Osorio, Marlo C.

BSED – English 3A May 10, 2021

Developing Humanistic Coursebooks

Main Topic: Reading an Epic

Language Focus: Enhancing reading comprehension and familiarization of the plot through
proper sequencing of events.
Course Material: The Story of Ibalon
Online Reference: http://literature-westfieldsos.blogspot.com/2010/09/ibalon.html?m=1

Pre-reading Activity:
A. Motivating Activity
1. Present this picture in front of the class and ask them what they can notice on it.

Mayon Volcano
Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMayon&psi
 2. Ask your students also their knowledge or if they know some stories related to this
picture.
3. Once that they have an idea of your topic, reveal your main purpose by letting them
know that you will be presenting an epic story.

While-Reading Activity
A. Reading of the Text
1. Ask a volunteer from the class to read the text.
Reading Article:

IBALON
Long ago, the land of Ibalon, known as Bicol, was a land of lush and virginal beauty, but
no one lived there.
One day, a mighty warrior called Baltog came upon the land. The richness and beauty of
the region made him decide to take his family and his workers to this wonder place. Here they
lived in peace and prosperity.
But one day, the tranquility of their lives was threatened by a huge man-eating wild boar.
The ferocious beast destroyed the linsa or gabi plants and other crops as well. It also killed
people. Soon, vast areas in Ibalon were reduced to waste, and countless people were either killed
or maimed. Baltog was dumb-founded as he surveyed the depredation wrought on his kingdom.
Leaving his home under the cover of the night, he went to the muddy fields to wait for his
enemy.
Baltog waited for long, long time. Finally, when the moon was bright, the man-eating boar
came snorting and tearing crops as it went along. Baltog hid under the bushes. When the boar
came within reach, he sprang at it. Man and beast tumbled to the ground in mortal combat.
Fortunately, Baltog was able to pin down the beast and summoning all his strength, he finally
subdued the boar, not with a spear, but breaking its super-sized jaws with his own strong arms.
Baltog’s victory put an end to a terror that had ravished his kingdom for a time.
Ibalon, however, saw few years of peace. One day, huge carabaos followed by winged
sharks and giant crocodiles rushed to Ibalon. Every mortal was in fright: death and destruction
took a heavy toll. The mighty Baltog could no longer defend his kingdom, for years had sapped
his strength. Defenseless, Ibalon had become an easy prey.
Luck, however, was still with Ibalon. On that tragic day, Handiong, a mighty warrior of
the neighboring kingdom, happened to pass by Ibalon. Handiong came to the rescue.
 Handiong and his brave seasoned men threw themselves at the stampeding and winging
wild enemies. For untold hours, Ibalon saw mortal combat. Blood flowed freely over the land
and the streams. One by one, they slew the beasts.
Only one monster escaped Handiong’s mortal blows. This was Oriol, the serpent who
could transform itself into a beautiful woman. With her seductive words, she enticed him. But
Handiong pursued her through the forest without rest. To save itself, the she-snake struck an
alliance with Handiong. She promised to drive the evil spirits out of the mountains if Handiong
would leave her alone. And at last, peace came to Ibalon again.
Handiong encouraged the people to plant, invent farming equipment, and build banca and
houses. Under his wise administration, Ibalon became rich and peaceful again.
Outside Handiong’s domain, there appeared another threat to his kingdom. This time it
was Rabut, a far more terrible monster, for under its spell, mortals could turn to stone.
Handiong called his friend and companion, the mighty Bantong, to deal with the enemy.
Together with a handful of men, Bantong raided the monster’s lair. He found the enemy taking
its nap. With a cat-like agility, Bantong delivered a mortal blow at the monster’s neck. The
wounded monster cried in agony, and in his struggle for breath, the earth cracked and the water
in the sea rolled landward.
Ibalon underwent great physical change. New island began to dot the water near the
peninsula. Finally, a tall and perfect cone reared its head to lord over the leveled ruins. This
perfect cone is now known as Mayon Volcano.

2. Allow your students to jot down all the relevant information found on the text.

Post- Reading Activity:

A. Reading Comprehension
1. Identifying the settings, characters and the plot of the story.
II. Answer the following questions based on the events happened in the story.
1. Where did the epic story of Ibalon originated?
2. How did each hero won over his enemies?
3. What kind of creatures were their enemies?
4. What other things did they do for Ibalon?
5. What are the qualities/traits of each hero?
6. What do you think is the main lesson of the story?
7. Why do you think the story of Ibalon is the legend of Mayon Volcano?

B. Sequencing of Events
I. Put these events in the order in which they occurred using the Reading Article. Write numbers
inside the boxes.

Handyong decided to look for Oryol in the heart of the forest. He followed the beautiful
voice and was almost enchanted by it in his pursuit.

A long time ago, there was a rich land called Ibalon. Baltog came to this land to look who
was destroying the crops.

Handiong called his friend and companion, the mighty Bantong, to deal with the enemy.
Rabut, a far more terrible monster, for under its spell, mortals could turn to stone.

Handyong together with his men fought thousands of battles to defeat the monster. They
never stopped until all these monsters were killed.

Bantong learned that Rabot loves to sleep. He waited until the night comes and cut that
giant in the neck. Rabot died and Ibalon was at peace once more.

Baltog encounter a Flying Crocodile and a Giant Boar. He killed the two and continues
his journey.