BAGOBO RIDDLES

‘’Bagobo’’ comes from ‘’bago’’ meaning ‘’new’’, ‘’recent’’ and obo/ obbo meaning ‘’ growth’’,
grow so that the terms refers to a recent formation of people along the coast of the davao gulf.

In the Philiphines Bagobo riddles are the folklore of the people of the bagobo tribe written in
the tagabawa language. The Tagabawa people refers to themselves as bagobo. The riddles are the
collection of tales and myths written in their unique language.
These riddles are verses about nature, animals and people that have been down in the bagobo tribe’s
traditions and heritage.

English Translations
Atuka ru sa You guess what it is
Anak ta Mahindanaw Maguindanao child
Naahad iddat saysay As jar even as saysay
Naddinog tadsinaggaw – Ahung Could be heard it’s cry - gong

Ad’vpinao inis anak When this man/ woman leaves

Aruwa’rak kammas tasuddu He /she makes but two footprints
Nad’uli na idda reen – bavot kavi At the time he/she returns - carrying hang

A tukaru Guess what it is

Sekkaw warad tavod du- buyyag You would not be without your belt - parents

Tagalog Translations

Tuong sa tutukanon ko Hulaan mo ko

Tagbi na dadalaga ay Maliit pang bata
Matigam mana Isang kasigulman Nananahi na sa dilim
Sagot : Ligwan sagot: honey Bee

Tagadi ako Hintayin mo ako,hintayin mo ako.

Tagadi ako Sagot: paa
Sagot: Siki