ART APPRECIATION

New GE Core Course 4TH Wave Training

Sorsogon State College
Jan. 16-21, 2020

Activity : FILM SHOWING & FILM ANALYSIS

Prepared by : AR.BERNIE S. JERESANO
Trainer : RITZI M. CASTRO

DARAGANG MAGAYON

The myth of the creation of Mayon Volcano is as heated as the heart of the peak itself,
with a plot involving star-crossed lovers, and a tragic ending leading to the rise of the
jewel of Albay.

Magayon was the only daughter of Makusog (strong), the tribal chief of Rawis, whose
mother was named Dawani (fairy), who died shortly after giving birth to her.

Legend has it that a beautiful maiden, Magayon, lived in a place called Ibalon.

Magayon was so beautiful that men from different places went to her hometown just to
get a glimpse of her beauty.

One of those suitors was Pagtuga (or Patuga in other versions), a warrior and the chief
of Iraga.

In a bid to woo Magayon, Pagtuga brought her all kinds of gifts, like gold, jewels and
other precious items.

Magayon, however, was not moved by Pagtuga's kind gestures.

As a young maiden, Magayon liked bathing in the Yawa river. One day, while bathing,
Magayon slipped on the rocks. As she did not know how to swim, she shouted for help.

Fortunately, a man named Pangaronon (or Ulap in other versions) was passing by the
river and heard Magayon's plea for help. He saved her from drowning.

The incident started a good relationship between Magayon and Pangaronon, who
eventually went to Makusog to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage.

Datu Makusog, who wanted nothing but happiness for his daughter, approved of Ulap
for Magayon.

News of the wedding reached Pagtuga, who then kidnapped Datu Makusog. He
threatened Magayon that he would kill her father if she refused to marry him.

In order to save her father, Magayon agreed to marry Pagtuga.

On the day of their wedding, Pangaronon went to the place of the wedding to try and
take Magayon away from Pagtuga.

A battle between Pagtuga and Pangaronon ensued. Ulap fatally struck Pagtuga.

But as Ulap and Magayon were about to embrace each other, a poisoned arrow struck
Magayon.

1
Then, as Ulap was kneeling over the dying Magayon, Pagtuga's soldier stabbed him.

After the skirmish, Makusog decided to bury Magayon and Ulap together.

Years passed and people noticed that the land where the lovers were buried started to
rise higher and higher.

The mountain which grew from the land where Magayon and Pangaronon were buried
is now known as Mayon Volcano.

Some people believe that when the volcano is restive and about to erupt, Magayon is
being bothered by Pagtuga, while they believe Ulap is embracing Magayon when the
volcano is calm.

They also believe that Ulap is kissing Magayon when clouds meet at the top of the
volcano.

There is much promise in Daragang Magayon: Ang Istorya ni Mayon.

First, it is a welcome addition to the showcase of local Bicol-inspired works scheduled

for National Arts Month.

Second, it offers a rich feminist text surrounding the story of a heroine whose bravery
and love are ensconced in the most famous of Bicol legends.

There are lessons to learn from the story of Daragang Magayon, especially for this
generation that is hardly aware of our local myths and legends.