I was told this story by my lolo who had said he met the king long ago.

My lolo was a stranger to these lands. having just met my lola, he wanted to see where her family was from.

On a nondescript morning, he awoke to a letter placed by his side.
He asked my lola’s family if it came from any of them, a negative answer was all they could give.

The letter said: “I invite you to my abode. Follow the Saiton river and I will welcome you.”

My lolo asked about this and people reassured him.
“Oh it’s just the king playing again.”
“You need not worry.”
“He likes his surprises.”
Later that day, while my lola was out, my lolo decided to follow what the letter had said.

He followed the river, waiting to see the king’s place in the distance, but all he saw was the hill.

He came back dejected. All my mother’s cousins chided him for a bit, but they were not malicious.

“The king likes to make games out of foreigners.”

Seeing all the sights around Panliguiran Hill, he said the conversation was still crisp in his mind.

“You’ve lived here most of your life?” He asked my lola.

“That I have.” She answered.
“Who is this king you all speak of?”
“He is a spirit of these parts.”
“Is he a ghost?”
“Maybe? We don’t know.”
“How long has he been here?”
“He was king before we settled in these lands.”
“What does he do?”
“He is just a creature of mischief.”

“Nothing to be afraid of?”
“Nothing at all.”

With this the conversation ended, but my lolo still thought of the king.
He could not sleep, he tossed and turned in his bed, wracked with curiousity.
Then he dreamed.
In this dream he saw the king.

He imagined the king would be a more imposing figure.

But all he saw was a man with a moustache.

“Hello stranger.” The king spoke.

“Hello king,” my lolo replied.

He stood there with a mixture of fear and wonder. “I was told you rule this hill.”
“What does it mean to rule? No, I am not that kind of king.”

“Then what are you?”

“Just a ghost that has never known what it is to live.”
“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, really, what do you want to know? It has been too long since I have talked to a mortal not of this land.”
“Why this place? What makes it so special?”

“Ah so you wish to see the full extent of my kingdom?”
“Yes.”
“Then tomorrow follow my letter and I shall show you.”
The next day my lolo went to the Siaton river towards Panliguiran hill

The closer he got to the hill, the more he felt a strange sensation tickling his skin.

He let it wash over him, trysting in what the king had said.

And in a moment, he was there.
A giant castle appeared out of nowhere as if it had always been there. It grew naturally around the hill, wrapping the foliage.

“What is this?” my lolo asked.

“This is my kingdom, and you are welcome here.” The king, appearing suddenly before him.
My lolo could not contain his astonishment, words failed him.

“Your reaction is normal for mortals. This place is what is called a bridge to our world.”
“Our?” My lolo was barely able to articulate.
“Engkanto, tamawo, fairies, spirits. As your kind calls us.”
“So Panliguiran hill is…. This?”

“Not many mortals get to see it in all its splendor.”
“Why me? Why did you invite me here?”

“Simply because…”

“Because?”
“I am bored.”
“What?”
“All the humans here know of my kingdom. It amuses me to see the reactions of the uninitiated.”

“So… now what?”

“If there is nothing else then I bid you return to your world.”
“But—-”

In a flash my lolo found himself facing the hill, the castle fading away into memory.”
My lolo ended the story there and would always say:
“A bored king will play his games.”

=—————————=

Dawinde illustration by Marko Mikhal Gomez Deposoy

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*Note this story is in Tagalog

Isa itong magandang lugar para manalangin. Ang mga salita ng kaniyang mga magulang ay umalingawngaw sa puso ni Alfonso.

Sa unang pagkakataon na sinabi ng kaniyang mga magulang na sila ay pupunta ng La Union, naisip na ni Alfonso ang mga itatanong niya sa surfing instructor.

Ngunit hindi niya inaasahan ang mga batong walang laman sa isang lumang simbahan.

Sa paglipas ng mga taon, sila ay nagbigay ng isang uri ng kaginhawaan.

Anuman ang mangyari sa kaniyang buhay, nandoon lamang ang mg bato. Nandoon sana siya.

Naalala ni Alfonso ang unang beses nang makita niya ang pari.

Nakita niya ito sa gilid ng kaniyang mga mata. Ginagalugad niya noon ang mga guho at tinitingnan kung sino pa ang ibang naroroon.

Nagtawag siya ng isang kaibigan at nakakita siya ng isang multo.

Tumatangis, tumakbo siya papunta sa kaniyang mga magulang at sinabi sa kanila ang kaniyang nakita.

Pareho ang kanilang naging sagot — “Ipanalangin mo siya.”

Alas-otso na ng gabi, tatlong oras buhat nang dumating si Alfonso sa simbahan. Muli siyang nanigarilyo at inalala ang nakaraan.

Tinangka niyang alamin lahat ng tungkol sa pari, ang mga alamat patungkol sa pugot na ulo, ngunit wala siyang napala.

Walang nakaaalam kung paano siya napugutan ng ulo. “Pero mahalaga pa ba ito?” naisip niya.

Sumagi ang isa na namang repleksyon sa isip niya. “Ang salitang ‘nawala’ ay nangangahulugang alam mo kung saan ka papunta, hindi mo lang alam paano makarating doon.” Hindi siya makahanap ng iba pang salitang makapagpapaliwanag ng sitwasyon niya.

Hindi siya nagkaroon ng anumang layunin na maaari niyang habulinl

Alas-nuebe na at sa wakas nagpakita na rin ang pari, nag-iikot-ikot sa mga pinagpalang bato.

At sinimulan na ni Alfonso:

Ama namin sa langit

Sa Iyo namin matatagpuan ang kaligtasan

Ang mga kaluluwa ay gumagala

At itinatangis ko sa Iyo

Para sa mga nawawalan ng pag-asa

Para sa mga nawawalan ng pag-ibig

Ikaw nawa ang maging lahat ng bagay

Sa lahat ng tao

Upang mailigtas Mo sila

Itaas mo ang Iyong mga kamay

Palayain mo ang aming mga kaluluwa

Pakawalan mo kami sa aming mga tanikala

Linisin mo kami mula sa aming mga nakaraan

Gamutin mo ang aming mga sugat

Upang kami ay umasa sa hinaharap

Ito ay nangyayari lamang sa pamamagitan ng Iyong biyaya

Sa pangalan Mo

Na nagliligtas sa amin

Amen

Inulit-ulit ito ni Alfonso nang walang tigil hanggang sa tumulo ang kaniyang mga luha sa mga bato/

Alam niya na naroon pa rin ang pari sa susunod.

Alam niya na hindi ito patatawarin.

Ngunit naniniwala siya sa kapangyarihan ng panalangin.

Mula sa isang ligaw na kaluluwa papunta sa isa pa.

=———————————–=

English Version

It’s a good place to pray. His parent’s words rang hollow in Alfonso’s heart.

The first time his parents said they were going to La Union Alfonso had already thought of the questions he would ask the surfing instructor.

He didn’t expect the empty stones of an old church.

Through the years they became a sort of comfort. No matter what happened in his life, the stones would be there. He would be there.

Alfonso remembers the first time he saw the priest.

It was out the corner of his eye. He was exploring the ruins and wanted to know who else was there.

He called out for a friend and he found a phantasm.

Tears in his eyes, he ran to his parents and told them what he saw.

Their answer was always the same – ‘Pray for him’

It is 8PM, 3 hours since Alfonso arrived at the church. He takes another drag on his cigarette and remembers better times.

He tried to find out everything about the priest, of course, digging through urban legends about the headless specter and finding nothing of note.

No one knows why he lost his head. ‘But does it matter?’ he thought.

Another drag, another reflection. ‘The word ‘lost’ implies that you know your destination and you just don’t know how to get there.’ He couldn’t find another word to explain his situation.

He never had a goal he could chase.

9PM and the priest finally shows up, making his rounds through the once-blessed stones.

And Alfonso begins:

Heavenly Father

In You we find salvation

Souls wander

And I cry to you

For those that are hopeless

To those that do not know love

You become all things

To all people

That you may save them

Lift Your hands

Set our souls free

Undo our chains

Cleanse us of the past

Heal our scars

That we may look forward

It happens only through your grace

In your name

Who saves us

Amen

He repeats this without pause and Alfonso’s tears fall on the stones below.

He knows that the priest will still be there the next time.

He knows that he won’t be forgiven.

But he trusts in the power of prayer.

From one lost soul to another.

=====—————————————

*Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a quarter of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by the majority. Its standardized form, officially named Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines, and is one of two official languages alongside English.

Written by Karl Gaverza

Translation by Gabriela Baron
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Translation Copyright © Gabriela Baron

Inspired by The Headless Priest of Pindangan Ruins urban legends

The Headless Priest of Pindangan Ruins Illustration by Kring Demetrio
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The post The Headless Priest of Pindangan Ruins – Tagalog Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Kapampangan

Metung benging alang bulan anyang ikit ke

Itang lalaking tinangis api

Lepitan ke saka ke kitnangan bakit

Lua la bang lungkut den?

O lua lang mua mu?

E ya mekibat

Kontorung mengutang ku

Mas menulu ing api kareng mata na

Karin ku mipaisip

Aisip na kaya nung mengatakutan ko?

Miglawa nang malutu

Dinalumdum ne ing langit

Oneng ali ya pa din mekibat

Bagkus, tinapus naku pa palawut

Oneng kailangan kung abalu

Na ating miyayaliwang lungkut

Na ating miyayaliwang mua

Ampong sigurung miyayaliwang saya

Linawe naku kareng matuling nang mata

A manuling api king gabun

Menangis yang pilang alang anggang panaun

Anggang minaslag ya ing sulu king panakit ku king malawut

King metung iglap, mewala ne

Miglakwan yang malutung lawa

Katunayan na linabas ya

Pangabukas milbalik ku

Ampo keng benging kayari na ning bukas bengi

Bangkanita akutnan ke itang lalaki

Nung bakit ya manangis

=————————————-=

English Version

It was a moonless night when I saw him

The man who cried fire

I went up to him and asked why

Were they tears of sadness?

Or anger?

He did not reply

The more I asked

The more fire fell from his eyes

And I began to wonder

Does he think I am frightened?

By the pool of glittering red

By the darkness of the night sky

He would not give me an answer

And sought to push me away

But I needed to know

There were different kinds of sadness

Different kinds of anger

And maybe even different kinds of joy

He looked at me with his jet black eyes

Pouring flames onto the ground

He wept for several eternities

Until the light broke from the horizon

And in an instant he was gone

With only a puddle of red

As evidence of his passing

Tomorrow I will return

And the night after that

To ask the crying man

What is behind his tears

————————–————————–——————–

Inongok Illustration by Joshua Hamangal
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The post Inongok – Kapampangan Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Ang lahat ng tao ay nangangailangan ng mga kuwento sa kanilang buhay. Dahil doon, sila ay nagiging mas tao.

Ang sino man na tututol ay baka nangangailangan na muling magsiyasat ng kanilang mga puso.

Iyon ang sinasabi ng lolo ni Jaime sa lahat, o kahit sino na nakikinig.

Mahal siya talaga ng kanyang pamilya. Sa bawat pagtitipon ng angkan, nilalapitan niya ang kanyang mga apo at sinasabihan ng mga nakamamanghang kuwento.

At nakikinig silang lahat.

Halos lahat sila.

Si Jaime ay espesyal na kaso.

Kung titingnang maigi, si Jaime ay ang tipo ng bata na may mga magulang na masyadong abala sa mga bagay na importante sa mga matanda kaya nakakalimutan nila na may kasama silang bata sa bahay.

Nakuha ni Jaime ang kanyang unang tablet noong siya ay apat na taon at ang una niyang cellphone noong siya ay pitong taon. Ang plano na binili ng kanyang mga magulang para sa datos ng internet ay walang limitasyon at inisip nila na ito ang pagkakaabalahan ni Jaime hanggang malimutan niya na siya ay mag-isa.

Nagkamali sila, tulad ng karamihan sa mga magulang na may nag-iisang anak. Kung tutuusin, hindi man lang nila sinubukang paganahin ang kahit na ano– lahat ay bago.

Naupo si Jaime sa harap ng kanyang lolo at bahagyang nakinig sa kanyang mga kuwento.

Bago pa man matapos ang kuwento, sumabat si Jaime. “Hindi po iyan totoo!”

Napatingin ang lahat ng mga pinsan niya sa kanya at batid sa kanilang mga mukha na sanay na sila. Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na ginambala niya ang kuwentuhan at alam nila na hindi ito ang huli.

Napabuntong-hininga ang lolo ni Jaime. “Ano na naman ngayon?,” tanong niya na nakangiti.

“Wala naman po talagang Engkanto– gawa-gawa lang po iyan!,” sabi ni Jaime.

“Paano mo naman nalaman?,” sagot ng kanyang lolo.

“Nabasa ko po sa internet!” Dahil ang pagbabasa ng mga bagay sa internet ang ginagawa kapag mayroon kang tablet at datos na walang limitasyon.

“Totoo naman iyan. Nanunumpa ako sa ngalan ng aking ina,” masayang sagot ng lolo ni Jaime.

“Hindi po iyan totoo, at sigurado po ako!”

Samantala, abala sa panonood ang ibang mga apo sa nangyayari.  Ito ang paborito nilang bahagi tuwing oras ng kuwentuhan. Ang pagtatalo ni Jaime at ng kanyang lolo ay halos abutin ng buong maghapon, at nakalilibang ito na pagmasdan.

“Totoo iyan! Ako ay dinala sa puno ng balete at nakarating sa kaharian ng mga engkanto!”

Matindi ang iling ni Jaime. “Wala pong lugar na ganyan! Hindi po iyan makikita sa Google Maps!”

Abogado ang lolo ni Jaime sa dati niyang buhay at hindi siya papayag na talunin ng isang bata na wala pa halos siyam na taong gulang.

“Kung nakinig ka lang sana sa aking kuwento, malalaman mo na ang kaharian ng mga engkanto ay hindi matatagpuan ng teknolohiya ng tao.”

“Hindi ko po kailangang pakinggan ang kuwento ninyo kasi alam ko po na iyon ay gawa-gawa lang.”

“Tinatawag mo ba akong sinungaling?”

“Hindi ko naman po sinabi na nagsasabi po kayo ng totoo.”

“Ano ang ibig mong sabihin?”

Ipinagpatuloy nila ito hanggang umabot na ng hapunan (at minsan kahit naghahapunan, ang adobo ni Lola Anding ay hindi kayang patigilin ang kanilang pagtatalo).

Ito ang eksena na nagaganap taon-taon.

Hanggang umabot ang taon na naging malubha ang karamdaman ng kanyang lolo kaya hindi na niya kayang magkuwento, at ang mga tiyuhin at mga tiyahin niya ay pabulong na pinag-uusapan ang kalagayan ng kanyang lolo.

Hindi malaman ni Jaime ang kanyang gagawin. Walang nagturo sa kanya kung paano ilabas ang kanyang galit, kaya kinuha niya ang kanyang tablet at cellphone para subukang takasan ang mundo.

Hindi naisip ng kanyang mga magulang na may problema siya, dahil ang mga tinedyer ay kilala sa pagiging bihasa sa pagmukmok.

Si Jaime ay nagmukmok at nagpatugtog ng malakas na musika para subukang ibsan ang kanyang nararamdaman, pero wala itong naitulong sa kanya.

Hindi niya pinasukan ang ilang klase niya para mabisita ang kanyang lolo sa ospital, dahil sa kabila ng kanilang mga pagtatalo ay mahal na mahal niya ito.

“Magiging maayos din ang lagay ko,” sabi ng kanyang lolo habang nakapikit.

“Hindi po totoo iyan.”

“Ngayon, bakit mo naman naisip iyan?”

“Nabasa ko po sa internet.”

“Lagi ko sa iyong sinasabi na huwag mong isubsob ang ulo mo sa iyong mga gadyet. Napakalawak ng mundong sisiyasatin kapag tumingin ka pataas.”

“Sinusubukan niyo po akong ilihis.”

“Mahaba ang oras na inilalaan mo sa iyong cellphone at patuloy ka pa ring mapagmasid.”

“Pakiusap, huwag niyo po akong iiwan, lolo.”

“Wala naman akong ibang pupuntahan.”

“Hindi po iyan ang nabasa ko.”

“Ang buhay ay higit pa sa mga salita, apo.”

“Alam ko po kung ano ang cancer.”

“Hindi kayang ituro ng internet ang lahat ng bagay.”

“Sapat naman po ang naituro sa akin. “

“Ano ba ang sinasabi doon?”

“Na baka hindi na po kayo makakalabas dito ng buhay.”

“Kakayanin ko ito.”

“Talaga po?”

“Tinatawag mo ba akong sinungaling?”

“L..Lolo…” Nagsimulang umagos ang luha sa mukha ni Jaime.

“Ipangako mo sa akin na may gagawin kang isang bagay.”

“Kahit na ano po.”

“Pumunta ka sa puno ng balete sa aking likod-bahay at panoorin ang mga bituin.”

“Lolo, seryoso po ako.”

“Seryoso din naman ako. Panahon na para matuto ka ng mga bagay na hindi kayang ituro ng internet.”

“Lolo..”

“Nangangako ka ba?” Tinitigan siya ng kanyang lolo na kayang gunawin ang salitang ‘hindi’.

“Ipinapangako ko po, lolo.”

“At ipinapangako ko na ako ay magiging maayos.”

Ang mga ilaw sa loob ng kuwarto ng ospital ay umandap-andap habang papasok ang mga magulang ni Jaime. Hindi nila alam kung ano ang gagawin sa isang bata na tumakas sa kanyang klase para makita ang kanyang lolo, kaya’t ginawa nila ang sa tingin nila ay tama at kinuha ang kanyang mga gadyet.

Wala nang pakialam si Jaime. Mayroon siyang pangako na kailangang tuparin.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Binigyan ni Lola Anding ng tsaa si Jaime para maging komportable ang kanyang pamamalagi. Noong nagpakita si Jaime sa harap ng pintuan ng kanyang lola, hindi niya alam ang kanyang sasabihin, pero hindi na niya kailangan. Tila palaging alam ng mga lola ang iyong iniisip. Napangiti ang kanyang lola habang sinasabi, “Magdala ka ng jacket. Baka lumamig sa labas.”

Pinasalamatan ni Jaime ang kanyang lola at naupo sa ilalim ng puno. Malalim na ang gabi, pero alam naman ng lahat na ang mga tinedyer ay bihasa sa pananatiling gising sa magdamag. Pakiramdam niya ay nakahubad siya dahil wala siyang dalang cellphone. Sinubukan niya na lamang alalahanin ang sinabi ng kanyang lolo.

Panahon na para matuto ka ng mga bagay na hindi kayang ituro ng internet.

Ano nga ba ang alam niya? Ang kanyang cellphone ay luma at de-pindot pa.  Alam ni Jaime na ang lahat ng kailangan niyang malaman ay mahahanap naman niya sa internet.

Malayo sa siyudad ang bahay ng lolo ni Jaime. Hindi sanay si Jaime sa mga kumukutitap na liwanag mula sa madilim na kalangitan.

Gusto niya sanang samahan siya ng kanyang musikang puno ng galit, pero ang nadidinig niya lang ay ang kaluskos ng mga dahon at ang paminsan-minsang pagkokak ng palaka.

Isinandal ni Jaime ang ulo niya sa mga paikot na ugat ng puno ng balete at siya ay pumikit.

Nang dumilat siya, may isang dalaga na nakatayo sa kanyang harapan. Kumikinang siya sa kadiliman. Wala pang nakita si Jaime na kasingganda niya at bumilis ang pintig ng kanyang puso. Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, nakatutulong na may kumpiyansa at tiwala sa sarili, pero sa kasamaang-palad ay parehong wala kay Jaime ang mga iyon.

“Ummm..ahhh,” ang tangi niyang nasambit.

“Marahil ay ikaw si Jaime. Inaasahan namin ang iyong pagdating,“ sabi ng magandang dalaga.

“Paumahin po?” Nananaginip naman si Jaime noon, tulad ng lahat, pero wala pa siyang naging panaginip na parang totoo. Kinurot niya ang kanyang sarili para magising at nang hindi tumalab, tiningnan niyang muli ang dalaga.

“Huwag kang matakot. Nasabi sa amin ng iyong lolo na ikaw ay dadating.”

“Sinabi po niya?”

“Sinabi niya talaga iyon, at lubos ang aming kagalakan na makilala sa wakas ang apo ng aming bayani.”

“Ang inyo pong bayani?”

“Oo. Hindi ba sinabi ng iyong lolo?”

Sa pagkakataong iyon, naalala niya ang lahat. Ang mga kwentong naipon ng madaming taon ay bigla niyang naisip. Mayroong kuwento ang kanyang lolo na kumain daw siya ng itim na kanin sa mundo ng mga engkanto pero nagawa niyang makipagtawaran para siya ay makauwi nang ibigay niya ang kaunting laruang pera sa kanyang bulsa, o ang kuwento kung saan nakipagsundo daw ang mga engkanto sa kanya para ilayo ang Bakunawa ng sa gayon ay makapagsayaw sila sa ilalim ng liwanag ng buwan.

“Ibig niyo po bang sabihin ay totoo ang lahat ng iyon?” Si Jaime ay naguluhan.

“Lahat ng iyon at higit pa. Ngayon, kunin mo ang aking kamay.  May ibibigay akong natatangi sa iyo.”

Sinunod ni Jaime ang iniutos sa kanya. Hindi pa rin siya sigurado kung nananaginip lang siya, pero wala siyang dahilan para manlaban. Gusto niyang lubos na malaman ang mga kuwento ng kanyang lolo.

———————————————————————————————————————————-

“Dala mo na ba?” Palaging gusto ng kanyang lolo na diretso agad sa usapan.

“Opo, dala ko po,” sagot ni Jaime sa boses na tulad ng isang nangangailangan nang umidlip.

“Mukhang naging matindi ang iyong pakikipagsapalaran.”

“Hindi niyo po alam kahit kalahati nun.. o baka alam po ninyo.”

“Tinakbuhan mo ba ang mga guwardiya ng Kamaritaan?”

“Siyempre po naman.”

“Hinamon mo ba ang mga anak ng Ulilangkalulua?”

“Dalawang beses po.”

“Si Ibabasag? Nakausap mo ba siya?”

“Ipinahahatid po niya ang kanyang pagmamahal at pinapasabi po niya na ‘salamat’.”

“Alam mo ba na isang beses ay tinulungan ko siyang magsilang ng dalawampung anak?”

“Opo, nabanggit po niya.”

“At paano naman ang–”

“Lolo, kung maaari po sana ay kainin niyo na po ang ugat.”

“Kayo talagang mga kabataan ngayon, palagi na lang umiiwas sa mga usapan. Alam mo ba noong panahon ko–”

“Sa tingin ko po ay sapat na ang nalalaman ko tungkol sa panahon na iyon.”

“Oh, ang mga kuwento na puwede kong sabihin.”

“Sabihin po ninyo ang mga iyan sa susunod na pagtitipon ng ating angkan.”

“Bakit kailangan pang mag-antay? Kumuha ka ng silya at makinig ka sa matandang lalaki.”

“Lolo?”

“Ano iyon?”

“Ipagpaumanhin po ninyo na tinawag ko po kayong sinungaling.”

“Huwag na. May mga bagay akong nagawa na kahit ako ay hindi makapaniwala.”

“Pero nangyari po talaga iyon?”

Napangiti ang lolo ni Jaime at sumenyas na siya ay maupo sa kanyang tabi.

“Sa palagay ko ay oras na para sa isa na namang kuwento.”

=—————————————-=

English Version

Everyone needs stories in their lives. It’s what makes them more human.

Anyone that disagrees might need to have their hearts reexamined.

That’s what Jaime’s lolo tells everyone, or at least everyone that listens.

His family loves him, of course. Every reunion he goes around to all of his grandchildren and tells them wonderful stories.

And they all listen.

Well, most of them do.

Jaime is a special case.

See, Jaime is the type of child whose parents spend too much time doing important adult things that they forget that they have a child at home.

Jaime got his first tablet at the age of four and his first cellphone at seven. His parents bought an unlimited data package and in their heads they thought that it would keep Jaime busy long enough to forget he was alone.

They were wrong, as most parents are when they have an only child. See they haven’t tested anything out yet, everything’s brand new.

And so Jaime sits in front of his lolo half-listening to his stories.

Even before the story ends Jaime interjects, “That’s not true!”

His cousins all look at him with the same resigned face. This isn’t the first time he’s interrupted a story and they know it won’t be the last.

Jaime’s lolo sighs, “What is it this time?” he says with a smile.

“There’s no such thing as an Engkanto, they’re made-up!” Jaime says.

“How do you know that?” his lolo replies.

“I read it on the internet!” because reading things on the internet is what you do when you have a tablet and unlimited data.

“Well it’s true, I swear on my mother,” Jaime’s lolo’s beamed.

“It can’t be true, and I know for sure!”

Meanwhile, all the other grandchildren were busy watching the spectacle. This was their favorite part of story time. Lolo and Jaime’s arguments could last all day and there were nothing if not entertaining.

“It’s true! I was taken to the balete tree and went to the realm of the engkanto!”

Jaime shakes his head vigorously. “There’s no such place! It’s not even on Google Maps!”

Lolo was a lawyer in a past life and there was no way he would lose to someone barely nine years old.

“If you had listened to my story you would know that their realm cannot be found by human technology.”

“I don’t need to listen to your story to know it’s made up.”

“Are you calling me a liar?”

“Well I’m not calling you a truther.”

“What does that even mean?!”

And on they went until it was time for dinner (and sometimes even during dinner, even Lola Anding’s Adobo couldn’t stop their arguments).

This scene played itself year after year.

That is, until one year when lolo was too sick to tell his story and the titos and titas talked about lolo in hushed sounds.

Jaime didn’t know what to do. No one had ever taught him how to let his anger out, so he took his tablet and his phone and tried to run away from the world.

His parents didn’t think there was anything wrong with him, after all teenagers are known to be masters at sulking.

So Jaime sulked and played loud music to try to make sense of his feelings, but none of it helped.

He would cut his classes to visit lolo in the hospital, because no matter how much they argued Jaime loved his lolo very much.

“I’m going to be fine,” his lolo would say through closed eyes.

“No you’re not.”

“Now why do you think that?”

“I read it on the internet.”

“I keep saying that you should stop hiding your head in your gadgets. There’s a whole world to explore if you look up.”

“You’re trying to distract me.”

“All that time on your phone and you’re still so observant.”

“Please don’t leave me lolo.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“That’s not what I read.”

“Life is lived in more than words, my boy.”

“I know what cancer is.”

“The internet can’t teach you everything.”

“It taught me enough.”

“So what does it say?”

“That you might not make it out of here alive.”

“I will.”

“Really?”

“Are you calling me a liar?”

“I..Lolo..” tears were starting to stream down Jaime’s face.

“Promise me you’ll do me one thing.”

“Anything.”

“Go to the balete tree in my backyard and watch the stars.”

“Lolo I’m being serious.”

“So am I. It’s time that you learned there are some things the internet can’t teach you.”

“Lolo..”

“Do you promise?” Lolo looked at him with a gaze that disintegrated the word ‘no’.

“I promise lolo.”

“And I promise I’ll be alright.”

The fluorescent lights in the hospital room flickered as Jaime’s parents entered the room. They didn’t know how to deal with a child that skipped school to see his grandfather, so they did what they thought was sensible and took away his gadgets.

Jaime didn’t mind. He had a promise to fulfill.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Lola Anding gave Jaime some tea to help him settle in. When he showed up at her door he didn’t know what to say, but he didn’t need to. Lolas always seem to know what you’re thinking and she gave a smile as she said, “Bring a jacket, it might get cold outside.”

Jaime thanked her and sat under the tree. It was late, but as everyone knows teenagers are masters of staying up through the night. He felt naked without his phone and tried to think of what his lolo said.

It’s time you learned something the internet can’t teach you.

What did he know? His phone still had buttons. Jaime knew everything that you ever need to know was on the internet.

Lolo’s house was far outside the city and Jaime wasn’t used to seeing so many shimmering lights in the night sky.

He wished he had his angry music to keep him company, but there was just the sound of rustling leaves and the occasional croak from a frog.

Jaime rested his head against the winding roots of the balete tree and closed his eyes.

When he opened them again a woman was standing in front of him. She glowed in the darkness, he had never seen anyone as beautiful as her before and his heart skipped a few beats. In these situations it paid off to have confidence and sureness, unfortunately Jaime had neither.

“Ummm..ahhh,” he managed to say.

“You must be Jaime, we’ve been expecting you,” the beautiful woman said.

“Excuse me?” Jaime had dreams before, everyone has, but he had never been in one so real. He pinched himself to try go back to the waking world and when that didn’t work he looked at the woman again.

“Don’t be frightened, your lolo told us you were coming.”

“He did?”

“Of course he did, and it is such a pleasure finally meeting our hero’s grandchild.”

“Your hero?”

“Yes, didn’t your lolo tell you?”

And in that moment it all came back to him. Years of stories rushing their way into his head. There was the one where lolo said he ate the black rice in the world of engkantos but managed to bargain his way out with some play money he had in his pocket, or the one where the engkanto hired him to keep the Bakunawa away so that they could have their moonlight dances.

“Do you mean all of it was true?” Jaime was bewildered.

“All that and more. Now, take my hand, we have something special for you.”

Jaime did as he was told. He still wasn’t sure if this was a dream, but there was no point in fighting. He wanted to know more about his lolo’s stories.

———————————————————————————————————————————-

“So do you have it?” Lolo always wanted to get to the point.

“I do,” Jaime said in the voice of someone that really needed to take a nap.

“You sound like you’ve had quite the adventure.”

“You don’t know the half of it.. or maybe you do.”

“Did you run from the guards of Kamaritaan?”

“Of course.”

“Did you challenge the children of Ulilangkalulua?”

“Twice.”

“How about Ibabasag? Did you talk to her?”

“She sends her love and told me to tell you ‘thank you’”

“Did you know I helped her deliver 20 children one time?”

“Yes, she mentioned that.”

“And what about—–“

“Lolo, please just eat the root.”

“You young people these days, always trying to avoid conversation. You know back in my time—”

“I think I know enough about that time.”

“Oh the stories I could tell.”

“Tell them at the next family reunion.”

“Why wait? Grab that chair and listen to an old man.”

“Lolo?”

“What is it?”

“I’m sorry I called you a liar.”

“Don’t be, some of the things I did I don’t even believe myself.”

“But they did happen?”

Lolo gives Jaime a wry smile and motions to the seat beside him.

“I think it’s time for another story.”

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Inspired by the Engkanto description in Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Ramos. 1971.

Engkanto Illustration by Leandro Geniston from Aklat ng mga Anito
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The post Engkanto 2 – Tagalog Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas mula nang magkasakit ako.

Sabi nila, may ginawa ako para galitin ang mga espiritu. Subalit hindi ko magagawa iyon, bagamat kung meron, may kadahilanan.

Alam ko na dapat ay hindi na ako lumabas pa. Hindi ko kinahiligan ang kahit na anong bagay na hinggil sa kalikasan. At marahil pagkatapos nito, hindi ko na rin siguro nanaiisin ang kahit na anong bagay na may kinalaman dito

Napahinga ako ng malalim nang dumaan ang babaylan.

Mariin kong pinagmamasdan kung ano ang ginagawa niya sa gitna ng ritwal. Humingi siya ng isang palayok na kayang maglaman ng isang salóp o tatlong litro. Pagkatapos ay kinailangan niya ng mga basag na porselang plato kung saan nilagay niya ito sa loob ng palayok.

Pagkatapos noon ay tinawag niya ang lolid.

Isa sa mga gabay ang nagsabi sa akin na nasa maling lugar at panahon ako. Ang mga lolid ay mga hindi nakikitang espiritu na gumagapang kung saan-saan dahil wala silang mga paa. Hindi posible para sa akin na makita sila.

Kinalog ng babaylan ang palayok at sumigaw siya habang sambit ang mga sumusunod na kataga.

“Do-ol na kamong mga lolid nga natomban”

(Pumarito kayo mga hindi nakikitang nilalang na nagambala)

“Ari na ang among guibayad”

(Narito na ang inyong kabayaran)

“Kuha-a na ang inyong kaligotgot sa mada-oton”

(Alisin ang inyong galit sa pasyente)

“Ari na kamo ug uban kanako didto sa kawayanan”

(Lumapit kayo ngayon at magtungo tayo sa kawayanan)

Kinakalog ng babaylan ang tangan nitong palayok habang palabas siya ng bahay. Nang makarating siya malapit sa kawayanan, nilapag niya ang palayok sa lupa at tinanggal ang takip bago umalis.

At sa pagkakataong iyon, natapos ang ritwal.

Ayon sa babaylan, aabutin pa nang ilang araw bago ako tuluyang gumaling. Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko sa sinabi niya at napabuntong-hininga na lang ako.

Mula sa karanasang ito, natununan ko ang isang mahalagay aral:

Mahalaga na tinitingnan ko ang dinadaanan ko.

=————————————————-=

English Version

It’s been days since I got sick.

They tell me that it’s because I did something to anger the spirits, but I know I would never do that, not knowingly at least.

I knew I never should have gone out, nature isn’t my thing and after this I don’t think it will ever be.

I breathe deep as the babaylan passes me.

I take special care to see what he does during the ritual. He asks for a pot with a capacity of one ganta. He then asks for broken china plates which he puts inside the pot.

Then he calls for the lolid.

One guide tells me that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The lolid are invisible spirits that roll around because they have no limbs. It would have been impossible for me to see them.

The babaylan shakes the pot, causing a great commotion as he shouts:

“Do-ol na kamong mga lolid nga natomban

(Come here now invisible beings that were stepped)

Ari na ang among guibayad

(Here now is our payment)

Kuha-a na ang inyong kaligotgot sa mada-oton

(Remove now your anger from the patient)

Ari na kamo ug uban kanako didto sa kawayanan

(Come to me now and go with me to the bamboo thickets)”

The babaylan exits the house with the pot and shakes it until he reaches the bamboo groves close by. He places the pot on the ground and removes the cover as he leaves.

It is then that the ritual is completed.

The babaylan says that it will take a few days before I get better and I sigh with relief.

Coming from all this I know I learned one lesson:

I should watch where I step.

=————————————————————=

Inspired by The Bais Forest Preserve Negritos: Some Notes On Their Rituals and Ceremonials by Timoteo S. Oracion (1967) in Studies in Philippine Anthropology (In Honor of H. Otley Beyer)

Lolid Illustration by Leandro Geniston
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The post Lolid – Tagalog Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Tagalog

“Ang daya” sabi ni Sasha habang umiiyak sa kagubatan. Tumingin siya sa litrato kasama ang sinisinta niya. “Dating mahal pala” sagot ni Sasha sa sarili. Hindi siya makapaniwala sa mga nangyari, kung paano nadurog ang puso niya na humantong sa kaniyang pagkakamanhid at pagdududa.

Ikatlo na ng madaling araw iyon at nag-aalala na ang pamilya ni Sasha, pero hindi niya ito pinansin. Nahihirapan siya sa kaniyang nararamdaman at hindi niya alam ang gagawin dito. Lahat ba ng sinabi niya ay isang kasinungalingan lamang? Wala bang katotohanan sa kanilang pagsasama? Natatakot ba si Sasha harapin ang katotohanan na hindi siya minahal kailanman ng kaniyang kasintahan?

Ayaw niya nang isipin ang hirap. Gusto na lang ni Sasha humukay ng puntod at malibing ng buhay, dahil wala ng natitira para sa kaniya sa mundo. Mas pipiliin niya na lang na tapusin ang lahat ng sakit.

Hindi napansin ni Sasha na kumakapal ang hamog sa tabi niya. Sa sobrang kapal nito, marahil hindi niya na nakikita ang kagubatan sa paligid. Nagbabago ang anyo ng hamog habang siya ay umiiyak, hanggang sa naghugis babae ito at sinamahan siya sa kaniyang lungkot.

“Hindi siya karapat-dapat iyakan.” Napatingala si Sasha at nakita niya ang isang mahiwagang babaeng nagtataglay ng kagandahan. Mamamangha ang isang pangkaraniwang tao sa kababalaghang iyon pero hindi si Sasha at sumagot siya rito. “Lumayo ka nga sa akin. Hindi mo alam kung ano ang pinagsasabi mo.”
“Sa tingin ko mas marami akong alam kumpara sa iyo.” Nagparamdam ng kabaitan ang mahiwagang babae, nag-abot ito ng panyo at sinabi, “Heto, punasan mo ang iyong luha.”

“Paano mo naman nasabi” sagot ni Sasha habang kinukuha niya ang panyo ng babae. Hindi niya alam kung sino o ano ang kaniyang kaharap. Baka isa itong multo o guni-guni, pero hindi niya na ito inalintala. Dahil kung sakaling papatayin siya nito, papabayaan niya lang ang babae para matapos na ang kaniyang paghihirap. Wala na siyang pakialam dito.

“Napagdaanan ko kasi iyan” sagot ng babae habang nakatingin sa kaniya, kahit na nagmumukhang nakatingin ang babae sa kalooban ni Sasha. Nagpatuloy ang babae, “Minamahal ng aking sinisinta ang kapatid kong babae.”

“Sa akin naman yung matalik kong kaibigan” sabi ni Sasha. Hindi niya pa rin alam kung sino ang kaniyang kinakausap pero nararamdaman niyang mabait ito. “Gagaan naman ba ang pasanin ko?” Hindi na alam ni Sasha kung ano pa gusto niyang itanong, pero isa lang ang ninanais niya at iyon ay ang makipag-usap.
“Hindi” tuwid na isinagot ng babae at nalungkot ulit si Sasha . “Pero kailangan pa ring ipagpatuloy ang buhay” sabi ng babae.

“Paano ako magpapatuloy habang dala-dala itong sakit?” Tanong ni Sasha habang mahigpit ang kapit sa panyo.

“Dahil hindi pa ito ang katapusan.” Sagot ng babae at ngayon hinawakan niya ang mga kamay ni Sasha. Nakikita niya na busilak ang kalooban ng babae at nagpatuloy ulit ito, “Hindi pa tapos ang lahat dahil nagsisimula pa lang ang iyong kuwento at ikaw mismo ang magsusulat kung paano ito magwawakas.”

Pagktapos niya itong sabihin, biglang naglaho ang babae at mag-isa ulit si Sasha sa kagubatan.

=———=———————————=

English Version

“It’s not fair,” Sasha’s sobs echoed through the forest. She looked straight into the picture of her and her love. Ex-love, she corrected herself. She couldn’t believe what had happened, how her hear broke into a million little shards and how she didn’t think she could put them back together again.

It was 3am, she knew that her family would be worried about her, but she didn’t care. Her pain wasthe only real thing in her life now and she didn’t know how to deal with it. Was everything he said a lie? Was all the time they spent together a fantasy? Was she just afraid to face the truth that he was never in love with her?

She couldn’t, didn’t want to think about any of this. She just wanted to crawl into a hole and die. There wasn’t anything left for her. Not in this world anyway. She thought it would be best for everyone if she just ended it all.

Sasha didn’t notice the fog build up next to her. She probably didn’t even realize she was in the forest anymore. The dew and the mist were changing next to her, in between her tears. The softly formed into a woman’s form, all while she was seeking comfort in the pain she held close to her.

“He isn’t worth it you know.” Sasha looked up from her hands and she saw a beautiful woman, almost formed out of the mist of the forest. Most people would marvel at this supernatural wonder, but Sasha just held a hint of bitterness in her voice as she said, “Leave me alone. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I think I know more than you know.” The apparition brought out a piece of cloth, “Here, this should dry your tears.”

“How would you know?” Sasha took the cloth anyway. She didn’t know who—or what this was. Maybe a ghost, maybe a hallucination, but she didn’t care. Even if this thing came to kill her, it would be a welcome relief from what she was feeling. She couldn’t find the will to care anymore.

“I’ve been there,” the woman was now looking at her, though it seemed to Sasha that she was looking through her. “The love of my life fell in love with my sister.”

“Mine left me for my best friend.” Sasha didn’t know who this was, but now she sensed a kindred spirit. “Does it get any easier?” She didn’t know what to ask, but she knew that she wanted to keep talking.

“No.” The spirit was firm in her voice, Sasha felt a piece of her heart break again. “But you keep going anyway.”

“How can you when it hurts so much?” Sasha gripped the cloth in her hands and felt the tears start to come again.

“Because it’s never the end.” The woman held her hands this time and Sasha could see the sincerity in her eyes. “There’s always another ending, even if you have to write it yourself.”

With that, the woman vanished and Sasha was left alone again.

=————————————————–=

*Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a quarter of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by the majority. Its standardized form, officially named Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines, and is one of two official languages alongside English.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Translation by Emman Bernardino
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Emman Bernardino

Mariang Binokong Illustration by Nadine Cabe
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The post Mariang Binokong – Tagalog Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

It’s been days since I got sick.

They tell me that it’s because I did something to anger the spirits, but I know I would never do that, not knowingly at least.

I knew I never should have gone out, nature isn’t my thing and after this I don’t think it will ever be.

I breathe deep as the babaylan passes me.

I take special care to see what he does during the ritual. He asks for a pot with a capacity of one ganta. He then asks for broken china plates which he puts inside the pot.

Then he calls for the lolid.

One guide tells me that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The lolid are invisible spirits that roll around because they have no limbs. It would have been impossible for me to see them.

The babaylan shakes the pot, causing a great commotion as he shouts:

“Do-ol na kamong mga lolid nga natomban

(Come here now invisible beings that were stepped)

Ari na ang among guibayad

(Here now is our payment)

Kuha-a na ang inyong kaligotgot sa mada-oton

(Remove now your anger from the patient)

Ari na kamo ug uban kanako didto sa kawayanan

(Come to me now and go with me to the bamboo thickets)”

The babaylan exits the house with the pot and shakes it until he reaches the bamboo groves close by. He places the pot on the ground and removes the cover as he leaves.

It is then that the ritual is completed.

The babaylan says that it will take a few days before I get better and I sigh with relief.

Coming from all this I know I learned one lesson:

I should watch where I step.

=———————————————=

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Inspired by The Bais Forest Preserve Negritos: Some Notes On Their Rituals and Ceremonials by Timoteo S. Oracion (1967) in Studies in Philippine Anthropology (In Honor of H. Otley Beyer)

Lolid Illustration by Leandro Geniston
FB: That Guy With A Pen

The post Lolid appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

As the offering was set below the tree a silent spirit gave its blessing.

A sense of strength surged through the young man and he took his hunting spear to set out into the wilds.

The spirit that gave its blessing nodded in approval until the young man was out of sight.

It was then that a congregation of spirits floated towards the tree.

“Fellow bakayauwan, can we speak with you?” The chorus of spirits echoed.

The silent spirit nodded and floated beside the tree.

“You have given this young man blessings for many daybreaks now. He still hasn’t caught anything,” said one of the fellow spirits.

“He can barely track prey, I saw him go around the same rock seven times before he realized his quarry had left him behind,” A spirit intoned.

Another spirit chimed “Out of all those that hunt here he is the weakest. I saw him try to spear a boar yesterday and he hit a tree… twice”

And the spirits laughed (or as close to laughing as a spirit can get).

‘There is nothing special about this young man’ was the consensus of the spirits and they let their peer know of their disapproval.

To this the lone spirit answered “All the more reason to help him. Those that are already strong have no need for our blessings. This hunter has visited my tree every time he would set out to the forest. He treats not only me with respect but the entire land. His catch—-”

“—if he can find any.” A spirit interrupted.

“—His catch is always dedicated to the spirits, for he knows the land is not his alone, it is ours to share.”

“The humans should already know that, and if they don’t, they will know through our wrath.”

“But would you not rather work with the humans to let them feel nature’s bliss? It is not just about this hunter but also his entire people. He will teach the song of the winds through the branches, the delicate pathways that lead to crystal rivers and the quiet dignity of the hushed prayers to the gods and spirits.”

Silence fell among the host of spirits as they ruminated on their fellow’s words.

One spirit still stood unconvinced.

“We are the sentinels of the hunt! It is only through strength that they will see our power! We who are strong shall share our power with those that are strong then the humans will know to rise up! Let the weak fall and their blood water our trees.”

“A tree watered with blood will not blossom as one that is tended. Those that need our help the most will see our blessings as proof that we live as one.”

The doubtful spirit shook his head. “Do what you must and we shall see what will happen.” And thus it floated away.

One by one the spirits floated away to give blessings to hunters in their own domains.

And the words of the spirit resonated.

“The land is not his alone, it is ours to share.”

=————————————————————=

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Illustration by Shiela Rae Co
IG: @naitinta

Inspired by the Bakayauwan description in Jocano, F. Landa. (1969). Outline of Philippine Mythology. Manila: Centro Escolar University Research and Development Center, p. 16.

The post Bakayauwan appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

Categorizing spirits is a futile task. Each one has their own personality, their own rituals and their own rules. Trying to force some imagined grouping is arbitrary at best. But humans try to normalize the world of spirits and the world of earth into easily digestible parts.

One such attempt of this is to group the “Unbound” nature spirits or personal spirits – these can come in different names – “Abyan”, “Baylan” “Bantey” (Meaning ‘guide’ Bisaya-Cebuano) or even sugujen (Spirit companion). In other literature they are called “Spirit familiars”, “Spirit companions”, “Spirit guides”, “Guardian spirits” or “Detachable spirits”.

It is thought that some of these spirits were formerly bound to a certain place, but they had “befriended” humans.

These spirits are known to be helpful to the medium’s family, though that is not always true. They give reasons why one is sick, assist in looking for the lost, seeing the future or even “magically” make riches.

They are separated even further by classifying them into two types, those that entail spirit possession and those that don’t.

Those that possess human beings are “sociable” spirits that are offered different things based on their origins: Betel nut for spirits of the mountains, cigarettes for spirits of the coasts, animal sacrifice (Cooked without salt and spice for Manobo speaking/singing spirits and with salt and spices for coastal spirits and beverages).

They appear to people in human form though they have no eyebrows nor philtrum (A notch between the nose and upper lip). These spirits have names and are attired in Manobo costumes during seances. It is taboo to mention personal names of spirits in non-ritual conversations for fear of provoking the spirits.
Though it is also fascinating how the spirits can reflect the present.

Take for example the spirit from Manwali. (Also called The Mute Spirit, and Pehaq).

It resides in a place where coastal Visayan and inland Manobo people meet.

Yet it does not speak either language.

In the space where these groups cannot understand each other’s languages, the mute spirit demonstrates the circumstance.

When it possesses a medium, it expresses things that cannot be said in words.

The violent gestures.

The crude emotions.

Nothing lexical, though the tantrum of syllables conveys anger.

This, and other spirits cross the bridge between human society and the supernatural. Even if there are those that do not want to associate with the spirits have no choice. It is through the spirits that health, protection, and visions are found.

There are those that ask, “What good is a spirit you can’t understand?”

The mute spirit will not answer in words.

But close your eyes and dream.

And you will find your answers.

=————————————————————————————————-=

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Inspired by the spirit descriptions in Buenconsejo, José Semblante. (2002). Songs and gifts at the frontier. New York: Routledge

The Mute Spirit (Pehaq)

Illustration by Abe Joncel Guevara
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IG: @abe.art.ph

The post The Mute Spirit (Pehaq) appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

Once there was an angry girl with nowhere to go. A great sickness enveloped the land, and the people in her province had no choice but to close themselves off to avoid its spread.

This place was not her home, she had family there, true, but she longed for the giant girders that reached the clouds, the bustling sea of people that never seemed to end, the long nights spent with friends over a glass of wine.

And as the days passed into weeks, her loneliness only grew.

There was no way she could leave her house, lest she get caught by the officials.

She would have lost herself in books, but she had read them all. She tried to escape into the bright screens she had brought from home, but they didn’t work as fast as she had wanted them to. She tried to make music, but she had no muse.

She had nothing in her life.

Not there at least.

One day the loneliness broke her. She couldn’t stand the four walls of a room that had no meaning to her.

She waited until her family fell asleep (and hopefully the guards as well) and ran through the streets like a madwoman.

If she could she would have screamed at the heavens, finally she had a small bit of freedom.

And that was enough, for at least one night.

This became her routine, trying to stretch her body and pushing the boundaries of what she could do.

Until one fateful night.

She had lost herself in the breeze that she almost didn’t notice the flashlight moving towards her. She tried to run, but this part of the town was unknown to her and she fully expected to get caught.

“Psssssssssst. Over here.”

In the darkness, she could only hear that the sound came from the Galawin tree. She remembered the stories that her lola would tell, about spirit beings that inhabited the trees.

She figured that she’d rather take her chances in the tree than get caught and let the darkness take her.

A small light illuminated (what she assumed was) the interior of the tree.

Sitting in front of her was a creature, human in form, covered with a patchwork of fungus and moss.

She was the first to break the silence.
“Hello.”

The creature replied back with a warm smile.

“Hello, what is your name?”

“I’m Julie, it’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Excuse me, but, what ARE you?”

“I wish I knew myself. Do we really know what we are?”

Julie met this statement with a confused silence.
“HAHAHA, I’m just kidding. You humans are so touchy when it comes to jokes.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just not used to—”

“Seeing a spirit? Most humans are, there’s a reason why we’re regarded as legends used by people to get what they want.”

“So,” Julie looked at the creature, “what DO you want?”

“I just want to help,” the creature replied with a toothy grin.

“What do you mean?”

“I figured I could lift some spirits,” (Julie later realized this was a joke)

Julie sighed, “I can’t stay here, not in this town, not anymore. I wish I could just grow wings and fly back home.”

“Do you think that would make you feel better? I hear it’s pretty empty there as well.”

“It would still be home.”

The creature nodded, “In times of strife nothing is more comfortable than being where  you can let your heart out.”

“Yes, see you understand. Not like the rest of my family.”

“I’m sure they only want what’s best for you.”

“How? The past few weeks I’ve gotten more broken. I can’t move, I can’t think. I can’t even talk to my friends because the signal here is miserable.”

“And so are you.”

“Yes.” Julie sat down and buried her head in her hands.

“Did you ever think it might not be about you?”

“You sound like everyone on the news.”
“You don’t think they have a point?”

“So, you know what’s going on.”

“When something as big as this is happening, the spirits tend to talk to one another.”

“Where did you hear it from?”

“A travelling breeze, but that doesn’t matter.”

“Then why are you still here? Why don’t you help get rid of it?”

“That is beyond my powers.”

“Why are you even talking to me?”

“Because if I can’t fix the bigger problem then at least I can—”

“Fix me?”

“I can try.”

“Why bother? I’ll probably just melt into my room, trying to figure out what I can do before the walls start to close in.”

“Would you rather that than—”

“Than being dead?”

“……”

“I’m not stupid, I know the risks. If it doesn’t kill me the quarantine just might. I can feel myself slowly slipping away.”

“I’ve met your kind before. The passionate. The brave. The ones willing to set themselves on fire just to feel alive.”

“See—you know—”

“And those that don’t care about the tears they leave in their tracks.”

“……”

“How many broken hearts have you left behind? How many spirits have you shattered just because you became bored and wanted something new?”

“That’s not fair.”

“The truth seldom is.”

Julie sat in silence with the creature.

“They’re gone now.”

It was then that Julie remembered that she was actually running away from the guards.

Julie looked at the creature and thanked it for its time. Before she left she turned to it and asked, “Can I come back tomorrow? I’d still like to talk to you.”

“You don’t have to go all the way here. Just listen to the night air”

And as the Dawinde saw her running back to her house it smiled.

If nothing else,

It would be kind.

——————————————————————-===

Written by Karl Gaverza

Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Inspired by the story “How Dauin got its Name” in Negros Oriental and Siquijor Island Legends, Beliefs and Folkways. Aldecoa-Rodriguez. 2000.

Dawinde illustration by Marko Mikhal Gomez Deposoy

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