ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF GUBAT

(A Legend)

Compiled by: Salvador G. Españo

Long ago when people still fear the wrath of "rabrabs" who devour people particularly the newborn, the
people of the villages, now called the town of Gubat, was not spared. In fact, the town became the
favorite hunting ground of "Tagulipnan" because the settlement was already populated due to the
bountiful catch of the fish in the sea. The beast would often lurk during moonlight nights.

Tagulipnan is known to be a nocturnal half-bird and half-man monster that possesses the power of
invisibility. It was believed that after devouring a victim Tagulipnan would hibernate for 15 days when the
moon does not give light, and would appear as soon as the moon provides its earliest trickle of light.

The early settlers tried to engage the beast to no avail. Many times had they relocated their houses to
escape the menace of the beast but many times also they were haunted and caught bringing even more
death. And when the people would put a heavy resistance, the beast would use his power of invisibility
and would struck with awed anger. The helpless victims would soon learn to hide their babies. Some of
them escaped the death verdict but some of them are caught especially when the Tagulipnan would
sneak without being seen.

The people, led by Aramag, Maragadao and Mararag, made a covenant to fight it out to the last man,
knowing that they'll die anyway. Tagulipnan had foreseen the event and instead of fighting the settlers
face to face, inflicted them with more sufferings by driving all the fish in the sea nearby and caused
typhoons to destroy the crops.

Helpless as they were when Tagulipnan reigned over the skies, they renewed their faith in the Supreme
Being and asked for his blessing and help.

One day, a warrior named Mardawan and flanked by three soldiers appeared before the asthonized
villagers. They wondered where the warrior with shining armors came from. Aramag readily informed
Mardawan of the sufferings they experienced under the grip of Tagulipnan.
 Soon, Mardawan and the three soldiers, accompanied by Aramag, Mararag and Maragadao, kept watch
over a hill where Tagulipnan usually wait for the sacrifice. When the beast showed up the warriors and
the local leadership awaited for the attack. The monster, however, eluded them by using his powers. At
day break, the warrior heard the news that another have been snatched from the arms of his mother by
the unseen beast.

This prompted Mardawan to seek divine help. He requested a day's communication with his Supreme
Superior and at day's end, he was ready for the final encounter.

As soon as sun set and the moon gave its reflected light, Mardawan and the three soldiers stood guard
on the top of the hill overlooking the settlement, Mardawan sounded the "bodyong" and all the fish in
the sea nearby soared above with all their force towards Tagulipnan.

The beast tried to use his powers, but the multitude number of "bugiw", "malasugi" and "manabang"
pinned down Tagulipnan before he could use his powers. The once vicious beast now lay prone on the
ground with hundreds of "bugiw" and "malasugi" still pinned and in the beast's lump body.

The villager swiftly learned of the raid by school of fish. Soon they were shouting "Ginubat" "Ginubat"
with joy and happiness.

At the sound of another "budyong" call, the people came out from their hiding place and buried the
remains of the monster along the shore. A merry making was held on that day.

The people, up to now, never fear the resurrection of the Tagulipnan because it was believed that the
burial site of the beast is the hilly part of the Barangay Buenavista traversed by the provincial road to
Barcelona which now is the Department of Agriculture Breeding Station.

The three soldier believed to have stayed on guard over the burial ground in case Tagulipnan is freed
from its graveyard and given life again. "Tolonggapo" or the three coral reefs in the middle of Gubat Bay
are thought to be the three who came with Mardawan.
 Mardawan was believed to have transformed himself to Handawan Island, which until now, is the fish
sanctuary and other marine products which continuously provide the Gubateños with food supply.