were Claro M. Recto, Teodoro M. Kalaw, Epifanio de los Reyes, Vicente Sotto, Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Rafael Palma, Enrique Laygo (Caretas or Masks, 1925) and Balmori who mastered the prosa romantica or romantic prose.

       But the introduction of English as medium of instruction in the Philippines hastened the demise of Spanish so that by the 1930s, English writing had overtaken Spanish writing. During the language's death throes, however, writing in the romantic tradition, from the awit and korido, would continue in the novels of Magdalena Jalandoni. But patriotic writing continued under the new colonialists. These appeared in the vernacular poems and modern adaptations of works during the Spanish period and which further maintained the Spanish tradition.

The American Colonial Period

       A new set of colonizers brought about new changes in Philippine literature. New literary forms such as free verse [in poetry], the modern short story and the critical essay were introduced. American influence was deeply entrenched with the firm establishment of English as the medium of instruction in all schools and with literary modernism that highlighted the writer's individuality and cultivated consciousness of craft, sometimes at the expense of social consciousness.

       The poet, and later, National Artist for Literature, Jose Garcia Villa used free verse and espoused the dictum, "Art for art's sake" to the chagrin of other writers more concerned with the utilitarian aspect of literature. Another maverick in poetry who used free verse and talked about illicit love in her poetry was Angela Manalang Gloria, a woman poet described as ahead of her time. Despite the threat of censorship by the new dispensation, more writers turned up "seditious works" and popular writing in the native languages bloomed through the weekly outlets like Liwayway and Bisaya.

       The Balagtas tradition persisted until the poet Alejandro G. Abadilla advocated modernism in poetry. Abadilla later influenced young poets who wrote modern verses in the 1960s such as Virgilio S. Almario, Pedro I. Ricarte and Rolando S. Tinio.

       While the early Filipino poets grappled with the verities of the new language, Filipinos seemed to have taken easily to the modern short story as published in the Philippines Free Press, the College Folio and Philippines Herald. Paz Marquez Benitez's "Dead Stars" published in 1925 was the first successful short story in English written by a Filipino. Later on, Arturo B. Rotor and Manuel E. Arguilla showed exceptional skills with the short story.

       Alongside this development, writers in the vernaculars continued to write in the provinces. Others like Lope K. Santos, Valeriano Hernandez Peña and Patricio Mariano were writing minimal narratives similar to the early Tagalog short fiction called dali or pasingaw (sketch).

       The romantic tradition was fused with American pop culture or European influences in the adaptations of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan by F. P. Boquecosa who also penned Ang Palad ni Pepe after Charles Dicken's David Copperfield even as the realist tradition was kept alive in the novels by Lope K. Santos and Faustino Aguilar, among others.

       It should be noted that if there was a dearth of the Filipino novel in English, the novel in the vernaculars continued to be written and serialized in weekly magazines like Liwayway, Bisaya, Hiligaynon and Bannawag.

       The essay in English became a potent medium from the 1920's to the present. Some leading essayists were journalists like Carlos P. Romulo, Jorge Bocobo, Pura Santillan Castrence, etc. who wrote formal to humorous to informal essays for the delectation by Filipinos.

       Among those who wrote criticism developed during the American period were Ignacio Manlapaz, Leopoldo Yabes and I.V. Mallari. But it was Salvador P. Lopez's criticism that grabbed attention when he won the Commonwealth Literay Award for the essay in 1940 with his "Literature and Society." This essay posited that art must have substance and that Villa's adherence to "Art for Art's Sake" is decadent.

       The last throes of American colonialism saw the flourishing of Philippine literature in English at the same time, with the introduction of the New Critical aesthetics, made writers pay close attention to craft and "indirectly engendered a disparaging attitude" towards vernacular writings -- a tension that would recur in the contemporary period.

The Contemporary Period

       The flowering of Philippine literature in the various languages continue especially with the appearance of new publications after the Martial Law years and the resurgence of committed literature in the 1960s and the 1970s.

       Filipino writers continue to write poetry, short stories, novellas, novels and essays whether these are socially committed, gender/ethnic related or are personal in intention or not.

       Of course the Filipino writer has become more conscious of his art with the proliferation of writers workshops here and abroad and the bulk of literature available to him via the mass media including the internet. The various literary awards such as the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the Philippines Free Press, Philippine Graphic, Home Life and Panorama literary awards encourage him to compete with his peers and hope that his creative efforts will be rewarded in the long run.

       With the new requirement by the Commission on Higher Education of teaching of Philippine Literature in all tertiary schools in the country emphasizing the teaching of the vernacular literature or literatures of the regions, the audience for Filipino writers is virtually assured. And, perhaps, a national literature finding its niche among the literatures of the world will not be far behind.

[ravenjv]

My topic is all about public transportation in the Philippines. Here are some of the various types of trips that our countrymen take on a regular basis.

Jeepneys

Most popular public transportation in the Philippines are jeepneys.

Jeepneys are started when the Americans came in the Philippines. Jeepneys became a symbol in Philippine culture.

Buses

There are also public buses to ride, there is a city operation and a provincial operation. Examples of bus company city operations: Santrans, Del Monte City Trans, Jayross Lucky Seven Tours. Examples of provincial bus operations: Philippine Rabbit, Victory Liner, Five Star.

Trains

The letters LRT and MRT stand for "light rail transit" and "metro rail transit" or "mass rapid transit," respectively. The only distinctions between the two modes of transportation in the Philippines are the roads and the companies that operate them. The LRT is both shorter and slower than the MRT.

LRT Line 1 or LRT-1 is a light rapid transit system line in Metro Manila, Philippines, operated by Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) and owned by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) as part of the Manila Light Rail Transit System.

Along with the Manila Light Rail Transit System, the Manila Metro Rail Transit System, also known as the Manila Metro, is one of two rapid transit systems serving Metro Manila in the Philippines. It started as a single line in 1999, and by the year 2000, it was completely operational.

The Philippine National Railways is a state-owned railway company in the Philippines that runs a commuter rail service between Metro Manila and Laguna, as well as local services in the Bicol Region between Sipocot, Naga City, and Legazpi City. It is a Department of Transportation-affiliated organization.

Tricycles

There’s also a legend that we ride to the market, to school, and everywhere else. The tricycle. A motorcycle or, in some cases, a bicycle with a sidecar. If it's a bicycle, it's referred to as a pedicab! They're decorated to look like jeepneys, with gadgets strewn around.

Roro

The Philippine Nautical Highway System, also known as the Road Roll-on/Roll-off Terminal System (RRTS) or simply the RoRo System, is a network of highways and vehicular ferry routes that serves as the backbone of the Philippines' nationwide vehicle transportation system.

There is also air transportation. There are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Cathay Pacific, and others.

Philippine Airlines, a subsidiary of PAL Holdings, Inc., and formerly known as Philippine Air Lines, is the country's flag carrier. The airline was founded in 1941 and is the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name. It is headquartered at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay.

Cebu Pacific Air, Inc., doing business as Cebu Pacific and stylized as cebu pacific, is a Philippine low-cost carrier based at Mactan–Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City, Metro Cebu. It is Asia's oldest low-cost airline, having been established in 1988.

[the-twelve-guardians]

Character Lineup

A full-body lineup of all twelve Guardians! Worked really hard on this, so I’m proud of how it turned out!

Some thoughts on their character designs under the cut:

In Tagalog mythology, Tala is the goddess of the stars and the daughter of the supreme god Bathala. In my reimagining of her, she's also the deity of feasts, holidays and family. I gave her the traits of a cooked crab to tie her to feasts, as well as her relationship to Mayari.

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In Tagalog myth, Mayari is the one-eyed goddess of the moon. In my design for her, she's a coconut crab as a reference to the Bagobo belief that a giant crab causes earthquakes by pinching a giant eel wrapped around the world. Fitting, since here she fights the serpent Bakunawa.

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In the Ibalong epic of Bicol, Oryol is a half-serpent demigoddess with a hypnotic voice. For her reimagining, I gave her bright colors (like a sea snake) and a flower in her hair to give her a tropical look.

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In one of the Visayan creation myths, Lidagat is the goddess of the sea. I tied a lot of my OCs to the sea, so I specifically made her deity of the deep sea and made her look like an angler fish to reflect this.

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In one of the Visayan creation myths, Lihangin is the god of the wind. I designed him to have the traits of various types of angels, such as the six wings of a seraph, as well as a sash and halo.

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In Tagalog belief, Mariang Makiling is the kindhearted goddess of Mt. Makiling. I wanted to reimagine her a deity of time, earth, and stability, hence the rotting flowers on her shoulder. She also has a hornbill beak since hornbill cries are used to tell time.

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In Tagalog mythology, Anitan Tabu is the goddess of wind and rain. She's described as being fickle-minded, and I wanted to play this up by making her the deity of rivers, mystery, lies, and ambiguity. Crocodiles are sacred in some Philippine belief systems, hence her crocodile traits. It’s also a reference to the expression “crocodile tears”, meaning fake expressions of sadness.

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In Tagalog mythology, Mapulon is the god of seasons. In my OCverse, I also made him the deity of relaxation and the protector of provincial towns, hence his rooster tail and comb-like hair.

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Again drawing from Tagalog myth, Ikapati is the goddess of agriculture. I gave her the traits of a horse, a farm animal, as well as the attire of a farmer. I also wanted to reference the myth of the tikbalang, a creature with the head of a horse.

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In Kapampangan myth, Mariang Sinukuan is the goddess of Mt. Arayat. She settles disputes among mortals, so I made her a deity of justice with a light motif. She has the wings of a moth and glowing eyes because of this.

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In Cebuano legend, Mariang Kakaw is the goddess of Mt. Lantoy, named after its numerous cacao plants. I gave her a warm brown color palette to reference dried cacao beans' brown color. I also modeled her after the provincial girls often featured in Amorsolo's paintings.

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In Visayan myths, Magwayen is the goddess of the sea who ferries the souls of the dead. I gave her the motif of estuaries (where the river transitions into the sea; death is believed to be a transition). She has the lower half of an anaconda, a sacred river-dwelling animal.

#()profiles #philippine mythology #Philippine Folklore #original character #tala #mayari #oryol #lidagat #lihangin #mariang makiling #anitan tabu #mapulon #ikapati #mariang sinukuan #mariang kakaw #magwayen #()lineup

[salingwikadiwa-blog]

The Legend of Bananas (Ang Alamat ng Saging)

Isang salin ni Camila Mercolesia ng BS Pcychology 2-2 ng Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela.

In Bicol, a long time ago, there lived a lovely girl named Malinay.

Sa Bicol, noong unang panahon, may isang napakagandang dilag na  nagngangalang Malinay.

She was a brave and spirited girl. She was not afraid to go deep into the forest all by herself.

Siya ay matapang at masiglang babae. Hindi siya natatakot pumunta sa isang masukal na gubat kahit na mag-isa lamang.

Ever since she was a small girl, Malinay heard stories about the fairies. The people in her village would often talk about hearing the fairies calling each other at night.   She was told that these supernatural beings lived in nearby springs and lonely caves.

Kahit na noong maliit pa siya, nakakarinig na si Malinay ng mga kwento tungkol sa mga diwata/engkanto. Ang mga tao sa kanilang nayon ay madalas mag-usap tungkol sa mga naririnig nilang mga diwata na nagtatawagan kada gabi. May nagsabi sa kaniya na ang mga supernatural na mga nilalang na ito ay nakatira malapit sa bukal at tahimik na kuweba.

In spite of all these talks, no one had actually seen a fairy. And Malinay, being a young girl, became curious. So she started wandering near the caves and springs, hoping that she could see a fairy.

Sa kabila ng mga usaping ito, ni isa ay wala pang nakakita sa mga diwata/engkanto. At si Malinay, bilang isang walang muwang ay naging mausisa. Kaya’t sinimulan na niyang maglibot malapit sa kuweba at bukal, nagnanais na sana ay makakita siya ng diwata/engkanto.

Unknown to this lovely Bicol lass, a handsome young fairy was watching her, this fairy’s name was Baltong. He was the son of the chief of the fairies.

Hindi alam ng magandang dilag na ito, isang kaakit-akit na batang engkanto ang nagmamasid sa kaniya, ang pangalan nito ay Baltong. Siya ay anak ng pinuno ng mga engkanto.

Day after day Baltong watched the young Malinay play around the springs and caves. Soon he felt himself falling in love with her that he made himself visible in the form of a human being.

Araw-araw pinagmamasdan ni Baltong ang dalagang si Malinay na naglalaro sa paligid ng bukal at kuweba. Hanggang sa naramdaman na niya ang kaniyang sarili na nahuhulog na kay Malinay na kung saan ay ipinakita niya ang kaniyang sarili sa pamamagitan ng pag-aanyong tao.

One afternoon he waited for Malinay. And when the girl came, he approached her. The girl was frightened at first. However, he told her not to be alarmed because he meant no harm.

Isang hapon ay hinintay niya si Malinay. At nang dumating na ang babae, nilapitan niya ito. Natakot ang babae noong una. Subalit, kinausap niya ito at sinabing huwag matakot dahil hindi niya ito sasaktan.

This first meeting was followed by many. As days went by the two young people became friends. This started the romance of the forest. Once a week Malinay and Baltong would meet at the same place. Soon they longed for each other’s company.

Ang unang pagtatagpo ay nasundan pa nang nasundan. Habang tumagal ay naging magkaibigan na ang dalawa.

Baltong spoke to Malinay about his love. As the girl had also fallen in love with him, without much trouble, accepted his love.

Inamin ni Baltong ang kaniyang nararamdaman para kay Malinay. Tulad din ng pag-ibig ng dalaga sa kaniya, wala nang paligoy-ligoy pa ay tinanggap din ang pag-ibig niya.

Then came the day when Baltong could no longer stay in human form. It was prohibited by the traditions of the supernatural beings for any fairy to stay in human form forever.

Hanggang sa dumating ang panahon na hindi na maari pang manatili si Baltong sa kaniyang anyong tao. Ito ay ipinagbabawal sa mga tradisyon ng mga supernatural na nilalang para sa anumang engkanto na manatili sa anyong tao kailanman.

Malinay could not understand it when Baltong said good-bye. He tried to explain, but this only made things worse. Malinay cried and cried.

Hindi ito maintindihan ni Malinay nang nagpaalam si Baltong. Sinubukan niyang magpaliwanag, ngunit napalala lang nito ang mga pangyayari. Umiyak nang umiyak si Malinay.

“I want to go with you” she wept. “I can’t live without you.”

“Nais kong sumama sa’yo” pagsusumamo niya. “Hindi ko kayang mabuhay nang wala ka”

“I know, But I can not stay on,” said Baltong tearfully. “My time as a mortal being is over. I have to go back to where I belong.”

“Alam ko, ngunit hindi na ako maaaring manatili pa,” mangiyak-ngiyak na sambit ni Baltong. “Ang oras ko bilang mortal ay tapos na. Kinakailangan ko nang bumalik sa kung saan ako nababagay.”

In her grief, Malinay embraced Baltong very tightly. She begged and begged him not to leave her. But the young man’s borrowed time had come and his leaving could not be postponed. His body slowly faded away.

Sa kanyang kalungkutan, Niyakap ni Malinay si Baltong nang mahigpit. Nagmakaawa siya nang nagmakaawa na huwag siyang iwan nito. Ngunit ang hiram na oras ng binata ay tapos na at ang kaniyang paglisan ay hindi na maaaring ipagpaliban pa. Ang kaniyang katawan ay unti-unti nang naglalaho.

Malinay tried her best to hold on to her lover. She clasped him very tightly. However, what was left, by this time, was the hands of the young man. The rest of the body had disappeared.

Ginawa ni Malinay ang lahat ng kaniyang makakaya para kumapit sa kaniyang minamahal. Kumapit siya kay Baltong nang mahigpit. Subalit, ang natira na lang ngayon, ay ang mga kamay ng mga binata. Ang kabuuang katawan ay nawala na.

As Malinay held these hands in grief and sorrow she heard a voice. “Bury these hands in remembrance of me.”

Habang hinahawakan ni Malinay ang mga kamay habang may lungkot at pagluluksa ay may narinig siyang boses. “Ilibing mo ang mga kamay bilang alaala mo sa akin.

Malinay did as her lover told her. The following day, she saw a beautiful plant with soft stalks and wide green leaves. Each day she watched it grow. Until one day, it bore some strange-looking fruits which resembled human hands – and those where the first bananas!

Ginawa ni Malinay kung ano ang sinabi ng minamahal sa kaniya. Sa sumunod na araw, nakakita siya ng isang magandang halaman na may malalambot na tangkay at malalapad na luntiang dahon. Kada araw ay pinagmamasdan niya itong lumaki. Hanggang sa isang araw, nagbunga ito ng iilang prutas na may kakaibang itsura na nahahawig sa mga kamay ng tao – at iyon ang mga unang saging!

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