SPL 1ST Topic REPORTED

ORAL LORE FROM THE PRE-COLONIAL TIMES (1564)
REPORTERS:
JEROME M. ALBEYAS
JOHN MARK ALAGON
GENEVA BARSATAN
RIZZA FAUSTO
TOPICS:
 RIDDLES
 PROVERBS
 MYTHS AND LEGENDS
 EPICS
RIDDLE
• Enigmatic questions that are frequently used in narratives as contests and puzzles
• Describes something without actually naming what it is leaving the reader to guess
Filipino riddles often reflect the daily life, nature, and objects familiar to the culture, making them
both entertaining and a way to convey wisdom. The answers to these riddles often carry deeper
meanings or cultural significance.
EXAMPLE 1
Bilog ang ulo, may takip pa.
Translation: Round is my head, yet I have a cover.
Answer: Niyog (Coconut)
EXAMPLE 2
Maraming paa, hindi makalakad.
Translation: Many feet, yet it cannot walk.
Answer: Mesa (Table)
EXAMPLE 3
Hinila ko ang dulo, sumabog ang tiyan.
Translation: I pulled its end, and its belly exploded.
Answer: Saging (Banana)
EXAMPLE 4
May puno walang sanga, may dahon walang bunga.
Translation: A tree with no branches, leaves but no fruit.
Answer: Umbrella
EXAMPLE 5
Lumilipad di maabot.
Translation: It flies and cannot be caught.
Answer: Isip (Thought)
RIDDLES OF THREE LINGUISTIC GROUPS DESCRIBING THE SAME OBJECTS
VISAYAN
Taas ug puti nga babaye.
Nag ka-on sa iyong lawas.
ILOCANO
Haan nga tau.
Haan nga hayup. Agtedtedted ti luwa na
YBANAG
Sinni pano y tadday nga babay kanan na baggi na a maguroray.
OTHER FORMS OF A RIDDLE

1.Parallelism
refers to the similarity in the wording of the lines.
2.Rhyming words
two or more words that have similar ending sound
MYTH
Traditional Narratives: Myths are ancient, traditional stories passed down through generations, often
explaining the origins of the world, natural phenomena, and cultural practices.
Symbolic Significance: Myths use symbolic elements such as gods, heroes, and supernatural beings to
convey deeper meanings, cultural values, and lessons.
Cultural Foundation: Despite lacking historical accuracy, myths serve as foundational elements in
shaping a culture's identity, providing a sense of continuity and shared beliefs among its people.
EXAMPLES OF FILIPINO MYTHS
Malakas at Maganda:
This myth tells the story of the first man (Malakas) and woman (Maganda) emerging from a bamboo
stalk. It explains the origin of the human race in Filipino folklore.
Bathala and the Origin of the Philippines:

Bathala is a supreme deity in Philippine mythology. The myth explains that Bathala created the world,
including the islands of the Philippines. The deity is often associated with order, harmony, and creation.
Maria Makiling:
Maria Makiling is a popular mythical figure, believed to be a fairy or diwata residing in Mount Makiling.
She is known for her beauty and magical abilities. Numerous legends surround Maria Makiling, often
depicting her as a guardian of nature and occasionally as a tragic figure in love stories.
Manananggal:
The Manananggal is a mythical creature, often depicted as a woman who can separate her upper torso
from her lower body, with bat-like wings to fly. She is known for her habit of sucking the blood of
pregnant women and fetuses.
Tikbalang:
The Tikbalang is a creature with the lower body of a horse and the head of a human. It is mischievous
and is said to lead travelers astray in the mountains or forests. Appeasing or befriending the Tikbalang is
believed to bring good luck during journeys.
Sirena:
Sirena, or mermaids in Filipino mythology, are often depicted as beautiful women with fish tails. They are
known for their enchanting voices and sometimes portrayed as protectors of the sea.
Aswang:
Aswang is a generic term for various mythical creatures in Philippine folklore, often associated with
malevolent supernatural beings. They are believed to shape-shift into different forms and may consume
human flesh.
Lamang Lupa:
Lamang Lupa are elemental beings associated with the earth. They are believed to inhabit certain natural
features like mountains, rocks, and trees. These beings are considered guardians of nature.
LEGEND
A legend is a traditional or historical narrative that typically involves extraordinary events and
characters. These stories often blur the line between fact and fiction, combining elements of real
events with mythic or heroic embellishments. Legends are passed down orally or through written
accounts and contribute to the cultural heritage of a community or society.
EXAMPLES:
Legend of the Chocolate Hills:
According to a popular legend in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills are said to be the result of a battle between
two giants who threw rocks and sand at each other for days. When they reconciled, the mounds they
created remained, forming the unique landscape.
Legend of Maria Makiling:

Maria Makiling is a well-known diwata (fairy) in Philippine folklore, believed to reside on Mount Makiling
in Laguna. The legend often revolves around her ethereal beauty, magical abilities, and her interactions
with mortals, usually involving themes of love and protection.
Legend of the Pineapple (Moriones Festival):

In Marinduque, the Moriones Festival is associated with the legend of Longinus, a Roman centurion who
was blind in one eye. A drop of water from Jesus' side healed him, and he later became a Christian. The
festival reenacts his story, incorporating colorful masks and costumes.
Legend of Bernardo Carpio:

Bernardo Carpio is a legendary figure said to be trapped in between two mountains in Montalban, Rizal.
According to the legend, he possesses superhuman strength and is destined to break free during times of
great national peril.
Legend of the Sarimanok:

The Sarimanok is a legendary bird in Maranao mythology, often associated with the epic of Darangen.
According to the legend, the bird is a symbol of good fortune and prestige. It is also believed to be a
harbinger of good luck when seen by warriors before going to battle.
PROVERBS
Proverbs are concise and traditional expressions of wisdom or advice that convey cultural
insights. These short and pithy statements often encapsulate common beliefs, moral values, or
practical knowledge in a memorable form. Proverbs are passed down through generations,
offering guidance and reflecting the collective wisdom of a community or culture.
EXAMPLES
1."Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa

paroroonan."
Translation: "He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to
his destination."
Meaning: It emphasizes the importance of remembering one's roots and heritage as a guide for
future success.
2."Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, ramdam ng buong katawan."

Translation: "The pain of one finger is felt by the whole body."
Meaning: Highlighting the interconnectedness of individuals and the idea that the actions or
troubles of one can affect the entire community or family.
3."Pagkahaba-haba man ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy."

Translation: "No matter how long the procession, it still ends up at the church."
Meaning: Regardless of the journey's length or complexity, the ultimate goal or destination is
what truly matters.
4."Ang taong gipit, sa patalim kumakapit."

Translation: "A person in dire straits clings to the knife's edge."
Meaning: Desperation may drive someone to take extreme measures or face difficult choices
during challenging times.
5."Kapag ang tao'y nagagalit, kumatok ka sa kanyang puso."

Translation: "When a person is angry, knock on his heart."
Meaning: Instead of responding to anger with more anger, it suggests approaching the situation
with understanding, empathy, and kindness.
EPICS
Epics are lengthy narrative poems that tell the heroic tales of legendary figures and their
extraordinary adventures. Typically, these stories involve gods, mythical creatures, and heroic
deeds, often serving as foundational narratives for a culture or society. Epics are characterized by
their grand scale, elevated language, and the portrayal of significant cultural or moral values.
"Biag ni Lam-ang" (The Life of Lam-ang):
This epic, originating from the Ilocos region, tells the story of the heroic Lam-ang, who
possesses extraordinary abilities even as a baby. His adventures include seeking his father's
killers, overcoming mythical creatures, and winning the heart of his love, Ines Kannoyan.
“Hinilawod":
"Hinilawod" is an epic poem of the Sulod people of Panay. It narrates the adventures of three
brothers, Labaw Donggon, Humadapnon, and Dumalapdap. The epic explores their quests,
battles against supernatural beings, and their romantic endeavors.
"Ibalon":
Originating from the Bicol region, "Ibalon" narrates the pre-colonial myths and legends of the
Bikolanos. The epic features legendary heroes like Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong, highlighting
their exploits in the founding and defense of their homeland.
"Darangan":
The "Darangan" of the Maranao people in Mindanao is an epic that blends elements of pre-
Islamic Filipino culture with Islamic influences. It revolves around the courtship and adventures
of Bantugan, a legendary prince.
"Kudaman":
"Kudaman" is an epic from Palawan, specifically the Tagbanwa people. The narrative centers
around the hero Kudaman and his exploits, including battles against monsters and efforts to
establish order and justice.

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ORAL LORE FROM THE PRE-COLONIAL TIMES (1564)

RIDDLES OF THREE LINGUISTIC GROUPS DESCRIBING THE SAME OBJECTS

OTHER FORMS OF A RIDDLE

Bathala and the Origin of the Philippines:

Legend of Maria Makiling:

Legend of the Pineapple (Moriones Festival):

Legend of Bernardo Carpio:

Legend of the Sarimanok:

1."Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa

2."Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, ramdam ng buong katawan."

3."Pagkahaba-haba man ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy."

4."Ang taong gipit, sa patalim kumakapit."

5."Kapag ang tao'y nagagalit, kumatok ka sa kanyang puso."

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