But that Won’t Make me Sleep

Story By: ANNIE PACAÑA-LUMBAO

Night time came with a blanket of stars and a moon for a lamp. “Time to
sleep!” Nanay said. But still Maya lay wide awake in her room. “Nanay,
how can I sleep tonight?” Maya asked. “If you’ve already washed your
face and brushed your teeth, I shall tuck you in bed with your smooth
blanket, soft pillow, and cuddly toy,” Nanay replied. “But that won’t
make me sleep!” Maya said. “I can read you one more bedtime story if
you want,” said Nanay. “But that won’t make me sleep!” Maya said.
“You’ve already read me three stories, but I’m still awake, Nanay,” Maya
reminded Nanay. “Hmmmm…what else can we do to make you sleep
tonight?” Nanay thought aloud. “I will ask a string quarter to play a
sweet lullaby as I sing to you inside the room.” “That sounds nice…but
that won’t make me sleep!” “I shall ask the diwatas to comb your hair
until you fall asleep, and give you pleasant dreams,” Nanay said stroking
Maya’s long hair. “I love diwatas…” said Maya. “But that won’t make me
sleep!” “I will lay you in our duyan, and ask Mr. Wind to blow a gentle
breeze to lull you to sleep,” said Nanay. “But that won’t make me sleep!”
Maya giggled. “I know! I shall pull the moon and a string stars through
your window. You can count the stars in your room till you fall asleep!”
Maya’s eyes grew as wide as two full moons and then twinkled in delight,
but still… “But that won’t make me sleep!” Maya said. Suddenly, a deep
voice called out… “Tatay! You’re home!” Maya sighed in relief as she
embraced Tatay. Nanay knew nothing else would trouble Maya’s sleep
that night. Maya was just waiting for Tatay to come home from work.
“Goodnight!” Maya finally said as Nanay and Tatay kissed and hugged
her tight.
 But that Won’t Wake me Up
Story By: ANNIE PACAÑA-LUMBAO and ANELKA LUMBAO

The moon was shining outside Maya’s window. “Tomorrow is a school

day,” Nanay said. “It’s time for bed.” “Nanay, how can I wake up early
tomorrow? Maya asked. “Don’t worry, I will whisper ‘good morning’ in
your ear then shake you till you get up,” Nanay assured Maya. “But that
won’t wake me up!” Maya said. “Then I will set alarm clock, place it by
your bedside, and let it ring loud in the morning: RRRRRIIIIING” “But
that won’t wake me up!” “I think I will have to get Lolo’s rooster and let it
crow on your pillow: TIKTILAAAAOOOOOK!” Maya smiled. Lolo’s rooster
crows the mightiest in their neighborhood! “But that won’t wake me up!”
“Hmmmm…what else can we do to wake you up in the morning?” Nanay
thought aloud. “I shall call Mang Ambo, the taho vendor, and ask him to
shout inside the room.” “Yummy, taho. But that won’t wake me up!”
Maya said with a giggle. “I shall lead the marching band and march
inside your room!” “But that won’t wake me up!” “I know! I shall pull the
sun through your window and let it shine brightly in the room!” Maya
screamed as she pulled her blanket over her head. “But that won’t wake
me up!” Maya whispered. “If that won’t do…I will just have to ask
Teacher Lydia to come over tomorrow and wake you up for
school,”Nanay said, smiling.
“No! No! Please don’t do that!” “Why?” Nanay asked. “Teacher Lydia
won’t fit in my room anymore. There’s already you, the alarm clock,
Lolo’s rooster, the taho vendor, the drums, the marching band, and the
BIG, BRIGHT SUN!” Maya reminded Nanay. Nanay smiled at Maya and
whispered: “If you sleep now, I’m sure you’ll wake up early tomorrow.”
“Okay, Nanay… good night,” Maya finally said as she yawned closed her
eyes.
 Hinlalaki
Story by: VIRGILIO S. ALMARIO

Hintuturo was the oldest of Inang Kamay’s five children. He liked to

teach and was “teacher” in all their games. He also helped out when they
lost things and when they lost their way. Hinlalato was the tallest. He
was the basketball star. He was also the strongest and the best in the
game of sumping. The well-dressed Palasingsingan took care of all their
riches. And the youngest, Kalingkingan always did what she was told to
do. Even she was teased and called “Hinliliit”, she cleaned every single
hole. But Hinlalaki seemed to have no use. He was not invited to play
games. He stayed in the sidelines. Because he was small and had a
different shape, he was called an outsider. Once, Hinlalato’s strength
was tested. He had to lift a very heavy post. Hintuturo, Palasingsingan,
and Kalingkingan tried to help. They tried very hard until they were
covered with sweat. But they could not move the very heavy post!
Hinlalaki came to the rescue…and the very heavy post became light!
Everyone now agrees: “No post is too heavy with Hinlalaki”
 Ang Mabait na Kalabaw
(The Very Good Carabao)
Story by: VIRGILIO S. ALMARIO

The very good carabao eats quietly. The very good carabao sleeps quietly.
The very good carabao is clean. The very good carabao likes beautiful
things. The very good carabao has many friends. Even the dog and cat
are her friends! The very good carabao works hard. The very good
carabao is helpful. The very good carabao works hard. The very good
carabao is helpful. The very good carabao is generous. The very good
carabao is loving. That is why her fellow carabaos love her. Her
caretaker loves her dearly. The very good carabao is always happy.
 Ang Tikbalang Kung Kabilugan ng Buwan
(The Tikbalang When the Moon is Full)
Story by: VIRGILIO S. ALMARIO

At night, when the moon is full, the tikbalang sits on the kalumpang tree
and looks for a playmate in patintero and hide-and-seek. He imitates the
fun-seeking kapre smoking a strong cigar. Until he coughs, gets dizzy,
and smoke comes out of his head. Sad because he has no playmates, he
sits on the mound of the crabby nuno. Until his back end overheats from
sitting down too long. He imitates the long tongue of the aswang as it
steals the baby liver. Until his tongue is cut off by a knife. He plays with
a child of the deceiving tiyanak. Until his neck is bitten. So he sadly
skips among the clouds and the stars, playing luksong-tinik all by
himself. Until he bumps into someone skipping along as well. At night,
when the moon is full, the tikbalang happily plays with another
tikbalang beside the kalumpang tree.
 The Deer at the Pond
Retold by: BOOTS S.A. PASTOR

One morning, a deer went to the pond to drink water. The water in the
pond was so clear he vividly saw his reflection. The dear was awed by his
antlers. “Am I not too handsome because of my antlers?” he said to
himself. The deer’s gaze wandered to the reflection of his legs. “Really
now! My legs are too thin and they look weak and ugly!” he complained
to himself. The deer got really disappointed with his legs. “Really, my
legs are not as handsome as my antlers!” he said to himself. Suddenly,
the deer sensed danger. From somewhere, a fierce lion appeared. The
lion looked hungry and ready to pounce on prey. The deer quickly ran
away. The deer reached the safety of the forest. Thanks to his fast and
sturdy legs! The deer continued running. But as he kept looking back at
the pursuing lion, he rammed into a bush. His antlers got entangled
with the branches and vines that adorned the bush. The deer tried in
vain to free his antlers from the bush. “Really! It looks like my handsome
antlers instead of my ugly feet will get me into trouble.” he cried in
despair.
 Ang Kamatis ni Peles
(Peles’s Tomatoes)
Story by: VIRGILIO S. ALMARIO

Peles is tired of his everyday walks and wanderings even if he has

nothing to eat. That is why he thought of exerting himself and using his
strength and brawn. He passed by the Farm of Hugo the Ant and he was
impressed by the health of the plants. “Your plants are so healthy,” he
praised Hugo. “What is your secret?” “I have no secrets,” said Hugo,
“except for industry, patience, and a little hard work.” “Is that all?”
asked Peles. And he asked for some tomato seeds to try out gardening
and to turn a new leaf. It was Sunday then but even so, the new farmer
did not laze around; It was Sunday then but even so, he busied himself
with gardening and planting. That night, Peles could not sleep as he
counted growing tomatoes. Monday. Early in the morning, he woke and
visited his patch of tomatoes. But, what a heartbreak! In the soft
ground, not one seed had sprouted. Close to tears, Peles confided with
Hugo. But Hugo only laughed and said, “Don’t be impatient. Indeed,
gardening is not easy. A little more watering and they will surely sprout.”
Tuesday. After watering, Peles looked after the patch of tomatoes all day.
In the evening, he even lit candles so the plants will not be afraid of the
dark. Wednesday. After sprinkling fertilizers, Peles invited his frog
friends. And though it was raining, they sang all day so the plants will
be energized. Thursday. After pulling out weeds Peles brought a loy of
books. And he read stories and poems all day so the plants will not feel
lonely. Friday. After watering and weeding, Peles spent the day reciting,
dancing, singing. He even placed a makeshift ceiling so the plants will
not feel too hot. Saturday. Peles rejoiced when he saw sprouting
tomatoes! After a few days, Peles’s tomatoes grew and bore fruit. “Hey,
your tomatoes are so healthy,” Hugo praised Peles upon his visit. “Yes,
they are,” answered Peles who was wrapped in a blanket. “But I am sick
and coughing because of it.” “That’s only at the start,” Hugo said. And,
Peles was left coughing. But, he felt pleased as he looked over his patch
of ripening tomatoes.
 Ako si Kaliwa, Ako si Kanan
(I am Left, I am Right)
Story by: RUSSELL MOLINA
I am left. Right is my brother. We came from the same piece of rubber.
We look the same. We weigh the same We are as big as each other. I am
Right. Left is my brother. Carlo’s nanay bought us at Divisoria. We have
the same shape. We have the same color. We are as sturdy as each
other. The whole day I try to outrun Right. I always end up first. That’s
why I’m Carlo’s favorite. In tumbang preso, I’m his chosen pamato. The
whole day I try to leave Left behind. I never lag behind him. That’s why
I’m Carlo’s favorite. In the river race, I’m the bangkang pamato. I am left.
The string of his kite is tied to me. I am Right. He uses me to aim the
mangoes. It’s me… It’s me… It’s me who’s really his favorite. I don’t like
Right. I don’t ever want to be with him. It’s me… It’s me… It’s me who’s
really his favorite. I don’t like Left. I hope I never have to see him again.
One morning, I woke up to her Carlo ask, “Nay, have you seen my right
slipper?” Right had disappeared from my side! I was so happy! I saw
Carlo going around in circles. He checked every nook, shade, and
corner. He looked for right the whole day. The whole day he didn’t wear
me. The whole day he didn’t pick me up. We didn’t play tumbang preso.
I was wrong-Right was his favorite. And when the night came, he even
put me inside the closet full of well-worn shoes. “Why are you here?”
asked the old boot. “You still look sturdy and useful.” “It’s because my
brother, Right, is missing.” “Ay, it’s really like that!” bakya said. “I also
lost my partner and now I’m all alone.” “That’s why I can’t even take
another step to leave. I have to stay here, hidden and forgotten.” I
wonder where Right is? I suddenly wondered about him. One morning, I
was already outside the house when I woke up. The guard dog had taken
me there. Left had disappeared from my side! I was so happy! I saw
Carlo going around circles. He checked every nook, shade, and corner.
Maybe he was playing hide-and-seek with Left. The whole day he didn’t
wear me. I was wrong-Left was his favorite. And when the night came, I
was all alone the roadside. “Why are you here?” asked a worn-out bike
tire. “You still look sturdy and useful.” “I was separated from my
brother, Left.” “Ay, it’s really like that!” he said. “I also lost my partner
and now I’m all alone. That’s why I can’t even go a meter away. I have to
stay here, left behind and forgotten.” I wonder where Left is? I suddenly
wondered about him. “Your slipper’s just here, iho!” Carlo’s nanay
shouted. Carlo quickly got me from the closet. “My favorite left slipper!”
“Your slipper’s just here, iho!” Carlo’s nanay said as she picked me up.
Carlo quickly ran outside to meet me. “My favorite right slipper!”
“Finally, together again!” Carlo jumped for joy. Together, Right and I flew
in the air. “Finally, together again!” Carlo jumped for joy. Together, Left
and I landed on the ground. The whole morning, we played near the
river. The whole afternoon, we flew kites. Together, we played tumbang
preso. Together, we aimed at the mangoes around the corner. Every time
we take a step, we wait for each other. He is Right. Wherever we go, we
go together. Every time we run, we run together. He is Left. Wherever we
go, we go together.
 Apolakus!
Story by: ALICE MALLARI
One Monday morning, Dadoy is nowhere to be found. Instead, a boy
suddenly appears and introduces himself. “I am a magician!” Dadoy’s
mama, Aling Amanda, thinks to herself: Hmmm, maybe I am just seeing
things. The boy magician has a bunch of things. A wand, a stone, a can,
a deflated ball, a cape, and many others. All these are supposed to make
his magic power stronger. The boy magician has only one objective: to
overcome his enemies. “My baon is not enough!” Jay-jay complains,
while his triple chin shakes. “I want something to drink!” shouts Yuki,
whose spiky hair looks like leaves of a newly sprouted rice plant. The
encounter is about to start. With one wave of his magic wand and a
resounding “Gimukos apolakus!” he sets gigantic balls rolling toward his
enemies. He giggles because he knows the two will end up at the flag
pole. But that is not at all. We will tie large ropes around them and make
them spin like tops! Feeling dizzy, they will trip when they try to run
after him! “Finally, they won’t be able to come near me,” he whispers. A
little later, the three exchange looks. With the speed of lightning, the two
grab his lunchbox. Even if he wanted to shout, his lips remain sealed.
My magic power is not working! He screams inside him. “Your baon is
cool. Let’s do this again tomorrow, ha,” Yuki jeers as he flicks Dadoy’s
cold ear. Dadoy cannot even move the tip of his finger. His enemies have
melted his magic wand and cape. Three days pass, and Dadoy is still
nowhere in sight. Meanwhile, the boy magician continues to practice in
front of the mirror. “Abrakadabrus apolakus!” He waves his hands in the
air. Aling Amanda suddenly appears. “Where is your lunch box?” “E…”
The boy magician bites his fingernails “Two hungry monkeys found their
way to our school yesterday. They grabbed my lunch box.” The next day,
the boy magician goes to school, ready for a new battle. With a handful
of his magic powder and a loud “Tendegus apolakus!” his enemies’
laughter will turn into cries for help. Instead of ha-ha-ha-ha they will
hu-hu-hu-hu! And that will not be all. The seeds he had hidden in his
sandwich, will take root in his enemies’ tummies, until branches grow
out of their mouths. The boy magician claps his hands in glee. “They will
never tease or laugh at me again.” But Yuki destroys his fantasy. “It’s
payatot, o!” Yuki greets him. Dadoy fumes with anger. “Hey, skeleton!
What’s for lunch?” It’s time, he tells himself. “What’s that?” Jay-jay
makes fun of him. “Powder?” He showers the boy magician with the
magic powder. “Great, he looks like espasol.” He can’t stop himself from
crying as the number of laughing children grows. On Friday morning,
Aling Amanda turns hoarse from calling her son. “Dadoy, it’s already
late!” But why isn’t anyone answering? “Why aren’t you up yet?” “I’m
sick.” Dadoy answers, curled up in bed. Aling Amanda feels Dadoy’s
forehead, neck, and cheek. She knows her son well. She knows he is
only making excuses. “You can’t be absent. It’s almost exam time. Why
don’t you use your magic power to make yourself well?” “I no longer have
any magic power,” Dadoy answers softly. “My enemies are better than
me. They have the power to grab my lunch and they never get tired of
teasing me.” The two turn to silent. Aling Amanda’s hunch is correct.
She knows why Dadoy has been acting differently. “You know, Dadoy,
you don’t need magic power when people fight you,” Aling Amanda says
gently as she strokes her son’s back. “I know of a solution to your
problem.” That morning, his Mama brings Dadoy to school. Aling
Amanda talks to Dadoy’s teacher about kids who are bothering her son.
The teacher promises to talk to their guidance counselor. At recess time,
Dadoy charges into Jay-jay’s and Yuki’s classroom. “Here’s additional
baon. My Mama and I prepared that,” Dadoy smiles. The boys’ teacher
say, “You have such a nice friend. O, Jay-jay and Yuki, what should you
tell him?” Jay-jay and Yuki’s faces turn red with shame. They look at
their shoes and both have no choice but to say, “Th…thanks.” Thanks is
what the two say when Dadoy invites them to his birthday party. Thanks
is what they answer when they each receive kittens. The word seems to
have magic power. Because slowly, Dadoy returns to his usual self. And
the three even become playmates. According to Aling Amanda, the boy
magician never appeared again.
 La-on and the 7-Headed Dragon
Retelling by: GABBY LEE and MARCY DANS LEE
Over the land and over the seas, there was a small kingdom in the East.
But nobody saw its beauty so grand for a seven-headed dragon guarded
the land. The problem with dragons is their big, bulging tummies. They’d
spew fire and smoke if they didn’t get their yummies. To make matters
worse, this dragon was picky. It ate only virgins, and that made it tricky.
Poor King Kabugnot could not rule anymore for feeding the dragon was a
horrible chore. The land was now dirty, the kingdom was broke, and
there were few virgins among the poor village folk. So King Kabugnot
looked all over his land and called all the virgins to lend him a hand.
With the king’s proclamation, not a woman could hide; and for this
dragon’s lunch, chose Marikit…the poor child! The people were sad.
Marikit paid the price. Saving the kingdom was a supreme sacrifice.
With hands tied and tears in her eyes, she went to the dragon, and
offered her life. But soon came the day the King truly feared: All the poor
virgins in his land had been cleared! King Kabugnot scratched his head
as he thought, “What should I do? In a corner I’m caught!” The poor king
was so troubled. Dragon’s food was so late. With a fish and an apple, he
begged it to wait. He was searching for food when, out of nowhere, a
skinny, young man was standing right there! La-on was no merchant, no
prince, no poor man, but he promised the king that he’d do what he can.
For Lao-on had the power of magic, not tricks. And the language of ants,
bees, and eagles he’d mix. They bided their time for a-SURPRISE
ATTACK! The bees stung the dragon’s tough, scaly back! The ants bit the
noses! The eagles pierced the eyes! Truly the battle was a sight…not so
nice. Now that the dragon was fully distracted, the brave La-on jumped
on his tummy and acted. He plunged his big bolo with a swift and sure
stroke until the great dragon gave its last fiery croak. And as we might
expect, La-on was hero at all. But he first paid the king a courtesy call.
He went to the palace with the head of the dragon, proving once and for
all that the terror was now gone. And as for the dragon, its body was
buried in the palace where it crashed (it couldn’t be carried). The densest
of forests surrounded the site, and slowly there rose a mountain of
fright! Now and then, the huge mountain would spew fire and smoke to
tell of this tale to all the townsfolk. It reminds us that goodness and
courage won’t fail, Mount Kanlaon is indeed a fine tale!