Name: Fernandez, Jallen Ross C.

Section: 2COM3
Student No: 2020135719 Date: February 11, 2022
CRITICAL PAPER #1: The Folk Epics
The Philippine Folk Epics are well known for their unique way of narrating supernatural
events and heroic acts by the main character, which draws the readers to read the story further.
The Tale of Sandayo is one of the exquisite folklores of our country that shows the
aforementioned characteristics of Philippine epics. One of the events in the story that showed
supernatural phenomena is how Sandayo was born unusually through his mother's hair by
combing it; after a week, he's already walking. Another one is when Sandayo immediately
started his heroic journey after a month of his birth with his monsala that magically transformed
as the transportation that brought him to the center of the sun. His enchanted monsala also
brought him to different places where he met important people in his life. In relation, he
unknowingly met his long-lost brother, Domonidianay, and they had a duel that lasted for two
years. Because of their prolonged battle, the goddess Bae Asog intervened, then blew them away
by the wind to the hill of Balatakan and revealed that they were brothers. Sandayo then cast a
spell towards Domondianay, which made him fall asleep. In the story, they also rode a magical
Gadyong, a dancing platform, to Tubig Sumina and encountered Bae Pigdindingan, who cursed
them. After that, a strong wind blew towards them, but Sandayo fought it, and it transformed it
into a giant octopus that held the Gadyong. Sandayo throws the octopus at Bae Pigdindingan's
house, and it is stuck to her body, making her a prisoner.

Moreover, Sandayo was also able to obtain his cousin's dowry through his powers and
butchered a giant pig that the other suitors could not. Sandayo also fought other datus that lasted
for months. On the other hand, Bolak Sonday and Benobong searched all over the earth, sky, and
the place of the dead for Sandayo's soul and brought him back to life, but they found out through
birds that he was held captive by Bae Pendeligan. The birds then became brilliant rings that they
used as a light on their way to the waters of Piksiipan. Bolak Sonday and Benobong fought the
amazons, took back the spirit of Sandayo, and restored him to life. Later on, Bolak Sonday died
because she accidentally pricked herself using her dagger, making Sandayo search for her soul.
Sandayo also went through the obstacles Bolak Sonday and Benobong encountered to resurrect
him; eventually, he revived Bolak Sonday. While they were celebrating, Tinayobo threw a gapin
(betel), and a buklog appeared. Sandayo planted a Tikolanga and asked Tinayobo to take good
care of it, for it is his life. He then bid farewell to his family and promised that he would come
back for them. Sandayo used the buklog to ascend to heaven, and the platform went back to
earth. Now, Sandayo's relatives used the same buklog, and they all went to heaven and lived
there happily ever after.

Another characteristic of the Philippine Folk Epic is that it reflects our ancestors' life-
values, beliefs, and traditions. One of the prominent practices of the native Filipinos shown in the
tale is the use of Betel nut chew or, in Filipino, Pag-nganganga. Betel nut chewing represents a
lot of cultural functions in our country, and one of them is implying acceptance of love and
showing love interest towards a potential mate, especially by women. Betel nut chewing also
signifies the hospitality of Filipinos; offering it to their visitors is a sign that they are welcome
and consider them as a part of their household. Additionally, the concept of courtship and dowry
is also shown in the story, which is substantial. These are two of our unique cultural practices to
show genuine love for a woman and respect towards her family. The Tale of Sandayo also shows
the Subanens' livelihood through the story's settings: bodies of water; "Subanen is translated to
river dwellers." Another cultural representation demonstrated in the story is the use of buklog, a
platform that is used for dancing during a ritual. The epic also presents the feasts, banquets,
ritualistic performances, and healing capabilities of native Filipinos. And lastly, the essential
belief from the Subanons is that women plays an integral contribution in their community and
are well respected for their active participation.

Drawing from the previous paragraph, Philippine Folk Epics reflect our society and
norms. This notion shows how patriarchal and misogynistic Filipino society has been since then,
even before the colonizers came to our country. Women are one of the vulnerable sectors in our
community, given that there is a prevalence of systemic gender inequality that continues to
invalidate and disempower women and their potential. Our society has always portrayed female
characters' imagery and concept as vulnerable; ergo, the leading lady is always expected to be
seen as the "damsel in distress." In addition, there is an underlying social implication that women
are in danger most of the time, making men the hero of the story. And for me, I find these norms
unfair for us women since I believe that we are just as courageous, independent, and wise as men
are— if not— better than what is expected by other people on us women. The Tale of Sandayo is
one of the few Epic Folktales that feature heroines, which are revolutionary and significant for us
women. Although Sandayo is the main protagonist of the epic, given that his name is stated in
the title itself, Bolak Sonday portrayed a substantial role in the story. Bolak Sonday is the one
who primarily suggested the idea of searching for the spirit of Sandayo and bringing him back to
life. Together with Beonobong, Bolak Sonday looks all over the Baya for Sandayo's soul—the
place of the dead, earth, and even in the sky. Eventually, they find out that Sandayo's spirit is
being held captive by Amazonians and is led by Bae Pendeligan of Tubig Piksiipan. Bolak
Sonday fought them and successfully redeemed back the soul of Sandayo, bringing him back to
life. Through Bolak Sonday's character, it is shown in the story that women are wise and clever
in thinking of ways how to solve a problem; contrary to what people always assume is that
women are incapable of solving problems and often need to seek help from other individuals.
Bolak Sonday also embodied courage and the ability to fight for themselves and their loved ones.
As I said earlier, there is a prevailing notion that women are always in trouble most of the time,
which suggests that a hero must rescue them. And for me, the story clearly shows that this is not
always the case, especially since young people are often asked to read various epics of our
country. Giving such an idea to children at an early age can be one of the ways to break such a
problematic system. Additionally, Bolak Sonday also showed her love and care for her family,
and for me, that is one genuine heroic act. The fact that what made her succeed through all of the
challenges in the story is her love for her cousin, Sandayo, is already commendable and inspiring
for everyone.

References:
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