Biag ni Lam-ang (Summary)

BIAG NI LAM-ANG (Life of Lam-ang) is pre-Hispanic epic poem of the Ilocano people of the Philippines. The story was handed down orally for generations before it was written down around 1640 assumedly by a blind Ilokano bard named Pedro Bucaneg.

BUOD (SUMMARY) OF BIAG NI LAM-ANG

Don Juan and his wife Namongan lived in Nalbuan, now part of La Union in the northern part of the Philippines. They had a son named Lam-ang. Before Lam-ang was born, Don Juan went to the mountains in order to punish a group of their Igorot enemies. While he was away, his son Lam-ang was born. It took four people to help Namongan give birth. As soon as the baby boy popped out, he spoke and asked that he be given the name Lam-ang. He also chose his godparents and asked where his father was. After nine months of waiting for his father to return, Lam-ang decided he would go look for him. Namongan thought Lam-ang was up to the challenge but she was sad to let him go. During his exhausting journey, he decided to rest for awhile. He fell asleep and had a dream about his father's head being stuck on a pole by the Igorot. Lam-ang was furious when he learned what had happened to his father. He rushed to their village and killed them all, except for one whom he let go so that he could tell other people about Lam-ang's greatness.

Upon returning to Nalbuan in triumph, he was bathed by women in the Amburayan river. All the fish died because of the dirt and odor from Lam-ang's body. There was a young woman named Ines Kannoyan whom Lam-ang wanted to woo. She lived in Calanutian and he brought along his white rooster and gray dog to visit her. On the way, Lam-ang met his enemy Sumarang, another suitor of Ines whom he fought and readily defeated. Lam-ang found the house of Ines surrounded by many suitors all of whom were trying to catch her attention. He had his rooster crow, which caused a nearby house to fall. This made Ines look out. He had his dog bark and in an instant the fallen house rose up again. The girl's parents witnessed this and called for him. The rooster expressed the love of Lam-ang. The parents agreed to a marriage with their daughter if Lam-ang would give them a dowry valued at double their wealth. Lam-ang had no problem fulfilling this condition and he and Ines were married. It was a tradition to have a newly married man swim in the river for the rarang fish. Unfortunately, Lamang dove straight into the mouth of the water monster Berkakan. Ines had Marcos get his bones, which she covered with a piece of cloth. His rooster crowed and his dog barked and slowly the bones started to move. Back alive, Lam-ang and his wife lived happily ever after with his white rooster and gray dog.

Philippine Literature: Philippine Epics: Introduction, Review, Story, Summary of Hudhud, a Philippine epic story of the Ifugao Province, Cordillera.
Hudhud, is one of the earliest epics ever written in the Philippines. It was believed to have originally been written in an ancient Philippine script called Alibata, and then later on translated, upon discovery, into Tagalog (Filipino). The Hudhud was part of the earliest traditions of the Ifugao tribal people. It was chanted among the natives whenever a prominent person dies in their village, (or, recited during a harvest season.) The Hudhud was a powerful narrative, recounting the story of heroes with god-like abilities. Aliguyan was the name of Hudhuds primary hero. Although not as much famous as the Ilocos regions Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang), or the world-famous Beowulf, the Ifugao epic Hudhud, continues to become a favorite among students or researchers of Philippine literature. The reason is because it illustrates some very important lessons the evils and foolishness of warfare, and, the goodness and advantages of upholding peace. Because of its classic theme, the story of Hudhud remains relevant even up to these days. And because of its social significance in upholding tradition, the Hudhud deserves the recognition of the UNESCO, and ought to be considered and protected as a valuable cultural heritage. Hudhud (story summary) Long had there been conflict between the two tribes that lived in the land of Ifugao. One tribe was ruled by Antalao, and his son Aliguyan; and the rival tribe was ruled by Pangaiwan, with his son Pumbakhayon.

Image via Wikipedia The conflict between the two tribes halted for some time, but once, Aliguyan decided to continue his battle with his opponent Pumbakhayon. Aliguyan prayed to the rooster, and to the Idao bird, which gave him a sign that he made the right decision. Aliguyan, with his companions then, proceeded to the plains of Daligdigan. There, he shouted, urging Pumbakhayon to do battle with him.

Image via Wikipedia Pumbakhayon instantly accepted the challenge. They agreed to meet at a set date and time, and they would fight to the death. When Pumbakhayon went home to prepare for the battle, unknowingly just like what Aliguyan did, Pumbakhayon prayed to the rooster and the Idao bird. And the two heroes battled in the fields. They possessed equal strength and cleverness in doing battle. The battle was amazing. Even the ladies applauded. In the middle of the fight, Dangunay, Pumbakhayons mother, arrived with Pumbakhayons sister Bugan. Dangunay advised to stop the fight since it was obvious that the two heroes were just equally brave. But the battle between Aliguyan and Pumbakhayon continued. It continued and lasted until one and a half year, when, Aliguyan decided to visit his home. He was greeted with a celebration; but a celebration that did not last for long, because Pumbakhayon followed Aliguyan and their battle continued.

Just like their previous battles, Aliguyan and Pumbakhayons fight continued to be in the level field. Aliguyans mother, Dumalao, arrived with Aliguyans sister Aginaya. Just like what Pumbakhayons mother advised, Dumalao asserted to stop the fight since it was obvious that the two heroes were just equal in strength and cleverness. But the battle between Aliguyan and Pumbakhayon continued. Their battle became well known throughout the land of Ifugao. News of the battle reached Daulayan, steadfast suitor of Pumbakhayons sister Bugan. But Daulayan received a news that Pumbakhayon, his would-be brother-in-law, was defeated and killed by Aliguyan. Daulayan decided to take revenge, but was only surprised to see that Pumbakhayon was still alive. Nonetheless, Daulayan still challenged Aliguyan. And Daulayan was defeated by Aliguyan. Pumbakhayon declared that Daulayans loss was a great shame. Pumbakhayon would not let him marry his sister Bugan, and he announced that the rightful man to receive his sisters hand in marriage was no one else but Aliguyan. There was great joy and festivity. The two opposing tribes achieved peace. Aliguyan married Pumbakhayons sister Bugan, and when Aliguyan took Pumbakhayon with him to his home tribe, Pumbakhayon met Aliguyans sister Aginaya. And their hearts were in agreement. Pumbakhayon took Aginaya to his home tribe and married. Since then, there had been peace and joy between the two tribes of Aliguyan and Pumbakhayon. Both tribes became known as great and honorableThe End

The Origin Of Rice (Philippine Legend)

There was a time, many, many years ago, when rice was not known to our people. At that time our ancestors lived on fruits, vegetables, birds, and wild animals which they caught while hunting in the mountains or the forests. Tilling the soil was still unknown. And poultry and hog was not yet a part of their way of living. Because our people depended on the food which nature provided and not what they themselves grew or raised, their stay in one place was only temporary. When there was nothing more to be hunted or gathered in a certain place, they would go to another region where there was plenty of food. Thus, they traveled from one place to another. But our ancestors were proud, thankful and happy. They were proud of the things they had- their brown skin, the race to which they belonged, and the customs and traditions which they practiced. They were thankful to Bathala, their god. And they were happy in the manner of living which they led. On a typical day, the men could be seen going to the mountains or forests to hunt, while the women and small children could be seen busily engaged in such useful tasks as fishing and gathering of fruits and vegetables. After a days work, all wild animals that had been killed in the hunt and all fruits and vegetables that had been gathered, would be divided equally among all the group of families which made up the balangay. One day, a group of hunters went out to hunt deer. In their desire to have a good catch, they traveled far and wide until they reached the Cordillera Mountains. Having traveled so far, and feeling dead tired, they decided to take a rest under a big tree. It was nearing noon and all of them were hungry. While resting in the shade of the tree, they saw, not far from where they were, a group of men and women whose features were quite different from those of ordinary mortals. The hunters realized that they were gods and goddesses who lived in that part of the mountain. All at once the hunters stood up and

gave the deities due respect. The gods were glad of this gesture. In return, they invited the hunters to join them in their banquet. The hunters helped in the preparation of the food. They butchered the deer and wild boar and then placed them one after another over the live coals. In a short while, a servant of the gods got some bamboos and placed them over the fire. The bamboos contained small, white kernels shaped like beads. Soon after, the cooked kernels were placed in saucershaped banana leaves. The table laden with roasted meat, cooked vegetables, and fresh fruits. Other bamboos were brought in and these contained what looked like pure water. The hunters soon learned that the crystal-like substance was not water but rather, the wine of the gods. At first, the hunters were reluctant in joining the feasts after seeing the small, white kernels. We do not eat worms, the chief hunter said. The gods smiled. These white bead-shaped kernels are not worms, replied one of the gods. They are cooked rice. They come from a certain kind of plant which we ourselves grow. Come and feast with us. After we have eaten, kill us if you find anything wrong from eating rice. After hearing the gods words, the hunters did not argue anymore. They feasted with the gods. They were satisfied and happy, not because they were fed but because of the energy they felt after eating cooked rice. Their weak bodies became strong. After the feast, the hunters thanked the gods. Before leaving, every hunter received a sack of palay from the gods. This is palay, explained another of the gods. Pound the palay, winnow and clean it very well. Wash the rice with water and place the washed rice between the internodes of the bamboo with enough water to be absorbed by the rice. Then place the bamboo over the fire until it is cooked. The sick will become strong and all of you will be satisfied after eating. Preserve some of the palay for your seedbed. Start planting during the rainy season. During the dry season, you can harvest the palay. Go now. Introduce the palay in your village and teach the people how to till the soil. You will progress and this will stop you from wandering from place to place. After thanking the gods, the hunters left for their village. They followed the advice of the gods. They introduced the eating of cooked rice in their village. They taught their own people how to till the soil and plant it with palay. After many years, the practice of planting rice became widespread. Otherbalangays soon adopted the practice of planting rice. Since then rice became known to our people. And along with that tilling of the soil, our people also learned to raise animals and to construct permanent dwelling places.