Ang Alamat ng Baka at Kalabaw - Carabao

English Translation at the Bottom

Noon pa man ay matalik ng magkaibigan si baka at kalabaw. Parehas silang katuwang ng mga magsasaka sa gawaing bukid. Masipag sila at masunurin sa kanilang mga amo maski anong hirap ng trabaho sa bukid. Ngunit mayroong isang kuwento tungkol sa dalawa nang isang araw sila ay tinamad na magtrabaho.

Noong unang panahon ang pinakaunang baka at kalabaw ay itinalaga ni Bathala na tumulong sa magsasaka sa gawaing bukid. Tulad ng kanilang amo, masipag si baka at kalabaw. Hindi nila inaanlintala ang bigat ng araro at init ng araw sa trabaho sa bukid. Araw-araw na ganito ang ginagawa ng magkaibigang hayop. Sa gabi lamang sila nakakapagpahinga.

Isang gabi pagkatapos ng trabaho sa bukid ay nagsama-sama ang mga alagang hayop ng magsasaka. Nagkuwentuhan sila sa kanilang ginawa sa buong maghapon.

Napansin ng dalawa mula na rin sa kuwento ng mga ibang hayop na sila lamang ang pagod na pagod na buong maghapong nagtratrabaho sa bukid. Samantala ang mga ibang hayop ay walang ginawa kundi maglaro o di kaya’y kumain lamang. Tulad na lamang ni manok na buong maghapon daw na palakad-lakad lamang na naghahanap ng uod na makakain, o di kaya’y si pato na palangoy-langoy lang daw sa ilog at si kambing na walang ring ginawa kundi kumain ng kumain ng damo.

Kinabukasan, dahil sa mga narinig mula sa ibang hayop ay napagkasunduan ng dalawa na magpahinga sa araw na iyon. Sa halip na magtrabaho ay magpupunta sila sa katabing ilog upang maligo. Inantay nilang makatulog ang magsasaka at saka tahimik na inalis ang mga suot na araro at nagtungo sa may ilog.

Tinanggal ng dalawa ang kanilang mga balat at sinampay ito sa may puno saka tumalon sa ilog. Ngunit biglang nagising ang magsasaka at nakita na nawawala ang dalawa. Hinanap niya ang mga ito at natanaw niya sila sa may ilog na masayang naliligo.

Kinuha ng magsasaka ang kanyang pamalo at lumapit sa dalawang magkaibigan. Nagulat si baka at kalabaw ng makitang papalapit sa kanila ang magsasaka. Dali-daling tumayo ang dalawa at isinuot ang kanilang balat na nakasampay sa puno. Ngunit dahil sa pagmamadali at sa takot, nagkapalit ng nakuhang balat ang dalawa. Dahil mas mataba si kalabaw masikip sa kanya ang balat ni baka. Samantalang maluwag naman kay baka ang balat ni kalabaw kaya’t nakalawit sa may leeg ang balat.

Nagmamakaawang humingi ng tawad ang dalawa sa magsasaka. Pinatawad niya ang mga ito ngunit bilang parusa sa ginawa ng dalawa ay hindi na pinagpalit ng magsasaka ang mga balat nila. Ito na rin ang magpapaalala sa dalawa na huwag maging tamad at gawin ang iniatas na trabaho.

Legend of the Cow and Carabao

English Translation at the Bottom

The cow and the carabao have always been the best of friends. They are the farmer’s helpers in tilling the rice fields. The two are obedient and industrious no matter how hard the farm work is. But there is one story wherein the two friends became lazy one day and tried to do something else.

Once upon a time, Bathala tasked the very first cow and carabao to be the famer’s aides in the farm. Just like their boss, the cow and the carabao are industrious workers. They don’t mind the weight of the plow nor the heat of the sun. The two do their daily task without any complain. The only rest they have is at night when they retire.

After work one night, all the farm animals had a get together. They chatted about they did for the whole day.

The cow and the carabao learned, based from the stories they heard, that it’s only the two of them that work hard. The other animals do nothing but play or eat the whole day. Just like chicken who does nothing but roam around the farm looking for worms to eat, or duck who waddles around the pond the whole day long or even goat who does nothing but graze on the grass.

The next day, the two friends decided that they will their rest for that day. Instead of working in the rice field, they would sneak in the river to bathe. They waited for the farmer to take his usual afternoon nap, and quietly removed the plow and made their way to the river.


The two removed their skins and hanged onto the low branch of a tree then jumped into the river. Not long after, the farmer woke up and saw that his two aides were missing. He went looking for them and saw them basking happily in the river.

The farmer took out his whip and went towards the animals. The cow and carabao were surprised to see the famer walking towards them. The two got up and scrambled to get and put their skins on. However, in haste to get dressed, the two got their skins mixed up. Because cow was thinner, carabao’s skin on him was loose. While cow’s skin was too tight on carabao.

The two asked for forgiveness from their angry master. The farmer forgave them however as punishment for what they did, they were forbidden to exchange their skins. It was to remind the two to do their tasks and to never be lazy again,

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng Kuwago - Owl Legend

English Translation at the Bottom

Noong unang panahon, sa isang puno sa gubat ay nagpang-abot ang mga ibon na si kalapati at si kuwago. Nag-usap ang dalawa habang sila ay nagpapahinga. Kung saan-saan naabot ang kanilang kuwentuhan hanggang sa nagpayabangan ang dalawa kung kaninong pangkat ang may mas maraming kasamahang ibon.

Parehas na iginigiit ng dalawa na sila ang mas marami kaysa sa isa. Napagkasunduan nila na upang mapatunayan kung sino ang nagsasabi ng totoo ay magtatawag at magtitipon sila ng kanilang kauri. Magkikita sila bukas sa lugar ding iyon upang bilangin kung sino nga ang mas nakararami.

Humayo na nga ang dalawang ibon upang ipaalam sa mga kauri ang magaganap na bilangan bukas. Ipinamahagi ni Kuwago ang balita at tinipon niya ang lahat ng kanyang mga kamag-anak. Lahat ng mga kuwago ay nagpahayag na sasama sila bukas upang maipakita nila sa mga kalapati na sila ang may mas madaming pangkat. Sa dami nila isip ng mga kuwago, tiyak na mananalo sila sa pustahan at mapapahiya ang mga kalapati. Natatawa na sila kapag naiisip nila ang magiging reaksyon ni Kalapati sa dami ng mga kuwagong dadalo.

Kinabukasan, maaga pa lang ay nagpunta na ang mga kuwago sa nasabing lugar. Parang isang malaking pagtitipon ng mga kuwago ang naganap sa kagubatan, andun silang malakas na nagtatawanan, nagbibiruan at nagkukuwentuhan.

Naiinip na ang mga kuwago sapagkat matagal dumating ang mga inaantay nilang mga kalapati. Malapit ng lumubog ang araw ay wala pa ring mga kalapati ang dumarating. Nagtawanan sila at naisip na baka natakot ang mga kalapati na matalo sa pustahan kaya’t hindi na nagpakita ang mga ito.

Ngunit hindi pa natatapos sa pagtatawanan ang mga kuwago ay biglang dumilim ang buong paligid. Nagulat ang lahat sapagkat meron pa namang araw ng oras na iyon. Tumingala ang mga kuwago at nasindak. Nanlaki ang kanilang mga mata sa nakita- libu-libong mga kalapating nagliparan patungo sa napagkasunduang lugar. Sa dami ng mga kalapating dumarating ay nagawa nilang takpan ang sinag ng araw at dahil dito ay dumilim nga ang kapaligiran. Sa takot, dali-daling nagsiliparan ang mga kuwago upang makaalis sa lugar na iyon at magtago mula sa mga kalapati.

Hindi makapagsalita sa gulat ang mga kuwago. Ang tanging nasabi nila sa sindak sa nakita ay “hoo, hoo”. At hanggang sa ngayon ay hindi na bumalik sa dati ang dilat nilang mga mata at tanging ang mga pantig na iyon ang kanilang laging nababanggit. Sa tuwing gabi na rin sila lumalabas kung hahanap ng makakain dahil sa takot na baka makasalubong nila ang pangkat ng mga kalapati na tumalo sa kanila sa pustahan.

Legend of the Owl

Once upon a time, the pigeon and the owl were able to meet on a tree in the forest. The two chatted about a lot of things while they were resting. They were soon talking about who were greater in number.

Both insisted that their flock were greater in number than the other. To prove who was saying the truth, the two agreed on a bet. They were to meet on the same place together with all the relatives that they could find. There will be a head count to find out who was indeed greater in number.

The two bid each other goodbye in haste to inform their families of the bet that they had just made. The owl gathered all of his kind and told them of the bet with pigeon. All of his family agreed to go with him tomorrow to show off to the other group that there were more of them. They were all laughing just thinking of how the pigeons would look silly after seeing how many owls there were in the head count. They were sure to win the bet landslide.

The owls were early the following morning. The meeting place looked like one huge reunion party for the owls. There was a lot of laughing, joking and chatting going on while waiting for the pigeons.

They were starting to get impatient as the pigeons were late. It was already late in the afternoon but still no pigeons have shown up. The owls were laughing saying the pigeons got scared they would lose the bet so they stood the owls up.

The birds were about to celebrate their win when all of the sudden the whole place turned dark. They were all surprise by the sudden darkness since the sun has not yet set at that time. The owls looked up and were startled to see almost a thousand pigeons flying to the meeting place. The owls’ eyes grew big due to their astonishment. Because of the great number of pigeons who came flying to the meeting place, they were able to block the sun thus making the forest dim. The owls got scared and hastily flew away from the place.

The owls were still awe struck that all they could say is a stuttering “hoo, hoo”. Until now, their eyes never returned to its normal size. Because of fear, the owls now only come out at night. They were scared that they might meet the thousand of pigeons who beat them in the bet.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng Bayabas - Guava Legend

English Version at the Bottom

Noong unang panahon, may isang bayan na pinamumunuan ng isang sakim at mapagmataas na hari. Si Haring Barabas ay kinatatakutan ng kanyang mga sinasakupan ngunit palihim din nila itong kinamumuhian. Walang ibang alam gawin ang hari kundi ang mag-utos at pagalitan ang kanyang mga alipin. Ang mga utos pa man din nito ay imposibleng gawin at hindi makatwiran. Ang hari ay mahilig kumain, matulog at mag-aksaya ng kayamanan niya.

Nagkaroon ng matinding taghirap sa kanyang kaharian. Hindi maganda ang naging ani ng mga magsasaka at naging mahina ang benta ng mga mangangalakal. Ang lahat sa kaharian ay inutusang magtipid upang maka-alpas sa taghirap na kanilang nararanasan.

Lahat nga ng tao ay gumawa ng kanya-kanyang paraan upang makatipid maliban sa isang tao. Ang mismong hari na si Barabas ay hindi sumusunod sa kanyang utos. Walang itong pakialam na naghihirap ang mga taong kanyang nasasakupan. Patuloy siya sa paglustay ng kanyang kayamanan sa mga walang kwentang mga bagay.

Habang ang lahat ng tao ay nagtitipid at minsan lang sa isang araw kung kumain, ang hari ay parang piyesta kung magpaluto sa kanyang mga alipin. Iba’t ibang putahe ng iba’t ibang mahal na klase ng pagkain ang kanyang ipinapahanda. At ang masaklap pa dun ay siya lamang ang kakain ng mga pinaluto niya. Maski sobra ang mga pagkain ay hindi niya niyayaya ang kanyang mga kasambahay o ang mga taombayan na saluhan siyang kumain. Ang mga hindi niya maubos ay hinahayaan lang niya hanggang sa tuluyan na itong masira at hindi na puwedeng makain.

Isang araw habang nagpipiyesta ang hari sa harapan ng kanyang palasyo ay may lumapit na isang matandang pulubi. Humingi ng limos ang pulubi maski pagkain na lamang pantawid sa kanyang gutom ngunit hindi pinansin ng hari ang matanda. Sa halip, pinagtabuyan pa niya ito. Nawawalan daw siya ng ganang kumain dahil sa mabahong amoy ng pulubi.

Nagalit ang pulubi at sinabi sa hari na dahil sa kasakiman nito ay bibigyan niya ito ng isang leksiyong hindi niya makakalimutan. Hindi pa natatapos magsalita ang matanda ay biglang kumulog at kumidlat. Ang hari ay unti-unting nagbago ng anyo. Nagsisigaw itong humihingi ng tawad sa matanda ngunit huli na ang lahat. Biglang naglaho ang matanda habang ang hari ay naging isang ganap na halaman.

Nakita ng taombayan ang lahat ng pangyayari at ng lapitan ang halaman ay may nakita silang bunga nito. Ito ay bilugan at may koronang nakapatong. Ito na nga ang kanilang hari na si Barabas na dahil sa kasakiman ay naging isang halaman.

Mula noon tinawag nila ang halaman na bayabas mula sa pangalan ni Haring Barabas.

Legend of the Guava

Once upon a time, a greedy and arrogant king ruled a small faraway town. King Barabas was feared by his constituents however, he was also secretly hated by the people. The king was moody and would give his servants irrational tasks. He would often scold them if his commands are not done. The king also loved to eat, sleep at spend his wealth on useless things.

A big drought came to the kingdom. The harvest was not good and even trading was low. All of the kingdom was asked to be prudent in their spending and save until the drought was over.

All of the people adhered to the call and made their own ways of saving up except for one person. The king violated his own rule. He didn’t care about his starving people. He continued his luxurious ways and spent as if there was no crisis in the kingdom.

While the people would eat only once a day, the king would have feasts for himself. He would ask his servants to cook different kinds of expensive and exotic dishes. The worst part is he would not even share the food with his people or even his servants even if the food was abundant. He would not even allow his servants to eat his leftovers instead he let it alone until it gets spoiled.

One day while the king was having his usual eating fest in the palace yard, an old beggar came to ask for alms. She asked the king for some food since she was starving. But the king just ignore the beggar. Instead he commanded the beggar to leave as he was losing appetite due to the beggar’s smell.

This angered the beggar. She told the king he was greedy and for that he was to be punished. Before the beggar could even finish her sentence, a thunder was heard and lightning struck. The king’s appearance was slowly transforming. He cried asking for forgiveness but it was too late. The beggar suddenly disappeared while the king was turned into a plant.

The people saw what happened to the king and came nearer to inspect the plant. They saw a small rounded fruit which had a small crown on its tip. They agreed that it was indeed their greedy and gluttonous king, Barabas who was turned into a plant.

From then on the plant was called bayabas from King Barabas’ name.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng Alitaptap - Firefly

English Translation at the Bottom

Ilang libong taon na ang nakakaraan nang magkaroon ng matinding tagtuyot sa mundo. Ang mga pananim ay nanuyot at nasira at pati na rin ang mga alagang hayop ay nagkasakit at namatay. Walang ulan at ang mga ilog ay natuyo na rin dahil sa init ng sikat ng araw.

Taimtim na nagdasal ang mga tao upang magkaroon ng ulan. Sumayaw-sayaw sila at nag-alay ng kung anu-anong sakripisyo ngunit walang ulang bumagsak maski ulap ay walang nabuo. Mas lalo pa ngang tumindi ang sikat ng araw.

Nawawalan na ng pag-asa ang mga taombayan nang dumating ang isang mahiwagang mag-asawa, si Bul-an at si Bitu-in. Ayon sa mag-asawa, narinig ni Bathala ang kanilang mga panalangin at ipinadala sila upang tulungan ang mga taombayan. Di nga naglaon ay dahan-dahan pumatak ang ulan at hindi ito tumigil hanggang sa napawi ang pinsalang dulot ng tagtuyot.

Naging mas masagana ang mga pananim at ang mga alagang hayop ay naging mas malulusog. Dahil dito, itinakda ng mga taombayan ang mag-asawa na kanilang mga pinuno. Pinaunlakan naman ni Bul-an at Bitu-in ang nais ng taombayan. Naging mabuti silang mga pinuno at umasenso ang nasabing bayan.

Mayroong anak ang mag-asawa, ito ay si Alitaptap. May malaking bituin na naka-ukit sa noo ni Alitaptap; ito ay nagpapatunay na siya ay di pangkaraniwang nilalang. Marami ang nagnais na makuha ang kamay ng dalaga upang mapangasawa. Maging ang kanyang ama ay pinipilit si Alitaptap na pumili na ng mapapangasawa upang sa ganoon ay magkaroon sila ng mga anak na magiging makikisig mandirigma. Ngunit matigas ang puso ng dalaga at ayaw nitong magpakasal sa kahit sino. Wala raw itong nararamdaman na kahit ano. Marahil ito ay dahil nga sa hindi tao ang dalaga.

Isang araw, isang manghuhula ang nagsabi kay Bul-an na masasakop ang kanilang bayan sa hinaharap kung hindi makakapangasawa si Alitaptap at hindi magkaka-anak ng lalaki. Ipinatawag ni Bul-an ang anak at pinagsabihang kinakailangan na nitong magpakasal sa lalong madaling panahon. Ngunit si Alitaptap ay walang nararamdamang maski anong emosyon kung kaya’t ayaw pa rin nitong magpakasal.

Nagalit ang kanyang ama ngunit maski anong gawin nitong pilit ay wala pa ring imik si Alitaptap. Napuno ang galit ni Bul-an. Kinuha niya ang kanyang tabak at hindi nakapagpigil ay hinampas niya ang kanyang anak. Tumama ang tabak sa malaking bituin sa noo ng dalaga at nabasag ito sa libu-libong piraso. Samantala, wala ng buhay ng bumagsak ang dalaga sa sahig. Ang mga munting makinang na piraso ng bituin sa noo ni Alitaptap ay unti-unting nagkaroon ng buhay; lumipad at nilisan ng mga ito ang palasyo. Ang mga ito ay ang tinatawag natin ngayon na mga Alitaptap.

Nagkatotoo ang naging hula at dahil sa walang mandirigma ang naipanganak mula kay Alitaptap ay nadskop ang kanilang bayan at natapos ang pamumuno ni Bul-an at Bitu-in.

---

Legend of the Firefly

Many thousand years ago, a huge drought occurred in the world. The people’s rice fields and orchards dried up and died. Even their cattle got sick and later on died. There was no rain for a long time and the rivers and lakes dried due to the sun’s intense heat.

The people prayed fervently for rain. They danced and made sacrifices but still no rain poured down. There was not even a single cloud that formed in the sky. The sun continued its radiance and heat.

They were starting to lose hope when a mysterious couple suddenly appeared. According to Bul-an and Bitu-in, it was Bathala who sent them to the people. Bathala had heard the peoples’ cries and they came to help. Rain soon came pouring down the earth. It did not stop until there was enough to quench the thirsty land.

Soon, the people had better harvest and their cattle were healthier. Bul-an and Bitu-in were made leaders by the people. The couple were good rulers. The town was peaceful and progressive because of their reign.

The couple had an only child; a girl named Alitptap. The girl had a huge star on her forehead thus only proving she was no mere mortal. Alitaptap had many suitors as she was a beautiful girl. Bul-an approved of his daughter getting married. He wanted to have a grandchild who he can train to be a warrior. But Alitaptap’s heart is indifferent. She didn’t want to get married to anybody. She even claimed she felt nothing. This might be because she wasn’t a human who was capable of feeling any emotion.

One day a soothsayer told Bul-an that their town is in danger of being colonized if Alitaptap fails to get married and produce a child. Bul-an called for his daughter to get married as soon as possible. But Alitaptap refused for she still felt no emotion.

Bul-an got angry at Alitaptap; he prodded with his daughter but she would not budge. Because of this, Bul-an suddenly exploded. He got his sword and struck Alitaptap. The sword hit Alitaptap’s forehead breaking the star into a million pieces. Alitaptap fell to the ground lifeless. The small sparkling pieces began to grow life. It started flying out of the palace. Those were then called alitaptap.

The prediction came true and because Alitaptap was not able to produce a child their town was colonized no matter how hard their warriors tried to defend it. It ended the prosperous reign of Bul-an and Bitu-in.

Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy

Ang Alamat ng Niyog - Coconut

English Translation at the Bottom

Noong unang panahon may mag-asawang taimtim na nagdarasal upang magkaroon ng anak. May dalawang taon nang nagsasama ang mag-asawang Juan at Maria ngunit wala pa rin silang mga supling.

Lahat na halos ng mga alam nilang paraan upang magka-anak ay kanila ng sinubukan. Nagawa na nilang magsayaw sa kalye kasama ng iba pang mga mag-asawang hindi rin magka-anak; nasubukan na rin nilang uminom ng iba’t ibang dahon-dahon na ayon sa matatanda ay makapagbibigay ng kanilang ninanais at kung ano-ano pang mga seremonyas. Ngunit wala pa ring supling ang nabuo sa sinapupunan ng babae.

Nawawalan na ng pag-asa ang mag-asawa nang sa wakas ay nabuntis din si Maria. Ngunit maselan siyang magbuntis. Halos buong maghapon ay nakahiga lamang ito sapagkat palagi siyang nahihilo at naduduwal. Hindi lamang iyon, marami din siyang hinihiling na kainin o di kaya’y pagmasdan.

Dahil sa matagal nilang inantay ang magkaroon ng anak, ibinibigay ni Juan ang lahat ng pinaglilihian ng kanyang asawa maski pa mahirapan ito sa paghahanap. Lahat ng mga kakaibang prutas, iba’t ibang luto ng pagkain at kung ano-ano pang hinihiling ni Maria ay pinipilit na hanapin ni Juan upang hindi magdamdam ang asawa at hindi mapasama ang bata sa kanyang sinapupunan.

Isang araw, may iba na namang pinaglilihian si Maria. Gusto raw niya ng prutas na bilugan ang hugis at sa loob nito ay may tubig at may puting laman na parehong ubod ng sarap at nakakabusog. Naghanap si Juan ng prutas na sinasabi ng kanyang asawa ngunit wala siyang makita na may ganoong paglalarawan. Maging ang mga kapitbahay na kanyang pinagtanungan ay walang alam na prutas na may ganoon bunga. Umuwi si Juan na bigo sa paghahanap ng nasabing prutas.

Dahil hindi nakakain ng pinaglilihian niyang prutas ay dinamdam ito ni Maria. Ayaw niyang kumain ng kahit ano maliban sa pagkaing kanyang inilalarawan. Siya ay unti-unting nanghina at nagkasakit. Nagmakaawa si Juan na kumain ang asawa dahil sa buntis pa man din ito ngunit ayaw talagang kumain ni Maria hangga’t matikman niya ang hinahanap na prutas.

Patuloy na nanghina si Maria at di kalaunan ay namatay. Dahil sa lungkot, inilibing ni Juan ang asawa sa kanilang bakuran. Ilang buwan ang nagdaan at may kakaibang halamang umusbong sa pinaglibingan kay Maria. Inalagaan ito ni Juan dahil naaalala niya ang yumaong asawa sa halamang ito.

Dumaan pa ang dalawang taon at nagkabunga ang halaman na ngayon ay isa ng matayog na puno. Kumuha ng bunga si Juan at nang biyakin niya ito ay may laman itong parang tubig at puting laman. Tinikman ni Juan ang prutas at ito ay ubod sarap. Muli niyang naalala ang prutas na pinaglilihian ni Maria noon na ganoong-ganoon nga ang paglalarawan. Sa pagkakataong iyon, alam niya na ang puno ay ang kanyang namayapang asawa na si Maria.

Legend of the Coconut

Once upon a time, there was a couple who fervently prayed for a child. The couples Juan and Maria have been married for two years now however they still had no children.

The two have tried everything they knew would give them their wish. They tried dancing on the streets with the other couples who also had no children; they also tried drinking different concoctions of herbal medicines for bearing children and other known ceremonies. However, the wife still did not bear any child.

The pair was starting to lose hope when at last Maria became pregnant. However, she was having a delicate pregnancy. She was confined to bed the whole because of nausea and vomiting. She also had a lot of unusual food cravings.

Juan did everything that Maria wanted even if he was hard up in looking for the things she would ask. She wanted rare fruits and exotic dishes among others. Juan looked for all of it to give in to Maria’s cravings because he wanted to please his pregnant wife.

One day, Maria again asked for something different; some never before heard of fruit. She described the fruit as circular and the inside of which is some water and white flesh which are both delicious and tummy filling. Juan tried looking for the fruit Maria wanted but there was no food with that description. Juan went home empty handed.

Maria grew sad because Juan was unable to find the fruit she wanted. She would not eat unless it was the fruit she asked for. She fell ill and weak. Juan pleaded with his wife to think not only about herself but about their child’s welfare as well. But Maria would not listen, she insisted on eating only that fruit.

Juan tried hard to look for the fruit but still could not find any. Maria grew weaker each day until her health gave up and she died. Juan was very sad when his wife and his child died. He buried Maria in their yard so that he was close to her. A few months passed since he had buried his wife, a strange new plant grew on top of Maria’s grave. Juan took care of the plant because it reminded him of his late wife.

Two more years had passed and the plant grew into a tree towering above Juan and even bore some fruits. Juan took a fruit to inspect it. It was rounded and when opened it revealed a white fleshy meat and clear water inside. Juan tasted it and found it to be delicious and tummy filling. He remembered that the fruit he was holding had the same description as that of Maria’s craving when she was still alive and pregnant. He then, knew that the tree was his dead wife Maria.

It became the very first coconut tree.

Iyon na nga ang naging unang prutas ng niyog.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy

Ang Alamat ng Dama de Noche - Flower Legend

English Version at the Bottom

Noong unang panahon, may isang maharlikang mag-asawa na biniyayaan ng isang anak na lalaki. Sapagkat, may kaya sa buhay, lumaki ang bata na sinusunod ng mga magulang ang lahat ng kagustuhan nito. Hanggang sa magbinata na nga ito at natututo ito ng maraming bisyo. Kasama ng mga kaibigang tulad din niya ay mga maharlika, natututo itong uminom, magsugal at mambabae.

Nagpatuloy sa ganitong gawain ang binata hanggang sa mamatay ang mga magulang nito at maulila. Nag-alisan na rin ang mga kasambahay nito ng mamatay ang mga magulang niya. Walang nakakatagal sa ugali nitong pala-utos at pala-sigaw sa mga kasambahay.

Sapagkat wala itong alam na gawaing bahay ay gulo-gulo na ang dating maayos at magandang tahanan. Napabayaan na ang mga tanim at ang buong bahay ay puno ng agiw at alikabok. Napabayaan din nito ang sarili, nangayayat ito at naging sakitin. Maging ang naiwang pamana ng kanyang mga yumaong mga magulang ay unti-unti na ring nauubos.

Napaisip ang binata at napagtanto nito na isa lang ang solusyon sa kanyang problema. Ito ay ang humanap siya ng mapapangasawa nang sa ganoon ay may mag-aalaga sa kanya. Ipinangako din nito sa sarili na kapag siya ay nakapag-asawa ay titigil na ito sa kanyang mga bisyo.

Nakapag-asawa nga ang maharlika ng isang mabait at masipag na dalaga, si Dama. Hindi tulad ng asawa, si Dama ay hindi ipinanganak sa mga maharlikang magulang sa halip siya ay pangkaraniwang tao lamang kaya’t sanay siya sa hirap at sa mga gawaing bahay. Mahal na mahal ni Dama ang kanyang asawa kaya’t pinagsisilbihan niya ito sa abot ng kanyang makakaya. Tinupad din naman ng maharlika ang pangakong tatalikuran na nito ang kanyang mga bisyo.

Maayos ang pagsasama ng dalawa nang isang araw, dumalaw ang mga kaibigan ng maharlika. Niyaya ng mga kaibigan ang maharlika na makipag-inuman, magsugal at mambabae tulad ng dati. Pinagbigyan niya ang anyaya ng mga kaibigan. Minsan-minsan lang naman daw ito sabi niya kay Dama.

Ngunit naging madalas ang paglabas ng maharlika kasama ang mga kaibigan at kung umuuwi ito ay disoras na ng gabi at lasing. Kawawa ang asawa niyang si Dama na naiiwan sa bahay at kadalasan ay umiiyak na inaantay ang pag-uwi ng maharlika.

Minsan, dahil sa tagal ng pag-aantay na umuwi ang asawa ay napadasal ito na sana ay bigyan siya ni bathala ng kakaibang ganda upang ang kanyang asawa ay hindi na kailan pa man aalis sa kanyang tabi. Nakatulog na itong nag-aantay na dumating ang asawa.

Madaling araw na ng umuwi ang maharlika. Inaasahan nito na sasalubungin siya ng asawa tulad ng nakaugalian. Ngunit walang Damang may hawak na kape ang nag-aantay sa kanya. Tinawag nito ang pangalan ng asawa ngunit walang sumagot. Pinuntahan niya sa kanilang silid ang asawa ngunit wala din si Dama dito. Nagtaka ang maharlika kung saan naroon ang asawa. Hindi ugali ni Dama na lumabas ng bahay ng hindi nagpapaalam sa kanya at lalong hindi sa ganoong disoras ng gabi.

Lalabas na sana ito upang hanapin ang asawa ng may maamoy itong mahalimuyak na bango. Hinanap nito ang nakakahalinang amoy na nangagaling sa bintana sa kanilang silid at nakita nito ang isang halamang may puting bulaklak. Noon lamang niya nakita ang bulaklak ngunit noong sandali ding iyon ay alam niyang ito ang kanyang nawawalang asawa na si Dama. Nagsisi ang maharlika kung bakit niya iniwan ang asawa ngunit huli na ang lahat; ang kanyang mabait na asawa ay ganap ng isang halaman.

Simula noon, tuwing gabi ay humahalimuyak ang bango ng bulaklak upang hindi siya iwan ng asawa at hindi na nga umalis sa tabi ni Dama ang asawa.

Legend of the Dama de Noche

Once a upon a time, a baby boy was born to a noble couple. Because the family was rich, the boy got everything that he asked for. The boy grew to adolescence and he learn a lot of vices. Together with his rich friends, they would go on a drinking spree, gamble and play around with different women.

The man’s parents soon died and he became an orphan. Because he was a spoiled brat, his servants left him. They could no longer take his laziness and temper.

He didn’t know any household work. The whole house was a mess and cobwebs were forming all over the once beautiful place. It had not been cleaned up since his servants left him. His mother’s garden had also been unattended and was now growing all sorts of weeds. He was also losing money with his excessive spending and vices.

The man soon realized that this life was going nowhere. He needed someone to take care of him. So he decided to find a girl to marry. He promised himself that once married he would give up his vices and start a new life.

He was soon married to a kind and industrious girl named Dama. Unlike him, his wife was not of noble birth. She was a commoner who was used to household chores and being poor. Dama loved her husband very much. She was happy to serve him with all her might. The man also stuck to his promise and turned back from his vices.

The two had a blissful marriage until the man’s old rich friends visited them. They invited him to drink and gamble. The man gave in to the invitation. He assured his wife that it would just be a onetime deal.

However, the onetime became frequent and soon the man was back to his old carefree ways. He would go home late and drunk. Dama was often left at home. She would cry while waiting for her husband to return.

One night while waiting for her husband, Dama became depressed and frustrated. She prayed hard to bathala to give her beauty that would charm her husband and make him not want to leave her. She cried herself to sleep.

The husband soon came home at dawn. He was expecting his wife to meet him the way she always does. However, Dama was not there. He called out her name but there was no answer. He went to their room but still no Dama was there to be found. He wondered where could his wife be. Dama would not just leave without telling him where she would be going and most especially not at night.

The man was about to go out to look for his missing wife when he smelled something familiar. He found out that it was coming from the window in their rom. He saw a plant with white flowers. It was the first time he saw such plant but he knew right then and there that the plant was Dama. The man was regretful that he had left his wife alone but it was too late. Dama was already turned into a plant.

From then on, the plant would smell sweetly at night when it blooms charming her husband to not leave her side and the husband never did leave her anymore.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng Isandaang mga Pulo (Hundred Islands)

English Version at the Bottom

Ang bayan ng Alaminos ay tanyag sa pagkakaroon ng isandaang maliliit na mga pulo (Hundred Islands) sa kanyang karagatan. Ngunit may kuwento kung paano nagkaroon ng mga pulong ito. Ang isandaang mga pulo ay umusbong pagkatapos ng isang di makalilimutang pangyayari sa nasabing bayan.

Noong unang panahon, ang Alaminos ay kilala bilang isang maasensong bayan. Sagana ang bayan sa mga likas na yamang dagat. Ang mga mangingisda ay tuwang-tuwa sa dami ng kanilang nahuhuli sa araw-araw. Maski ilang oras pa lamang sila pumapalaot ay tiyak silang babalik sa pampang na puno ng huli ng iba’t-ibang klase ng isda.

Isang diwata ang nakatira sa karagatan ng Alaminos. Ayon sa mga matatanda may isang perlas ang diwata na siyang nagbibigay ng magandang huli sa mga mangingisda. Inatasan ng diwata ang kanyang nag-iisang anak na si Liglioa na maging tagabantay sa nasabing perlas. Di tulad ng kanyang ina, si Liglioa ay may dugong mortal kung kaya’t siya ay nakatira sa isang kubo malapit sa pampang at nakikihalubilo sa taombayan. Mahal na mahal ng mga taombayan si Liglioa hindi lamang dahil sa siya ang bantay ng perlas kundi pati na rin dahil mabait at matulungin ang dalaga.

Nalaman ng kabilang bayan ang dahilan ng likas na yamang dagat ng Alaminos. Naiingit sila at sa pamumuno ni Datu Masubeg ay nagpasya silang dakpin si Liglioa at itago sa kanilang bayan. Nakakasiguro silang ibibigay ng diwata ang perlas kapag nakita nitong hawak nila ang kanyang anak. Sa ganoon, ang bayan din naman nila ang magkararanas ng masaganang huli.

Ngunit bago pa man makalapit ng pampang ang mga taga-ibayo ay tinipon na ni Datu Mabiskeg ang mga mahuhusay na mandirigma ng Alaminos upang ipagtanggol si Liglioa. Nagkaroon nga ng digmaan sa karagatan ng Alaminos. Maraming mga mandirigma ang namatay mula sa parehas na kampo.

Nagmakaawa si Liglioa sa kanyang diwatang ina na gumawa ng paraan upang matigil na madugong digmaan. Hiniling niya sa kanyang ina na gumawa na lamang ng isa pang perlas para sa kabilang bayan upang hindi na nila asamin ang perlas ng Alaminos.

Ngunit umiling ang diwata. Hindi na raw ito makakagawa ng isa pang perlas. Paliwanag ng kanyang ina na ang tunay na perlas na nagbibigay ng masaganang huli sa taombayan ng Alaminos ay walang iba kundi ang nag-iisa nitong anak- si Liglioa.

Nang marinig ni Liglioa ang sinabi ng ina ay napa-isip ito ng mabisang paraan upang matigil na ang awayan. Nagsalita ang dalaga at hiniling nito sa kanyang ina na siya ay pumalaot na lamang at magtago sa ilalim ng dagat upang sa ganoon ay walang sinoman ang makakakuha ng perlas. Pumayag ang diwata sa nais ng dalaga. Mas magiging ligtas para sa lahat ang naisip na paraan ng dalaga.

Samantala ang mga patay na mandirigma na palutang-lutang sa karagatan ay unti-unting naging mga pulo. Halos isandaan ang mga nasawi sa nasabing digmaan para sa perlas na nagdudulot ng masaganang huli. Ito ngayon ang naging tanyag na isandaang mga pulo ng Alaminos.

Legend of the Hundred Islands

The town of Alaminos is well known for the hundred islands found on its sea. A story relates how this islands came to be. The hundred islands appeared after an unforgettable event that happened in the town.

A long time ago, the town of Alaminos was a progressive town. It’s sea was rich in natural resources. The fishermen were happy because they always had plenty of catch. Even if they had only spent a few hours at sea they were sure to bring in basins full of fish.

It has been said that a fairy lives in Alaminos’ sea. According to the old folks, the fairy owned a pearl which gives the fisherman good catch of fish. The fairy’s only daughter Liglioa was tasked as the caretaker of the said pearl. Unlike her mother who was a fairy, Liglioa was half mortal. She lived in a small shack by the seashore and socialized with the townsfolk. The people loved Liglioa not only because she was the guardian of the pearl but also because the girl was kind and helpful.

A nearby town soon learned of Alaminos’ secret charm. They were envious of Alaminos’ progress. Datu Masubeg of the other town planned to capture Liglioa and hold her hostage until the fairy gives them the pearl. Surely, she will not leave daughter alone. Then they would also enjoy a good catch and progress.

But before, the enemies from the other town could even reach the shore, Datu Mabiskeg had already gathered the brave warriors of Alaminos to defend Liglioa. A great deal of fighting occurred on the shore of Alaminos. Many warriors died from both camps.

Liglioa asked her mother to intervene and stop the fighting. She prayed that a pearl of the same kind be given to the other town so that they would not be envious of Alaminos and get their pearl.

The fairy refused saying she could no longer make another pearl. She revealed that the true pearl which gives Alaminos’ a good catch of fish is no other than her only daughter – Liglioa.

Because of what she heard, Liglioa remained silent and thought of a plan on how to stop the fighting. She then asked her mother that she would rather stay underwater so that the pearl would never be seen. The fairy agreed to the plan. It will be safer for all if Liglioa was to stay underwater.

The warriors that had died on the seashore of Alaminos drifted on sea and slowly became islands. Almost, hundred men had died that day for the battle of Alaminos’ lucky "pearl".

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng mga Bituin - Stars Legend

English Version at the Bottom

Noong unang panahon, walang makikitang buwan o mga bituin sa kalangitan upang magbigay ng liwanag sa gabi. Si Haring Buwan ay naninirahan pa noon sa lupa. Kilala siya bilang isang mahigpit at di pala-ngiting hari.

Wala pang asawa ang hari sapagkat ito ay mapili. Marami nang mga hari ang ninais na ipakasal ang kanilang mga anak na dalaga kay Haring Buwan wala ni isa dito ang nagustuhan niya.

Sa di kalayuan sa kaharian ni Haring Buwan ay may isang mag-asawa na may magandang anak na dalaga na nagngangalang Aurora. Ang dalaga ay hindi lamang maganda, ito rin ay mabait at matulungin.

Napag-alaman ni Haring Buwan ang tungkol sa magandang dalaga kaya’t dali-dali itong pinuntahan ang bahay ng mag-anak. Nabighani ang hari sa dalaga at iniutos nito na mag-pakasal sila ng dalaga. Tumangi ang dalaga sapagkat meron na itong kasintahan. Ngunit walang silbi ang pagtanggi nito sapagkat iniutos ng hari na kapag hindi papakasal ang dalaga sa kanya ay ipapakulong niya ang mga magulang nito.

Walang nagawa ang dalaga kundi magpakasal sa hari. Binigyan ni Haring Buwan si Aurora ng isang magandang pulseras na gawa sa mga kumikinang na bato bilang regalo sa kanilang pag-iisang dibdib. Ang mga bato ay parang mga munting araw na kumikinang maski sa kalayuan.

Dinala na nga ni Haring Buwan si Aurora sa kanyang kaharian. Ngunit hindi naging masaya si Aurora sa kaharian kaya’t madalas itong lumalabas upang mamasyal. Napansin ito ni Haring Buwan at naisip nito na baka nakikipagtagpo ang kanyang asawa sa dati nitong kasintahan.

Pinagbawalan ni Haring Buwan si Aurora na lumabas ng palasyo. Nalungkot si Aurora. Ayaw nitong maglagi sa palasyo ng buong araw kasama ang bugnutin at palasigaw na asawa niya kung kaya’t tumatakas ito sa tuwing natutulog ang asawa ng hapon.

Ngunit isang hapon nagising ang hari bago makauwi si Aurora at nalaman nito ang ginawang paglabas ng asawa. Inantay nitong dumating si Aurora at pinagalitan. Napagbuhatan ni Haring Araw si Aurora nang sabihin nitong hindi niya mahal ang asawa kung hindi lamang niya ito tinakot na ipakukulong ang mga magulang ay hindi ito magpapakasal sa kanya.

Tumakbo palayo si Aurora. Iiwanan na daw niya ang masungit na asawa. Hinabol siya ni Haring Buwan na humihingi ng tawad sa kanya. Nahawakan ng hari ang kamay ng asawa ngunit nagpumiglas ito at patuloy na tumakbo. Dahil dito, naputol ang pulseras na ibinigay ng hari sa asawa.

Umiyak si Haring Buwan at napagtanto nito na mali ang kanyang nagawa sa asawa. Pinulot ni Haring Buwan ang mga makikinang na bato at itinago baka sakaling bumalik pa ang asawa ay muli niya itong ipapagawang pulseras para sa kanya.

Ngunit hindi na bumalik si Aurora sa kaharian. Nagpakalayo ito kasama ang mga magulang upang hindi na mahanap pa ng hari. Dahil sa lungkot, napagpasyahan ni Haring Buwan na sa langit na lamang maglagi. Kinuha nito ang mga makikinang na mga bato mula sa naputol na pulseras ng asawa at isinaboy ito sa kalawakan. Ang mga ito ay naging mga bituin. Sa gabi, si Haring Buwan ay lumalabas kasama ng mga makikinang na bato nagbabaka sakaling makita ni Aurora ang mga ito at mapag-isipang bumalik sa piling niya.

Legend of the Stars

A long time ago, there was no moon or stars that give light at night. King Buwan was then living on the earth. He was known to be a stern and serious king who never smiled.

He had no wife because he was picky. A lot of kings had tried to arrange marriage for their daughters to King Buwan but he didn’t like any of them.

Not far from King Buwan’s palace, there lived a couple who had a beautiful daughter named Aurora. She was not only beautiful but was kind and helpful as well.

The king learned of the beautiful girl so he hurriedly went to visit the family and see for himself. The king was charmed by the beauty of the girl. He ordered her to get married to him. But Aurora refused because she was already seeing someone whom she liked a lot. However, because it was king’s orders her refusal was useless. If she would not marry him, he would have her parents thrown in jail.

Aurora could do nothing but marry the king. She was given a beautiful bracelet with shiny stones by King Buwan as dowry for their marriage. The precious stones were like little suns that shine even from a far.

King Buwan brought Aurora home to his palace. But she was not happy living in the palace; she would often go out rather than stay at home. King Buwan noticed this and thought that wife was seeing her old sweetheart.

The king forbade Aurora to go out of the palace. This made Aurora very sad. She didn’t like staying at home with her temperamental husband so she would escape whenever her husband would take his afternoon nap.

One afternoon, however, the king woke up before Aurora could get back to the palace. He found out that his wife usually took advantage when he was sleeping and go out. He waited for Aurora to come home and reprimanded her. When Aurora told him that she didn’t love him anyway, King Buwan out of anger slapped her.

Aurora ran out of the palace. She cried as she was going out that she was leaving him. King Buwan tried to stop Aurora begging for sorry. He took hold of her hand but she wriggled it out and was able to free herself from his grip. But due this, the shiny bracelet given by Buwan broke into pieces.

King Buwan was sorry when he realized he got angry at his wife for no reason. He picked up the stones that fell from Aurora’s broken bracelet thinking that she might return.

However, Aurora would no longer return to the palace. She, together with her parents had gone far away from the palace so that Buwan would not find them. He then got the shiny stones and threw them into the sky. These turn into little stars. At night, King Buwan and the stars would go out hoping that Aurora would see them and decide to come home to his him.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng Kamote - Sweet Potato

English Version at the Bottom

Ilang daang taon na ang nakalipas nang magkaroon ng matinding tagtuyot sa mundo. Mainit ang panahon at walang ulan. Ang mga pananim ay nanuyot at ang mga alagang hayop ay nagkasakit at namatay. Dahil dito, halos walang makain ang mga tao. Nagsipaghanap sila ng mga paraan upang matustusan ang kanilang pangangailangan sa pagkain. Isa sa nahanap nilang paraan ay ang pangangaso.

May isang kagubatan ang hindi naapektuhan ng tagtuyot. Ito ay ang mahiwagang gubat ng Kamu. Wala itong pinagbago at punong-puno pa rin ng likas na yaman. Sagana ang puno at ng mga hayop na puwedeng hulihin upang makain. Dito nagpupunta ang mga taombayan upang mangaso.

Dalawang magkapatid ang nagpasyang mangaso sa mahiwagang kagubatan. Maagang nagpunta ang magkapatid upang makarami ng mahuhuling hayop. Ngunit kabaliktaran ng kanilang inaasahan, maghahapon na ay wala pa silang nahuhuling kahit isang hayop.

Gutom na gutom na ang magkapatid kaya’t nagpasya silang magpahinga muna bago umuwi. May nakita silang isang ibon na dumapo sa puno kung saan sila umupo para magpahinga. Agad pinana at tinamaan ng nakatatandang kapatid ang ibon. Gumawa sila ng siga upang iluto ang nahuli. Nang maluto ang ibon at kakainin na sana nila ito ay may lumapit na isang magandang babae. Sinabi ng babae na siya ay naliligaw sa kagubatang iyon at ilang araw ng hindi pa nakakakain. Gutom na gutom na rin daw ito.

Naawa ang magkapatid sa magandang babae. Bagamat gutom na sila ay ibinigay nila sa kanya ang nilutong ibon. Pinanood nilang kumain ang babae. Kibit labi sila nang ubusin ng magandang babae ang pagkain.

Pagkatapos kumain ay nagpasalamat ang babae sa magkapatid. Natutuwa daw siya sa kanila dahil nagawa pa nilang ibigay ang nag-iisang pagkain nila sa kanya kahit na sila mismo ay nagugutom na. Pinayuhan niya ang mga ito na umuwi na sa kanilang pamilya. Bumalik na lang daw sila bukas sa lugar ding iyon at may ibibigay siya sa kanila.

Sinunod ng dalawa ang sinabi ng magandang babae. Umuwi ang magkapatid ngunit sila ay malungkot sapagkat walang bitbit na mailuluto para sa hapunan ng mag-anak.

Kinabukasan, nagbalik ang magkapatid sa parehas na lugar kung saan nila nakilala ang babae. Ngunit wala dun ang babae na kanilang inaasahan. Hinanap nila ang abo ng kanilang pinagsigaan kung saan nila niluto ang ibon ngunit sa halip ay may nakita silang kakaibang halaman na tumubo sa lugar na iyon. Nagtaka sila sapagkat nakakasiguro silang wala pa ang nasabing halaman kahapon ng sila ang nagpapahinga. Marahil ito na ang sinasabi ng maganda at mahiwagang babae na ibibigay niya sa kanila.

Ngayon lang nila nakita ang halamang iyon at nang bunutin nila ito ay nakita nila na ang ugat nito ay matataba na parang mga bunga. Nag-uwi sila ng nasabing halaman upang itanong sa mga taombayan kung may nakakaalam sa halamang ito. Ngunit wala ni isa ang makapagsabi kung ano ito.

Niluto nila ang bunga at tinikman ito. Masarap ang bunga at nakakabusog ito maski konti lamang ang kakainin. Natuwa ang taombayan dahil sa may pantawid gutom na sila hanggang sa matapos ang tagtuyot. Tinawag nilang kamote ang bunga dahil galing ito sa mahiwagang kagubatan ng Kamu.

 Legend of the Sweet Potato

A hundred years ago, there was a huge drought that occurred here on earth. The heat was intense and there was no rain that poured down. The crops were wilted and the cattle got sick and eventually died. Because of this, food was scarce. The people would look for ways to find food. They would go to the forest and hunt.

There was one forest that wasn’t affected by the drought. This was the magical forest of Kamu. It remained the same and was full of natural resources. The trees were full of fruits and there were plenty of wild animals that can be killed to be eaten. The townspeople would go here to hunt for food.

Two siblings decided to go the forest to look for food. They went early so that they could hunt plenty of wild animals to bring home. However, unlike what they expected they were not able to find a single animal. It was already growing dark.

The siblings were already hungry and decided to rest awhile before going home. They were resting under a big tree when a bird perched on the same tree. They shot the bird and quickly made fire to cook the it. When the bird was cooked and the two were about to eat, a beautiful lady came near them. She told the boys she had been lost for days now and that she was very hungry.

The two boys were sorry for the lady. They gave her their food even if they were hungry themselves. They watched the girl eat the food hungrily. They bit their lips as she ate all of the food.

After eating, the beautiful girl thanked the boys. She was very happy because they gave her food even if they had not eaten anything themselves. She told the boys to go home to their families and come back tomorrow in the same place they were in.

The siblings did as they were told. However, they were unhappy as they were not able to bring home food for their family to eat.

The following day, the two went back to the same place they met the lady. They looked for the lady but she was nowhere to be found. They were amazed as there were no trace of the fire they had made the day before. Instead a strange plant grew on the spot they built the fire. They were sure that the plant was not existent just yesterday. They thought that maybe this is what the beautiful lady had told them that she was giving them.

It was the first time they saw such plant. When they pulled the plant out they saw that the roots were fat as if it was a fruit. They brought home the plant and asked the people if they knew what it was. But no one could tell what the plant was.

They cooked the fruit and tasted it. The fruit was delicious and made them full even with just few bites. The people were glad that they now have something to eat during the drought. They called the fruit kamote because it came from the mysterious forest of Kamu.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng Paniki - Legend of the Bat

English Version at the Bottom

Noong unang panahon, noong bata pa ang mundo ay nagkaroon ng malaking hindi pagkakaunawaan sa pagitan ng mga mababangis na hayop at ng mga ibon. Pinagtatalunan nila kung sino ang mas may karapatang manirahan sa malago at mayamang kagubatan. Parehas na ayaw magbigayan ang dalawang pangkat at pinipilit na sila ang mas nararapat kaysa sa isa. Dahil dito nag-away-away ang mga mababangis na hayop at mga ibon. Naglabanan sila upang makita kung sino ang tatagal at mananaig.

Patuloy ang labanan buong araw. Tumitigil lamang ito sa gabi upang makapagpahinga ang mga hayop upang sa susunod na araw ang may lakas sila upang ipatuloy ang pakikipaglaban.

Ngunit may isang hayop ang hindi niya malaman kung saan siya papanig. Ito ay si Paniki. Palibhasa hindi niya kasi malaman kung mahahanay ba siya na isang mabangis na hayop o di kaya’y ibon. Ayaw niyang kumampi sa matatalo kung kaya’t ang ginawa niya ay nagmasid-masid muna ito sa di kalayuan at pinanood ang nagaganap na labanan. Nang sumapit ang hapon at nakita niya na lumalamang ang mga ibon laban sa mga mababangis na hayop ay dali-dali itong lumapit sa kampo ng mga ibon at nakihalubilo.

Nakita ng mga ibon si Paniki at tinanong siya kung bakit siya asa kanilang kampo samantalang isa naman daw siyang mabangis na hayop. Mabilis na pinabulaan ni Paniki na siya as isang mabangis na hayop; siya raw ay isang ibon. Hindi nga ba’t meron din daw siyang mga pakpak tulad nila. Nakumbinsi niya ang mga ibon at siya ay isinama sa kanilang pagdiriwang.

Kinabukasan ay ganoon ulit ang ginawa ni Paniki. Nanatili siya sa isang mataas na puno at nagmasid-masid ulit muna ito at inantay kung sino ang mukhang nananalo. Dahil lumamang naman sa pagkakataong iyon ang mga mababangis na hayop, sa kanila lumapit si Paniki.

Masayang nakihalubilo si Paniki sa mga mababangis na hayop. Ngunit tulad din ng mga ibon, tinanong nila kung bakit siya nasa kanilang kampo samantalang isa siya sa mga kaaway. Pinabulaanang muli ito ni Paniki. Isa daw siyang mabangis na hayop dahil tulad nila meron din siyang matatalim na mga pangil. Ang mga ibon ay wala nga namang mga pangil tulad nila kaya isinama din nila ito sa pagdiriwang.

Araw-araw ay ganoon nga ang ginawa ng tusong si Paniki. Natutuwa siya sa husay ng kanyang naisip. Hayaan na lang daw na mapagod ang mga mababangis na hayop at ibon sa pakikipaglaban basta sa kampo ng panalo siya sasama; hagikgik nito. Nanonood nga muna ito at saka lang bumaba sa nananalong grupo.

Isang araw, napagod na ang mga diwata sa away ng mga mababangis na hayop at mga ibon. Ipinatawag nila ang mga ito at pinagkasundo. Nagtalaga sila ng mga dibisyon kung saan maninirahan ang bawat hayop. Sa wakas ay natapos din ang matagal na labanan.

Nagsisipag-uwian na ang mga mababangis na hayop at ibon sa kanikanilang itinalagang mga lugar nang makita nila si Paniki. Dahil sa nakita nila at nalaman ang ginawa nitong pagpapalit-palit ng panig sa nananalong kampo, wala sa mga ito ang may gustong kasama siya sa kanilang pangkat. Pinagtabuyan ng mga mababangis na hayop at ng mga ibon ang kawawang si Paniki.

Simula noon ay hindi na nga nakikihalubilo si Paniki sa kahit anong hayop. Dahil sa hiya, tuwing gabi na lamang ito mag-isang lumilipad upang humanap ng kanyang makakain.

Legend of the Bat

A long time ago when the world was still young, a huge argument ensued between the wild animals and the birds. They argued on who was rightful to live in the rich forest. Both groups would not back down and insisted that they should be the only one in the forest. Because of that, both groups quarreled and fighting occurred. The surviving group would be handed the right to live in the forest.

The fighting went on the whole day. They would stop at night only to rest and get ready for another day of combat.

There was one animal, however, who didn’t know with whom to side. This animal was bat. He didn’t know whether to classify himself as a wild animal or a bird. He also didn’t like siding with the loosing camp. He devised a plan and stayed from a far observing the fight. When he saw that the camp of the birds were gaining ground, he quickly went over to their side.


The birds saw bat and asked what he was doing in their camp; he was a wild animal they said. Bat quickly rebutted this saying he was one of them. He had wings just like them he insisted. He was able to convince the birds and they let him join their celebration.

The following day, bat did just that. He stayed on top of a tall tree and observed and waited on who was winning. That day, the wild animal gained ground so bat went to them.

Bat happily joined the wild animals in their celebration. However, they asked why he was with them when he was a bird. But again, bat denied being a bird and showed them his fangs which he says proves that he was a wild animal. They were convinced since birds didn’t have fangs afterall.

This was what bat did every single say. He was happy that he had thought of it. He would let the wild animals and the birds do all the fighting until they get tired and then he would just side with whoever was winning. He thought of himself as very clever.

Soon the fairies grew tired of all the fighting. They called upon all wild animals and birds and had them make up. The fairies divided the forest so that both would have somewhere to live. At last, the war between the wild animals and the birds was over.

The wild animals and the birds were on their way to their new homes when they saw bat. They knew what he was doing changing sides with whoever was winning. They didn’t want him in their camp. They pushed him away from their group and would not let him near them.

From then on, bat never socialized with any animal. He was ashamed with what he had done. Because of that, he now looks for his food alone at night so nobody can see him.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia

Ang Alamat ng Saging - Banana

English Version at the Bottom

Maraming taon na ang nakalipas nang manirahan ang isang napakabait na matanda dito sa mundo. Ang matandang tinutukoy ay tinatawag nilang Apo Sagin.

Mag-isa man na naninirahan si Apo Sagin sa kanyang maliit na bahay kubo ay itinuring naman na siyang kapamilya ng mga kapitbahay niya. Napamahal sa kanyang mga kapitbahay si Apo Sagin dahil sa ito ay mabait at matulungin. Ang mga kapitbahay nito ay hindi mapapahiya kapag sila ay lalapit sa kanya upang humingi ng tulong. Kahit mahirap lang at matanda na ay binibigay ni Apo Sagin ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya.

Ang mga maliliit na bata ay malapit sa matanda. Itinuring na nila itong kanilang lolo. Sa tuwing hapon ay nagpupunta ang mga bata sa bahay ng matanda upang makinig sa mga kuwento ni Apo. Pagkatapos ay may nakahanda pang pagkain ang mga ito na niluto ng matanda.

Hindi lamang sa mga taong bayan matulungin ang matanda kundi pati na rin sa ibang tao maski hindi niya ito kakilala. Minsan habang nangangahoy siya sa gubat, may lumapit sa kanyang isang lalaki na nanghihina sa gutom. Agad niya itong inuwi sa kanyang bahay at inalagaan hanggang sa bumuti ang pakiramdam ng lalaki.

Noong minsan naman ay isang batang babae ang nanghingi ng limos sa kanya. Dinala niya ito sa bahay niya at ipinaghanda niya ng makakain. Bago umalis ang bata, tinuruan niya itong maghabi ng mga pinatuyong dahon upang gawing pamaypay upang maibenta. Sa ganoon hindi na manglilimos ang bata. Laking pasasalamat ng bata sa matanda. Balang araw ay makakabawi din daw siya sa kabutihang ipinakita sa kanya ng matanda. Napangiti lang si Apo Sagin.

Isang araw, dinapuan ng sakit si Apo Sagin at dahil sa matanda na ito ay masama ang naging tama nito sa kanya. Lubos na nanghina ang matanda. Marami ang dumalaw kay Apo Sagin upang alagaan siya habang may sakit ito. Halinhinan ang kanyang mga kapitbahay sa pagbabantay sa kanya. Maging ang mga batang kanyang kinukwentuhan sa tuwing hapon ay nandoroon at kinukwentuhan ang kanilang mahal na lolo.

Dumating ang oras na naghihingalo na ang matanda. Ang lahat ng taong bayan ay andoon upang makita ang mabait na matanda kahit sa huling pagkakataon man lamang. Mahinang nagpaalam ang matanda at dahan-dahan itong binawian ng buhay.

Nag-iiyakan ang mga taong bayan nang may dumating na isang bata. Ito ang pulubing tinulungan ni Sagin. Siya pala ay isang diwata. Ibinilin niya sa mga tao na ilibing si Sagin sa may bakuran. Huwag na raw silang malungkot dahil si Sagin ay mananatili sa kanila at di sila kailan pa man iiwanan. Ginawa nila ang sinabi ng diwata.

Makalipas ang ilang lingo, may isang halamang umusbong sa libingan ni Sagin. Ilang linggo pa ang nakalipas may parang hugis puso ang nakita nila sa halaman. Naalala nila ang sinabi ng diwata. Ang malaking puso ay halintulad ng matabang puso ni Sagin na punung-puno ng kabaitan at pagmamahal sa kapwa. Ang naging bunga nito ay marami at matamis.

Nanatili nga si Sagin sa mga taong bayan at hanggang ngayon ito pa rin ay nagbibigay ng sobra-sobra. Ang puno ngayon ay tinawag ng taong bayan na Saging.

Legend of the Banana

Many years ago there lived a kind-hearted old man. He was fondly called Apo Sagin by his neighbors.

Apo Sagin lives alone in his shack however, his neighbors had considered him part of the family so he is welcomed in their house anytime. They all loved him as if he was their own grandfather. He was always kind and helpful to them. They could ask anything from him and he would obliged and give it whole-heartedly.

The little children are always welcomed in Apo Sagin’s home. They would visit him in the afternoon and would listen to his stories. After which, he would offer them snacks he himself cooked.

Even strangers were welcomed and treated well by the old man. One time, while Apo Sagin was in the woods gathering firewood, he stumbled upon a man who was weak from hunger. He immediately brought the starving man to his house and took care of him until he was better.

At another time, a small girl came asking for alms from him. He brought her home and gave her food to eat. Before the girl went on her way, Apo Sagin taught her how to make fans out of dried leaves. The girl would never have to ask for alms he said, she can just sell fans. The girl thanked Apo. Soon she would be able to make it up to him for all the kindness he has shown, says the girl. Apo Sagin just smiled and said he didn’t ask for anything in return.

Apo Sagin was soon afflicted with illness. He grew very weak. Many neighbors came to visit him and took care of him. They would take turns waiting on him while he was sick. Even the young children who came to visit him came and told him stories.

But Apo Sagin’s illness became grave and because he was old he grew very weak. All of the townsfolk, came to see their beloved Apo Sagin for the last time. The old man gave his last words and then breathe his last.

The townsfolk all cried and were grief-stricken with the lost of their neighbor that they did not notice a small girl enter the house. It was the beggar whom Sagin had helped and taught to make fans. She was not just a beggar but rather was a fairy. She told the townsfolk to bury Sagin in the yard. Furthermore, she told them not to worry or be sad because Sagin will remain in their midst and will never leave them. They did as the fairy had told them and buried Sagin the yard.

After a few weeks, a plant soon grew on top of Sagin’s grave. After a few more weeks, a heart-shaped thing grew on the plant. The townsfolk remember the words of the fairy. The heart reminded them of Sagin’s generous heart that was full of kindness and love. The fruit turned out to be sweet and plenty.

Sagin indeed remained in the people’s midst and until now is still generous in giving. The plant was soon called Saging.

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Researched and Rewritten by Lovedy
Translated and Formatted by Daniel Andrei Garcia