The Tale of Sandayo

1
THE TALE OF SANDAYO1 Then spoke Salaria:

“What beautiful waters!
What a wondrous spring!
Look in its depths;
The Waters of Liyasan There in the bottom.
The rocks of these waters
1 Now he must speak, Are mossed over
The Datu Salaria, 40 In shining gold.
For what ails Sands that glitter!
The Datu Salaria! Wondrous waters,
“Dear Bae2 Salaong Miraculous spring,
How luckless we are! Eager to bathe, Salaong
We have no child Then plunged in.
Though many are Wafted by the current,
Our possessions. Seven times
10 If we die She went under,
Who will be left Seven times she came up.
No one to inherit 50 Then spoke Salaria:
Our many possessions.” “Dear Bae Salaong
“O, Datu Salaria! We must go now;
What then…? Our bodies must rest.”
Let us bathe The royal lady,
In the waters of Liyasan.”3 Now out of the water,
Said Datu Salaria: Went to the hut,
“There you bathe, No water dripping.
20 In that hidden The clothes of Salaong
Spring that glisten.” Looking newly worn;
But answered Salaong: 60 Dry as before
“No, it cannot freshen me up; And no part was ever wet.
I shall bathe
In the waters of Liyasan, The Birth of Sandayo
Biggest of river springs.”
And so they went, Now they go
While lightning flashed Up Mount Giliyan.
And thunder rolled, Lighting lit Giliyan,
Down Mount Giliyan. The thunder rolled.
Reaching a hut Then spoke Salaria:
They sat to rest. “I feel uneasy;
Giliyan rift with lightning,
70 Loud is the thunder
1
Eugenio, Damiana. The Epics: Philippine Folk Literature, vol. VIII. Quezon City:
The University of the Philippines Press, 2001, 530-560. And the earth shakes.”
2
Title of respect for a high-born lady. They went up the house,
3
A Suban-on word which literally means “to overflow”; the word is said to have Up the swaying steps.
been formerly applied to Mount Malindang of Misamis Occidental on account of The lady felt heavy,
its crater lake. The lake is today called Duminagat.
Scarcely able to stand.
They entered a room,
May Temple-Maravilles. Literatures of Mindanao. Languages Department. School of Liberal Arts. Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
2
A room of gold Caressed and hugged

That glittered brightly. The beautiful baby.
Then spoke Salaong: She held up
80 “Datu Salaria, Her baby, son of Salaong,
Give me some oil. Handsome and radiant
For I shall comb, Like the rising sun
I shall smooth At break of day.
My rich, lush hair 120 The day passed.
To make it glow.” Two days went by
She was given oil And two nights.
From seven vials. Three more nights,
She rubbed in the oil And then four more nights,
From seven vials. The child, like a covered
Seedling of a melon,
90 No oil can truly gloss This week-old child
The hair of Salaong Had learned to walk;
Rubbing in the oil, Like the sun on its course,
She combed her hair 130 Like a divine being,
In eight strokes. Two weeks passed
Eight times she combed For the handsome child,
And nine more strokes. Petted and caressed
On the ninth stroke By Datu Salaria.
Out fell a baby; Then spoke Salaria:
A baby so handsome, “Dear Bae Salaong,
100 As radiant as How very sad!
The sun. Our child is ugly,
We have no hope,
Sandayo’s Childhood 140 No expectation.”
Answered Salaong,
Care was lavished “May no evil come!
On this handsome child This child
This beautiful flower, Has grown so fast
The Datu Sandayo. In only a month.”
Then spoke Salaria:
“Alas, what a pity Sandayo Grows Up
For us, Salaong!
Our child is Then spoke Sandayo:
110 No fortune for us, “My mother Salaong
An ugly child!”4 I must dress.
But Salaong Take off these wraps.
150 I am Datu Sandayo;
4
There is a superstition among the Suban-on and Bisayan barrio folks (common If I dress not
also in other parts of Asia) that praising a child invites the envy of evil spirits I cannot be datu,
(belief in the buyag). To ward off the evil eye, the opposite is said of the child. One who is respected.”
A handsome child is therefore called ugly.
The handsome child
Now stood up
3
Before Bae Salaong. A handsome datu,

As if in assent, Radiant and resplendent.
Lightning burst in flashes. Then spoke Sandayo:
Salaong stepped, while “My father, Salaria,
160 Thunder clapped, When I go to battle,
Towards a chest. Though countless
A sudden thunder clap Are my foes, their blood
Broke open the chest. Would scarcely wash my sword,
A spark of lightning Nor whet my dagger,
Fell on the lady, 210 Nor this reddened saber,
Which Salaong warded. Or this corded spear.”5
The spark fell onto Then to test
The head of Sandayo, His sword, Sandayo
Making Sandayo radiant Seven times hurled
170 As the rising sun And seven times caught it.
At break of day. Then spoke Salaria:
A handsome datu, “Dear Bae Salaong,
How very sad
Radiant and resplendent, That our son
As if he stood not 220 Is an ugly child
On earthly ground, We have no luck,
Straight as a tree, No fortune
Like a son of Diwata, Our child is ugly,
Like some rare flower, Our son just plain.”
Beautiful to behold!
180 Then from the chest, Sandayo Goes on a Journey
Bae Salaong
With her left hand took out Since he changed garb
What her right hand picked. A day had gone.
Out came Two days went by,
A rich garb of gold, Then three days;
Many robes of gold Up spoke Sandayo:
To fill chests. 230 “My mother, Salaong,
The bae called: I must venture out,
“Sandayo, come. I must roam.”
190 Here are your robes. Answered Salaong:
Change into them, “Alas, a pity!
Put on these robes, It cannot be,
Of eight folds.” It is not yet time.
He smoothed down You are but a child.
The folds so that When you have grown up,
They became one.
Now, Sandayo,
Brighter than the sun, 5
Spear (bodyak). This is about 120 cm. long including its tip which is made of
This Datu Sandayo iron. The handle is made of wood. A red piece of cloth is entwined on the other
200 Dazzled the eyes; end of the handle.
4
When you are a man, Eight scarves he wore.6

240 Your time will come.” Then spoke Sandayo:
A week passed, “My mother, Salaong,
Sandayo had grown, Rub oil into my hair;
Had gone down the house Set it in plaits
A stripling, now. And coil it into a bun.”
Then spoke Sandayo, And so Salaong
Take off your bonds. Took some oil
A datu must venture out.” From eight vials
Sandayo continued: And with tears falling:
250 “My mother, Salaong, “I am much worried;
Take off your bonds. 290 You are but a child
I must shed them now, To go roving,
For I must go. To venture out!”
O mother, O Salaong, Sandayo’s hair was combed:
It is not fitting Eight times she combed it;
That a datu ventures not.” Eight times she smoothed it;
Answered Salaong: Eight times she wound it;
“Come then Then rolled it into a bun,
To the chest.” Then spoke Salaong:
260 Again, lightning flashed “My son, your hair
And thunder rolled. 300 Is rolled into a bun
And so Salaong, Which will hold and
Her eyes welling tears, Never be undone,
Like glistening gems, And I alone can undo it.
Opened wide As if iron rooted in place
It holds though rumpled.”
On the bun
The golden chest She set charms.
That held treasures. One charm is
She unfolded For use in battle,
A cloth of gold, 310 The other gains
270 A robe that glittered. Favors with women.
Then said she: The like of Sandayo,
“Sandayo, your clothes Never yet seen on earth,
I cannot adorn Like a son of Diwata,
Not fix. Like a rare flower.
I am no princess, Brighter than the sun
I have no learning.” Sandayo dazzled the eyes;
So handsome he was,
Sandayo Prepares for His Journey So perfect in all.
320 Then said Sandayo:
With the new robes
Sandayo dressed up.
6
Eight scarves: The ordinary Suban-on word of scarf is monsala. “Pandyo.”
Note the emphasis on the number eight. It recurs throughout.
5
“Mother, Bae Salaong, “Beware! Take care!

Give me my sword. Sandayo, do not go.
Tuck it in my waist.” Dire portents
Then stood Forbid a journey.
Bae Salaong. You are yet young.
She got the sword, 370 A bud unopened.”
The sword of Sandayo. Sandayo turned:
Said Salaria: “O my mother, Salaong.
“Sandayo, do not go. Sandayo will return!
330 You are but a child, Blood kin will return.
Very young and tender The blessed will be back.
Not fit to roam.
It is not time; Sandayo Journeys
Your mouth drips milk,
Lips not weaned from breast.”
Then answered Sandayo: He spread out his mosala7
“O, Father Salaria, And rode on it.
A datu who ventures not Said Sandayo:
Is no true datu.” “Lightning, come,
340 Bae Salaong, 380 With your flash, I go.
Her eyes welling with tears Bring me
Like glistening gems: To the center
“Alas, a pity! Of the sun.
What a care! There I shall have my chew.”
A child, yet a baby. And Salaong
You might meet Was left weeping:
Trials, troubles, “O, Datu Salaria,
And you so small, I have much fear.”
So young.” Then Datu Sandayo
350 He took the sword 390 Sat down in
And tucked it in his waist. The center of the sun
The sword of Sandayo To enjoy his chew.
Dragged on the floor Then he dreamt
Scraping the mat, Of Bae Bolak Sonday,
So small the child. Smiling as she turned
Sandayo strutted Lime and betel nut
To make a chew.
And with Benobong
Towards the door. They tossed the chew.
Brandishing the sword 400 It was caught
His golden sword; By Datu Sandayo.
360 Seven times he hurled it, He began to munch
And seven times he caught it, The chew of Bolak Sonday.
Sandayo reached the door; After his chew,
A limmon called out! He flew on his monsala.
Fearfully said Salaong: 7
Scarf endowed with magic powers.
6
To himself Perhaps he is
Datu Sandayo said: A datu of all lands.
“Where shall I go? 860 To no god he bows
To the waters of Lumanay8 No power he fears.”
410 Or to the waters of Gwalo Leyo?”9 Then up they went
He thought Facing the lantaka:
I must find first Before it could fire
The waters of Gwalo Leyo The lantaka broke.
So I will know Said the village datu:
How beautiful are its waters.” 870 “O Laggi, why?
The day passed. You misfired.
Three days, This lantaka
Then a week. Was thrice tested,
Sandayo grew up. Four times inherited.”
Sandayo’s first journey is to Gwalo Leyo. Then spoke Sandayo:
Here he is adopted by two datus, “Know you not
Daugbolawan and Lomelok, who bring him That I am
with them to the buklog of Lumanay. Datu of all lands?”
Then they entered
Giliyan trembled. 880 Said the Tinayobo:
The mountain rocked. “Visitors from afar,
Said the village datu: Come in and rest.”
“What is this? Said Sandayo;
Since my youth, “I come not to rest.
Never has trembled No need for a mat.
840 My beloved Giliyan Welcome or not
But only today. A datu must enter.”
Those datus coming So he sat down.
Must be great.” The bench creaked
As he saw them come. 890 For he was heavy,
Up in Giliyan The Datu Sandayo
Perched the village, A sight to behold
And watching them Was Sandayo;
The people of the buklog said: Brighter than the sun
“Look, see the Sandayo dazzled the eyes,
850 Datu, as if Blinding their gaze.
He is not of the earth, Said the Tinayobo:
Like a son of Diwata, “Bae, from your room
Straight as a tree, Come out a while.
A rare flower.” 900 For this datu here
Said the Tinayobo: I am not fit
“You speak praises. To serve the pamama.”
Beware of praises. From the room the bae
Came out,
8
Lumanay: Legendary river whose turbulent waters could melt or drown Bringin a laapan.
ordinary mortals who dared to cross the place. Filled with pamama.
9
Gwalo Leyo: Legendary place which would mean behind the eighth horizon.
7
Sitting beside 950 The tumiyag jar10

The Datu Sandayo That needed no light
She made the chew For it glittered.
910 In pieces so like He tilted the jar,
The small sea snail. Poured the wine,
Then Sandayo, And served it
As he watched With drinking straws
Beside the bae, Made of solid
Took up his own, Pure gold.
The pamama “O Laggi, fellow datus,
He brought with him, Let us fill ourselves.”
Made by Salaong, Then stood up
Then he thought: The Datu Sandayo.
920 “I chew my own, He came forward
This piece so like To join the crowd,
The small se snail.” Striking his knees
Together the three Against some datus
Enjoyed their chew. Who fell back.
Then spoke the bae: 970 Said the datus:
“I leave you now.” “What is this?
Up and down darted Laggi, wathc out!
The eyes of Sandayo: Have you no eyes?”
“The bae is lovely, Answered Sandayo:
930 Should I marry her? “Have I not said,
Do I love her? Laggi, I will pass?
If I court her, You did not hear;
Will she have me? You are deaf!”
Will our child When he reached
Have power? 980 Near the jar
A precious flower Sandayo stooped,
To equal me, Put his mouth
To share my fame?” To the big jar.
Twice he drank
The Buklog in Lumanay From the big jar.
The tumiyag jar
Said the host datu: He emptied it.
940 “Beware, Said the host datu:
Datu Sampilakan. “Here, Tinayobo,
Take care 990 See to this
For a datu has come. Our wine jar
He is no mean datu, Is empty.”
No minor datu, Then they drank
Like a son of Diwata.” As more wine came,
After they spoke
The Datu Sampilakan 10
A huge priceless wine jar, called both a bandi (the generic name) and
Lifted the jar, tumiyag, the specific name.
8
Eight wine jars Give us leave.”

Did Sandayo empty Said Lengotubig:
The day passed “Mother, I will dress up.
Two days, Please let me go.”
Still they drank. Said Bae Salangka:
1000 At the place Lumanay 1040 “Then go together,
Lomelok, Medepesa,
Bolak Sonday and her relatives decide to attend the Datu Daugbolawan,
buklog in Lumanay. If you must go.”
They all dressed up;
There in Manelangan,11 Datu Lomelok,
A huge open spring, Also Lengotubig,
Bolak Sonday spoke: Bolak Sonday and Benobong,
“Mother, Bae Salagga, So eager to leave
I had a Dream. Were Bolak Sonday
A buklog is taking place 1050 And Benobong
In Lumanay.” After they had dressed up.
Said the mother: Then said Tulogan:
“I know not of “Laggi, Pammitonan,
1010 A buklog in Lumanay.” Let us not ride,
Warned Bae Salagga: For coming back
“Bolak Sonday, Benobong, Would be hard.
Do not go! We should just walk.”
For you know not Hearing these words
The river Lumanay, Bae Bolak Sonday
It bows to no bae.” 1060 Took her monsala and
Then spoke Datu Tulog Away she flew.
And Datu Pammitonan: The bae Lengotubig
“Bae Bolak Sonday, Did the same.
1020 We must attend.” Each of them
Bae Bolak sonday Rode on a scarf,
Then dressed up and And they met
Combed her hair. Above the clouds.
Then spoke Bolak Sonday
The Dat Mendepesa Laughed and turned around.
And Daugbolawan, 1070 Said she to herself:
Lomelok and Lengotubig: “All the wisdom
“Mother, Bae Salangka, Is in Bolak Sonday.
We must go My dagger12
1030 With magaw Bolak Sonday. Can rip the land
Mother, we all go.” Or split the earth.”
They all said: In the thoughts
“Mother, Bae Salangka Of Bae Benobong:
Do not hold us, “Magaw, Bolak Sonday,
11
Where the sun rises”; said to be an old name for Mount Sindangan. 12
Dagger: apparently used by women only.
9
Do not be hasty. Still they fought.

1080 We must be wary.” Four months came,
There they sat And only one stood
Above the clouds Against our hero, the suitor
As they talked. Of Bae Bolak Sonday
Still stood.
At the buklog, Sandayo is angered to see Bolak Said Bolak Sonday,
Sonday’s show of affection for Datu Domondianay 1430 Now a ring on
and fights him for two years. A finger of Sandayo;
“Honored datu,
Do not forget
Said the datu:
Your own self.”
“Laggi, fellow datu,
Then she threw
You challenge me?
The ginapog of a bae,
This is no place.
Of Bae Bolak Sonday:
1390 This is a buklog.
“Datu Domondianay,
Let us go down,
Here, a ginapog,
There we fight.”
1440 Have a chew,
Answered Sandayo:
Chew on it
“So be it!
So you can rest,
It is my wish
And think clearly.”
There we shall fight,
He extended a hand
There we meet.”
For the ginapog of the bae.
All went down,
In a flash
All datus of the buklog
Domondianay had it
1400 And the fight
And he chewed.
Soon began.
Said Sandayo:
The day soon passed.
1450 “If I so wish
Two days,
This bae is just
Three days more,
A stike of my sword
Five days went by:
To whet its blade.”
Still they fought.
Then whispered
Fighting, they reached
Datu Mendepesa:
The shining waters,
“Laggi, should I
Scaring the eels.
Offer help?”
1410 One week went by,
Answered Sandayo:
Then two weeks,
“Laggi, no need.
Still they fought.
1460 I ask no help,
A month passed,
I fight alone.”
The fight went on.
They sat down
Then two months.
All of them,
Only a few persons remained.
The visiting datus.
They fell one by one
They sat down
1420 On top of each other,
Under the sun,
The dead piling up.
Above the clouds.
Three months passed,
10
The Battle Continues Are you not tired?”

Answered Sandayo:
Datu Sandayo “Know you not
Still fought on That Datu Sandayo
1470 With no lull in the fight On this earth
Till they reached Is the mightiest?”
A shining sea, As he spoke,
A glittering ocean. 1520 Sandayo, with his sword,
They had a day Lunged at Domondianay.
To chew and rest. But domondianay
Then three days, Did the same
And seven days; And the fight resumed
Two weeks, Now they fought
One month. Above the clouds
1480 Still they fought, Then spoke Asog13
Sandayo and the datu, “Datu Baya Mama14
Two months went by, Come down
Then three months, 1530 And stop them,
The fight went on. These warring datus.
The sea ebbed, My head aches,
The salt went dry, And I am dizzy,
Scaring the eels, The world shakes.”
The sea-nymphs wept, Said Baya Mama:
For all who crossed “O Bae Asog,
1490 The path of Sandayo Go, do not vex me.
Were struck down. No need to tell me.
The giant eels Leave me now.”
Scrambled ashore, 1540 Answered Asog:
For the sea ebbed, “What ails you
The salt went dry. “Baya Mama?
They fought in frenzy, For your safety?”
Fast and ever faster. She flung her monsala
A year passed, Across her shoulder
Two years, And slid down.
1500 Three years came, Then Asog
Still they fought. Alighted behind
Said Datu Sandayo: 1550 The fighting datus,
“Laggi, fellow datu, Grasping a lock from
Are you not tired? The hair of both.
Can you keep on? Then Asog said:
Said Domondianay: “Datus, sit down
“Laggi, I do not tire. And let us talk.”
On this earch She chided them:
1510 I am the mightiest.” 13
Asog: Spirit or goddess of the clouds.
Continued Domondianay: 14
Baya Mama: Spriit or god of the clouds or atmosphere; lower in category than
“You, Laggi Sandayo Diwata sa Langit.
11
“What is this? Wept as she watched;

When you fight “What a bitter fate
You do not die. 1760 O Datu Salaria!
1560 This, Domondianay, We missed him greatly.
Know that you came Our Datu Sandayo,
From a hair-combing He left us as a child.
And blown by the wind Forgive him.”
Sandayo, your brother! Till Sandayo was
He grew up there Gripped by Salaria.
The hills of Balatakan.”15 Said Salaria:
Then Sandayo “Laggi, my datu son,
Bowed and knelt, Sit down a while
And Domondianay 1770 And rest a moment.”
1570 Did likewise, Then Sandayo
Then spoke Asog: Was held by
“O, Datu Sandayo, A lock of his hair
Bring him there, By Datu Salaria.
The Datu Domondianay, They sat down
To the waters of Liyasan, And rested a while,
Biggest of river springs. Watching each other.
He is your brother, Then spoke Sandayo:
Blown by the wind.” “What has happened?
Still spoke Asog: 1780 O, father Salaria,
1580 “Sandayo, my godson Where has she gone,
I must go, for My mother Salaong?”
I smell of the earth. Answered Salaong:
You have grown “Sandayo, here I am.
Datu Sandayo.” I was just gatering herbs.”
Swiftly she came,
For Bae Salaong
Sandayo’s Reunion with His Parents Had great fear.
Said Salaong:
Then Sandayo arose, 1790 “O Datu Sandayo,
Salaria dared him: I have just gathered herbs.”
“On guard, Sandayo!” Then Salaong
And so Sandayo Petted and caressed
1750 Unsheathed his sword, The Datu Sandayo.
Thrust his shield “What a pity!
At Datu Salaria. What a care!
But Salaria My son so young!
Did likewise. And Salaong
The fight went on. Tenderly embraced
Fiercely they fought 1800 Petted and caressed him.
While Salaong And Salaria
Did likewise;
Hugged him again,
15
Balatakan: Sub-anon word for bamboo; a hill of bamboo.
12
The Datu Sandayo. Said Sandayo:

After much huggings “O mother Bae Salaong,
Of Datu Sandayo, Make me chew,
They scarcely could breathe, I crave for a chew,
Salaong and Salaria, 1850 I like to chew.”
Said Sandayo: She made a ginapog.
1810 “I should not have come, The Bae Salaong
Now you pass away.” Gave it to Sandayo:
With his monsala, he fanned “Sandayo, your chew.”
The bae and the datu, He then took it
The Datu Salaria. With his right hand.
Soon they revived; He nudged her,
Looking well before, Smiled and winked.
Now they looked better. Then said Salaong:
Then said Salaria: 1860 “O what a pity!
“What a great care. Our ugly child,
1820 O, Bae Salaong Our only son,
For our ugly child.” Peerless, unsurpassed,
Then he took Unlike any other.”
His own sinduko.16 They started drinking,
The Datu Salaria The Datu Sandayo,
Went towards Also Salaria,
The seven Tinayobo And Bae Salaong.
And serven Sampilakan, They drank for one day.
Cut off their heads, 1870 And one night,
A blood rite17 for Sandayo, Then two nights,
1830 “What a pity! From priceless jarlets
What a care! No bigger than a fist.
O, Datu Sandayo, Jars so small
Was that a shock? Each one held no more
Were you alarmed? Than three daraughts.
Let us drink and And they talked;
Toast each other.” The Datu Salaria
Said Salaria: Told many tales
“Datu Sampilakan, 1880 For Sandayo.
Take up some gasi Sandayo would have
1840 For we celebrate.” Outtalked him but
Then he took up Kept back for respect
The well-known jarlet Of Datu Salaria.
Of matchless beauty, For he cannot surpass,
Yet a jar so small. He cannot match
Then stood Sandayo. The tales of Sandayo.
But for respect,
16
Sinduko: a curved sword or knife similar to a scythe. (The sinduko is here He could have surpassed
used in beheading maidservants and maservants as a “ritual offering.”) 1890 His own father.
17
Blood rite: note the casual way in which the seven handmaids and seven male Petted and caressed
servants are butchered in a thanksgiving rite for the son’s return.
13
By Datu Salaria, Said Salaong:

The Datu Sandayo. “What sleep is this,
Then hugging him closely Like the sleep of death?
The Datu Salaria said: Who bade him sleep
“What a pity! 1940 To wake no more?”
O, Bae Salaong, Then Sandayo arose
How ugly our child! And went outside
How luckless we are! Calling loudly.
1900 What a misfortune!” Said Sandayo:
Then said Sandayo: “O, mother Salaong,
“O, Father Salaria, Come out a while,
If it may be done, Make me a chew,
If you will allow it, I crave for a chew,
Stop this drinking I like to chew.”
For I am sleepy. 1950 They went outside,
You must know Salaong, Datu Salaria
What has happened. Bringing a laapan.
Since I left home They sat down
1910 I have not slept, Beside Sandayo,
I have not rested.” To pet and caress
Answered Salaria: The Datu Sandayo.
“That is true.
But Sandayo, Sandayo Fights with the Suitors of Bolak
Do not forget
The fruit18 we allowed to ripen,
Sonday
The bud we waited for,
It might be taken He stood up straight,
And fall to other hands.” 3530 Thrust his shield
1920 Answered Sandayo: At Datu Lumalab.
“My father Salaria, Shouted Lumalab:
Have no care “That was a pretense,
And fear not. His sleeping in the room!
Do you not trust For he had planned
This peerless datu? To outwit us.
Who dares my sword We do not fight here
Or whets my blade?” Inside this room
He laughed as he turned about: We fight below,
“We stop this drinking.” 3540 There in the yard.”
1930 Then Sadayo slept. Answered Sandayo
The day passed, “That would be fine
Sandayo still slept. That is what I wish.”
Two days, They all went down.
Then three days, When he reached below.
One week went by. So very angry
Was Datu Sandayo
One thrust to his left
18
Fuit: a metaphor, meaning a lady.
14
Some five hundred Of Datu Sandayo.

3550 Warriors fell dead. Then spoke Sandayo:
One thrust to his right “This spear fights for me
And some five thousand For I thirst greatly.”
Warriors were injured.19 So he flew up
The Datu Sandayo To the side of the sun,
Proudly strutted about. Slaking his thirst
Said Lomelok: 3600 From the sweat of the sun
“O, Laggi Mendepesa, He sat down to rest
Do I hear rightly? But the spear of Sandayo
I think I hear Kept up the fight:
3560 The prattle of a parrot, Like a whirlwind,
The grating of its beak.” Faster than a flash.
Answered Daugbolawan: Sandayo slid down
“That is no parrot To the battle scene.
But the clash of swords.” On top of the bodies
There in the yard Of the scattered dead
Shields clanged as they met, 3610 Stood Sandayo.
Rushing at one another. Two months went by,
His hand like a sword, The two became three,
One swing to his left Then four months.
3570 Some five hundred fell; Few warrior remained
One swing to his right But the fight went on.
Some five thousand men And DAtu Sandayo
Felt its sting. No longer trod on earth
His hand was a sword, But stood on top
His spear a shield. Of the piled-up dead.
He shrugged his shoulders. 3620 Now a day passed,
In a flash he was below Then two days
And still they fought, After he had drunk.
Till one days passed, Fewer warriors remained.
3580 Two days came,
And three more days; The Death of Sandayo
One week went
And still they fought; 4040 After his chew,
Two weeks passed He took his monsala,
And then three weeks, Tossed it into the air,
The fight went on; His scarf of gold.
The fight reached the edge Said Sandayo:
Of a shimmering sea “Go and fly hence
Till the salt dried up; To Bolak Sonday.
3590 Till a month passed by Tell her this:
And two more months, That she must come
Still undimmed the prowess And sleep here.”
4050 The monsala flew away.
19
An example of a large-scale hyperbole. In a little while
15
It reached the place Continued Sandayo:

Of Bae Bolak Sonday: “Bae Bolak Sonday,
The monsala, as ordered, Make me a chew,
Alighted on the shoulders A token from you,
Of Bolak sonday. To remember you by;
Said Bolak Sonday; 4100 Something from your hands,
“Scarf of Sandayo, Made with your fingers.”
What is your quest?” So she made some chew
4060 Answered the monsala: For Datu Sandayo.
“The datu has sent me After he had a chew
To tell you to go The datu spoke:
And sleep there “Bolak Sonday, Benobong,
In the house of Sandayo.” Cradle me on your lap,
Answered Bolak Sonday: Perhaps I will be better.”
“Scarf, go ahead Bolak Sonday took him,
And tell him this: 4110 So did Benobong,
That we follow soon.” Each one taking her turn.
And away it flew, And all of them
4070 The obedient scarf. Took turns soon after
Arriving in the room Said Sandayo:
Of Datu Sandayo “Bolak Sonday, hold me,
The monsala spoke up: Perhaps I will be better.”
“The Bae Bolak Sonday Bolak Sonday held him,
Will soon follow; No one taking her place.
I but precede them.” Said Sandayo:
In a few moments 4120 “Bolak Sonday, lay me
Bolak Sonday came. On my golden pillow.
Benobong, Daugbolawan, Perhaps I shall be better
4080 Lomelok, Mendepesa, And have peace of mind.”
And Bae Lengotubig On the pillow he was laid
All have come. And as he lay down,
Bae Bolak Sonday, Like water being drained,
Without much ado, In a moment’s time
Went straight the room. His life ebbed away.
Said Bolak Sonday, Dead was Sandayo!
Without much ado, 4130 And all of them wept;
Went straight to the room. Datus, baes, all felt faint.
Said Bolak Sonday: Said Lengotubig:
“What is this? “What you do is naught,
What has happened, You achiedve nothing.”
O Datu Sandayo?” The bae herself crying,
4090 Answered Sandayo: The bae continued:
“I cannot say “If that is what you do
What ails me. Never will you find him,
But I feel uneasy, Never will you know
My thoughts confused.” 4140 About Datu Sandayo.”
16
Then they sat up. If healthy before,

All of the datus, Now was healthier;
They took some chew 4360 If lovely before,
And talked it over, Now much lovelier.
Agreeing on what to do. Each one of them
Bae Bolak Sonday Spread her monsala.
And Bae Benobong Riding on their scarves
Took out their daggers The baes said:
Which they sharpened, “Lighting, come this way,
4150 The sparks flying out. Bring us quickly
Said Bolak Sonday: To the waters of Piksiipan.
“I shall test Transport us there.
The sharpness of this blade. 4370 Bring us from here
This can break the soil To where the rivers meet.”
And carve a tree.” The baes moved.
And over Sandayo And in a moment,
They set some nets. Just like waking up
Eight tiers of nets From a short dream,
Said Bolak Sonday: There they awoke
4160 “Obo and Sampilakan, On the waters of Piksiipan.
Drive out the flies And there they saw
In the room of Sandayo A house of gold.
For they bring ills. 4380 Now the baes,
We must take care.” Without much ado,
Went straight for the house.
They search for Sandayo’s spirit. After a long and The Bae Bolak Sonday
arduous search, with the help of an overheard The Tinayobo greeted:
conversation between two birds, the women find “Visitors from afar,
Come in and rest,
Sandayo. Rest on our mats.”
Answered Bolak Sonday:
From the sumusom “obo and Sampilakan,
Fell some wing feathers; 4390 Welcome or not
From the dalandaw, too, We come in and rest.”
Were plucked some feathers from its wings, Soon they entered
Slowly falling down, Said Bolak Sonday:
The feathers fluttered “Bae Tinayobo,
To Bolak Sonday’s lap. Is there a bae of the house?
4350 Bolak Sonday took them And is she married?”
Which then she pressed So proud was the Obo.
And turned into a ring, Said the Obo:
A ring so brilliant “Bae that is in the room,
It illumined the night. 4400 A bae has arrived
She wore the ring. And I feel unequal
Now that she had a ring, To serve her some chew;
The Bae Bolak Sonday, Like one not of this earth,
17
Like a child of Diwata, And so Bolak Sonday

Straight as a tree, Took a drinking cup
A rare flower.” A cup of gold, and swiftly she rose towards
But Bolak Sonday the side of the sun,
Soon entered the room There to collect
And there she saw The sweat of the sun,
4410 The Datu Sandayo Patiently returning
His head resting Until she filled the cup,
On the lap of a bae. 4530 Then straight to the room.
Then Bolak Sonday “Sandayo, here is the water.”
Quickly took hold Soon he drank it.
Of Datu Sandayo. The Datu Sandayo,
She pressed him If handsome before
Turning him into a ring. Was far more handsome now
From drinking the sun’s sweat…
The Women Fight, After Which Bolak
Sonday Revives Sandayo. The death of Bolak Sonday. The search for her
spirit. Sandayo recovers his spirit and revives Bolak
Said Bolak Sonday: Sonday. Then Bolak Sonday goes home. Some time
“O, Bae Benobong, later, Sandayo leaves him again to arrange the dowry
Let us make haste; of his cousin Lengotubig and to attend her wedding to
Let us not tarry. Datu Tulogon. Then he and his cousins go back to
We go home now. their respective homes.
Let us move faster.”
4500 Then she called out:
“Lightning, come this way. The Gathering of the Clan
Bring us quickly,
Transport us there The Bae Bay Salagga
To the room of Sandayo.” And Datu Pombanwa
Then the baes, 6100 Were having a chew,
Like in a dream Sitting on the mats,
As if from sleep, Talking to each other;
Awoke to find themselves They agreed on something.
In the room of Sandayo Said Pombanwa:
4510 Together they went inside. “O, Bae Salagga,
Bolak Sonday called: We need a celebration.”
“Wake up, Sandayo.” Answered the datu:
“Bolak Sonday has arrived.” “That would be fine!
Said Sandayo I agree to that,
As he woke up. 6110 But we must wait
Said Bolak Sonday: For Datu Sandayo
“Sandayo, you are awake. Who is in his home
Would you care for water.” In the waters of Liyasa,
Answered Sandayo: Painting his shield,”
4520 “Give me some water.” Thus explained Lomelok.
Now Datu Sandayo,
18
In the waters of Liyasan, Clothes richly adorned

Painted the whole day; Now wrapped their bodies.
And for two days, Then they put on
6120 Lomelok, Mendepesa, Some golden trinkets.
Datu Daigbolawan After dressing up
In the waters of Manelangan, They rode on their monsala,
All of the datus Each one of them,
Painted their shields. 6170 Their scarves spread out;
Sandayo spoke: Away flew their scarves.
“O, father Salaria, There flew also
Let us have a drink The scarf of Sandayo,
And toast each other.” Of Datu Salariia
Said Salaria. And of Bae Salaong.
6120 “Datu Sampilakan, The flew towards
Go and bring me here The center of the sun.
The precious jarlet And when they neared
That is so well-known.” The house of Daugbolawan,
They mixed with water 6180 Lomelok, Mendepes,
The heady gasi. They continued drinking
And then they drank, Two days became three,
Sandayo and his father. And then four days.
Many tales to tell Five days stretched
Had Datu Salaria. To a whole week.
6140 And so had Sandayo. Said Sandayo:
But Sandayo was like “O, father Salaria,
A mountain pressed down Let us finish this.
For his father talked on. If I am not mistaken,
Sandayo would have 6190 My mind tells me
Talked too but They hold a celebration
Held back for respect By Father Pombanwa.”
And out of courtesy, After he had said this
For he feared the ire, She took out clothes,
That he be cursed, The Bae Bay Salaong
6150 For willfully outdoing And all the datus
The feat of a father. Changed their clothes.
Said Salaria: Dressed in their finest,
“Bae Salaong, Sandayo called out:
Prepare some ginapog. 6200 “Are you asleep there?
I care for a chew, Are you at rest?
I would like to chew.” If not, we visit
Soon after Salaong The father Pombanwa
Went nearer and And mother Bay Salagga.”
Caressed and petted Answered Lomelok:
6160 The Datu Sandayo. “Laggi, at your call,
“What a pity We also ride
On my only son!” On our monsala.”
19
Away they flew, And Datu Sampilakan,

6210 The scarves of the datus. And all you helpers,
And there they met We will all drink.
At the center of the sun. Let us all be merry.”
They paused for a chew, Now Sampilakan
Munching as they rested. 6260 Brought out before them
After they had a chew, The precious jar
They flew away again, A jar so well-known,
All of the datus For it was made of gold
In their golden scarves. And richly adorned.
They went directly They mixed on water.
6220 To the waters of Pinowangan. The jar though small
Salangaka joined them, Yet it could hold
So did Pandaya Tape. All twelve and two
And Datu Sandayo Of the draughts they had.
And all the datus 6270 The jar was soon filled.
They flew on Then Datu Pombanwa
To the waters of Penleseban. Called out loudly:
When they reached there, “Laggi, my fellow datus,
The grounds of Datu Tulog, Let us all drink.
They called out loudly Let us all be merry.”
6230 All the datus. Salaria stood up,
They went up the house, And panday Tape,
The stairs swaying The Bae Bay Salangka,
The boards creaked The Bae Salaong,
As they came in. 6280 And Bay Salagga.
Datu Tulog came out. All of them drank,
Datu Pammitonan Toasting one another.
And Lengotubig Said Pombanwa:
With Bae Bay Salagga, “Bae Tinayobo,
Brought out a laapan. Prepare for a celebration,
6240 And all of them The best of celebrations.”
Had a chew, Then Tinayobo
Sitting on the mats, Stood up and walked
Talking to one another. Towards a chest.
Said Pombanwa: 6290 While lightning flashed
“O, Laggi Panday Tape, And thunder rolled
Datu Salaria, She must take out things,
It would be fitting, The Bae Tinayobo,
And if you agree As she opened the chest,
We have a celebration.” The thunder rolled;
6250 Answered Salaria: As she took out things,
“That would be fitting. A spark of lightning
We all agree! Flashed and fell
Said Pombanwa: On the head of Tinayobo.
“Bae Tinayobo 6300 The Bae Tinayobo,
20
Her tears falling down, This flowering tikolanga.21

Like glistening beads; Now this tikolanga
Said Tinayobo: Would show my life
“O, Datu Sandayo, By the way it grows.”
You do not care for us; Added Sandayo:
Or why do you leave us!” “Bae Tinayobo,
Answered Sandayo: This is what you should watch,
“Obo, I leave you not This tikolanga tree
For I shall return.” 6350 Obo, when it buds,
6310 Now Tinayobo, Then I am making a shield.
After dressing up Obo, when the bud opens,
Took a betel leaf; I have finished the shield;
This betel leaf Obo, when it withers,
Had a shining stem It means I have died
And veins that glistened. On the field of battle.”
She brought it along The Obo wept on.
Upon reaching the stairs She thought to herself:
Tinayobo said: “O what a waste!
“This gapin of gold, 6360 None to keep these waters,
6320 If nothing has changed No one to watch it.”
The power of our mother, Sandayo then spoke:
If none has diminished “O, Datu Sampilakan,
The force of our father, Watch over these waters,
Then I cast this gapin. These waters of Liyasan,
Let there stand a buklog.20 The biggest of rivers.
These wonderful waters,
Sandayo’s Farewell Keep guard over it.
It might be taken;
A buklog studded with gold, 6370 A stranger might own it.”
That was not erected The Obo still weeping
Nor made to hang.” Her tears falling down,
Soon as she said this Said Tinayobo:
6330 There appeared a buklog. “O, Datu Sandayo,
The posts were of gold, If you leave us now
The sides golden; And turn your back on us,
The floor glittered What shall we do?
For the boards were gilded; Where shall we turn to
Splendid was the buklog. When we long to see,
But the Obo wept, 6380 When we need the help
Her tears falling down. Of our beloved datu?”
Said Sandayo: Answered Sandayo:
“Obo, be not sad. “Obo, Datu Sampilakan,
6340 Watch and guard When you long to see
This tree I planted, 21
Tikolanga: tree that bears red flowers sacred to the Suban-on (the fire tree
or caballero), among the mountain tribes of Luzon (northern), the blooming of
20
Buklog: the platform. fire tree ushers in the mating season---the headhunting period begins.
21
When you need the help Reaching the clouds.

Of Datu Sandayo, The buklog fell back,
Then you recite, Falling down with it
Then you just sing, Were the obo and Sampilakan.
The tale of Sandayo. The buklog fell,
6390 Chant it to your children Alighting on the spot
Sing it to your grandsons, Where it had stood before.
For Sandayo will hear, 6430 Now all the datus
Will alight on your rooftop22 And all the baes---
And listen to your song. Sandayo and Mendepesa,
Sandayo will return; Datu Pammitonan,
The noble will return Bolak Sonday and Lomelok,
And bring you to heaven, Daugbolawan and Benobong,
Our eternal abode Datu Tulog, Lengotubig
Where all is happiness.” All went towards
6400 Then Sandayo The ninth heaven,
Called all of them: A heaven of gold,
“Let us all dance!” 6440 A heaven so bright,
And so all of them As bright as a star.
Soon went up; They went home
Oobo and Pilak also To a house of gold.
Went up the buklog. This very house
All the datus, Was not made to hang,
All noble mean and ladies Nor was it rooted.
Datu Panday Tape, A house of the blessed,
6410 Bae Bay Salangka, All studded with gold.
Datu Salaria, There they lived,
Bae Bay Salaong, 6450 All these nobles---
Bae Bay Salangga, The Datu Pombanwa,
Datu Pombanwa, Bae Bay Salangga,
They all went up Datu Panday Tape,
The golden buklog. Bae Bay Salangka,
Now Bolak Sonday The Datu Salaria,
Made some ginapog. The Bae Bay Salaong
She offered the ginapog The Bae Bolak Sonday,
6420 And all the datus Datu Lomelok,
Had a chew. Datu Medepesa,
6460 Bae Lengotubig,
The Datu Tulog,
Bae Benobong
The Ascent to Heaven Datu Daugbolawan,
Datu Pammitonan
The buklog slowly rose, And the great datu,
The handsome datu,
Datu Sandayo.
22
The Suban-on believe that a bird perching on a roof during a night of chanting All the kin folks
is the soul of Sandayo.
22
At last went home

6470 To the ninth heaven.
All the datus and baes.
There they shall dwell.
No more shall they leave,
For there is no other
More fitting home
Than this eternal world
6477 Where all is happiness.

The Tale of Sandayo

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The Tale of Sandayo

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1

THE TALE OF SANDAYO1 Then spoke Salaria:

A room of gold Caressed and hugged

Before Bae Salaong. A handsome datu,

When you are a man, Eight scarves he wore.6

“Mother, Bae Salaong, “Beware! Take care!

Sitting beside 950 The tumiyag jar10

Eight wine jars Give us leave.”

Do not be hasty. Still they fought.

The Battle Continues Are you not tired?”

“What is this? Wept as she watched;

The Datu Sandayo. Said Sandayo:

By Datu Salaria, Said Salaong:

Some five hundred Of Datu Sandayo.

It reached the place Continued Sandayo:

Then they sat up. If healthy before,

Like a child of Diwata, And so Bolak Sonday

In the waters of Liyasan, Clothes richly adorned

Away they flew, And Datu Sampilakan,

Her tears falling down, This flowering tikolanga.21

When you need the help Reaching the clouds.

At last went home

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