The Legend of the Locusts

Long, long time ago there was a vast rice fields toward the northwest
which are owned by a couple who are always peevish and are very
oppressive. They were Don Badong and Dona Lilang. It was because the
farmers working in their fields are all illiterate so the couple deceived
and take advantage of them in dividing the harvested grains. As a result,
these events really has caused a continuous shortage on the side of the
poor farmers so they are forced to borrow or owe a loan from the
deceptive couple. Because of the high incrementing interests placed by
Don Badong, the poor farmers were buried in poverty. This is the very
reason why the living conditions of all the farmers become more
miserable.

After so many days of work and planting in the field, the farmers are
now well rested. But while the rice paddy are growing and while
watching the green fields the farmers are feeling depressed. The poor
peasants cannot rejoice instead, sorrows took over and prevailed in their
hearts and will. How do they rejoice if their shares in the harvested rice
are just enough to pay their debts to Dong Badong and Dona Lilang?

One day, an old beggar dared to enter the grounds of the couple's
mansion and beg. He is wearing ragged clothes.

The old man's face shows traces of extreme fatigue and hunger. Dona
Lilang scolded him instead of showing mercy to the old beggar.
"Hey! Who are you to just come here and beg? Go! get out of my yard!
You vagrant!"

"I beg you. Even a handful of rice ... Please have mercy..."

The coldhearted couple were not touched. Instead, they have driven the
old man to get out of their property. Both their eyes turned wide open
when suddenly the beggar' voice became grim.

"You are undoubtedly evil and for that you will be punished! You don't
have compassion! You don't feel the sufferings of your kind because you
are both merciless and has no sympathy!

Remember that in every human wickedness, God has a designated

punishment. This you now shall receive! "

Upon the beggar's words, the couple heard a strange chirping of insects
behind. The two glanced briefly. When Don Badong and Dona Lilang
look forward again there the old man has already disappeared, which
they were greatly surprised. Both were nervous as they sought this little
indescribable noise until they heard it coming closer from the grain
storage. "Sounds like its coming from the storage?" Don Badong
mentioned as he hurriedly called the servants to unlock the door. They
were all terrified when suddenly thousands of insects came out!
WHERE ARE THE RICE! HOW COME IT IS ALL GONE?

Don Badong was horrified by the shocking punishment that has been
bestowed upon them. Dona Lilang lost her consciousness due to shock.
The whole village was disturbed when the farms were attacked  by what
they think are hoppers. They also quickly realized that it was not  just
grasshoppers but harmful insects. Since the destructive  insects came
from Don Badong and Dona Lilang's storage, they named it "BALANG"
or Locusts in English. The farmers were not worried about the event
because they are not getting any shares from the crops at all. They were
actually delighted to discover that the insects are delicious so they eat
the "locusts".

It made them wonder after of all crops on the farms owned by Don
Badong and Dona Lilang were gone, the locusts also just disappeared.

Fearing that they will reappear, the cruel couple changed forever. They
regret the wrong and all the atrocities they have done to others,
especially the poor and ignorant. As a compensation for penance of their
sins, Don Badong and Dona Lilang raised a small school for all their
poor farmers who are illiterate to learn.

While there are still circumstances where locusts invade different areas,
it was just reminding people that they should give value and thank all the
goodness and grace of the Lord. Man must not forget that we should not
be selfish and self-centered.