COLLECTION OF

21st century
literatures
BY: KATE THERESE TARON (11-STEM
WATJ)
 Philippine
Mythological
Characters
S O U R C E : W I K I P E D I A . O R G

Supreme God of Being

Bathala
Bathala
Sometimes referred as Abba, he is the supreme god of being; creator of
man and earth and addressed sometimes as Bathalang Maykapal. He dwells in
Kaluwalhatian together with the lesser gods and goddesses. Aside from the
lesser gods and goddesses, he sent his anitos (ancestral spirits of mankind) in
order to assist the daily lives of every human. He provided everything mankind
needed, to a point where he spoiled them too much, hence, the Tagalog philosophy
of bahala na (what comes will come, let it be). However, despite his intense kindness
and love for mankind, he has also the capability to punish mankind through famine,
diseases, and "natural" calamities. When he went into a deep slumber, he let Apolaki
(his grandson who would later be known as his son) and Mayari (his daughter) rule in
his place. In Tagalog polytheism, the tigmamanukan omens (which can be a bird,
lizard, or snake) were Bathala's emblems. In some accounts, Bathala chose the
tigmamanukan creatures, especially the bird, as his messengers as they look like the
bird form of his friend, Amihan, one of the five primordial deities.

Mayari
Mayari Goddess of the Moon

The goddess of the moon, war, revolution, and right to equal rule. She is also
associated with healing and lunar emotions. She is one of the three daughters of
Bathala by a mortal woman. She was the most charming of all the goddesses,
until one of her eyes were taken off by Apolaki in a battle. She has no hatred
towards Apolaki, however, as the god did everything he could to make amends,
though Mayari's eye was never healed. She had two sisters, Tala and Hanan, who
she has very good ties with. In some stories, she became the ruler of the earth
every night when her father Bathala was in a deep slumber, in contrast, Apolaki
rules every day when Bathala was in deep slumber. Mayari is also known for
defending against the serpent-dragon, Sawa, everytime the monster tries to
consume the moon. In contrast, Apolaki defends the sun. In Tagalog polytheism,
the moon was Mayari's emblem.

God of the Sun, Patron of Warriors

Apolaki
Apolaki
The god of sun, wisdom and strategy and the chief patron of warriors. He
is also sometimes called as Araw (literally means sun). In actual pre-colonial mythologies, Apolaki
was a peaceful god who would fight for what he thought was right and if he was wrong in the end, he
would do his best to fix his wrong. This trait was exhibited during his battle with Mayari, where he
apologized, after he put out one of Mayari's eyes, and agreed to Mayari's proposal for equal rights in
ruling the earth. He was the son of Anagolay and Dumakulem. The northern Tagalogs and the
Kapampangans believed that female water beings (modernly referred as sirena or mermaids)
worshiped Apolaki. During the Spanish occupation, reports surfaced where Apolaki came down
from Kaluwalhatian and scolded some Tagalog folks for "welcoming men with white teeth". The
reports were passed on by the townsfolk to the parish priest, thus documenting the said event.
During pre-colonial Tagalog times, having black-pigmented teeth was the aesthetics, while having
white teeth was seen as disgusting and unbearable. Apolaki is also known for defending against the
serpent-dragon, Sawa, everytime the monster tries to consume the sun. In contrast, Mayari defends
the moon. In Tagalog polytheism, the sun was Apolaki's emblem.

Idianale
Idianale Goddess of Labor and Good Deeds

Also known as Idianale or Idianali, she is the goddess of labor and good
deeds. In some accounts, as pre-colonial Tagalog deities had fluid genders, she
was also known as a female deity of animal husbandry, and a male deity of
agriculture. She is also regarded as a deity of craftsmanship. Natives used to
call for her guidance in order to make their works successful. If a person does
not call her name, the work being conducted may not be finished in time, not
finished properly, or not finished at all. She is friends with the mischievous
Bibit and medicine deity Lingga. She married Dimangan and had two offspring,
namely, Dumakulem and Anitun Tabu. Her nature of needing to be considered
was passed down to Anitun Tabu, while her nature of hard work was passed down
to Dumakulem. In Tagalog polytheism, the water buffalo was Idiyanale's emblem.

God of the Sea Amanikable

Amanikable
Originally worshiped as the god of hunters who provided good game to his
followers. In later stories, he has become associated as the husky, ill-tempered god
of the sea, replacing Aman Sinaya as god of the sea after Aman Sinaya chose to
dwell deep within ocean depths. He was never married after his love was spurned
by a beautiful mortal maiden, Maganda, the first woman who was the partner of
Malakas, the first man. In frustration, he swore vengeance against the humans
by sending turbulent waves and horrible tempests in order to wreck boats and to
drown men. Despite this, he is also wise and will help men if they earn his
praise. This notion is in line with the dogma that Tagalog deities who are
welcome in Kaluwalhatian are all kind. Amanikable has a cordial relationship
with Haik, the sea god who brings peace to the sea, which is the opposite of
Amanikable's sea prowess. In Tagalog polytheism, hunting weapons such as arrows
and spears were Amanikable's emblems
S O U R C E : W I K I P E D I A . O R G

Minokawa
Minokawa is a giant, dragon-like bird in Philippine legends. Early people believed this
creature is so big that it can swallow (or cover) the sun to explain the occurrence of
eclipses. It is even described as a giant bird named Minokawa that lives in outer space
which can devour the sun and the moon, and would try to do the same with the earth.
Before time began, very long ago, a great bird called Minokawa swallowed the moon.
Seized with fear, all the people began to scream and made great noises. Then the bird
peeped down to see what the matter was, and opened his mouth. But as soon as he
opened his mouth, the moon sprang out and ran away.The Minokawa-bird is as large
as the Island of Negros or Bohol. It has a beak of steel, and his claws too are of steel. His
eyes are mirrors, and each single feather is a sharp sword. He lives outside the sky, at
the eastern horizon, ready to seize the moon and after the unsuccessful attempt of
swallowing the satellite, it journeys and haunts again lurking under the earth.

Bakunawa
Tales about the Bakunawa say that it is the cause of eclipses. During ancient
times, Filipinos believe that there are seven moons created by Bathala to light up
the sky. The Bakunawa, amazed by their beauty, would rise from the ocean and
swallow the moons whole, angering Bathala and causing them to be mortal
enemies. To keep the Bakunawa moons from completely being swallowed,
ancient Filipinos would go out of their homes with pans and pots, and would
make noise in order to scare the Bakunawa into spitting out the moon back into
the sky. Some of the people in the villages would play soothing sounds with their
musical instruments, in hopes that the dragon would fall into a deep sleep. Thus,
the brave men of the village hoped that while the dragon was hypnotized by the
musical sounds they could somehow slay the dragon. Although the dragon was
known as a “moon eater” it was also known as a “man eater”.

Sirena
Sirena is a mermaid, a sea creature with a human upper body and a fish
tail instead of lower extremities. Beautiful but vicious they were called
Magindara and were guardians of the waters of "asin-palan (Pangasinan)",
guarding it from the tattooed raiders from the Visayas. In Pre-colonial
Philippines, it is believed that in the full moon or in the Dayaw or Kadayawan,
one of the embodiments of the moon who is Bulan descended from the heavens to
swim with the mermaids and that the mermaids protected the boy moon from sea
monsters. They attract fishermen and lure them to their deaths but sometimes
they fall in love. Sirena are reportedly often seen ashore by
fishermen, especially in the towns bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Diwata
Diwata, engkantada (from Spanish encantada, "enchantress, charmed")
or engkanto (from Spanish encanto, "spell, incantation, charm") are lesser gods and
goddesses. Some are dryads who guard natural creations such as forests, seas,
mountains, land and air. Diwatas have been colloqialized in modern times
as faries or enchantresses. Diwatas are described as fair-skinned, good-looking and,
sometimes, blonde-haired. They are said to reside in large trees, such
as acacia and balete. They tend to be resentful of humanity's intrusion into their
realm. They also bring blessings upon those who do good to the forests and
mountains, and curses upon those who harm them. One famous diwata is Maria
Makiling, guardian of Mount Makiling in Laguna province. Engkanto is an umbrella
term for most supernatural beings. The common connotation is that they are fairies
who reside primarily in the forests and the sea. They can also be
called encantado (male) or encantada (female).

Bungisngis
Bungisngis is described as a giant humanoid with one eyed who is
always laughing. It has large teeth which are always showing, and its upper lip
covers its face when it is thrown back. Two long tusks project from the side of
its mouth. The giant only has one eye, which is found in the middle of its
forehead,but this is compensated by its strong sense of hearing. It has also
displays unusual strength. In the Filipino tale “The Three Friends – The
Monkey, The Dog and The Carabao, The giant is able to lift the carabao and
throw it with such force that it ends knee-deep in the ground. However, despite
its strength, the bungisngis is easily outwitted and quickly panics. In the
tale of the Three Friends, Monkey’s tricks led him to his death.
Philippine
Legends
 S t o r y o f Mariang Makiling
RETOLD BY JOSE RIZAL
NORTHERN LUZON

Travelers coming from Manila going to Southern Luzon will

notice a mountainous mound of thick rainforests looming up
ahead. The shape of the mountain takes the form of a woman
lying peacefully on her back. Every home-bred Filipino can
easily recognize this as Mount Makiling and the sleeping form of
the woman is that of the mountain’s goddess Maria Makiling.
The mountain is actually an extinct volcano and it has
relatively remained unharmed through its years of
existence. Thanks to Maria Makiling’s vigilance in
protecting the mountain’s ecosystem. Those who trek to the
mountain are told and forewarned that Maria’s spirit often
roams the woods and is capable of doing harm to those who
harm any of the living creatures that live on her mountain.
To the locals, she is known as a “diwata" or goddess of
nature. She rewards those who heed her warnings but will
severely punish those who ignore her.

A hunter tells of his experience while in pursuit of a wild boar who had tried to attack him in the
deep forest of Mt. Makiling. As he was about to strike the cornered boar, a beautiful lady with golden-
brown skin and long flowing black hair appeared and admonished him not to kill the wild pig. She
patiently explained with a kind voice that the attack launched by the boar, was only to protect the
mountain against intruders, who may one day take away all the trees in its forest.
The beautiful lady invited him to have supper with her and a place to rest for the night. The
hunter felt humbled that despite being caught red-handed by Maria, she still found it in her heart to be
gracious. Nevertheless, the hunter made a vow to Maria that he will no longer hunt any of the living
creatures in Mt. Makiling ever again, nor take down trees from its forest.
Pleased at what she heard, Maria gave the hunter a “salakot" or buri hat filled with ginger, to
take home as present for his wife. Upon reaching home, he immediately opened his back pack, to unload
the heavy burden off his back. The “salakot" fell off with a heavy thud and revealed golden nuggets
instead of ginger.
However, there are stories about hunters losing their way in the forest and unable to find their
way back home. Others, however, were fortunate to be chanced upon by mountain climbers and hikers;
albeit incoherent and unable to remember their names or where they live. The only thing they can
remember is a beautiful lady who gave them food and shelter for the night.
Alitaptap
A bataan legend
Lovely little creatures, glittering, sparkling, throwing fragments of light in the dark night skies. How did the fireflies or
alitaptap come about?
Once, a long time ago, in the valley of Pinak in Central Luzon, one of the islands in the Philippines. There was a
deep large lake rich with fish. There, the people of Pinak fished for their food, and always, there was plenty for all. Then
suddenly, the big river dried up. In the shallow mud, there wasn’t a fish to catch. For months,
there were no rains. Out in the fields, the land turned dry. The rice-stalks slowly withered. Everywhere in Pinak, there
was hunger. Night after night, the people of Pinak prayed hard.
“Dear Bathala,” they would recite together in their small and poorly-built chapel, ”send us rains, give us food to eat.
For the people are starving, and there is want among us!”
Then one black and starless night, the good Bathala answered the prayers of the faithful people of Pinak. For
suddenly up in the dark skies appeared a blaze of gold! A beautiful chariot of gold was zooming thru the sky. The people
started to panic but a big booming voice came from the chariot soothing them with words.
” I am Bula-hari, and I have come with my wife, Bitu-in. We are sent from the heavens to rule Pinak from now on.
We have come to give you good life!” As Bulan-hari spoke, the black skies burst open. The rain fell in torrents. Soon
the dry fields bloomed again. The large lake rose and once again was filled with fish. The people were happy once more
under the rulership of Bulan-hari.
Soon Bulan-hari and Bitu-in had a daughter. She grew up to be a beautiful maiden. Such long dark hair! Such
lovely eyes under long curling lashes! Her nose was chiselled fine. Her lips like rosebuds. Her skin was soft and fair like
cream. They named her Alitaptap for on her forehead was a bright sparkling star.
All the young, brave handsome men of Pinak fell in love with Alitaptap. They worshipped her beauty. They sang
songs of love beneath her windows. They all sought to win her heart.
But alas! the heart of Alitaptap wasn’t human. She was the daughter of Bulan-hari and Bitu-in, who burst from the
sky and were not  of the earth. She had a heart of stone, as cold and as hard as the sparkling star on her forehead.
Alitaptap would never know love.
Then one day, an old woman arrived at the palace. Her hair long and dirty. her clothing tattered and soiled. Before
the king Bulan-hari, Balo-na, the old, wise woman whined in her sharp voice… that she had come from her dwelling in
the mountains to bear the king sad news. The news being that she saw the future in a dream and it betold of their fate…
the warriors of La-ut are coming with their mighty swords to conquer the land, the only solution is to have a marriage
between Alitaptap and one of the young men, so as to have an heir to win the war.
At once Bulan-hari pleaded with his daughter to choose one of the young men in their village. But how could the
beautiful maiden understand? Alitaptap’s heart of stone merely stood in silence. Bulan-hari gripped his
sword in despair… “ Alitapatap!” he bellowed in the quiet palace, “You will follow me, or you will lay dead this very
minute!”
But nothing could stir the lovely young woman’s heart. Bulan-hari blind with anger and fear of the dark future
finally drew his sword. Clang! the steel of his sword’s blade rang in the silence of the big palace. It hit the star on
Alitaptap’s lovely forehead!
The star burst! Darkness was everywhere! Until a thousand chips of glitter and light flew around the hall. Only the
shattered pieces of the star on Alitaptap’s forehead lighted the great hall, flickering as though they were stars with tiny
wings.
Alitaptap, the lovely daughter from the heavens lay dead.
And soon, Balo-na’s prediction had come true. Riding in stamping wild horses, the warriors of La-ut came like the
rumble and clashes of lightning and thunder. They killed the people of Pinak, ruined crops, poisoned the lake. They
spread sorrow and destruction everywhere.

When it all ended, the beautiful, peaceful valley of Pinak had turned into an empty and shallow swamp. At night,
there was nothing but darkness. But soon, tiny sparkles of light would flicker and lend glimmers of brightness in the
sstarless night.
And so, the fireflies came about. Once, a long time ago, they were fragments from the star on the forehead of Bulan-
hari’s daughter, the beautiful Alitaptap.
 Why Does the Philippines Have
7,000 Islands? NORTHERN LUZON

At a time when there was only a single great mass of

land between the great sky and an equally great water, a large
prehistoric bird got bored of circling around the same area for
millions of years. It had made several attempts to fly as far as it
could, to discover what lies beyond the far horizons. However, the
big bird was always forced to go back, because there was no other
land on where he could rest his tired wings.

One day, the bird came up with a clever idea. The scheming bird told the water that the sky was irritated by
the way the water keeps on copying the sky’s hue. If it decides to don a blue color, then water also becomes
blue, if the sky is clear and white, the water becomes clear and neutral too. The sky hates it the most that the
water imitates even the former’s dark mood, because the water also turns gray and somewhat murky. Water of
course became indignant upon hearing this; and it heaved a deep breath to which great amounts of water
rose up in the form of gigantic waves, high enough to reach the sky and fill its clouds with water.
 
The sky was puzzled at the water’s behavior because it seemed that it was intentionally pelting the sky. The
scheming bird approached the sky and told the latter that the water was resenting the fact that the sky often
made the decisions on what color they had to have. Even if water wants to try other colors, the sky keeps on
reflecting itself on the water’s surface.

Sky, of course, was furious upon hearing this that it let out loud roars of thunder and flashes of lightning
that hit not only water but also the large mass of land. It drained out all the waters carried in its clouds while
water continued to pelt huge waves against the sky. All these affected the great mass of land because it slowly
softened and weakened as sky and water fought against each other’s might.
 
Soon enough, the great mass of land started to break into little pieces much to the delight of
the big bird. Sky and water saw what had happened, and as a result stopped fighting and tried
with all their might to bring back the pieces of land together. It was too late because there were
about 7,000 pieces of land that were too far away from the main land. The bird of course finally
fulfilled his wish of travelling far and wide, beyond the horizons.
 
 the legend of
NORTHERN LUZON
Pineapple
There was once a pretty little girl called Piña, who was loved dearly by her mother to the point of
spoiling her. As Piña grew older, she had become lazy, inconsiderate and self-centered. Yet the mother didn’t
mind her daughter’s behavior, because she wanted Piña to depend on her forever.
          One day, the mother fell ill and could not bring herself to cook food for Piña, while the young girl kept
complaining that she was hungry. This time, Piña's mother had to stay firm for the young girl's sake. On the
other hand, Piña forced herself to go to the kitchen, grumbling and resentful that her mother was sick. The
girl half-heartedly set out to cook “lugaw" or rice porridge the way her mother instructed her.
          While in the kitchen, Piña kept asking where her mother kept the things she needed.
           “Mother, where is the rice keeper?" The mother had to shout her answer several times over because
Piña took ages before she could find whatever it was she was looking for.
           “Mother, where are the woods for the stove?"
           “Mother, where’s the soup ladle?"
           “Mother, where’s the salt?"
           “Mother where’s the bowl?"
          Note that to all of Piña’s questions, the sick mother had to shout at the top of her lungs, which only
made her feel worse. Feeling weak and exasperated with Piña’s unending questions, the mother finally lost
her temper and let out a curse: “Heaven forbid child! But I call on all the gods to put eyes all over your face so
you can see the things you’re looking for." Tired and weak Piña’s mother fell asleep.
          When the mother woke up, the house was dark and quiet. She called Piña but there was no answer. The
mother willed herself to investigate where Piña could be, but the mother only found the unfinished cooking
task. The mother was saddened by the thought that Piña decided to leave her, because she was sick and could
no longer take care of her daughter.
          As she was about to leave the kitchen, she tripped on something that was lying on the floor, all the while
thinking that it was one of Piña’s many things. She picked up the strange looking object, which was shaped
like a human head with tufts of leaves atop its crown.
          The mother had an uncanny feeling that the brown circles scattered all over the object reminded her of
Piña’s beautiful brown eyes. Horrified, the mother remembered that she let out a terrible curse on her
daughter before she fell asleep – in fact, she called on all the gods to put eyes all over Piña’s face. Thus, the
strange looking fruit was called “pinya" or pineapple, since Piña simply vanished into thin air. 
 the legend of
NORTHERN LUZON
Coconut
Long ago, there were only three living entities in the universe. Each one was a powerful
god, and believed that he was the only one of his kind in existence. There was Bathala, who
ruled over a lonely and empty world, and Ulilangkalulua, a giant snake who presided over the
clouds. Since his kingdom was also devoid of life, the snake god often visited the earth to
explore its mountains and caves.
          One earthly visit, Ulilangkalulua encountered Bathala and the two proud gods ended up
battling each other for universal dominance (and perhaps, the best sunbathing spot on the
planet). In the end, Bathala slew the snake god and burnt its giant carcass.
          Years after the epic skirmish, the third god, a winged head named Galangkalulua,
wandered into Bathala’s home. Instead of challenging the intruder to another battle, the
earth god extended the hand of friendship to the floating head. Though Galangkalulua had
no hand of his own to extend (being a disembodied head and all), he was still able to convey
his acceptance.
          The two lived happily for years, until the day Galangkalulua fell ill. Bathala nursed his
friend devotedly, but it was to no avail. Before he died, the winged head asked his friend to
bury his remains on the same spot where he burned the giant serpent’s body, and promised
that what would emerge would help sustain the life that Bathala could create to keep him
company.
          Bathala honored his friend’s deathbed wish, and a remarkable tree came into being as a
result. It had a hard, ringed trunk like the giant serpent’s body, fruits that looked like heads,
and sweeping branches springing from behind the fruits like wings. Delighted, Bathala
breathed life into the first man and woman, and the coconut tree provided for their needs
and those of the generations that came after them.
          In time, the fruit was named “buko” or “coconut” (from a 16th century word which means
“head” or “skull”) for the three holes on its husk that resembled a human face.
Philippine
Fables
Amomongo
and Iput-Iput
VISAYAN FABLE

One evening the firefly was on his way to the house of a friend, and as he passed by
the ape’s house, the latter asked him: “My, Firefly, why do you carry a light?”
The firefly replied: “Because I am afraid of the mosquitoes.”
 “Oh, then you are a coward, are you?” said the ape.  
“No, I am not,” was the answer.  
 “If you are not afraid”, asked the ape, “why do you always carry a lantern?”
“I carry a lantern so that when the mosquitoes come to bite me I can see them and defend
myself”, replied the firefly.
          Then the ape laughed aloud, and on the next day he told all his neighbors that the firefly
carried a light at night because he was a coward.
          When the firefly heard the ape had said, he went to his house.  It was night and the ape was
asleep, but the firefly flashed his light onto his face and awakened him. The firefly was very
angry and said: “Why did you spread the report that I was a coward?  If you wish to prove which
of us is the braver, I will fight you on the plaza next Sunday evening.”
          The ape inquired: “Have you any companions?”
           “No”, replied the firefly, “I will come alone.”  
          Then the ape laughed at the idea of such a little creature presuming to fight with him,
but the firefly continued: “I shall be expecting you on the plaza about six o’clock next Sunday
afternoon.”
          The ape replied: “You had better bring someone to help you, as I shall bring my whole
company, about a thousand apes, each as big as myself.”  This he said, thinking to frighten the
strange little insect, who seemed to him to be crazy. But the firefly answered: “I shall not need
any companions, but will come alone.  Good-bye.”
          When the firefly had gone, the ape called together his company, and told them about
the proposed fight. He ordered them to get each one a club about three feet long and to be on the
plaza at six o’clock the next Sunday evening.  His companions were greatly amazed, but as they
were used to obeying their captain, they promised to be ready at the appointed time and place.
          On Sunday evening, just before six o’clock, they assembled on the plaza and found the
firefly already waiting for them.  Just then the church bells rang the Angelus, so the
firefly proposed that they should all pray.  Immediately after the prayer, the firefly signified the
he was ready to begin.  The ape had drawn up his company in line, with himself at the head.  
          Suddenly the firefly lighted upon the ape’s nose.  The ape next in line struck at the firefly
but succeeded only in striking the captain such a terrible blow on the nose as to kill him.  The
firefly meanwhile, seeing the blow coming, had jumped upon the nose of the second ape, who
was killed by the next in line just as the captain had been killed; and so on down the whole line,
until there was but one ape left.  He threw down his club and begged the firefly to spare him. The
firefly graciously allowed him to live, but since that time the apes have been in mortal terror of
the fireflies.
 The Monkey and
the Turtle BY JOSE P. RIZAL

A Monkey, looking very sad and dejected, was walking along the bank of the river one day when he met a
turtle.
          "How are you?" asked the turtle, noticing that he looked sad.
          The monkey replied, "Oh, my friend, I am very hungry. The squash of Mr. Farmer were all taken by the other
monkeys, and now I am about to die from want of food."
          "Do not be discouraged," said the turtle; "take a bob and follow me and we will steal some banana plants."
          So they walked along together until they found some nice plants which they dug up, and then they looked
for a place to set them. Finally the monkey climbed a tree and planted his in it, but as the turtle could not climb
he dug a hole in the ground and set his there.
          When their work was finished they went away, planning what they should do with their crop. The monkey
said:
          "When my tree bears fruit, I shall sell it and have a great deal of money."
          And the turtle said: "When my tree bears fruit, I shall sell it and buy three varas of cloth to wear in place of
this cracked shell."
          A few weeks later they went back to the place to see their plants and found that that of the monkey was
dead, for its roots had had no soil in the tree, but that of the turtle was tall and bearing fruit.
          "I will climb to the top so that we can get the fruit," said the monkey. And he sprang up the tree, leaving the
poor turtle on the ground alone.
          "Please give me some to eat," called the turtle, but the monkey threw him only a green one and ate all the the
ripe ones himself.
          When he had eaten all the good bananas, the monkey stretched his arms around the tree and went to sleep.
The turtle, seeing this, was very angry and considered how he might punish the thief. Having decided on a
scheme, he gathered some sharp bamboo which he all around under the tree, and then he exclaimed:
          Crocodile is coming! Crocodile is coming!"
          The monkey was so startled at the cry that he fell upon the sharp bamboo and was killed.
          Then the turtle cut the dead monkey into pieces, put on it, and dried it in the sun. The next day, he went to
the mountains and sold his meat to other monkeys who gladly gave him squash in return. As he was leaving
them he called back:
          "Lazy fellows, you are now eating your own body; you are now eating your own body."
          Then the monkeys ran and caught him and carried to their own home.
          Let us take a hatchet," said one old monkey, "and cut him into very small pieces."
          But the turtle laughed and said: "That is just what I like. I have been struck with a hatchet many times. Do
you not see the black scars on my shell?"
          Then one of the other monkeys said: "Let us throw him into the water."
          At this the turtle cried and begged them to spare his life, but they paid no heed to his pleadings and threw
him into the water. He sank to the bottom, but very soon came up with a lobster. The monkeys were greatly
surprised at this and begged him to tell them how to catch lobsters.
          "I tied one end of a string around my waist," said the turtle. "To the other end of the string I tied a stone so
that I would sink."
          The monkeys immediately tied strings around themselves as the turtle said, and when all was ready they
plunged into the water never to come up again.
          And to this day monkeys do not like to eat meat, because they remember the ancient story.
Philippine
Epics
 Hudhud NI Aliguyon
EPIKO NG MGA IFUGAO

In the mountainous hinterlands of Northern Luzon, a young boy named Aliguyon was raised
well by his father and he grew up to become a smart and intelligent leader. He also had the skills
and prowess of a brave and stalwart warrior that children of the villages often looked up to him as a
role model.
Now their tribe had a long standing feud over territorial boundaries, with another tribe in another
mountain. To settle it once and for all, Aliguyon challenged the leader of the other tribe to a duel.
However, the leader did not accept the challenge personally but his son, Pumbakhayon did, since
he was an exact match to Aliguyon’s capabilities.

          Thus, the two warriors faced each other in a battle they were not prepared for. To Aliguyon’s
surprise, his adversary was as skilled and adept as he was. Accordingly, there was only one spear
used because Aliguyon’s initial attempt to slay Pumbakhayon with a single but powerful thrust of
his spear was not successful. Pumbakhayon was able to catch the spear and used the same weapon
by throwing it to Aliguyon with an equally forceful might. The latter had no other course of action
but to catch his spear and hurl it once more to his opponent.

          This duel lasted for three days with nothing transpiring but the swift exchanges of hurls using
only a single spear. On the third day, the two young men decided to stop the senseless exercise and
agreed to talk things over. It became obvious to both of them that they were equals in every aspect
despite belonging to a different tribe. They have come to respect each other’s skills and
intelligence, thus realizing they are capable of settling their issues wisely. Therefore, the duel
ended in a treaty and the two young men became close friends.

          Their tribes and the people all lived harmoniously and peacefully. They emulated their
leaders as they settled their differences by recognizing that each tribal member deserves to be
accorded with respect regardless of tribe or stature.