Sick

By Shel Silverstein

“I cannot go to school today,"

Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
“I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I’m going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox
And there’s one more--that’s seventeen,
And don’t you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut--my eyes are blue--
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I’m sure that my left leg is broke--
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button’s caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
My ‘pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What’s that? What’s that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G’bye, I’m going out to play!”

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/sick-by-shel-silverstein
 Being Brave At Night
By Edgar Guest

The other night 'bout two o'clock, or maybe it was three,

An elephant with shining tusks came chasing after me.
His trunk was wavin' in the air an' spoutin' jets of steam
An' he was out to eat me up, but still I didn't scream
Or let him see that I was scared - a better thought I had,
I just escaped from where I was and crawled in bed with dad.

One time there was a giant who was horrible to see,

He had three heads and twenty arms, an' he came after me
And red hot fire came from his mouths and every hand was red
And he declared he'd grind my bones and make them into bread.
But I was just too smart for him, I fooled him might bad,
Before his hands could collar me I crawled in bed with dad.

I ain't scared of nothin that comes pesterin' me at night.

Once I was chased by forty ghosts all shimmery an' white.
An' I just raced 'em round the room an' let 'em think maybe
I'd have to stop an' rest awhile, when they could capture me.
Then when they leapt onto my bed, Oh Gee! But they were mad
To find that I had slipped away an' crawled in bed with dad.

No giants, ghosts or elephants have dared to come in there

'Coz if they did he'd beat 'em up and chase 'em to their lair.
They just hang 'round the children's rooms
an' snap an' snarl an' bite
An' laugh if they can make 'em yell
for help with all their might.
But I don't ever yell out loud. I'm not that sort of lad,
I slip from out the covers and I crawl in bed with dad.
 God The Artist
By Angela Morgan

God, when you thought of a pine tree,

How did you think of a star?
How did you dream of the Milky Way
To guide us from afar.
How did you think of a clean brown pool
Where flecks of shadows are?

God, when you thought of a cobweb,

How did you think of dew?
How did you know a spider's house
Had shingles bright and new?
How did you know the human folk
Would love them like they do?

God, when you patterned a bird song,

Flung on a silver string,
How did you know the ecstasy
That crystal call would bring?
How did you think of a bubbling throat
And a darling speckled wing?

God, when you chiseled a raindrop,

How did you think of a stem,
Bearing a lovely satin leaf
To hold the tiny gem?
How did you know a million drops
Would deck the morning's hem?

Why did you mate the moonlit night

With the honeysuckle vines?
How did you know Madeira bloom
Distilled ecstatic wines?
How did you weave the velvet disk
Where tangled perfumes are?
God, when you thought of a pine tree,
How did you think of a star?

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/god-the-artist-by-angela-morgan
 Cool Summer
© Suhaani C. Malik
Published: August 15, 2018
Here it comes,
Ready or not.
Summer's coming,
And it's going to be hot!

Summer is the time

Just to be free.
Run in the parks
With unbearable glee.

Roll on the grass,

Climb up the trees.
Make shapes from the clouds
While enjoying juicy berries!

Rest on the mat,

Or jump in the pool.
Have ice cream or juice
'Cause you gotta keep cool.

Chill by the shore,

Or sunbathe on the sand.
Have a dip in the sea
Or relax and get tanned.

Switch on the A.C.,

And, oh, switch on the fan.
Breathe in the cool air,
And have a drink from a can.

Summer is a time
Of all the joy and play.
But can you believe,
It's not around to stay.

At night we look into the sky.

Summer will be gone with all its bloom,
And in a blink of eye,
Winter will be here soon!
 On A Rainy Day

© Suhaani C. Malik

Published: October 6, 2018

A freezing cold breeze,

Just swept my face.
Excited I went,
To seize my "RAIN CASE"

I put on my coat,
And gumboots on my feet.
I put my hat and my gloves,
And hopped on out to the street.

The thunder was roaring,

The lightening so bright.
It sounded a bit creepy,
But the rain was actually light.

The black clouds were soaring,

High, high above.
But, on a rainy day...............

Jumping in puddles is all that I love!!!

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/on-a-rainy-day-2
Philippine Legend: The Legend of the Guava
Learn the story behind how the guava got its crown. | Source

Philippine culture is rich in folklore. One tale I enjoyed during my childhood was the
legend of the guava fruit, which comes with a moral lesson. A guava tree or fruit is
called bayabas in Tagalog, which is the language of the Philippines.
The story goes like this:
A long time ago, there's a king who ruled a rich, prosperous island. He had all the things
a king could ever ask for: the power, the wealth, and all the delicious foods one could
only imagine.The king's name was King Barabas.
King Barabas is a rude king and overweight, indulging himself to all the foods available,
hesitant to share. And his castle is starting to become filthy. He would spend most of his
time sitting and eating with his bare hands. As he eats, he drips food on the floor and
smile mockingly at the people around him, specially his servants.
People in the kingdom would approach with requests for his help, but he would always
refuse. As he neglected his kingdom, people started to complain and starve.
After some time, an old hunched-back woman showed up at the castle begging for food
while the king was eating. The old lady asked for food as she was starving.
"Go away! I don't have anything to give. Can't you see I'm eating?" said the king.
"Please, my king," begged the old woman. "I'm asking for anything, anything you could
give me as I am so hungry. Even a little piece of bread or fruit would do."
"Get out at once! You disgust me," the king belittled the old beggar.
The old woman stood up straight, casting aside her stooped posture. "I've heard much
about you and how your kingdom is suffering." The tone of her voice had changed. It
was no longer the voice of a weak, old woman. "I asked for help, and you shoved me
away. You have a lot for yourself, but when I only asked for a little food, you belittled
me. You are selfish. No one loves you and no one will remember you when you are
gone!"
And the beggar disappeared.
After a few more days, the king slowly weakened and became sick. No one knows
what's wrong with him. He got weaker and weaker and lost much weight. He looked
older than his age. Soon after that, the king died. As unfortunate and unexpected as it
was, no one cried and nobody showed up at the king's burial. He died alone.
And where the king was buried, his people noticed a strange plant growing, a plant they
had never seen before. The plant soon grew into a tree, which bore rounded fruits that
turned yellowish when ripe.
People also noticed that the fruit seemed to have a crown as it develops, which
reminded them of their selfish, arrogant king. The flesh of the fruit tasted a bit sour, just
like the sour personality of the king towards them.
The people learned to eat the fruit, which helped them with starvation. And because the
tree was from the grave of their King Barabas and it has crown just like their king, they
named the tree after him: barabas, which in time they called bayabas.
The fruit is still called, as to this day, bayabas.
And although the guava may have came from the rude, selfish King Barabas, guava
fruit is one of the fruits that offers many health benefits when consumed, the fruit is a
good source of vitamin C. The leaves are made into tea and treats many diseases as
well from a simple toothache, to treating diarrhea, lowering blood sugar, and many
more. And it is used amongst young boys after their circumcision in the Philippines.
Or maybe it's the way of the late king to make up for the wrongdoings?

The Legend of Mangoes

Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Ben who had a wonderful heart. He is the
son of Maria and Juan. Ben’s a kind and helpful young lad who was nurtured well by his
parents who have good hearts as well.

One day, Ben saw a very old beggar and he took pity on him. So, Ben decided to invite the
old beggar into their humble home and he cooked food and fed the old beggar until he
could not eat anymore. Ben was not a rich boy but that did not stop him from helping this
old beggar by serving him with the type of food that Ben’s family could only afford. After a
sumptuous meal, the beggar thanked the young lad and bade him farewell.
On another day, while Ben was looking for fire woods, he passed by an old man who was
also very hungry. Ben took pity on him once more and without a doubt in his mind, he
invited the old man back to their home and gave him food and some clothes that his father
does not use anymore. Ben’s parents were happy that they have a son who has a heart of
gold like Ben.
Unfortunately, the time came that Ben suddenly got very ill. His parents were troubled and
didn’t know what to do. But despite that, they persisted to have their son treated but to no
avail, Ben died. His parents mourned over the loss of their only son. The next day, after
Ben’s death, a beautiful fairy came to Ben’s wake and talked to his parents. She asked them
to give her Ben’s heart. They agreed and gave it to her. The fairy then flew away and in a
mountain, she dug and buried Ben’s dead heart. It then turned into a fruit-bearing tree
whose fruits were in the shape of a heart and whose taste was so sweet. People were
amazed upon discovering this new type of fruit and when they tasted it they were happy as
it’s the sweetest fruit they have ever tasted.

From then till now, people enjoy the benefits of this wonderful fruit.
THE LEGEND OF THE SAMPALOC LAKE
San Pablo, a picturesque and progressive city in Southeastern Luzon, is sometimes know as the city of
seven lakes. All the seven lakes are rich with tales about their respective origin. A favorite story is that
of Sampaloc Lake - the largest and most beautiful of the seven lakes.

[IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/dawnlorraine/SampalocLake.jpg[/IMG]
Picture of Sampaloc Lake in San Pablo, Laguna.

Once upon a time there lives in the northern side of San pablo a well-to-do but childless couple. They
has a large garden of tamarind (sampaloc in Tagalog) trees which bore the sweetest fruits in all the
land. many people from far and wide heard of the tamarind trees. And many of them wanted to taste
the sweet tamarind fruits.

The couple felt very proud of their rich possession. They built a fence around their yard so that no
strangers would pic any of the tamarond fruits. Just to make sure no one could enter their yard, they
placed a big watchdog to guard it.

God wanted to test the hospotality of the couple. And so, one day a fairy, disguised as an old beggar
bent and wrinkled by age, approached the couple's garden and begged for some fruit.

"Please give me some tamarind fruit. I am hungry!" The old woman pleaded.

The couple did not even look at the old woman.

"Begone! We don't want to give any of our tamarind fruit away!" replied the couple angrily.

"Please, I am so hungry, and a fruit or two will satisfy me," the old beggar insisted. "I know your
tamarind trees are laden with most delicious fruits."

Then, without further ado, the old woman came near one of the large trees. She stretched out her
wrinkled, skinny hand to pluck a curly thick pod hanging from one of the lower branches.

Upon seeing what the old beggar had done, the couple grew angry. They became so angry that they
hurried back to their house, let their dog loose, and set it on the poor woman. Alas, the poor old
woman was badly bitten.

Patiently, the old woman bore her pain. But before turning away from the inhospitable spot, she
touched the tamarind tree and, looking at the couple, said, "You shall be punished for your
selfishness." Then she went slowly on her way.

Even before the woman was out of sight, the sky became overcast. In a short while a terrible storm
broke out, and heavy rain fell through the night.

The following morning all was peaceful. The man and his wife went out for the daily round as usual.
They had hardly taken a few steps when, to their surprise, instead of the tall green tamarind trees,
there stretched before their unbelieving eyes a vast expanse of water shining in the morning sun.

Still unconvinced about what had happened, the couple went forward up to the bank of what now
appeared to be a natural lake. And wonder of wonders, they saw through the transparent water the
dark amass o tamarind trees still rooted to the sunken ground!

From that day on, the place became know as "Sampaloc Lake" - sampaloc being the Tagalog word for
tamarind. Nowadays Sampaloc Lake is a tourist spot to which many lovers of nature, bith young and
old, go in order to admire the splendor and beauty that it offers.

More stories to come...

The Makahiya
Once there lived a rich couple, Mang Dondong and Aling Iska. They had a twelve-year-old daughter
whose name was Maria. They loved their daughter so dearly.

Maria was a dutiful and obedient daughter. Industrious and kind, she made herself endeared to
everybody.

But shyness was also one of maria's distinct characteristics. She was also shy that talking to people
posed a great burden to her. In order to avoid encountering people, she usually locked herself in the
room.

Maria had a flower garden. The flowers were beautiful and known all over the town. She took care of
the plants patiently and tenderly. For the flower plants were her source of enjoyment and happiness.

One day a group of bandits raided a nearby village. The bandits killed every man they found at took
the money of the residents.

The next day the bandits came to the village where Mang Dondong and Aling Iska and their daughter
Maria lived. Mang Dondong noticed at once the arrival of the bandits Fearing for Maria's safety, he
decided to hide Maria in the garden, which he did.

Aling Iska hid herself in the house. She trembled with fear when she heard the bandits forcing their
way to the gate. Then she prayed, preparing for whatever would happen.

"Oh my God!" prayed Aling Iska. "Save my daughter."

Suddenly the door opened. The bandits enered the house and hit Mang Dondong on the head. Mang
Dondong lost consciousness and fell on the floor. Aling Iska tried to escape but was also hit in the
head.

The bandits ransacked every place in the house. After taking the money and jewelry, they searched
for Maria. But Maria was nowehere to be found. So the bandits left th house to plunder another
village.

When Mang Dondong and Aling Iska regained consciousness, the bandits had left already. THey
quickly ran to the garden to look for Maria. But maria was not there. Again and again, they searched
every corner in the garden but poor Maria could not be found.

"My poor daughter! They took my poor daughter!" wept Aling Iska.

All of a sudden felt something that pricked his feet. To his surprise, he saw a tiny plant quickly closing
its leaves. It was the first time he saw that kind of plant. He knelt on his knees and took a close look
at the plant. Aling Iska did the same. After looking at the plant for a long time, the couple came to the
belief that the plant was Maria. For indeed Maria has been transformed by God into a plant to save her
from the bandits.

Aling Iska wept uncontrollably and to Mang Dondong's amazement, every tear was transformed into a
small and rosy flower of the new plant they found in the garden.
Since then Mang Dondong and Aling Iska tended the plant with utmost care. They knew what the
plant was, in reality, their child Maria. And, like their child, the plant was very shy. So they called the
plant "makahiya" because it showed it showed an important characteristic of Maria -shyness - which in
Tagalog means "makahiya".

[IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/dawnlorraine/makahiya.jpg[/IMG]
Makahiya Plant

The Legend of Sapang Bato

Many many years have passed but the beautiful story of Sapang Bato is still unknown to most people.
The time has come for everyone to know the story and the secret of Sapang Bato.

There once lived in a place called Sapang Bato a beautiful maiden named Claudia. She had many
suitors, but she liked Badillo most of all. Badillo was a farmer. He was kind, thoughtful, and
industrious.

The love of the two for each other knew no bounds. They were faithful to each other, and they vowed
that they would love each other till the end of time.

Unfortunately, Claudia's father, Mang Borong, did not look with favor on Badillo's courtship. For he had
another suitor of Claudia in mind as the better son-in-law. Anselmo was the name of the suitor who,
by the way, Claudia did not like, much less love.

One day before sunrise, Badillo, as usual, went to the farm to work. Before leaving, he left word with
his younger brother to take his breakfast to the place of work. Badillo worked for sometime.

Later that morning, Badillo's brother came carrying Badillo's meal. After eating, Badillo noticed his
brother crying.

"Why are you crying?" asked Badillo.

The brother hesitated at first, but Badillo prodded him on and soon the former wass relating what he
had discovered which was the reason why he was crying.

"This morning, Anselmo's parents went to see Claudia's parents," the brother began. "They asked for
Claudia's hands in marriage to their son Anselmo."

"How did you come to know about this?" Badillo asked.

"Happened to be passing by Anselmo's house," the boy replied. "I heard everything because they
talked very loud. I even heard Claudia's voice - alas, sge was crying."

"Did Claudia refuse?" asked Badillo this time.

"Yes, she refused," the boy said. "But what could she do? You know how cruel her father is. Her pleas
were all in vain. In short, she had to follow Mang Borong's wish, whether she liked it or not."

"And what was Mang Borong's wish?"

"To have Claudia get married to Anselmo tomorrow morning, at 6 o'clock," the boy answered.
The preparations of the wedding were elaborate and quite expensive. Many of Claudia's friends came
to help to decorate the house and do many things. In order to be sure that Claudia's wedding gown
would turn out to be more elegant, the town's four best dressmakers joined hands in preparing it.

Amidst the busy preparations, Claudia managed somehow to be left alone in her room. Then from her
trunkk she took a small box.

It was late in the evening when it was discovered that Claudia was nowhere to be found. She could
not be found in her room. She could not be found elsewhere in the house. Everybody became jittery.
Even Claudia's father collapsed when he learned of his missing daughter. He had to be given first aid
treatment.

Afterwards, a young maiden, one of Claudia's close friends, came upon a letter under Claudia's pillow.
She gave the letter at one to Mang Berong. The letter reads as follows:

"Father, it is sweeter to die than to marry a man I don't love. Maybe in death, I shall find happiness. I
will wait for my one and only love, Badillo, in heaven. Goodbye and forgive me. Claudia."

Without any further delay, Mang Berong left the house to look for her daughter. Just a little beyond
the house, he saw Anselmo coming. He was riding in a cart.

"Where are you going, Mang Berong?" asked Anselmo.

"To look for Claudia," replied Mang Berong.

Anselmo turned pale. Turning to some of the men, he asked them to join him in the search for
Claudia. They immediately followed Mang Berong who had already left. Other search parties were
organized. The search went on in the dark of night.

It was Anselmo's group which found the dead bodies of Claudia and Badillo. With a sad and heavy
heart, he ordered the men to take the bodies to Claudia's home. It was a night of sorrow and tears.

The next morning on the spot where the bodies of Claudia and Badillo were found, there was
discovered a rock bearing the form of a man and that of a woman. THe people could not help uttering
the names of Claudia and Badillo.

Later on, barrio folks started to build their homes near the spot. The place soon grew into a village
and the residents also grew in number. This place is now called Sapang Bato.
The Armor of God
by Sharla Guenther

In biblical times soldiers would wear very

heavy armor. In fact, when David went to
fight the giant Goliath he couldn't wear the
armor because it was too heavy. These
days, soldiers don't wear armor, but you
might find it interesting to know that many
Christians wear armor everyday and it would
be a good idea if you did too.

How can you wear armor? This armor is so

neat; it's like having special powers that are
invisible! When you imagine yourself putting on the armor of God each
day it will help you against the devil as well as the things you shouldn't
do. However, the only way this armor will work is if Jesus lives inside
you.

The devil wants us to mess up and do things God doesn't want us to

do. He might try to do that by getting you interested in violent video
games, shows on TV or movies that show people doing things that are
sinful and try to make them look like fun. You might also be pressured
by other kids to do things that we know God wouldn't want us to do.

These are some of the ways that the devil tries to trick you into doing
things you shouldn't (this is called sin). By putting on the armor of God,
you will be able to stand up to these things and do what is right. The
armor will give you God's help to fight against the bad in the world.

We are going to start with the Belt of Truth. We need to put this on first
to be truthful and remember the truth we know about God. We can know
the truth by reading the Bible, the Spirit telling us (giving us a
conscience), or learning from other people who believe in God the same
as us.
Next is the Breastplate of Righteousness. If you play hockey you
probably have something that protects the part between your neck and
tummy. This piece also protects your heart. We can protect our heart
by confessing any sin we have, or saying sorry to God for things we've
done wrong.

Now we put on the Sandals of Peace. First, we need to protect our feet
and go where God would want us to go. Our feet would get sore if we
walked around with no shoes on, so we need to avoid places we know
we shouldn't go to keep our protective sandals on. Second, we need to
be peaceful with others. If there is someone you're fighting with or if
you've hurt someone's feelings you need to go ask for their forgiveness,
or forgive those who have wronged you. Third, if you find things are a
little hectic God is the peacemaker, and if you ask He can give you all
the peace you need.

The next piece of armor you don't have to wear; instead, you hold it. It's
the Shield of Faith. Just think of what you could do with a real shield. If
someone throws a snowball at you, you can lift the shield so it doesn't hit
you at all. We can use the shield in the same way when bad things
come our way like temptations or doubt.

Sometimes the devil will try to make us think that there isn't a God, or
that he doesn't love us because we've done something wrong. We need
to hold up our shield and stop these thoughts when this happens and
remember that God loves us no matter what.

The Helmet of Salvation is the next piece. This is what we use to

protect our minds. Sometimes we need to remember that we're God's
children and He loves us and will help us. We also need to remember
what we've read in the Bible and learned from our parents and church
about God. That will help us make the right decisions.

The next piece of armor that we hold is the Sword of the Spirit. The
sword is both the Bible and having the Spirit of God work in us. We can
cut anything off that isn't good in our lives. By remembering God's word
(the Bible) we will be able to tell what is good and what is bad.
Prayer is the last piece of armor. This isn't a particular piece of armor
but kind of holds all our armor together. By talking to God we can do
amazing things. Nothing is too big or impossible with prayer because
God can do anything that He wants to. That doesn't mean that he will
always answer the way we want him to, but he will answer the way He
knows is best.

When we pray, we need to remember that we don't always need to ask

for things. God also wants us to pray for others (for people that don't
know Him, for people we don't like, for people that are sick, etc.). He
also wants us to thank Him for whatever we are thankful for (being good
at something, family, friends, toys, etc.) He blesses us with these things
so we should thank Him.

A good way to help you remember the armor is to put it on each day
when you get out of bed or before you go to school. Pray that God will
help you remember that the armor is there and what it's used for so you
can fight the bad with the good.
 The greedy cloud

Once upon a time lived on a cloud that was grown up over a very beautiful

country. One day, she saw another much bigger cloud and she felt so

much envy, than the cloud decided that in order to get bigger and grow

more, her water would never abandon her, and will never start raining

again.

Indeed, the cloud grew up, while his country was getting dried. First,

rivers dried up, then people, animals, plants, and finally, the whole

country became a desert. The cloud did not care much, but she also did

not realize that by being over a desert there was no place where she could

obtain new water to keep growing. So slowly, the cloud began to lose

size, and was unable to do anything to stop it .

The cloud then realized her mistake, and that her greed and selfishness were

the cause of her vanishing; but just before evaporating, when she was

just a sigh of cotton, there started blowing a gentle breeze. The cloud was

so small and weighed so little that the wind took her far away, to a faraway

beautiful country, where once again she recovered her original size.
Having learned this lesson, our cloud remained small and modest, but she

became so generous when raining, that her new country became even

greener, giving away to all people there the most beautiful rainbow in the

world.

The Princess without a Palace

Once upon a time there was a kingdom with an ancient prophecy that spoke of

a Princess without a palace. The prophecy said that as soon as that Princess

found her palace, she would be the wisest and fairest Queen there had

ever been. That kingdom had a royal family who had lived in a beautiful palace

for generations. But there was a great earthquake which destroyed the palace

and killed the King and Queen.

Their two daughters, Princess Nora and Princess Sabina, managed to survive.

After this tragedy, Nora understood that she, being the elder sister, might be

the Princess mentioned in the prophecy. Accompanied by her sister, Nora

devoted herself to finding her new palace. During their travels they met a wise

old man who gave them an old key that would open the palace doors.

“I have no idea where the palace will be”, said the old man, “All I know is

that you should try this key wherever you seek it”.
And Nora went with her sister, trying the key on all the palace doors they found.

When there were no more palaces to try, they thought maybe the palace would

just be some large important house, but neither did the key fit any of those.

Fed up, the sisters lost hope of ever finding their palace. They had spent

so much time away, travelling and searching, that no one now missed

them. Neither did they have any money or jewels left, and when they

arrived at a poor village they had to work in the fields alongside all the poor

people who, not knowing that the sisters were royalty, took them in as though

they were two homeless orphans.

The sisters lived there for some years. They worked hard, and knew what

hunger was, and how life could be so difficult, but people loved them so

much that they came to be very happy, and they gradually forgot their royal

past. One night, while tidying Nora's things, Sabina found the old key. Amused,

she took it to her sister, and they reminisced about their search for their

own magnificent palace.

"There still must be some palace, hidden in some little forest, just waiting for us

to find it," said Nora, with a glimmer of hope.

"Well, you know what I think," answered her younger sister, "that I don't

need anything else to be happy. We spent months travelling from castle to

castle to live the life of Queens, but I have never been so happy as I am now,

even though we don't have much. If I had to choose a palace," she

continued, joyfully dancing about by the door, "it would be this little cabin."
she ended, laughing, and then with a solemn gesture placing the key in

the cabin door.

Just then, the room filled with lights and music, and from that old door arose a

wonderful palace filled with life and colour. The place became totally

transformed; there were fountains, gardens, and animals. The village people

marvelled at all of this.

The only thing which remained as it had been was the cabin door,

reminding everyone of how Sabina the Wonderful - which was what

they called their wise Queen - had found that in a simple, humble life

lay the doorway to happiness, not only for herself, but for all the

inhabitants of that land.

The Happy Trumpet

There was once a land in which the sound of a magic trumpet could be heard

everywhere. The music ensured that there would be happiness and joy for all.

However, one day, the trumpet disappeared, and everyone in that land

ended up feeling sad. No one did anything, except for a little girl who

went off, determined to find the trumpet. She asked everywhere, and
then someone took her to see the wise old man of the mountains. The

man told her that the trumpet was in the Well of Shadows, and he gave

her a violin which might turn out to be useful.

When the girl arrived at the Well, she found some musicians next to it. They

were playing sad tunes, and she went over to play with them. However, on

hearing such sad music, the girl realised that no one, including the

trumpet, would want to come out of the well to be greeted by that kind

of atmosphere. So she started to play the cheeriest, happiest music she could.

She didn't give up, and even managed to cheer up the other musicians.

Together they improved the atmosphere around the well so much that the

trumpet came out, more joyful than ever. And, once again, happiness

returned to that land.

Thanks to this, the girl realised the value of offering joy to others, it being the

best remedy for those who are sad. And from that day onwards, in that

land, anyone who saw someone looking sad would send them their

happiest smiles, along with a little music.

 The Grumpy Tree

There was once a grumpy tree. It was the biggest tree in the forest, and it

didn't need its shadow for anything. However, the tree would never share its

shadow with any of the animals, and wouldn't let them come anywhere

near.

One year, the autumn and winter were terrible, and the tree, without its leaves,

was going to die of cold. A little girl, who went to live with her grandma

that winter, found the tree shivering, so she went to get a great big scarf to

warm the tree up. The Spirit of the Forest appeared and told the little girl why

that tree was so solitary, and why no one would help him. Even so, the girl

decided to put the scarf on the tree.

The next springtime, the tree had learned from the girl's generosity,

and when she sat next to the trunk the tree bent down to shade her

from the sun. The Spirit of the Forest saw this and went to tell all the

animals. He told them that from then on they would be able to shade

themselves well, because the tree had learned that having kind and

generous beings around makes the world a much better place to live in.
 Adalina, the fairy without wings

Adalina was no ordinary fairy. No one knew why, but she had no wings.

And, what’s more, she was a Princess, daughter of the Great Fairy

Queen. As she was so tiny, like a flower, life was just a series of

problems for her. Not only couldn’t she fly, but she hardly had any

magical powers, since fairy magic comes from their delicate crystal

wings.

So, from an early age, Adalina had depended on the help of others for many

things. She grew up thanking people, smiling and being friendly, so naturally

all the creatures in the forest were delighted to help her.

But when she reached the age to become Queen, many fairies doubted she

could be a good Queen with such a disability. They argued and protested so

much that Adalina had to agree to take a test in which she would have to

demonstrate to everyone the wonders she could work.

The little fairy became extremely sad. What could she do? She was hardly

magic at all, and couldn't even travel far with those little legs of hers. But

while Adalina sat on a stone next to the river, trying to think of something

that would surprise the other fairies, the news of the test was spreading among
the friendly forest animals. Before long,hundreds of creatures were by her

side, ready to help her however she needed.

-“Thank you so much, little friends. I feel much better with you by my

side,”

she said with the sweetest of smiles,

-"but I don't know whether you'll be able to help me."

-“Of course we will!”

answered the squirrel,

-“Tell us, what will you do to surprise those foolish fairies?”

-“Wow…. if only I could, I would love to capture the first ray of sunshine

before it touches the Earth, and keep it in a dewdrop, so that when it was

needed it could be used as a lantern for all who live in the forest. Or… I’d also

like to paint a rainbow in the night sky, under the pale moonlight, so that the

nocturnal creatures could see its beauty… But I don’t have any magic or any

wings to keep it in…”

-“Well, you must have your magic kept somewhere else then! Look!"

an old tortoise shouted excitedly, as it flew through the air, leaving a trail of

green behind it.

It was true. When Adalina had been telling her friends of her deepest wishes, a

wave of magic had washed over them, and there they all were, flying through
the air, making a magic rainbow, and capturing not just one but hundreds

of rays of sunshine within fine drops of water that filled the sky with

tiny brilliant lamps. For the whole day and night you could see squirrels,

mice, frogs, birds and fish leaping through the sky, filling it with light and

colour, in a spectacle never seen before and that filled the forest dwellers with

delight.

Adalina was declared Queen of the Fairies, despite her not knowing from where

such a powerful magic had come. And it wasn’t until some time later that the

young Queen understood that she was the first of the Great Fairies, whose

magic is to be found not in one's wings but within all one’s true friends.
What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs?

A clock

What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

Short

What word begins and ends with an E but only has one letter?

Envelope

What has a neck but no head?

A bottle

What type of cheese is made backwards?

Edam

What gets wetter as it dries?

A towel

Why did the boy bury his flashlight?

Because the batteries died

Which letter of the alphabet has the most water?

What starts with a P, ends with an E and has thousands of letters?

The Post Office

What has to be broken before you can use it?

An egg

Why would a man living in New York not be buried in Chicago?

Because he is still living

What begins with T ends with T and has T in it?

A teapot

How many letters are there in the English alphabet?

There are 18: 3 in the, 7 in English, and 8 in alphabet.

Which month has 28 days?

All of them, of course

Three men were in a boat. It capsized, but only two got their hair wet. Why?
One was bald

If everyone bought a white car, what would we have?

A white carnation

How many letters are there in the alphabet?

Eleven – T-h-e A-l-p-h-a-b-e-t

Where does Friday come before Thursday?

In the dictionary

What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer?

A jeweler sells watches. A jailer watches cells.

What ship has two mates, but no captain?

A relationship
 At the beginning of a speech about fire safety, the speaker tells a short

cautionary tale about a serious injury that occurred as a result of not

following protocol.

 During a lunchtime discussion about favorite recipes, one of the people in

the group tells a story about one of her tried and trued recipes gone

wrong.

 A mother tells her son a story about a family vacation when she was

growing up.

 A student writes a brief account about his favorite holiday moment for a

school assignment.

 Before beginning a lecture on why staying out late is inappropriate, a

father tells his daughter about a scary incident he had one time when he

stayed out too late.

Agyu : The Ilianon Epic of Mindanao

 (of the Manobos of North Cotabato)
63

Episode 1: The killing of the Moro Datu

In the country of Ayuman lived the heroes Banlak, Agyu, and Kuyasu. In the Ilianon tradition these
men were brothers, being the sons of Pamulaw. Agyu had four sisters, but only Yanbungan and
Ikawangan are mentioned in the epic. Banlak's wife named Mungan was badly afflicted with a
consuming disease.

One of the activities that the Ilianon people engaged in was the gathering of beeswax which they
traded with the Moro, securing from the latter articles and goods that they needed in their daily
lives. Although these goods and articles are not mentioned in the epic, they have been identified as
cloth, blankets, bolos (especially "tabas" which are used in weeding), betel nut and lime containers,
salt, and coconut oil, these things being paid for with beeswax and honey. One day Agyu sent nine
"kamu" or lumps of beeswax to a Moro datu, delivered by Kuyasu and Banlak. Angered by the small
quantity of the payment, the Moro datu hurled the beeswax at Kuyasu, hurting the latter's foot,
which had an ulcer. Kuyasu retaliated by spearing the Moro datu to death. He must have been left
behind, for it was Banlak who hurried to Ayuman to inform Agyu and the others that Kuyasu had slain
the Moro datu.

Episode 2: The battle with the Moros

Agyu predicted that there was going to be a war. Inasmuch as the Moro datu had been killed, it was
better for them to leave their homeland. They went to Ilian mountain where Agyu ordered the
building of a fort on its top. Agyu asked his followers to gather big stones and to cut logs. Then they
built houses and shelters and lived peacefully there. But soon the Moro warriors came up the Pulangi
River and spotted the fort built by the Ilianon. When the Moro invaders tried to scale the mountain,
Agyu ordered the cutting of the rattan that held the logs and loosening them on the attackers. The
result was almost decimation of the enemy. Those who escaped the slaughter fled.

Episode 3: Agyu leads his people to another country

After this victory, Agyu decided to move to another country. He chose to go to Pinamatun mountain.
They built houses and habitations there once more. He left for Sandawa mountain to hunt. Lono'
tried to cut a path on the side of the mountain, while two women, Yambungan ang Ikwangan, were
left behind swinging on a vine from bank to bank over the stream. Something was stinging their feet
and they shouted for Lono' to come. Lono' found it was a bee and this enabled him to locate beehives
in the hollows of palm trees. Then Agyu came back with a small wild pig. He asked Banlak to singe it,
after which the animal was divided, and the meat and honey were distributed among the people.

Then Agyu remembered Banlak's wife in Ayuman; she had been left behind because of her afflicton.
But Banlak refused to bring her share of the meat and honey, for he had abandoned her. It was Lono'
 who volunteered to bring Mungan her share. When he reached Ayuman, he found out that Mungan
was already well. She gave Lono' betel nut and young rice to distribute to the people. Lono' returned
to Pinamatun and told Agyu and the others the news that Mungan had already recovered and had
become a beautiful lady. When Banlak heard that, he wanted to return to his wife but Agyu reproved
him. Then the betel nut and "pinipi" young rice were distributed.

Episode 4: Agyu and his people return to Ayuman

Because of Mungan's recovery, Agyu decided to return to Ayuman, and this was done with his people
following him. But when they arrived at Ayuman, they found Mungan gone. Agyu then decided to
continue their journey further on until they reached the mouth of Tigyandang, at the junction of
Mudan'udan. They built houses and settled there.

Episode 5: The invasion of Agyu's country and the prowess of

Agyu's youngest son
In this country of Tigyandang, Agyu's people were attacked. Agyu's men fought on the seashore of
the bay of Linayagon, but it was a losing battle. When only a few men were left, Agyu's youngest son,
a mere boy, volunteered to fight the enemy single-handed. In four days he defeated them. The
leader of the invaders invited Agyu's young son to go home with him but the boy refused. When the
leader reached home, however, he found the boy already there. The datu told his wife to call their
daughter and for her to dress up. The datu told her to give chew to Tanagyaw, Agyu's son, and to
consider him her husband. Buy'anon invited him to sit on her lap, but Agyu's son refused, saying he
was a mere boy. Then he departed.

Episode 6: Agyu's son saves the country of Baklayon from invaders

and gets another marriage proposal; this time the maiden is
persistent, accompanies him to his home and finally succeeds in
marrying him
Tanagyaw reached the country of Baklayon. There was consternation in the place. He learned that
the village was going to be attacked by invaders. He was well received and was offered the young
daughter of the datu in marriage. She came out and offered him chew and asked him to be her
husband, saying he was going to be their savior. He fought the invaders and defeated them. The datu
had a son named Bagsili' who challenged him, but was killed in a man-to-man combat. The defeated
datu took his leave and departed.

Tanagyaw told the people to shout the cry of victory. He went up the house and squatted. Paniguan,
the datu's daughter, proposed marriage to him for saving their country, but Tanagyaw said that he
would help them even if they did not get married. Then he said that he was going home. He
departed, but the girl accompanied him home. Agyu was surprised to see his son accompanied by a
young lady. He asked the maiden who she was; she identified herself but insisted on marrying
Tanagyaw. So the two were married.
Episode 7: Agyu's country is invaded but Tanagyaw successfully
repulses the invaders; Tanagyaw settles in Sunglawon with his wife
After some time, Agyu's country is again endangered by invaders coming from across the sea. The
men fought well but were overwhelmed. A counselor foretold doom. But Tanagyaw reproved him.
He put on his attire that was ten times thick and of nine layers, and picked up his shield and spear
which could not be broken. Then he fought the invaders on the seashore. The dead piles up,
mountains and hills of them. The leader of the invaders invited Tanagyaw to his country. But
Tanagyaw said that the leader had been shamed. Upon hearing this, the leader's son fought him,
using a bar of gold. Tanagyaw in turn used his golden cane called Tanigid and with it reduced the
challenger to a pounded mass. The leader returned defeated to his homeland.

When peace had been restored, Agyu assigned the country of Sunglawon to his victorious son who
settled there with his charming wife.

Hudhud ni Aliguyon
(An Ifugao Harvest Song)

A his mother was Dumulao. When he was a little boy, his father used to tell him
the stories of his own adventures, in love and in war. His father also taught him
the use of the spear and shield. Aliguyon learned
quickly.

When he was old enough, his father made him a top. He taught Aliguyon how to spin
it, and how to break the tops of his playmates. His father also taught him how to cut
"runo" spears and fight with them.

Aliguyon, listening to the war prayers of the tribe, also learned to say the magic words
of the native priests and priestesses. In time, he became the undisputed leader of the
children of his tribe.

When he reached adolescence, he gathered his comrades and led them in a fight
against the enemy of his father, Pangaiwan of Daligdigan. In Daligdigan, however, he
faced, not his father’s enemy, but the son. Pumbakhayon was as spirited and lusty as
Aliguyon, so the fight lasted three years, with no end in sight or any sign of defeat on
the part of either group. Through the protracted warfare, the heroes learned to
admire each other’s abilities. Their fight
 finally ended in a peace pact made in Daligdigan, in the home of Pumbakhayon, and at
the instance of old Pangaiwan, Pumbakhayon’s father.

During the conclusion of the peace pact, Aliguyon saw and courted the youngest of the
beautiful sisters of Pumbakhayon, Bugan. Aliguyon brought his bride, a mere child, to
his home in Hannanga, where Bugan grew up into a beautiful woman. Then
Pumbakhayon went to Hannanga to witness his sister’s formal marriage to Aliguyon.
Aliguyon and Bugan had many children, and both became prosperous and beloved of
the people of Hannanga…

Pumbakhayon, later courted Aliguyon’s sister and brought her to his father’s home in
Daligdigan. There they were

Kudaman
(of Palawan)

B accompanied by her cousin Ambaynan, goes there to fish. As they are about to leave, Tuwan
Putli sees a river lobster with golden pincers. Ambaynan waits for her, but Tuwan Putli
disappears. There is blood in her
fish basket. Ambaynan goes home and reports the incident.

Tuwan Putli’s father, orders her husband (and son-in-law) Muta-Muta to search for her, but the man
disobeys. MutaMuta finds help in the person of the Young Man of the Clouds. It is agreed that if the
Young Man of the Clouds can find Tuwan Putli, she will be his. With the help of a crocodile, the Young
Man of the Clouds finds a fragment of Tuwan Putli’s toenail nestled inside a molar of an old
crocodile. The old crocodile had accidentally eaten Tuwan Putli. Retrieving the nail, he sees Muta-
Muta who tells him to bring home the nail fragment. The young man puts the nail inside the golden
chest. In the afternoon, Tuwan Putli’s voice is heard inside the chest, pleading to be let out. The chest
breaks open like a bamboo, filling the house with golden light. Tuwan Putli emerges and asks for a
betel nut. Learning that the young man has recued her, she consents to live with him.

Soon the Young Man falls in love with the Lady of the Sea-Beings, the wife of Kudaman. The Young
Man wins her love, forcing his wife, Tuwan Putli to leave him. Kudaman decides to bring the Lady of
the Sea-Beings to her father Surutan Tamparan, the Sultan of the Seacoast. On his journey back
aboard Linggisan, the Purple Heron, Kudaman meets Tuwan Putli and offers her a betel nut. She
accepts, and she becomes his "puun" or principal wife. When Surutan Tamparan discovers that his
daughter has left Kudaman for the Young Man of the Clouds, he beheads her at the place called
Scissors of the World. But she emerges from the ordeal lovelier than ever.

Muta-Muta, Tuwan Putli’s first husband, and his brother, the Datu of Ligayan, visit Kudaman to offer
a blood compact. Kudaman reminds Muta-Muta that Tuwan Putli is now his wife. Having become
blood brothers, Muta-Muta asks to stay in Kudaman’s place. Kudaman agrees, and he has a big house
built. Kudaman gathers his relatives and friends and offers to host a big feast of "tabad" rice beer.

Kudaman goes on a journey to look for beautiful garments for Tuwan Putli whom he entrusts to
Muta-Muta. Riding on Linggisan, his pet bird, Kudaman travels for seven years. The Lady of the Wild
Green Pigeon falls in love with him. The attraction is mutual, so Kudaman promises to return for her.
Reaching the house of the Sultan of the Seacoast, Kudaman buys the garments he wants. His former
wife expresses renewed yearning for him and his bird, so she is transported to Kudaman’s house,
where she is welcomed by Tuwan Putli as sister and co-wife. As he has promised, Kudaman passes by
the place of the Lady of the Wild Green Pigeon on his way back. He asks for betel nut, and she offers
him her betel nut container. When she agrees to come with him, he puts her inside betel container
for safekeeping. Tuwan Putli meets him with the news that the Lady of the Sea-Beings has come.
Kudaman shows her what he has brought home: a new sister.

Kudaman goes on another journey, entrusting the two women to his principal wife. He encounters
the Lady of the

Ginnu Tree, who is gripped with admiration for his magnificent bird. Kudaman obtains her, as he did
the Lady of the Wild Green Pigeon, but the Lady of the Ginnu Tree makes it clear to the other women
that she has no desire to win the hero away from them, and that she has come with him only because
she loves his bird.

Having put up his new "kalongbanwa" or big house, Kudaman wishes to offer a celebration in honor
of Ampu, the Master of the Rice. Muta-Muta, Datu Ligayan, and the four "linamin" or ladies are in
agreement. He lays his hands over the mouths of the jars of tabad, and right away, the rice beer
ferments. Muta-Muta and Datu Ligayan play their gongs, for this is the music beloved of the Master
of the Rice, who bestows sweetness and fragrance to the rice beer. Clad in wondrous garments and
ornaments of gold, Kudaman’s four wives dance the "tarok", and they prepare the betel chew for
their guests. The Young Man of the Clouds hears the music from the feast, and he hastens to join
Kudaman. But far away, the dreaded Ilanun also hear the gongs, and they decide to test the mettle of
Kudaman and get his wives. Informed through a dream, Kudaman orders the gong music to stop. He
does not want violence, for it is an affront against Ampu, the Supreme Master, who is also Nagsalad,
the Weaver of the World. He is the picture of calmness as he awaits the Ilanun’s arrival, chewing betel
as he sits. He invites the Ilanun to come to the house, but they harshly reject the offer.

Muta-Muta loses his restraint and attacks. The Young Man of the Clouds joins him. The leader of the
Ilanun and the Young Man of the Clouds duel in the heavens for seven years. Moved by Young Man’s
spirirt, Kudaman joins the fray. He entrusts to his grieving wives a bouquet of basil flowers whose
wilting or blossoming will signal his state. The ladies plead that Linggasan watch over its master; the
bird itself is anguished over Kudaman’s decision to fight.

Up in the clouds, astride of a ray of sunlight, Kudaman merely observes at first. But when the Young
Man of the Clouds falls, he comes to the Young Man’s rescue and puts the Young Man inside his
betel container. Then he confronts the Ilanun leader, Apo Tugbu. A battle between them lasts for
many years, taking them to several levels of the worlds. Finally Kudaman wins. The Ilanun are wiped
out.
 On their way home, Kudaman and the Young Man of the Clouds pass by the house of Limbuhanan,
the hero’s first cousin. They meet the Lady of the Agoho Tree, Limbuhanan’s wife. The couple
apologize to Kudaman for having gotten married without notifying him. The Young Man of the Clouds
relates the war he and Kudaman have just been through. The Lady of the Agoho Tree offers to
accompany the two back home.

Muta-Muta, Datu Ligayan, and the four wives are overjoyed when Kudaman arrives. The interrupted
feast resumes. A jural discussion is held, regarding harmonious relationship in marriage, the duties of
relatives, and other points of the "adat" or custom law. Among the guest are the Datu and Lady of
the Edge of the World, the Datu and Lady of the Surrounding Worlds, the Datu and Lady of Median
Space, the Chief Judge Pinagsaran and his wife, the Lady of the Atmosphere. The Sultan of the
Seacoast arrives with his seven wives, and he is offered the first sip of the tabad.

The merriment lasts for three days, but no violence or rowdiness occurs. Kudaman finds himself in a
state of stupor.

His being is transported, it seems, to another universe, and the heavens have been cindered by his
drunkenness.

But he is brought back to consciousness, and, seeing the face of the Lady of the Hooks, he proposes
to marry her. Revived, Kudaman chews betel and spits at the dead army of the Ilanun. They are
resurrected, and they surrender their weapons as a sign of compact.

Earlier, during the start of the feast, an old conflict over Tuwan Putli between Kudaman and the Chief
Judge Pinagsaran took place. The Lady of the Luray Tree, wife of Pinagsaran, proposed that Tuwan
Putli be cut in two so that the two men could each have half of her. Kudaman takes a blade and slices
her. Each half of her becomes a lovelier Tuwan Putli. The Sultan of the Seacoast takes his leave, and
the others follow suit, but not before everyone has agreed that there must be another feast in the
future.

The rest of the epic contains episodes about Kudaman’s odysseys to distant lands and visitations of
friends and relatives, during which great feasts are held. In one of his drunken revelries, having
gulped down 180 jars of "tabad", Kudaman plummets into the navel of the world and wrestles with
himself. In his drunken state, he meets the Lady of the Young Men, who fans his face to bring him
back to his senses and offers him betel chew. She becomes his fifth wife. Riding his heron to the ends
of the world, Kudaman wins his other wives who are all uniformly described as falling into a swoon at
the sight of his magnificent bird. They are the Lady of the Sandbar, who leaves her husband to go
with the hero; the Lady of the Last Level of the Universe; the Lady of the Oil of the

World; the Lady of the Maiden Space, also married; and the Lady of the Hooks, to whom he had earlier
proposed.

"Kudaman" ends with a final celebration of Kudaman’s marriage to ten women. At the same time, the
Young Man of the Clouds takes the sultan’s seventh daughter in marriage, and the dowry he gives is a
river which begins from the skies and flows beside the Sultan’s house, while "macopa" tree and a
pomelo tree bear fruit the whole year
 Lumalindaw
(Ga’dang Epic)
UMALINDAW, THE HERO OF THE GA'DANG, WAS THE SON OF CHIEF LUMALIBAC OF NABBOBAWAN AND

L his wife Caricagwat. He was an extraordinary being. In a few days he grew into a
strong young man with a voice so loud that if he shouted at a flying bird, it
would stop instantly in front of him, and if he shouted at a
coconut tree, its fruits would fall.

One day he went on top of a mountain, climbed a tree, and started playing his
"ayoding", a magical musical instrument that could speak words of advice to its master.
That day, his ayoding told him that they should go East, to Manimbawan, to look for a
beautiful lady. Accordingly, Lumalindaw asked his mother to give him his father's magic
bolo which sings when it swings and is so shiny that its brilliance blinds the opponent and
thus makes it easy to subdue him. With this bolo, Lumalindaw went on a raid with his
friends and got a head to give to his lady-love. He then left his mother and, accompanied
by his pet birds and monkey, he set out on his search for his beautiful lady.

While drinking in a stream, Lumalindaw saw reflected on it the face of a beautiful

lady. The voice even provided him with gold to give to the lady. Lumalindaw set out
on his journey. The sight of a rainbow gave him renewed strength.

He reached a house. He asked for a drink of water from the owner, an old woman, who
had a daughter, Menalam. Lumalindaw was able to win the hand of Menalam after a
bolo combat with Menalam's brothers. There was a lavish wedding feast, with the folk
of Nabbobawan bringing everything needed.

The parents of Lumalindaw and the young men and women of Nabbobawan came for
the wedding and were happily received by Menalam's parents, Mabbaniaw and Alottu.
For the whole day and night there was eating, dancing, and drinking. There was also
the observance of age-old customs, such as hanging coins on the shawls of the guests,
old folks telling stories, chanting tales, riddles, and proverbs and giving advice to the
newlyweds.

After a few days, Lumalindaw brought his bride home to Nabbobawan. After nine
months, Menalam gave birth to twins, a son and daughter whom they named Yadan
and Busilelaw, meaning "morning star." Menalam, accompanied by Lumalindaw,
brought her children to her home Icawayan at the request of her parents. Lumalindaw
had to leave them there and go back to Nabbobawan to attend to his duties as the
protector of his village.
After ten months, Lumalindaw became restless, for he wished to marry again. Upon
the advice of the Voice (in Manimbawan) he went to Iquiladan and there he won the
hand of Muwan, after proving his strength and courage through combat. After nine
months, this second wife gave birth to twins. The boy was named Yadan and the girl
Imugan, meaning "charm." After ten months it became necessary for Lumalindaw to
go back to his village to see his mother and his people. He was joyously welcomed
home by his people.

After ten months Lumalindaw became restless; he wanted to marry again. The Voice,
upon being consulted, told him he could court Carinuwan from the river Binalan, if he
wished. Passing by a river, fishes followed him and led

him to the cave of Binalan. Here he was welcomed by Carinuwan, who was a "sirena"
of goddess of fishes. When Lumalindaw expressed his love for her and held her hand,
Carinuwan's tail suddenly turned into two feet. She had been turned into a fish by a
powerful goddess and she could only regain her human form if somebody would be
willing to marry her. Now the spell was broken and Lumalindaw brought her home to
Nabbobawan. Nine months later she gave birth to a baby boy whom they named
Yadan. Later Carinuwan went back to her home in Binalan.

The Epic of Labaw Donggon

(of the Sulod people of Central Panay)
L mortal husband Buyung Paubari, the other two being Humadapnon and Dumalapdap.
Being of semi-divine birth, the three possess extraordinary powers. Labaw Donggon, for
instance, miraculously grows into a sturdy young man shortly after his birth and embarks
upon the first of his three courting adventures.

The first object of his affections is Abyang Ginbitinan, who lives "by the mouth of Handog, by
the river Halawud." Dressed in his best clothes, Labaw Donggon goes to Ginbitinan’s house
to visit her and to tell her that he will send his parents to arrange the marriage. This is done,
the dowry is agreed upon and given, the wedding is held.

Not long after his wedding to Ginbitinan, Labaw Donggon hears about another beautiful
woman, Anggoy Doronoon, of the underworld, and conceives a desire to court her. So he
visits her and wins her without any difficulty. Presumably [the text does not say so] he stays
with her for a while and then returns to Handog.

Very soon, however, Labaw Donggon is again restless with desire for another woman. This
time he chooses a married woman, Malitung Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata, "who resides where
the brilliant light of the sun starts," for she is the wife of Saragnayan, who takes charge of
the course of the sun. Labaw Donggon dresses in his best, as usual, and after gazing into a
"crystal ball" to know how Malitung Yawa looks, sails upward in his magic boat to the land of
the sun. His coming is, however, detected by Saragnayan, who intercepts him. Upon learning
Labaw Donggon’s intentions upon his wife, Saragnayan sternly tells him: "You can have
Malitung Yawa … if I do not have life anymore." A long, hard fight between the two men
follows, first, by using their respective charms, and later by using their own native strength.
But though Labaw Donggon submerges Saragnayan into the water for seven years and puts
him on top of a stone and beats him with coconut trunks, he cannot kill Saragnayan. The
reason is that Saragnayan’s life is not within his body but kept inside the body of a pig. After
many years of fighting, Labaw Donggon weakens and Saragnayan eventually defeats him,
binds his arms and feet, and puts him inside a pig pen below his kitchen.

Meanwhile, in Handog, Anggoy Ginbitinan has borne a son, Asu Mangga, who asks his
mother about his father. And down below in the underworld, Anggoy Doronoon has also
given birth to a son, Buyung Baranugun. Though his umbilical cord is still uncut, Baranugun
asks about his father and insists that his mother allow him to search for him. He dresses up
and asks his mother for his poisoned arrow "which with one shot pierces through seven
men." Asu Mangga has likewise decided to go in search of his father and dresses up in his
best clothes. Ginbitinan warns him that he is likely to meet his young brother and that if he
does, they should not fight each other.

The brothers do meet, Asu Mangga riding on a magic boat and Baranugun walking on the
sea. The latter joins his brother in his magic boat and they plan their search. Looking into the
crystal ball, they learn the whereabouts of their father and see the pitiful state into which he
has fallen: he has become hairy all over. Vowing to avenge their father’s humiliation, the
brothers steer their boat to the land of darkness. By invoking the power of their "pamlang",
the boat is able to soar to the Land of the Morning Sun. Their arrival does not escape the
notice of Saragnayan who wonders who they may be. The two brothers recover their father’s
boat, find where he is imprisoned under Saragnayan’s house, break the iron bars of his cage
by invoking their "pamlang", and lead him out of his cage and to their magic boat. There they
wash their father clean until he is handsome once more. Labaw Donggon tells

them of his long and futile fight with Saragnayan. The two sons then shout their challenge to
Saragnayan – ten times. It is so loud that Saraganayan loses his courage.

SI MARIANG MAPANGARAPIN
Magandang dalaga si Maria. Masipag siya at masigla. Masaya
at matalino rin siya. Ano pa't masasabing isa na siyang ulirang
dalaga, kaya lang sobra siyang pamangarapin. Umaga o
tanghali man ay nangangarap siya. Lagi na lamang siyang
nakikitang nakatingin sa malayo, waring nag-iisip at
nangangarap nang gising. Dahil dito, nakilala siya sa tawag na
Mariang Mapangarapin. Hindi naman nagalit si Maria bagkos
pa ngang ikinatuwa pa yata niya ang bansag na ikinabit sa
pangalan niya.

Minsan niregaluhan siya ng isang binata ng isang dosenang

dumalagang manok. Tuwang-tuwa si Maria! Inalagaan niyang
mabuti ang alaalang bigay sa kanya ng iisang manliligaw niya. Nagpagawa siya sa kanyang ama
ng kulungan para sa mga manok niya. Higit sa karaniwang pag-aalaga ang ginawa ni
Maria. Pinatuka niya at pinaiinom ang mga ito sa umaga, sa tanghali at sa hapon. Dinagdagan
pa ito ng pagpapainom ng gamot at pataba. At pinangarap ni Maria ang pagdating ng araw na
magkakaroon siya ng mga inahing manok na magbibigay ng maraming itlog.

Lumipas ang ilang buwan hanggang sa dumating ang araw na nag-itlog ang lahat na inahing
manok na alaga ni Maria. Labindalawang itlog ang ibinibigay ng mga inahing manok araw-
araw. At kinuwenta ni Maria ang bilang ng itlog na ibibigay ng labindalawang alagang manok sa
loob ng pitong araw sa isang linggo. Kitang-kita ang saya ni Maria sa kanyang pangarap.

At inipon na nga ni Maria ang itlog ng mga inahing manok sa araw-araw. Nabuo ito sa limang
dosenang itlog. At isang araw ng linggo ay pumunta sa bayan si Maria. Sunong niya ang limang
dosenang itlog. Habang nasa daan ay nangangarap nang gising si Maria. Ipagbibili niyang lahat
ang limang dosenang itlog. Pagkatapos, bibili siya ng magandang tela, ipapatahi niya ito ng
magandang bistida at saka lumakad siya ng pakendeng-kendeng. Lalong pinaganda ni Maria
ang paglakad nang pakendeng-kendeng at BOG!

Nahulog ang limang dosenang itlog! Hindi nakapagsalita si Maria sa kabiglaan. Saka siya
umiyak nang umiyak. Naguho ang kanyang pangarap kasabay ng pagbagsak ng limang
dosenang itlog na kanyang sunung-sunong.

Mensahe: Gawing makatotohanan ang layunin o adhika upang ito ay maisakatuparan.

 Ang Punong Kawayan

Sa isang bakuran, may ilang punungkahoy na may

kanya-kanyang katangian. Mabunga ang Santol,
mayabong ang Mangga, mabulaklak ang Kabalyero,
tuwid at mabunga ang Niyog. Ngunit sa isang tabi
ng bakuran ay naroroon ang payat na Kawayan.
Minsan, napaligsahan ang mga punungkahoy.
Tingnan ninyo ako, wika ni Santol. Hitik sa bunga
kaya mahal ako ng mga bata.
Daig kita, wika ni Mangga. Mayabong ang aking
mga dahon at hitik pa sa bunga kaya maraming
ibon sa aking mga sanga.
Higit akong maganda, wika ni Kabalyero. Bulaklak ko'y marami at pulang-pula. Kahit malayo,
ako ay kitang-kita na.
Ako ang tingnan ninyo. Tuwid ang puno, malapad ang mga dahon at mabunga,wika
ni Niyog. Tekayo, kaawa-awa naman si Kawayan. Payat na at wala pang bulaklak at
bunga. Tingnan ninyo. Wala siyang kakibu-kibo. Lalo na siyang nagmumukhang kaawa-awa.
Nagtawanan ang mga punungkahoy. Pinagtawanan nila ang Punong Kawayan.
Nagalit si Hangin sa narinig na usapan ng mga punungkahoy. Pinalakas niya nang pinalakas ang
kanyang paghiip. At isang oras niyang pagkagalit ay nalagas ang mga bulaklak, nahulog ang mga
bunga at nangabuwal ang puno ng mayayabang na punungkahoy. Tanging ang mababang-loob
na si Kawayan ang sumunud-sunod sa hilip ng malakas na hangin ang nakatayo at di nasalanta.

Mensahe: Ang kababaang-loob, papuri ang dulot.

Nakalbo ang Datu

 Ang kuwentong ito ay tungkol sa ating kababayang Muslim. May
katutubong kultura ang mga Pilipinong Muslim tungkol sa pag-
aasawa. Sa kanilang kalinangan, ang isang lalaki ay maaaring mag-
asawa nang dalawa o higit pa kung makakaya nilang masustentuhan
ang pakakasalang babae at ang magiging pamilya nila.
May isang datu na tumandang binata dahil sa paglilingkod sa
kanyang mga nasasakupan. Lagi siyang abala sa pamamahala ng
kanilang pook. Nalimutan ng datu ang mag-asawa. Siya ay
pinayuhan ng matatandang tagapayo na kinakailangan niyang mag-
asawa upang magkaroon siya ng anak na magiging tagapagmana niya.
Napilitang mamili ang datu ng kakasamahin niya habang buhay. Naging pihikan ang datu dahil
sa dami ng magagandang dilag sa pinamumunuang pamayanan. Sa tulong ng matiyagang
pagpapayo ng matatandang bumubuo ng konseho, natuto ring umibig ang datu. Ngunit hindi
lamang iisang dilag ang napili ng datu kundi dalawang dalagang maganda na ay mababait
pa. Dahil sa wala siyang itulak-kabigin kung sino sa dalawa ang higit niyang mahal kaya
pinakasalan niya ang dalawang dalaga.
Ang isa sa dalagang pinakasalan ng datu ay si Hasmin. Siya ay batang-bata at
napakalambing. Kahit na matanda na ang datu, mahal ni Hasmin ang asawa. Mahal na mahal
din siya ng datu kaya ipinagkaloob sa kanya ang bawat hilingin niya. Dahil sa pagmamahal sa
matandang datu, umisip si Hasmin ng paraan upang magmukhang bata ang asawa.
Ah! Bubunutin ko ang mapuputing buhok ng datu. Sa ganito, magmumukhang kasinggulang ko
lamang siya.
Ganoon nga ang ginawa ni Hasmin. Sa tuwing mamamahinga ang datu, binubunutan ni Hasmin
ng puting buhok ang asawa. Dahil dito, madaling nakakatulog ang datu at napakahimbing pa.
Mahal din ng datu si Farida, ang isa pa niyang asawa. Maganda, mabait si Farida ngunit
kasintanda ng datu. Tuwang-tuwa si Farida kapag nakikita ang mga puting buhok ng
datu. Kahit maganda siya, ayaw niyang magmukhang matanda.
Tuwing tanghali, sinusuklayan ni Farida ang datu. Kapag tulog na ang datu, palihim niyang
binubunot ang itim na buhok ng asawa.
Dahil sa ipinakikitang pagmamahal ng dalawa sa asawa, siyang-siya sa buhay ang
datu. Maligayang-maligaya ang datu at pinagsisihan niya kung bakit di kaagad siya nag-
asawa. Ngunit gayon na lamang ang kanyang pagkabigla nang minsang manalamin siya, Hindi
niya nakilala ang kanyang sarili.
Kalbo! Kalbo, ako! sigaw ng datu.
Nakalbo ang datu dahil sa pagmamahal ni Hasmin at ni Farida.

Mensahe: Ang pagmamahal ay naipakikita sa iba't-ibang paraan.

Ang Kalabasa at ang Duhat

Noong unang panahon nagtanim si Bathala ng kalabasa at

duhat. Gusto niyang makita kung papano magsilaki ang mga
ito.

Dahil si Bathala ang nagtanim, kaydali nilang lumaki. Si Duhat

ay lumaki pataas na ang itinuturo’y kalangitan, at ilang araw pa
ay nakahanda na itong mamunga.

Sabik na sabik na akong mamunga, wika ni Duhat.

Si Kalabasa naman ay humaba, ngunit hindi

tumaas. Gumapang lang ito nang gumapang, hanggang sa ito’y
nakatakda nang mamunga.

Ngunit hindi malaman ni Bathala kung anong uri ng bunga ang ipagkakaloob niya sa dalawang
ito.
Matamang nag-isip si Bathala.

Ang duhat na nilikha ko’y malaki, nararapat lamang na malaki rin ang kanyang bunga. At si
Kalabasa naman ay gumagapang lamang, at walang kakayahang tumayo, nararapat lamang na
ang mga bunga nito’y maliliit lamang. Wika ni Bathala.
Ganyan nga ang nangyari. Si Duhat ay namunga ng sinlaki ng banga. Agad niyang nakita na
hindi tama ito, sapagkat nababali ang mga sanga nito dahil sa bigat ng bunga. Si Kalabasa
nama’y hindi bagay dahil maliit ang bunga. Di pansinin ang mga bunga nito lalo’t natatakpan sa
malalapad na dahon.
Muling nag-isip ng malalim si Bathala. Tunay na hindi siya nasiyahan.

Napagpasiyahan niyang ipagpalit ang mga bunga ng mga ito. At napatunayan niyang tama ang
kanyang ginawa, sapagkat ang kalabasa, mahinog man ito’y hindi malalaglag dahil ang puno ay
gumagapang lamang. Samantalang ang duhat, malaglag man ay magaan, hindi masisira at
ginawa naman niyang kulay berde ang kalabasa sa dahilang ito’y malayo sa araw. At kulay itim
naman ang duhat. Pagkat ito’y malapit sa araw.

At sa kanyang ginawa’y nalubos ang kasiyahan ni Bathala.

Maikling Kuwentong – Bayan Ng Bisaya

Mag-asawa ang araw at ng buwan. Marami

silang mga anak na bituin. Gustung-gusto ng araw
na makipaglaro sa kanyang mga anak at ibig na ibig
niyang yakapin ang mga ito ngunit pinagbawalan
siya ng buwan sapagkat matutunaw ang mga bituin
sa labis na init ng araw. Kinagagalitan ng araw ang
mga anak kapag lumalapit sa kanya.
Isang araw, nagtungo sa ilog ang buwan
upang maglaba ng maruruming damit. Ipinagbilin
niya sa asawa na bantayan ang mga anak ngunit
huwag niyang lalapitan ang mga ito. Binantayan
nga ng araw ang mga anak. Buong kasiyahan niyang
pinanood ang mga ito habang naghahabulan. Nakadama siya ng pananabik at hindi siya nakatiis
na hindi yakapin ang mga anak. Bigla niyang niyakap ang lipon ng maliliit na bituin nang madikit
sa kanya ay biglang natunaw.
Hindi naman nagtagal at umuwi n ang buwan. Nagtaka siya sapagkat malungkot ang asawa.
Naisipan niyang bilangin ang mga anak ngunit hindi nya nakita ang maliliit kaya't hinanap niya
ang mga ito kung saan-saan. Hindi niya matagpuan ang mga anak. Sa gayo'y sinumabatan niya
ang asawa. "Niyakap mo sila? Huwag kang magsisinungaling!”
Hindi na naghintay ng sagot ang buwan. Mabilis niyang binunot ang isang punong saging at
tinangkang ipukol sa asawa na nakalimutan na ang kanyang kasalanan. Ang tanging nasa isp
niya ay kung paano niya maipagtatanggol ang sarili sa asawang galit na galit. Dumampot siya ng
isang dakot na buhangin at inihagis sa nukha ng buwan at dahilan sa nangyari ay nagkaroon ng
batik ang mukha ng buwan. Hinabol ng buwan ang araw upang makaganti sa ginawa nito sa
kanya at hanggang ngayon ay hinahabol pa rin ng buwan ang araw.