Region 4

FOLKLORE
The legend of Pagsanjan Falls
The Pagsanjan Falls are said to be full of mythological stories. One tale says that this fall
did not exist long, long ago. There was nothing but the green mountains, the Bumbungan and
Balanac twin rivers, and the vast plain where the town of Pagsanjan is currently located. The
brothers, Balubad and Magdapio, resided on the Bumbungan River's eastern bank. The two
brothers had a peaceful, contented life in the country for a long time.

But a disaster happened one day. There was loss of life and destruction due to a
devastating drought; there were months without rain. The ground turned as dry as tinder. The
edible plants and blooming flowers wilted and died. Animals such as birds, deer, wild hogs,
monkeys, and others perished. The creeks, rivers, and mineral springs ceased to exist. There was
not a single drop of rain that could have saved lives. Magdapio and Balubad suffered greatly.
They pleaded to the gods day and night for rain, but they were unheard. Balubad, the weaker and
older of the two brothers, passed away from thirst. Feeling sorrow for him, Magdapio buried him
on the mountainside overlooking the river delta. We currently refer to this mountain as Balubad.

Magdapio, alone in a world without water, struggled agonizingly to reach the highest part
of the dry riverbed. He made the difficult journey to the tall, steep cliffs. He was quite
disappointed to discover that there was no water. In frustration, he threw his large cane down
within the rocks, screaming, "Ye gods!" "Where is the water?" Just as the cane began to fall, a
spring suddenly burst up. It expanded very quickly. A powerful waterfall was quickly formed as
the freshwater poured down the canyon walls. Amazed at the miracle, Magdapio fell on his
knees and thanked the gods. He drank the cool water until he felt new energy surging in his
blood. Thus emerged the falls of Pagsanjan
Region 3

RIDDLES

Buhok ni Adan, hindi mabilang.

(Adam's hair, you can't count.)
Answer: Rain

Explanation: Like Adam's or a man's hair, we are unable to count the rain.

KAPAMPANGAN RIDDLE

Malati yang impyerno

Kailangan ne ning tau.
(A small hell is man’s need.)
Answer: Candle

Explanation: Because they provide light in the dark, candles are seen as an important part of hell
in the Filipino culture. Something thin or thin, like a candle that is going to burn, is referred to as
"malati". On the other hand, the "tau" is a human being, and it requires a candle for survival.