The Legend of the

Sampaguita

Sampaguita, Philippine's national flower

A long time ago, neighboring villages Balintawak and
Gagalangin are separated by a strong wall made of
dried bamboos. This wall is torn and replaced every
five years, sometimes by the guardsmen of
Ballintawak and sometimes by the guardsmen of
Gagalangin. This is done according to the
respective datu's command.
Rosita, the daughter of barangay Balintawak's is
blessed with incomparable beauty and kindness. Her
mother died when she was young but she has four
maids to assist her. A lot of admirers tried to win her
heart but her heart belonged only to Delfin, son
Gagalangin's datu.
The conflict between their families did not hinder their
love for each other. Every night, when the moon is
bright they would secretly meet at the end of the
fence with Rosita's maidservants.
One day, the datu of Gagalangin heard that the fence
is being destroyed by the servants of datu Balintawak
so that they can build a new one. He asked one of his
guards to watch at the said fence-making. When the
guard came back, he told the datu that the new fence
was moved. He was mad because the datu of
Balintawak took five meters of their land, in essence
occupying a bit of their land. Immediately, he sent a
man to the datu of the neighboring barangay.
"Tell him", he said, "to take the fence back to its
original place! He is being unlawful and stealing is a
crime!"
When the datu of Balintawak heard about it, he
became furious and said, "Tell him that I did not stole
anything. I am just returning the wall to it's original
position according to the laws of my ancestors!"
Delfin's father was enraged when he heard the
response. In situations like this, the usual conclusion
was bloodshed.
The cheif of Gagalangin prepared his army. By the
edge of his sword, he had to take back the land that
was taken from him. When the chief of Balintawak
heard that the cheif of Gagalangin are preparing for
war agains him, he too prepared his army. When the
time drew nearer to the day of the attack, the chief of
Balintawak suddenly fell ill and not long after that,
passed away. Delfin was left with the great
responsibility of being general of the army of
Gagalangin.
When Rosita heard of this, she was distressed. Delfin
was very young and had not had any experience in
war. Whereas her father has been honed by many
fights ever since he was a child. Indeed, she was
extremely distressed. She wanted to speak to Delfin
so that the war could be postponed so that they could
have a peaceful negotiation with her father. However,
there was no time for them to talk. The next day, her
father was heading a massive army.
The battle between the two tribes was fierce and
bloody. Many men died that day. Delfin was fatally
wounded, and because of the amount of blood he
lost, he fell to the ground. Before he breathed his last,
he gave instructions to his soldiers for his body to be
buried next to the wall, near the secret passage
where in the full moon, he and Rosita, along with her
maidservants, peacefully walked through the lush
grass of the fields.
The stories of old never went into details as to the two
lover's story, nor did it mention the result of the battle.
All that was said is this: when Rosita heard about
Delfin's death, the young woman fell desperately ill.
Her father called the best doctors from everywhere,
but none of them could heal the pitiful young lady.
Little by little, her strength left her. When Rosita felt
that she did not have long to live, she requested that
her father that her body be buried next to Delfin's.
Although this was hard on the cheif, he granted the
wish of the daughter whom he loved dearly.
Many years passed since that time. The days of the
villages and chiefs have long gone and the Spanish
came to colonize the land. The city ofManila had been
founded and there are now many people living in
Balintawak and Gagalangin. However, the people
from these two places have been perturbed by one
mysterious thing. Every month of May, especially
when the moon is bright, there is a mysterious sound
heard somewhere in the middle of the two cities. The
sound is like that of a young woman, sweetly
whispering like a wind in the night, kissing the leaves
and the plants. "Sumpa kita!... Sumpa kita!" ("You are
my promise.. you are my vow!") is what they would
hear. Some people would wait around but they did not
see anything. However, they noticed in the wild part of
the area, there grew two trees who's flowers are small
and white with many petals and who's smell was
unbelievably fragrant. This is what the people saw
every year on the month of May.
It was not long until they thought of digging
underneath the two trees to find out the mystery of
that voice and the meaning of the words that were
uttered. They did not have to dig too deep until they
found something. However, their wonder was only
deepened when they saw that the two trees started
from the mouths of two skulls, buried close together,
with their skeleton still intact. It came back to the
memories of the elder people of the story of the two
lovers, Delfin and Rosita.
In the meantime, this story, passed down from mouth
to mouth has been altered bit by bit. The words
"Sumpa kita!" uttered by the evening breeze, to the
listeners of the ages has become "Sampaguita",
which is now used for the beautifully scented flowers
that sometimes grow on the grave mounds of lovers.
 Legend of the Banana Plant

In the early days when the world was new, spirits

and ghosts lurked everywhere. They lived in
gloomy caves, they hid in anthills and tree trunks
they frolicked in nooks and corners under the
houses. In the dark, sometimes their tiny voices
could be heard dimly, or their ghostly presence be
felt. But they were never seen.

It was during these days of phantoms and unseen

spirits that a young and beautiful girl lived. Her
name was Raya, and she was a girl bold and
daring. She was never afraid of spirits. She would
walk in the shadowy forests, bringing along a
lighted candle.

Then she would tiptoe into dark and dirty caves,

searching the place for spirits. Raya only felt or
heard them never having seen them. But Raya
always felt the presence of one kind spirit,
whenever she walked in the forest the spirit was
with her at all times.

One day she heard someone call her name, and

she looked up to see a young handsome man. She
asked him who he was, and he replied that his
name was Sag-in, and he was the spirit who
followed her around, and even confessed that he
had fallen in love with a mortal.

They married had a child and lived happily, but

Sag-in knew that his time on earth was short for
he was a spirit-man, and would have to return to
the spirit world soon. When he knew his time had
come, he called Raya and explained why he had to
leave. As he was slowly vanishing, he told Raya
that he would leave her a part of him. Raya looked
down and saw a bleeding heart on the ground. She
took the heart and planted it. She watched it night
and day. A plant with long green leaves sprouted
from the grave.

One day, the tree bore fruit shaped like a heart.

She touched the fruit and caressed it. Thinking
could this be Sag-in's heart? Slowly the fruit
opened , Long golden fruits sprouted from it. Raya
picked one, peeled it and bit into it. Then, she
heard Sag-in's voice floating in the air:
"Yes, Raya, it is my heart. I have reappeared to
show you that I will never forsake you and our
child. Take care of this plant, and it will take care
of you in return. It's trunk and leaves will give you
shelter and clothing. The heart and fruits will be
your food. And when you sleep at night, I will
stand and watch by your window. I will stay by
your side forever!"
 LEGEND OF THE COCONUT TREE

Long ago there was a Chamorro family belonging to the Achote tribe. The family
had a beautiful young daughter who was admired by everyone in the tribe.

One day the girl became very thirsty. She wanted to drink the juice from a
special fruit. Everyone tried to find the fruit she described but to no avail. Soon
the girl became very ill and died.

The father buried the girl on a hill over looking the village. He placed a beautiful
headstone on her grave and the people covered it with many beautiful flowers.

One day the villagers noticed a strange plant growing on the girl's grave. They
thought it was magic and built a shelter to protect it.

Five years after the plant appeared, it had grown 20 feet tall, strange looking
fruits appeared. One of the fruits dropped to the ground and cracked open.

The chief called on the father of the dead girl to eat the strange fruit but he
refused. He called his wife to eat the fruit. She said it was sweet and chewy and
called it coconut. It remains one of the main foods eaten by the Chamorro people.

THE FIRST RAINBOW

LEGEND
The Rainbow legend says that a long time ago,
there was a farmer that had a small farm. One
day he realizes that one of the walls he built a
couple of days ago keeps getting knocked
down by someone or something, tired of this
happening he decided to wait and catch the
responsible.

One evening while he was in guard he heard

something strange near that wall, then he ran
and surprises three star maidens. When they
saw the farmer they ran trying to escape, two
were able to do it while one was left behind.
The farmer then got a hold of the star maiden
and felt in love with her, afraid that she would
run away from him, he thinks in a way to stop
this from happening, which is hide her magical
wings.
Time went by and the farmer and star maiden
got married and were blessed with the birth of
a beautiful baby boy. They were happy for a
long time, until one day that in one of the star
maiden's walk she found her magical wings
near their house. She then thinks on her
sisters and how much fun they use to have,
and with this in mind she wears her wings back
and with her son next to her, she flew back to
her sisters leaving the farmer heart broken.
The gods saw this and felt pity for the tears of
the farmer, so they decided to build a way for
him to climb to the sky and see his son and
wife, making a bridge of different colors.
Another version of the rainbow legend says
that one day Bathala planned a journey to
Earth to visit his faithful people. He called his
children to bid them farewell. All of them came
but Bighari, the Goddess of Flowers.
Bathala, who valued promptness, became
angry because this was not the first time that
Bighari missed their gathering. Thus, he
banished her from their heavenly kingdom.
Bighari, at that time, was at her garden on
Earth. She wept bitterly when she was told of
her banishment. But she sought to cope with
her sorrow by causing her garden to bloom
profusely.
The legend of the rainbow says that the people
that used to live around her garden grew to
love her more and more for bringing beauty to
their lives. They resolved, after a time, to build
her a bower so that they could see her garden
even from a long distance.
And so they built it, and decked it all over with
colorful blooms. Thereafter, whenever Bighari
would travel, people would see her colorful
bower against the sky.
Legend of Maria Makiling
According to legend, there was a time when the gods could live like
ordinary mortals do. Although these gods were enchanted, they
could speak, love, and even go to the market like what people do in
our time. This story tells what happened to the daughter of two such
deities. This is the story of Mariang Makiling.

Two deities, Dayang Makiling and Gat Panahon, had an only

daughter name Maria. Because of her beauty and charm, she was
the delight of her parents. The source of their joy and strength,
Maria was, to them, a jewel, a treasure that made life full of light
and laughter.

At that time people could talk with the deities face to face, and even
sit with them side by side underneath a tree. People could also ask
for help when they were in need, provided that they asked in a
solemn manner.

It was the custom of Maria to go to a small market, sometimes

called talipapa, on weekdays. Just like other women, she would on
such occasions wear clothes made of silk and embroidered with
flowers and wide stripes for this was the fashion at that time. Maria
had long, black abundant hair which she usually decorated with
pomelo flowers. When she went to the market, her flowing hair
would touch her ankles. As she passed along, gallant men would bow
their heads to signify their respect.

When Maria went to the market, she was always accompanied by

two Aetas1, who served as her servants. These two servants stayed
close behind Maria, and they both carried a basket each that was full
of golden ginger. These golden ginger Maria would barter for such
items needed for the home. There was no money at that time, and
instead of buying, people bartered and exchanged their goods for
the things that they needed.

On a market day, the residents of the area are not the only ones
who would go to the talipapa. Merchants and people from
neighboring towns would also go to the market. One day, Gat2 Dula,
the ruler of the kingdom of Bay, came to the talipapa to while away
the hours. A piece of animal skin with fine hair caught Gat Dula's eye
and he reached out to touch the fur. At the same moment, Maria
was also reaching towards the same piece of animal skin and their
shoulders accidentally touched. Their eyes met and Gat Dula bowed
his head as a sign of respect and apology. And Maria responded with
a shy smile as they parted from each other's company.

Since that first encounter, Gat Dula often visited the talipapa but he
was not able to see Maria during these visits. One day, he saw Maria
at the very place where they first met. He approached Maria and
greeted her and Maria responded with a very sweet smile.

That was the beginning of their friendship which blossomed into love
as the months passed. As time passed, the love affair between Gat
Dula and Maria came to be known to Gat Panahon, Maria's father.
Gat Panahon was angry. Even Dayang Makiling, Maria's mother, was
distresssed that her only daughter was in love with a mortal. Maria
was then forbidden to go down to the earth. Her parents even took
away from Maria the power of enchantment which enabled a deity to
look and act like an ordinary mortal. But even though Maria and Gat
Dula could no longer meet physically, their love endured. Maria
continued to watch over Gat Dula. During a battle with the army of
Lakan3 Bunto, the ruler of a neighboring kingdom who invaded the
kingdom of Bay, Gat Dula did not suffer a single wound due to the
support of Maria's enchantment.

Unfortunately, Gat Dula's inability to see Maria caused him to fall ill
and die. Maria asked the gods to give her the soul of Gat Dula and
her request was granted.
THE LEGEND OF GUAVA
Long time ago, there was a king who rules a rich,
prosperous island. He has all the things a king
could ever ask for, the power, the wealth and all
the delicious foods.The king's name was King
Barabas.
The king was fat, rude, and his castle was starting
to be filthy. He would consume most of his time
sitting and eating with his bare hands with foods
dripping on the floor, with the mocking smile for
the people around him. People would ask for his
help but he refuses too. He doesn't do anything to
better his kingdom and people are starting to
complain and starve.
Soon, a beggar, an old woman showed up on the
castle while the king is eating. The old lady was
asking for food as she is starving.
"Go away! I don't have anything to give to you.
Can't you see I'm eating?" said the king.
"Please my king, " said the old woman. Anything,
anything you could give me as I am so hungry.
Even a little piece of bread or fruit would do."
"Get out at once! You disgust me," and the king
belittled the old beggar.
The old woman stand up as straight as she can
and her tone of voice had changed, no longer the
voice of a weak, old woman and said, "I've heard
so much about you and how your kingdoms is
suffering. I asked for help, and you shoved me
away. You have a lot for yourself, I only asked for
a little food and you belittled me. You are selfish.
No one would love you and no one would
remember you when you are gone," and the
beggar disappeared.
Few more days and the king slowly weakened
and got sick. No one knows what's wrong with
him. He weakened and weakened and had lose
so much weight. He looks older than his age.
Soon after that the king died. Sad as it is, no one
on cried and nobody showed up on the king's
burial. He died alone.
And on where the king was buried, his people
noticed a strange plant growing, a plant they had
never seen before. The plant soon grew into a
tree and it bears rounded fruits which turns
yellowish when ripe.

There was a couple who live in a nipa hut in a

rural area on the foot of the hills in the province of
Albay. The wife was currently pregnant at that
time. The place was peaceful, the nipa hut was
made from bamboo and the cogon grass. The
couple planted vegetables and flowers and that's
how they earn their living.
Soon the wife gave birth to two beautiful girls.
They named themAmparo and Rosalina. The
birth of the twins was such a joy but the mother
died from giving birth. However, the three (the
father and the two twins) continued their lives.
The two young kids was playful and energetic,
and they are also very helpful as they help their
father on tending the crops and harvesting those
that are ready to be sold on the market. Amparo
was known as Paro and the younger one,
Rosalina was called as Rosa.
But tragedy doesn't end on their mother's death.
Soon, their father died too from an illness when
the twins was already 12 years old, leaving the
twins to live on their own in their hut on the foot of
the hill. They learned to cope on their own,
continuing what their father had started doing as
source of living. Their father had planted fruit
bearing trees, vegetables and flowers. So Rosa
and Paro started doing the same, they planted all
kinds of vegetables and flowers on the land and
tending on the fruit bearing trees their father had
left. After picking up fruits, vegetables and
flowers, the twins would sell all these together on
the market. They could even reach every homes
on their area and on the neighboring island just to
sell.
 Every morning, Rosa does all the house works and the
watering, picking and selling of the crops she had picked.

But as months went by

Amparo's attitude has changed noticeably. Paro
was always with Rosa before, unlike now, she's
been lazy and hot headed. She doesn't help Rosa
anymore. And she won't even do house chores.
Paro would just let Rosa do the watering and
pulling off weeds on the garden. Cooking,
dishwashing, and house cleaning annoys her.
Rosalina DOES everything.
"Could you hurry it up Rosa?!" Paro, irritated,
would yell to Rosa when Rosa was slow. That is
mostly when Paro was hungry.
"I don't like this! Isn't there something else to eat?"
Paro would angrily stamped her feet if she doesn't
like the served food on the table.
It even makes her mad if the food was tasteless
and she would just go back to sleep. This worries
Rosa so much. Paro would spend the whole day
smelling flowers on the garden.
The following day before the sun's up, Rosa was
already on the farm watering flowers and picking
up vegetables that she would sell on the market.
But Rosa only got a little, maybe the crops are
already old that they won't bear much for her to
sell.
However, Rosa still went to the market to sell her
crops. And she used the money she earned to
buy rice and jerked fish. And guessed what she
found on the nipa hut? Paro was still sleeping!
he two had a discussion

And Paro hurriedly went out the hut. She went to

the garden first, picked one rose and head onto
the river bank.
These made Rosa so sad and she kneel on the
altar teary-eyed. She also saw the scattered rice
and jerked fish on the floor. She wished to God
that her twin's attitude would change.
Paro, on the other hand, was so entertained
looking at her reflection on the river's clear water.
By that time, the worried Rosa was already on her
way. She decided to follow her twin sister to see
how and what she was doing.
"Paro! Paro!" she called out to her. "Where are
you Paro?" But Amparo didn't showed up. She
had never been seen.
While the people are observing and waiting

for Paro's body to show up or float on the river,

the people noticed a flower bud which is just
about to open. They all watch this flower's slow
movement, opening, blossoming.
To the flower's core was like a set of wings, with
different colors. And to their surprise, a thing
emerged from it. It flits and floats in air for a while
before it took off. Rosalina and the neighbors
followed the strange thing they hadn't seen before
as it head to the garden, perching on each and
one of the flowers, smelling each one.
Rosa's heart race and out of herself she had
exclaimed, " Paro! Paro!"
The graceful and colorful new creature on the
garden was soon called "paro paro" by the
people. The flower lover creature.

A long time ago, there was a handsome, well-built

young man who is dreaming of marrying the most
beautiful maiden he could lay his eyes on. He was
boastful and arrogant thou.
He makes the ladies feel sorry for themselves at
times as he was being so boastful. He would even
criticize them up front without considering their
feelings hearing what he has about to say.

He was on his way going up to the

mountain one day to get some rattans when he
came across a lovely maiden wearing the whitest
dress, as bright as the sun rays. For him, she was
the most beautiful maiden he had ever seen.
"She's so beautiful," he told himself as he
continuously approach her. The maiden suddenly
disappeared when he's getting close to her. She
just vanished in an instant.
He went and searched the whole forest just to find
her but to no avail. He's all out of luck, and he's so
tired from that searching that he did to find the
lovely maiden. For all the time he had spent and
the hardship he had endured looking for her
without the success, he got mad and screamed:
" You're not really beautiful! Did you hear me?
You have a flat nose, your ears are big and
you are a cross-eyed."
He then lied down under the shade of a tall, big
tree and had fallen asleep as he was so
exhausted. And guess what he saw when he
woke up? The most beautiful maiden he had
spotted earlier who suddenly disappeared. She is
just so pretty, he knew that. And all the bad things
he had said when he got mad was all untrue.
"You just insulted me a while ago. So from
now on, you are going to be a bug!" she said.
"For your form to come back, you have to
show me a maiden that will surpass my
beauty. Leave and find the lady I was talking
about so you can get your old form back," the
woodland fairy who disguised as a maiden
instructed him.

Now being a bug, he fly near and far to find the

maiden much prettier than the fairy. Day and night
he went on search hoping to find the lady. he
brought a light with him to help in his search
during nighttime to find the maiden who will
surpass the loveliness of the woodland fairy who
cursed him.
He became the only bug who has a flickering
light, desperately in search of the maiden that will
be the key to get back to his form. But whose
mortal would be prettier than a fairy? He is still in
search until now and that bug we now know as
the "firefly."