The Three Heroes of Ibalon

(Excerpt Bicol Epic)

When the hero Baltog came to the rich land of Ibalon, many monsters still roamed around in its
very dark forest. Baltog, born in Baltavara to the brave clan of Lipod, was the first to cultivate
the fields in the rich land of Ibalon.
Then the Tandayag attacked and destroyed Baltogs fields and crops. The Tandayag was a
monstrous wild boar but the hero Baltog was not afraid. One night, he waited for the Tandayag
and wrestled with it with all his might. The Tandayag had very long fangs. The earth shook at the
Tandayags step. But Baltog was strong and brave. He was able to pin down the monstrous wild
boar and tear out its mouth.
Baltog carried the Tandayag and hung it on a talisay tree in front of his house in Tondol. The
people celebrated when they learned of the victory of their king Baltog. The clans of Panicuason
and Asog came over to marvel at the monstrous wild boar in Ibalon.
At that time the hero Handiong came with a band of warriors to the land of Ibalon. Handiong and
his men had to fight thousands of battles, and face many dangers to defeat the monsters. They
first fought the one-eyed giants in the land of Ponon. They fought without rest for ten months
until all the one-eyed giants were killed.
They went to the lair of the giant flying fishes called Tiburon which had slimy, scaly, and hardy
flesh and sawlike teeth that could crush rocks. Handiong and his men did not stop until they
vanquished every Tiburon.
They tamed the fierce tamaraws. They drove away the giant Sarimaw which was larger than an
elephant and very fierce. They used their spears and arrows to kill all the crocodiles which were
bigger than boats. The savage monkeys were frightened and hid when they
saw the rivers and swamps of Ibalon turn red with blood.
Oriol was the hardest to kill. A serpent with a beautiful voice, Oriol could change its image to
deceive enemies. Oriol had escaped every trap and disappeared.
All by himself, Handiong looked for Oriol in the heart of the forest. He followed the beautiful
voice and was almost enchanted by it in his pursuit. It is said that Oriol admired Handiongs
bravery and gallantry. Thus, the serpent taught the hero how to conquer the monsters until peace
came to the whole Ibalon.
Handiong built a town in Isarog and a season of progress followed. Under Handiongs
leadership, the people planted rice which they named after him. He built the first boat to ride the
waves of Ibalon seas. Because of his good example, inventors came forth from his people.
Ginantong made the plow, harrow, and other farming tools. Hablom invented the first loom for
weaving abaca clothes. Dinahon, an Aeta, created the stove, cooking pot, earthen jar, and other
kitchen utensils. The brilliant Sural thought of the alphabet and started to write on white rock. It
was a golden period in Ibalon when even slaves were respected under the laws of Handiong.
But there came the big flood freed by Unos, with earthquakes and the eruption of the volcanoes
of Hantik, Kolasi, and Isarog. Rivers dried up and the seas receded. The earth parted, mountains
sank, and many towns in Ibalon were destroyed.
Then appeared the giant Rabot, half-man half-beast, with terrible powers.
Bantong, Handiongs good friend, was ordered to kill the new monster in Ibalon. He took with
him a thousand warriors to attack Rabots den. Bantong used his wisdom against Rabot. He did
not attack the giants den right away but instead observed Rabots ways. He saw many rocks
around the den. They were people turned into rock by Rabot.
He also learned that Rabot loved to sleep. When Rabot slept very soundly, Bantong was able to
go near him. The giant died with a single stab by the brave and wise Bantong. Ibalon was at
peace once more.