Riddles

Commonly it is composed of two lines.

1. States a fact (clue)

2. Meant to confuse (brain teaser)

Figure of Speech

Simile – comparison with the use of as or like

Metaphor – comparison of things without the use of as or like.

Example:
 Nagtago si Pedro, labas ang ulo. (Pedro hides but you can still see his head. ) -Pako
 Kung tawagin nila'y santo, hindi naman milagroso. (He is called Saint, but with no miracle.)-Santol
 Nakatalikod na ang prinsesa, mukha niya'y nakaharap pa  (The princess is on her back, but her head
is still facing us)
 May langit, may lupa, May tubig, walang isda. (There is a sky, there is soil, there is water, but no
fish) – niyog
 Ang alaga kong hugis bilog, barya-barya ang laman-loob. ( I have a pet, his body is full of coins). -
alkansya

Riddles are expression in rhymes using one or two images that refer to a particular thing or object that has to
be guessed. Riddles are used for entertainment, mental exercises and amusement. Riddles are used by
Filipinos to pass away time and to show their wit . . . it is entertaining and fun.

Filipino riddles deal largely with animals, plants and objects of local character. Filipino riddles have been
passed from one generation to another and their origins have never been trace, a lot of new riddles have also
been created by the younger generation.
Riddles have been a central part of Filipino tradition since well before the country became a colony of Spain,
and the tradition persisted throughout the colonial period and into modern times. They are an important part
of the oral history tradition of the country and have been passed down for several generations. Some of the
Philippine riddles popular in The Philippines are versions of riddles that are found in most cultures, while
others are unique to the islands. Although thematically some of the riddles may be similar to riddles found in
other countries, they are also distinctly Filipino in their references.

When told in the native Tagalong language, the riddles employ many poetic devices. They usually rhyme and
they often rely on simile and metaphor to offer clues. The riddles tend to be one or two lines and refer to a
specific object. The rhyming is lost in English translations of the riddles. Sometimes, the figurative language is
difficult for non-Filipinos to understand as well, since the references and descriptions may be unique to that
region. Further, some of the objects referred to in the riddles may be foreign to outsiders not familiar with
Filipino culture.

1. Bako man sa padi; Bako man sa hade

Aro-aldaw an sangle.
Simbag:SABLAYAN

2. Limang magaramigo; Saro an apelyido.

Simbag: SEMANA SANTA

3. An Diyos nasa tao, kun an tawo nasa Diyos

Proverbs
Philippine proverbs are further illustrated to be ornaments to language, words of ancestors handed down from
one generation to another, and as wisdom gained from experience, which can be quoted to express a
sentiment, a statement, or an opinion. Apart from this, Filipino proverbs are also used to prevent offending
other individuals. This is one example of such a proverb: Bato-bato sa langit, 'pag tinamaan huwag magagalit,
meaning "a stone thrown heavenward, if you get hit on its way down, don't get mad." Equipped with the
appropriate and timely proverb, a Filipino can communicate empathy, and might be able to convince another
person leading to the closure of an argument. Some Filipino proverbs are also intended to provide a
warning, a lecture, an advice, and as a supporting statement for a particular viewpoint or issue. [1] Some
proverbs are used if you don’t want to hurt somebody’s feeling.

Proverbs are called salawikain or sawikain in Tagalog or sarsarita in Ilocano. Like most proverbs the world over,
Philippine proverbs contain sayings which prescribes norms, imparts a lesson or simply reflects standard
norms, traditions and beliefs in the community.

(1) proverbs expressing a general attitude towards life and the laws that govern life;
(2) ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues and condemning certain vices;
(3) proverbs expressing a system of values;
(4) proverbs expressing general truths and observations about life and human nature;
(5) humorous proverbs 
(6) miscellaneous proverbs.

Examples

1. A person who does not remember where he/she came from will never reach his/her destination
2. He who boasts of his accomplishments will heap ridicule on himself.
3. He who gives alms to the poor faces heaven.
4. He who is choosy often picks the worst.
5. Where there are flowers there are butterflies

Bicol Proverbs:

1. Mas nadadakop tulos an utikon kisa pilay

2. An taong naiipit maski sa tarom makabit
3. Ang manok mas madali madaakop kung may gakod na. 