*Note this story is in Ilocano

Bayat ti pannakaidisso ti daton iti baba ti kayo, inted ti maysa a naulimek nga espiritu ti bendisionna.

Rimkuas ti naidumduma a pigsa ti agtutubo ket innalana ti pagan-anupna a pika tapno agrubbuat a mapan iti kabakiran.

Nangted ti bendision ti espiritu, nagtung-ed  kas pananganamongna agingga a saanen a makita ti agtutubo.

Idi metten a nagampayag  ti maysa a taripnong dagiti espiritu nga agturong iti kayo.

“Pada a bakayauwan, mabalin kadi ti makisarita kenka?” Nagallangugan ti koro dagiti espiritu.

Nagtung-ed ti naulimek nga espiritu ket nagampayag a nagturong  iti abay ti kayo.

“Intedmo kadaytoy nga agtutubo dagiti bendision iti adun nga agsapa.  Awan pay met   laeng ti natiliwanna,” kinuna ti maysa kadagiti padana nga espiritu.

“Dina pay unay ammo a biruken ti anupenna, nakitak a namimpito a nanglikmut iti maysa a bato sakbay a napanunotna a pinanawanen ti simsimadanna,” insaoang ti maysa nga espiritu.

Nagsao met ti sabali pay nga espiritu, “Kadagupan ti  amin nga aganup ditoy isu ti kakapsutan. Nakitak a pinadasna a pikaen ti baboy idi kalman ngem ti kayo ti natiruanna… namindua.”

Ket nagkatawa dagiti espiritu (wenno kas kaarngi  ti  panagkatawa dagiti espiritu).

“Awan ti naisangsangayan iti daytoy nga agtutubo,” ti pinagtutunosan dagiti espiritu ket impakaammoda iti kapatadanda ti dida pananganamong.

Iti daytoy simmungbat ti agmaymaysa nga espiritu. “Ad-adda pay a rason a tumulong tayo kaniana. Dagidiay sigud a napigsa ket saandan a kasapulan dagiti bendisiontayo. Daytoy a mangnganup ket sumarungkar iti kayok tunggal agrubbuat nga agturong iti kabakiran. Saan laeng a siak ti tratuenna  ti panagraem no di ket ti intero a daga. Ti natiliwna—-”

“—no adda masarakanna.” Inyallawat ti maysa nga espiritu.

“….Ti maanupanna ket kanayon a maidaton kadagiti espiritu, ta ammona a saan laeng nga isu ti  akinkukuana iti daga, kukuatayo amin a pagbibingayan.”

“Ammo  koman dayta dagiti tattao, ket no saanpay, maammuandanto babaen ti pungtottayo.”

“Ngem dikay kadi kaykayat ti makipagtrabaho kadagiti tattao tapno mariknada ti kinaragsak ti nakaparsuaan? Saan laeng a maipapan daytoy iti mangnganup no di pay ket ti amin a tattaona. Isuronanto ti kanta dagiti angin babaen kadagiti sanga, dagiti delikado a dalan nga agturong kadagiti kristal a karayan ken ti nalinaay a dignidad dagiti naulimek a kararag kadagiti didiosen ken espiritu.”

Nagari ti ulimek iti bunggoy dagiti espiritu bayat ti panangpanunotda dagiti sasao ti kapadada.

Ngem nagtakder ti maysa nga espiritu nga di umannugot.

“Dakami ti guardia ti panaganup! Babaen laeng iti pigsa a makitada ti pannakabalintayo! Datayo a napigsa ket ibinglaytayo ti pannakabalintayo kadagidiay natibker tapno maammuanto dagiti tattao ti tumakder! Bay-an a maparmek dagiti nakapuy ket ti darada sibugan dagiti kayo tayo.”

“Ti kayo a nasibugan iti dara saanto nga agsabong a kas iti mataripato. Dagidiay agkasapulan unay iti tulongtayo makitadanto dagiti bendisiontayo kas pammaneknek nga agbibiagtayo a kas maymaysa.”

Nagngilangil ti managduadua nga espiritu. “Aramidenyo ti masapul ket kitaenmi no ania ti mapasamak.” Ket iti kasta nagtayab nga immadayo.

Nagsasaruno a nagampayag dagiti espiritu tapno mangtedda ti bendision kadagiti mangnganup iti bukodda a sakup.

Ket nagallangugan dagiti sasao ti espiritu.

“Saan laeng nga isu ti agtagikua iti daga, kukua tay aming a pagbibingayan.”

=—————————–=

English Version

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.”

=————————————————————=

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 – Ilocano Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Ilocano

Alikamen:

Buneng – maaramat tapno mauluyan ti aswang kalpasan a maparmek daytoy.

Ipus ti Pagi – maaramat tapno saanen a makakuti ti aswang. Mangted kaniada iti nakaro unay a sakit.

Kalamansi – kalasag tapno saannaka a mapidut ti aswang. Dayta ti mangpadagsen kaniada.

Dapo – Iwaras iti bagi ti aswang no agsina ti bagida. Saanen nga maisubli ti Aswang ti naisina a bagina no naikkan ti dapo daytoy.

Gabon/Sambong/Bukadkad/Subsob (Blumea balsamefera) – Daytoy a mula ket mausar tapno mabugaw ti aswang. Masapul a kapurpuros ken ikabil a kanayon iti bulsa.

Bawang – Saan a maanusan ti aswang ti angot ti bawang. Kanayonen ti mangitugot.

Asin- Maaramat kasmet la iti dapo. Mausar met tapno maiyadayo  ti aswang kadagiti dadduma a lugar.

Ramramit –  Nabendisionan a banbanag, bendita, ken anting-anting a masapul iti panangiyadayo kadagiti nakabutbuteng a parsua.  Masapul a kasarita ti maysa a padi sakbay ti amin.

Dagiti ritos:

Mabalin a matiliw ti aswang babaen ti panangurnos ti tallo a dadakkel a bato iti sirkulo a kasla paglutuan. Inton mapasungadan ti ‘kak kak’ nga awag ti naparsua , baliksen ti Kredo dagiti Apostoles. Inton makadanon iti parte ti Kredo maipapan  iti pannakailansa  ni Cristo iti  krus, mangpidot ti maysa a bato ket ipak-ol ti maysa a lansa iti daga. Agpababanto ti naparsua ket agdisso iti tallo a bato, ket ditoy mabalinen a patayen.

Adda ritos  iti panangikkat ti lunod ti panagbalin ti maysa nga aswang; daytoy ket ti panaginum iti lemon ken danum, pannakaibitin a baliktad tapno maisarwada ti maysa a kasla billit a pinarsua ket daytoy maiwa-iwa iti pedaso.

Dagiti Palagip:

Usaren dagiti ramramit tapno mapasardeng dagiti encantasionda.  Padsuen  ida  babaen iti ut-ot manipud iti ipus ti pagi sa ipungsay ti uloda babaen ti panggibus a tagbat ti buneng.

Dagiti lunod  ti aswang ket mabalin a mapasingkedan babaen ti panangaramid ti ‘ritual ti itlog’ no sadinno a no makita dagiti marka ti mata ken dara iti itlog, kayatna a sawen a ti tao ket ‘inaswang’ (naallilaw).

Mabalin a maikkat dagiti ilusion iti taraon babaen ti panangipis-it iti calamansi kadagita. Dagiti masida a kas iti sinigang ket agbalin  a malukong a napno iti ramay ti tao ken dara.

Dagiti lunod  ti aswang ket mabalin nga agturong  iti  agsumbangir a dalan,  isu a no ti biktima ket masapsaplitan wenno masugatan iti aniaman a pisikal a wagas, ti aswang ti makarikna iti dayta.

Saan a nalawa daytoy a listaan ​​dagiti wagas iti panangtiliw iti naparsua. Adu pay dagiti ritual ken ramramit a maus-usar a manglaban kadagitoy a nakabutbuteng a parsua. .

Iwanwan koma ti Apo ti dalanmo.

Bendisyonannaka  ti Dios.

=——————————-=

Engilsh version

Equipment:
Bolo – used to give a final blow after incapacitating the aswang.
Stingray Tail – used to incapacitate the aswang. Causes great pain to them.
Kalamansi – A ward to ensure that the aswang cannot pick you up. It weighs them down.
Ashes – Used to sprinkle on the aswang’s body if they self-segment. Aswang cannot reattach if ashes are scattered on their other half.
Gabon/Sambong/Bukadkad/Subsob (Blumea Balsamefera) – This plant is used to ward off aswang. Pick it fresh and keep it in your pocket.
Garlic – Aswang cannot stand the smell of garlic. Keep some with you at all times.
Salt – Used in the same way as ashes. Can also be used to ward certain places away from aswang.
Wards – Blessed objects, holy water anting-anting are all useful to keep away the monsters. Make sure to see a priest beforehand.

The post Aswang – Ilocano Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Ilocano

Ti Babai a Nakamangisit

“Saanmo a pulos a maala dagitoy agingga a dika agsimbeng,” kinuna ni Mimi kabayatan ti panangalana iti tulbekko.

Kanayonko nga ibaga kaniada nga nasayaatakon; nagbyaheak metten  iti nakarkaro pay a kasasaad; ket ti balayko sangapulo a minutos laeng ti kaadayona; kaskarina met a madisgrasyaak. Saanda a dumngeg ket adda bassit a parte ti bagik  ti agyaman gapu iti kaadda ti gagayyemko a kas kaniada, ngem dakdakkel ti parte ti bagik ti masuron gapu ta masapul a magnaak  nga agawid iti katengngaan ti rabii.

Indiaya da Jherick ken Deng ti panangkuyogda  kaniak sumagmamano a bloke agingga iti balayko, ngem ti nabartek a pasetko ti mangibaga nga umatrasda laengen, nupay iti nalawlawag a wagas. Diak ammo no apay a kastoyak, diak koma idurduron nga umadayo dagiti pagayamko nangnangruna ita.

Manipud idi nagsinakami kenni  Grace, kanayonnakon nga umin-inom ken maysaak a napeklan a langgong  iti sinuman nga aggandat a makisarita kaniak. Kayatdak a tulungan  ngem saan a maikari ti lalaki a kas kaniak a laplapdanna ti pannakipagayamda.

Nangnangruna kenni Mimi, ti nasam-it, napintas a Mimi.

Manipud iti suli ti matak, nakitak manen isuna. Siguro nabartekak la ngamin. Ti babai a nakamangisit ket mangbuybuya iti amin a kinadaksanggasatko, kasla koma naindaniwan ngem makapasuron unay.

“Naragsak ka kadi itan? Maragsakanka a mangbuybuya ti panagsagsagabak?”

Ti al-alia ket nakamattider iti sirok ti poste ti silaw, saan nga aggargaraw. Awanen ti sabali pay a namnamaek. Manipud idi nakisinaak, kadarato a makitak isuna iti  naladaw a rabii, iti batog ti maysa a poste ti silaw.

Iti daytoy a kanito, nabartekak unayen tapno  mangikankanoak pay, timmaraynak iti ayanna a makalulua.

“Apay nga pinanawannak isuna?”

Ginammatak ti nangisit a badona ket nagsanod. Daytoy ti umuna a reaksion a naalak kaniana. Pagammuan ta agtakder ti atiddog a buokna. Napasanudak ket dagus a namunawanak.

Ania ti pampanunotek? No aniaman daytoy ket saan a mannakigayyem. Inurnongko amin a riknak saak impan ti amin a kabaelak a tumaray iti adayo. Nabaelak ti makaadayo a dagus idi madlawko nga awan sumursurot kaniak.

Adda laeng a nakatakder a mangmatmatmat kaniak.

No aniaman isuna ket awan kaipapananna.  Ad-adu ti importante a panunotek. Nagawidak ket nakaturog a mangtagtagainep kadagiti babbai iti biagko.

Mimi. Grace. Ti Babai a nakamangisit

Nagbalinda a maymaysa a ladawan a kayatko a gaw-aten ngem adayo unay.

Nagkuringring ti alarm ko ken nariknak a kasla bumtak ti ulok. Napanak iti banyo tapno agdiram-os ket nalagipko nga adda gayam kenni Mimi ti tulbek ko.

Uray ta adda rason tapno makasaritak isuna.

Rimmuarak iti balayko ket uraynak la nakariaw. Nasikkarodko ti sintas ti sapatosko ket naidaramudomak iti daga.

Adda pay laeng ti babai a nakamangisit.

Kasla saan nga aggargaraw, ket manipud idi rabii, diak gagaran ti makiringgor kaniana iti mabiit. Linissiak ti mangmatmat kaniana ket nagluganak iti dyip a mapan iti balay ni Mimi.

Pinagunik ti doorbell ni Mimi saak kimmita iti arubayan. Adda ti babai a nakamangisit a mangsursurot kaniak. Adda isuna iti bangir a kalsada a mangkitkita kaniak. Diak ammo no ania ti kayatna ngem ad-adu ti banag a pakaseknak.

Kasapulan a maammuan ni Mimi ti kaririknak.

Inlukatna ti ridaw, dagiti naalumanay nga imana ken ti  naragsak nga isemna ti nangkablaaw kaniak.

Ney, adda met gayam nakapanunot a bumangon,” kinunana. Isalakannak ti Dios iti dayta nga isem.

“Mimi, mabalinta ti agsarita?

“No maipanggep iti tulbek, intedko kenni Jherick. Umayna koma idagas didiay balaymo inton pangngaldaw.

“Saan a dayta ti gapuna. Mabalinak a sumrek?” Nangrugi nga agling-et ti dakulapko ken umirteng ti panagangesko, ngem naladawen nga agsanudak pay.

Sige, ania kadi dayta? Inturongnakami iti naulimek a parte ti balayda ket imbagakon ti amin.

No kasano a saanak pay a nakaam-ammo ti maysa a balasang a kas katan-ok na. No kasano nga uray no addaak iti denna ni Grace , isuna ti pampanunotek ket pagpagarupen dagiti ania koma. No kasano nga ita ta agpadakamin a single ket mabalin nga ikkan ti bagimi ti gundaway.

Kasla nakigtot ngem saan a nasdaaw.

“Ron, addan  kasarsarakko.”

Iti dayta a kanito, narba ti lubongko.  Imbagak kaniana nga nasyaatak, ken no mabalin ket saanen a madakdakamat pay daydiay.

“Sapay koma ta naragsak kayo a dua,” nabaelak nga imbaga iti baet dagiti luak.

“Ni Jherick.”

Kasla naipana ti saem a nangsarut iti pusok. Saan pay kadi nga umanay a ti babai nga ay-ayatek ket saan a mabalin a makadennak, ngem isuna ket kaddua ti nasinged a pagayamko? Kasla nadagsen unayen.

Dinarasko ti rimmuar iti balay nga saan a timmaltaliaw. Nakakitaak ti naulimek nga eskinita nga nangipennekak ti nagsangit ngem nakitak manen isuna.

Ti babai a nakamangisit.

Siguro ket nagbuybuya lattan. Sige, no pagragsakanna ti mabuyana. Daytoy ti biagko itan, nasugatan a puso nga aggandat nga agpakalalaki.

Saan. Saan koma a kastoy ti pagpatinggaan ti amin.

Nagtakderak ket inummongko ti amin a tured. Agsubliak ket kasaritak ni Mimi.Siguro, makaibalikasak iti makapagbalbaliw iti kapanunutanna. Masapul nga adda wagas tapno dakami ti agkatuluyan.

Dinarasko ti nanglasat iti kalsada a mapan iti balayna.

Nalabit,  no naan-annadak, napakadaak koma ti kotse a sumabet kaniak.

Ti maudi a nakitak ket ti babai a nakamangisit, umis -isem.

=——————————-=

English Version

Jherick and Deng offer to walk me a few blocks to my house but the drunk in me tells them to back off, though in a more explicit way. I don’t know why I’m like this, I shouldn’t be pushing my friends away especially now.

Ever since Grace and I broke up all I’ve been doing is drinking and being a complete ass to anyone that tried to talk to me. Everyone’s been so supportive and they don’t deserve a guy like me fighting off their friendship.

Especially Mimi, sweet, beautiful Mimi.

Out of the corner of my eye I see her again. I guess I’m just that drunk. The lady in black watching over all my misfortune, it would be poetic if it wasn’t so damn annoying.

“Are you happy now?! Do you enjoy watching me suffer?!”
The apparition stands still under the light post, unmoving. I didn’t expect anything more. Ever since my breakup I’ve been seeing her late at night, always under some sort of lamp post.
This time I’m too drunk to care, I run up to her with tears in my eyes.

“Why did she have to leave me?!”

I grab her black dress and she steps back. The first reaction I’ve ever gotten from her. Suddenly her long hair stands on end. I instinctively back away and in that moment I sober up.
What was I thinking? Whatever this is can’t be friendly. I gather my senses and run as far away as I possibly can. I manage to get a running start before I notice that I’m not being followed.

She’s just standing there looking at me.

Whatever she is it doesn’t matter. I have more important things to think about. I head home and fall asleep dreaming of the women in my life.

Mimi. Grace. The Woman in Black.

All of them form into one figure that I try to reach, but she’s so far away.

My alarm rings and my head is splitting from the hangover. I go to the bathroom to wash my face and remember that Mimi still has my keys.

At least I’ll have a reason to talk to her.

I walk outside my house and almost shout. I trip on my own shoelaces and fall to the ground.

The woman in black is still there.

She doesn’t seem to be moving and after last night I don’t think I’ll be confronting her anytime soon. I avoid looking at her and make my way to the jeep to go to Mimi’s house.

I ring Mimi’s doorbell and look around. The lady in black is following me. She’s a street away and staring in my direction. I don’t know what she wants but right now there are more pressing matters.

Mimi needs to know how I feel about her.

She opens the door, her gentle hands and radiant smile greeting me.

“Well it looks like someone finally got up,” she says. God save me from that smile.

“Mimi, can we talk?”

“If it’s about your keys I gave them to Jherick. He’s supposed to drop them by your house at lunch time.”

“No it’s not about that. Can I go in?” My palms start to sweat and it gets hard to breathe, but it’s too late to go back now.
“Of course, what is it?” She leads us to a quiet place in their house and I tell her everything.

How I’ve never met any girl as amazing as her. How even when I was with Grace I would think about her and wonder what if. How now that we’re both single maybe we could give it a chance.

She looks shocked but not surprised.

“Ron, I’m seeing someone.”

And in that moment my universe collapsed. I tell her it’s fine, to just not mention it anymore.

“I hope you two are happy,” I manage to say in between my tears.

“It’s Jherick.”

A shooting pain goes through my heart. It wasn’t enough that the girl I loved couldn’t be with me, but her together with my best friend? It was almost too much.

I rush out of the house without looking back. I find a quiet alleyway to let my tears loose and I see her.

The lady in black.

She was probably watching the whole time. Well she can enjoy the show. This is my life now, a broken heart trying to be a man.

No. This can’t be how it ends.

I stand and muster all the courage I have to go back and talk to Mimi. Maybe I can say something that would change her mind. There has to be a way we could be together.
I rush through the streets to her house.

Maybe if I was more careful I would have seen the car coming towards me.

The last thing I see is the lady in black, smiling.

————————–————————–————————-

*Ilocano is the third most-spoken local language of the Philippines.An Austronesian language, it is related to such languages as Malay (Indonesian and Malaysian), Tetum, Chamorro, Fijian, Maori, Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Paiwan and Malagasy. It is closely related to some of the other Austronesian languages of Northern Luzon, and has slight mutual intelligibility with the Balangao language and the eastern dialects of the Bontoc language.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Ilocano translation by Maria Jesusa Villaruz
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Maria Jesusa Villaruz

Inspired by a story told by Harold Juab

Illustration by likhatsining

Deviant Art: https://likhatsining.deviantart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likhatsining/

The post Black Lady – Ilocano Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Tagalog

May isang bata na ngalan ay Edgardo. Siya ay maliit at tahimik, at mas nainin niyang magbasa ng atlat kaysa makipaglaro sa ibang mga bata. Ang mga libro ay xahirap makarating sa munting mabundok na komunidad at nanyang pinapahalagahan and mga panahong pupunta siya sa siyudad, pinapanood din niya ang kanyang ama sa pagpapalit ng ginto galing sa minahan para sa salapi at pambili sa gustong niyang mga libro.

Isang draw siya ay nilapitan ni Faustino, batting lalaki na madalas siyang iniiwasan. Ibang bagay ang pagiging iba, ngunit kung making iba sa komunidad na may higit kumulang sa isang daan na tao. Nakaramdam si Egardo na para bang nasa mata siya ng pagkilatis sa kanya.

“Maaari bang umupo rito?” Ang tanong ni Faustino sa kanya.

“Oo, wala naman pipigil sa iyo,” Ang sagot ni Edgardo.

“Narinig mo ba kung ano ang nangyari?” Sinubukan ni Faustino tumingin sa kanyang mata pero mas  nangibabaw ang pagyuko niya at tinignan ang kanyang pahila  na paglakad ng paa.

“Hindi ba lahat?” Sinabi ni Edgardo habang hindi niya inaalis ang kayang mata mula sa pahina na kanyang binabasa.

“Kasama si Veronica ay tattle na sila simula noong Pebrero.” Umupo sa tabi niya si Faustino.

Hindi na bago kung may kabataang nawawala sa bundok. Kahit saan ay may panganib. Isang saglit ng pagkawala ng pagiging mapagmasid sa paligid ay lubos na mapanganib. Ang mga minahan ay nakakabahala rin. Madalas ang kanilang ama o kapatıd ay hindi na bumabalik. Ang kumpanya ng minahan ay magpapadala ng pakikiramay sa pagpanaw- kung ano man ang halaga nito.

“Sabi naman naman na kinukuha na lamang ang anak.” Saad ni Faustino, muli, sinubukan ngunit bigo niyang tignan ang kanyang mata.

Binaba ni Edgardo ang kanyang aklat at sumagot naman, “Sino ang may nais na cumula ng mga bata? Kung para ito sa pera maaaring naman sila magpadala ng sulat? Maulan na panahon, ang mga tao ay naglalakbay sa bundok at hindi na bumabalik. Ganun yun.”

“Hindi.”Nilagay ni Faustino ang kanyang kamay sa balikat ni Edgardo. “Ito ay iba sa ganyang pangyayari, kutob ko ito. Dapat tayong magkasama. Tinanong sila Melinda, Pepito at Belen. Maaari namin subaybayan kung ano man ang mangyari sa amin.

“Ligtas ka sa amin,” Nakangiting sabi ni Faustino. Sumimagot si Edgardo. “Kung sabi mo.”

Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na may nagpangako ng ganito. Naisip niya ang kanyang nakatatandang kapatid. Mga gabing pumunta sila sa kweba ng magkasama para maghanap ng mga ginto. Noong isang pagkakataon na hindi siya maingat. Mga bagay na nangyari at hayaan na maganap. Isang gabi si Edgardo ay nakarinig ng bulong ng ibang bata.

“Edgardo—— psssst——— gising, ito ay importante,” sabi ng boses. Lumipas ang ilang minuto kay Edgardo bago bumalik sa realidad. Makatotohanan ang kanyang panaginip: isang bahay na puno ng mga aklat para sa kanya. Malinaw ang kanyang panaginip at nangako na isang araw ito ay magkakatotoo.

“Belen?!”

“Sshhhhhh- huwag mo hayaan na may makarinig sa iyo.” Tinakpan ni Belen ang bibig ni Edgardo. “Anong ginagawa mo rito?” Sabi niya sa pamamagitan ng paguusap gamit ang mga daliri  sa senyales.

“Ito ay si Faustino.” Nag-aalala na mukha ni Belen. “Siya ay nawawala.”

“Sigurado ka ba?” Mas tahimik si Edgardo sa pagkakataon na ito, “baka lumabas lamang para maglakad?”

“Kalagitnaan na ng gabi! Wala pa siya sa kanyang bahay. Sumama ka sa akin. Nasa likod ng isang malaking puno na malapit sa bahay ni Faustino si Pepito at Melinda. Kailangan natin siyang hanapin.”

Kinuskos ni Edgardo ang kanyang mga mata at humikab ulit. “Sige, baka nga naman.” Nandoon si Melinda at Pepito sa lugar na sinabi ni Belen kung saan dapat sila matagpuan, ang mga alitaptap sa puno ay nakakatakot sa pakiramdam.

“Sa tingin ko ay nakakita ako ng bakas.” Saad ni Pepito. “May mga bakas papunta sa kweba malapit sa burol.

Napangiwi lahat ng bata. Ang mga kweba na malapit sa minahan ay mapanganib sa mga matanda, lalo naman sa apat na batang nakagrupo. “Kailangan na natin umalis,” sabi ni Belen, “Gagawin ko rin ang parehas para sa amin.”

“Ano ang dapat nating gawin kapag nahanap na natin siya? Meron dapat na maging responsable sa mga pagkawala nila. Paano natin lalaban ito?” Sambit ni Melinda na malapit nang umiyak.

“Hindi natin kailangan kalabanin ito, kailangan mahanap si Faustino at maibalik natin dito, kung saan ligtas,” sabi ni Pepito.

Tumingin sila sa isa’t isa at naghawak kamay. Ang bawat isa ay may solusyon na mahanap ang kanilang kaibigan si Edgardo hanggang maaari. Siya ay nagagalak sa kanyan panaginip.

Sinundan nila ang bakas sa abot ng kanilang makakaya, matuklap man ang kanilang mga balat mula sa mga bato at ugat ng halaman. Noong malapit na silang maabot ang pagkapagod, narating naman nila ang kanilang destinasyon, isang kakaibang kweba na pasukan sa mga maraming lagusan at maaaring hindi na sila makabalik.

Pinamunuan ni Belen ang grupo. Siya ay kumuha ng lampara mula sa kanyang magulang at isang beses ay naisama na rin siya ng kanyang mga kapatid sa kweba. Hindi sa pamumuno ang kanyang lakas, ngunit dapat niyang siguraduhin na meron gagabay sa iba. Kailangan niya itong gawin para kay Faustino.

Si Melinda ang nauna.

Hindi niya kailangan sumigaw. Isang beses na si Belen ang nagsinag ng lampara sa entrada ng ibang lagusan at sa sumunod, noonf tumawag siya ng mga pangalan ng kanyang kasama. Hindi siya natakot sa katahimikan ngunit na pagkakataon na ito, hindi malilimutan sa buong buhay niya.

Sinikap ni Pedro na manatili sa paglalakbay. Naghawak kamay silang lahat at naramdaman ni Belen nanginginig ang kanyang kamay. Sinubukan nitong pakalmahin siya.

“Magiging maayos din ang lahat. Mahahanap natin silang pareho, pangako ko ito.” Sinubukang hindi umiyak ni Pepito habang tumango, ngunit nangibabaw ang kanyang takot.

“Hindi!” Sigaw niya. “Kailangan nating umuwi!”

Sinubukan ni Edgardo sa abot ng kanyang makakaya na pakalmahin siya.” Pepito, kailangan nating manatiling magkasama, ito lamang ang tanging paraan para maka-alis dito!”

Hindi siya nakinig, tinulak niya si Edgardo palayo sa kanya at tumakbo sa kadiliman.

Ang katahimikan ay nagpabigat ng pakiramdam sa dalawang naiiwan.

“Ang tanga ko para isipin na gagana nitong plano.” Nagsimulang bumigat ang paghinga ni Belen at kanyang binaba ang hawak na lampara. “Dapat tayong manatiling magkakasama. Ngayon hindi lamang si Faustino. Lubusang humihingi ako ng patawad. Patawad Melinda, at Pepito! Kailangan nating bumalik, siguro kung sinabi natin sa ating pamilya na pupunta tayo dito at pwede nating hanapin silang lahat. Mahahanap natin sila.” Kinuha ni Edgardo ang lampara at sinabi, “sumama kayo sa akin”.

Walang pagpipilian si Belen kung hindi sumunod sa kanyang bagong kaibigan. Ang ilaw sa lampara ay unti unting naglalaho at ang landas na tinatahak ay mas dumudulas sa daanan. Sinubukan niyang humawak sa pader para maging balanse, ngunit nalaman niyang mamasa-masa din pala. Nakita na rin niya kung ano man iyon noong binigay ni Edgardo ang lampara.

Kulay pula sa kahit saang lugar. Namantsahan ang kanyang mga kamay at damit pati na rin ang mga tumutulo mula sa kisame.

“Hindi ko maitindihan—-” Sinubukang sabihin ni Belen.

Ngunit may panibagong ilaw na tanglaw ni Edgardo, nagbigay liwanag sa isang nilalang na may dalang mabigat na supot ng ginto.

“Dapat kang nakinig sa kanila. Kung nakinig ka maaaring si Faustino lamang.”

“Ako—-Ako—-” Naparalisa si Belen, sinibukan niyang sumigaw habang dinala siya nitong nilalang sa malalim na bahagi ng lagusan.

Noong sumikat na ang araw kay Edgardo habang naglilinis ng kanyang sarili sa ilog, napag-isipan niya:

“Nais kong malaman kung ilang libro ang aking maaaring makuha  sa pamamagitan nito.”

=————————-=

English Version

There was once a child named Edgardo. He was small and quiet and preferred to read books instead of playing with the other children. Books were hard to get in his small mountain community and he treasured the moments when he would go to the city, watch his father exchange the gold they mined for money and buy the books he wanted.

One day he was approached by Faustino, a boy who would usually avoid him. It was one thing to be different, but to be different in a community of a few hundred people made Edgardo feel like he was under a microscope.

“Can I sit here?” Faustino asked him.

“Sure, no one’s stopping you,” Edgardo replied.

“Did you hear about what happened?” Faustino tried to look him in the eye but only succeeded at putting his head down and staring at his shuffling feet.

“Didn’t everyone?” Edgardo said without moving his eyes away from the page he was reading.

“With Veronica that makes 3 since February.” Faustino sat beside him.

It wasn’t uncommon for children to go missing up in the mountains. Danger was everywhere. One moment of absentmindedness could cost you dearly.

The mines were also an issue. Too often their fathers or brothers would just not come home and the mining companies would send their condolences – for whatever that was worth.

“They say someone is taking the children away.” Faustino, again, tried and failed to look him in the eye.

Edgardo put down his book and replied, “Who would possibly want to take the children? If it was for money then wouldn’t they have sent a note? It’s rainy season, people walk around the mountain and don’t come back. Just leave it be.”

“No.” Faustino put his hands on Edgardo’s shoulders. “This is different from that, I can feel it. We have to stick together. I asked Melinda, Pepito and Belen. The five of us can watch what happens with each other.”

“You’ll be safe with us,” Faustino says with a smile.

Edgardo frowns. “If you say so.”

This wasn’t the first time someone made that promise. He thought back to his elder brother. Those nights when they went to the caves together to find gold for themselves. That one time he wasn’t careful. Things would happen and you just had to let them be.

One night Edgardo was awakened by the whispers of another child.

“Edgardo —- psssst —— wake up, it’s important,” the voice said.

It took a few minutes for Edgardo to snap back into reality. The dream that he had was so vivid: a house filled with books all to himself. He was lucid in his dream and he swore that one day it would come true.

“Belen?!”

“Sshhhhhh—don’t let anyone hear you.” She put her hand over his mouth.

“What are you doing here?” he managed to say through her fingers.

“It’s Faustino.” Her face was grim. “He’s missing.”

“Are you sure?” Edgardo was quieter this time, “maybe he just went out for a walk?”

“It’s the middle of the night! He’s not in his house. Come with me. Pepito and Melinda are by the big tree near Faustino’s house. We need to find him.”

Edgardo rubbed his eyes and yawned again. “Fine, might as well.”

Melinda and Pepito were where Belen said they would be, the fireflies giving the tree an eerie aura.

“I think I found a trail,” Pepito said. “There are footprints leading to the caves over by the hills.”

The children all grimaced. Those caves were near the mines and they were dangerous enough for adults, much less a group of four children.

“We have to go,” Belen said, “he’d do the same for us.”

“What are we going to do when we find him? There must be something responsible for the disappearances. How do we fight it?” Melinda was close to tears.

“We don’t need to fight it, we just have to find Faustino and bring him back here, where it’s safe,” Pepito said.

They all looked at each other and put their hands together.

Each had a resolve to find their friend, Edgardo less so. He was still enraptured by his dream.

They followed the trail as best as they could, scraping their skins against the rocks and the roots. And as soon as they were about to fall from exhaustion, they reached their destination, a nondescript cave that they knew was an entrance to a network of tunnels they might not return from.

Belen lead the group. She had taken a lamp from her parents and her siblings had taken her to the caves once. Leadership was not her strength, but she had to make sure the others had a guide. She had to do it, for Faustino.

Melinda was the first.

She didn’t even scream. One moment Belen was shining the lamp on the entrance to another tunnel and the next, when she called out for the names of her companions. She had never feared silence until that moment, it was one she would remember for the rest of her life.

Pepito tried to stay the course. They all held hands and Belen could feel his shaking. She tried to console him.

“It will be alright. We’ll find both of them, I promise.”

Pepito tried to hold back tears as he nodded, yet fear had overtaken him.

“No!” He shouted. “We have to go back home!”

Edgardo tried his best to hold him down.

“Pepito, we have to stay together, it’s the only way we can make it out of here!”

He didn’t listen, he pushed Edgardo off him and ran into the darkness.

The silence weighed heavy on the remaining two.

“I was so stupid to think this would work.” Belen’s breath started to become rapid and she put the lantern down. “We should have stayed together. Now it’s not just Faustino. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry Melinda, Pepito! We have to go back, maybe if we tell our families they can go here and we can all search for them. We’ll find them. We have to find them.”

Edgardo took the lantern and said, “come with me”.

Belen had no other choice but to follow her new friend.

The light from the lantern was slowly fading and the path was getting more slippery as they went along. She tried to grab the wall to balance, but she found that it was damp as well.

She finally saw what it was when Edgardo handed her the lantern.

It was red everywhere. It stained her hands and clothes and drops fell from the ceiling.

“I don’t understand—-” Belen tried to say.

But another light glowed by Edgardo, illuminating a creature carrying a hefty bag of gold.

“You should have listened to them. If you did maybe it would have just been Faustino.”

“I—-I—-” Belen was paralyzed, she tried to scream as the creature carried her deeper into the tunnel.

And as the daylight shined on Edgardo as he cleaned himself in the river, he thought:

“I wonder how many books I can get with this.”

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

Sagay Illustration by Christian Bitao

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anegs.gg/

The post Sagay – Tagalog Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Ilocano

Iddiay Amianan, iti lugar nga maaw-awagan Lagui, nagnaed ti maysa a billit a managan ti Apan. Ni Apan ken dagiti kapadana ket naggapu iti adayo nga amianan-a-daya, ngem gapu iti nakaro a winter iti dayta a lugar, nagturongda iti umabagatan, iti lugar dagiti “windmills.”

Maysa nga aldaw, kabayatan a waywayaan ti init ti idadateng ti bulan, nakasirpat ni Apan iti maysa a tumatayab nga saannapay a nakitkita iti napalabas.. Addan uppat a winter manipud nai-pessa, ket impapanna nga ammona aminen a klase ti billit a sumangbay iti Lagui. Daytoy a billit ket saan met a “kingfisher,”  “starling,” wenno billit-tuleng. Mangipalagip  daytoy kadagitii kuago ti ruot nga agan-anup iti asidegna, ti kinaatiddog  dagiti payak ken ti rupana, ngem ditan nga aggibus ti pagpadaanda.

Awan kadagiti billit ti naranniag kas kadagiti bituen.

Nabannogen ni Apan gapu ti nagmalmalem nga panagbirokna iti taraon. Ngem saan daytoy a nanglapped ti panagtayabna nga agturong iti ayan ti billit, tapno mapennek ti panagusiusona.

Saan unay met a  dakkel daydiay a billit, mangipalagip kadagiti pato ken ul-ullaw nga kanayonna nga ad-adayoan. Uray iti adayo, mabalinna nga suroten ti billit, banag nga nanam-ay para ken ni Apan. Inwardas ti billit dagiti payakna sa nagdisso iti maysa a sanga.

Bayat iti panangipangatona kadagiti payakna, nakita ni Apan ti paggapuan ti lawagna. Iti sirok dagiti payak ket adda saggaysa a bola nga umap-apoy, Nagsiddaaw ni Apan no kasano nga saan a mauram ti apoy ti billit. Nagtayab iti ababa ta ipagarupna nga saan a makita ti billit, ket nagdiso iti maysa a sanga iti ngatuen ti billit.

Kasla maysa nga estatwa ti billit. Ti saan nga agkutkuti nga langa daytoy ken kasla nangpaseggar kenni Apan. “ Ania ngata ti maaramid daytoy a billit,” nasaludsodna.

“ Ammok nga addaka dita,” nagsao met laeng.

Saan a naggaraw ni Apan. Ammona nga adda isuna iti disso a di makita ti billit.

“Umayka ditoy ta agsaritata, “ imbilin ti billit.

Insigida a nagtayab iti ngato ni Apan ket nagdisso iti abay ti billit. Saan a narruam a sirriing iti rabii ket kasla dumagsen ti payakna iti panagtulid ti oras, ngem saanna nga maiyebkas ti ragsakna. Naidumduma ti pannakabirokna iti maysa a baro a banag a mabalinna a sukimaten.

Sinangona ti billit ket nagsaludsod, “ Aniaka kadi?”

Nagkatawa ti billit, “ Diretso ka, ania?”

Imbabana dagiti payakna ket nalingdan dagiti bola nga umap-apoy.

“Maysaak met a billit a kasla kenka.’

“Saanka a kas kadagiti gagangay a billit a nakitkitakon, ken uppaten a winter nga um-umayak ditoy.

“Maysaak a naipangpangruna a billit, “ insungbatna.

“Apay nga adda apoy iti sirok dagiti payakmo? Kasano a dika mapuoran?”

“Maysaka a nausisa a billit,” nakunana. “ Apay a kayatmo a maammuan?”

“Saanak pay a pulos a nakaimatang ti nakadadaeg a tumatayab iti law-ang. Kayatko nga ibaga kadagiti dadduma a billit iti katiponak ti maipapan kenka. “

“ Ala ngarud, “ ti sungbat ti billit. “ Ibagak kenka ti maipapan kaniak. Ngem sakbayna, masapol nga sungbatam daytoy a saludsod.”

“ Sige, “ ti sungbat ni Apan, “ uray ania tapno mangngegko ti pakaestoriaam.”

“ Ania ti pammatim iti gasat?”

Saan a napakadaan ni Apan daytoy. Saanna a ninamnama daytoy a saludsod ti billit, Dagiti kasla kaniana ket saan a mangdakdakamat kadagiti nangato a kapanunotan kas iti gasat. Kontentodan nga agturong kadagiti nabara a lugar ken mangbirok ti sumaruno a taraonda.

Isu nga idi sumungbat..

“Diak ammo no adda kasta.Ti gasat ket para laeng kadagiti bannuar ken ari, saan a nanumo a billit kas kaniak.”

Nagkatawa ti billit.” Pudno kadi a dayta ti patpatiem?”

“Wen, mamatiak.”

Makaassian ti billit a nangkita ken Apan.” Amin a parsua ket adda gasatda a sursurotenda.Ti panangtalikod kadayta ket panangtalikod iti bukod a bagi.”

“Ket sika? Ania ti kapanunotam maipanggep iti gasat?”

“Ti gasat ket kasla angin. Mabalinna ti agpayogpog a kasla bagyo wenno pumoyot a kas iti arasaas kadagiti dutdotmo. Saan a mapagkedkedan, mangisangpet iti masakbayan a maagka no  dimo ikaskaso.”

Nagulimek ni Apan. Awan ti mabirokna a sao nga isungbat iti billit.

Intuloy ti billit.

“Amin a biag ket parte iti maysa a nangatngato a banag.Ti apagdarikmat a panagbalbaliw ti angin a gapuen ti panagpayakpak dagiti payakmi ket mangitunda iti maysa a ngilaw iti lugar nga dina pay naad-addakan. Nalawag nga amin a biag ket  apektaran nga inaldaw dagiti puwersa nga saan tayo pulos a matukod. Inton maawatan tayon dayta, masapul nga agrukma  tayon..

“ Ket ania ngarud ti gasatmo?” sinaludsod ni Apan.

“Makitamto.” Kasla umis-isem ti billit.” Ket gaputa addaka ditoy, sungbatak ti saludsodmo.”

“Daytoyak,” kinunana.

“Maysaka nga apoy?” Ginandat nga awaten ni Apan ti kayat nga ibaga ti billit.

“Siak ti apoy ken mangallilaw.”

“Ngem maysaka a billit. Kasano koma a dua ti kinataom?

“Kumitaka iti ngato,” imbilin ti billit.”Dandanin ti orasna.”

“Oras para iti anya?”

“Para iti tudo.”

Iti dayta a kanito, narikna ni Apan ti tedted ti tudo iti ulona. Ken dagiti nagsasaruno.

Kasla nalipatan ti billit ti saritaanda ken nagtayab a nagpangato iti ayan dagiti ulep a paggapuan ti tudo.

Ginandat ni Apan a pukkawan ti billit, tapno damagenna ti kayatna a sawen.

Naawatna ti sungbat babaen iti ranniag a dandani nangbulsek kaniana.

Nagbalin nga apoy ti billit, maysa a bola ti nakarangrangrang a gil-ayab a nakabitin iti law-ang. Saanen nga ammo ni Apan no mano nga oras a mangbuybuya iti bola ti apoy. Apagapaman nga binittak ti init ti sipnget, nagpukawen ti apoy ken nagsubli metten ni Apan iti pangenna.

Saannan a mauray nga ibaga  kaniada ti maipapan iti billit.

Ngem nadagsen dagiti sao ti billit kaniana.

“ Ti kinatao tayo kadi ket maibasar laeng iti gasat tayo?

=——————————=

English Version

In the North, in a place called Lagui, there lived a bird called Apan. Apan and her kind were from the far northeast, but the harsh winters in that land made them migrate southwards to the land of windmills.

One day, as the sun was giving way to the moon, Apan caught a glimpse of a bird she had never seen before. It had been four winters since she had been hatched and she thought she knew all the birds that came to flock in Lagui. The bird was not a kingfisher, a starling, nor a sparrow. It did remind her of the grass owls that hunted near her perch, with its wingspan and face, but the similarities ended there.

None of those birds ever glowed like starlight.

Apan was tired, having spent the whole day foraging for food. That didn’t stop her from flying towards the bird to sate her curiosity.

The bird was not that large, it reminded Apan of the ducks and kites that her kind avoided. Even from far away the bird could be followed which was convenient for Apan. The bird spread its wings and perched on a nearby branch.
As it lifted its wings up Apan saw the source of its glow. Under each of its wings there was a ball of intense fire. Apan wondered how the fire didn’t consume it. She flew low thinking that the bird would not see her and roosted on a branch under the bird.

It seemed like the bird was a statue. The unmoving countenance of it gave Apan chills. “What would this bird do?” she wondered.

“I know you’re there,” it finally spoke.

Apan did not move. She was sure she was in a place where the bird could not see her.

“Come here and we shall talk,” the bird said.

With that, Apan flew above and rested beside the bird. She was not nocturnal and the hours of night felt heavy upon her wings, but she had never felt such exhilaration. It was rare to find something completely new that she could explore.

She faced the bird and asked, “What are you?”
The bird laughed, “Straight to the point, aren’t you?”
It put its wings down, covering the balls of fire.
“I am, like you, a bird.”

“You are not like any kind of bird I have ever seen, and I have been going here for four winters,” said Apan.
“I am a special kind of bird,” it replied.

“Why do you have fire under your wings? How does it not consume you?”

“You are a very curious bird,” it answered, “why do you want to know?”

“Never have I seen such majesty flying through the skies, I would like to tell the other birds of my flock about you.”
“Very well,” said the bird, “I will tell you my story. But first you must answer a question.”

“Of course!” Apan said, “anything to hear your story.”

“What do you believe about destiny?”

Apan was caught off guard. She had not expected this kind of question from the bird. Her kind did not think of grand things such as destiny, they were content to fly to warm places and find their next meals.

And thus she answered:

“I do not know if it exists. Destiny is a word that describes heroes and kings, not a lowly bird such as I.”

The bird laughed. “Do you truly believe that?”

“Yes, I do.”

The bird looked at Apan with pity, “Every living being has a destiny that they follow. To deny that is to deny yourself.”

“What about you? What do you think about destiny?”

“Destiny is like the wind. It can blow with the wild abandon of a hurricane or the smallest of whispers on your feathers. It cannot be denied, it brings a future that would be foolish to ignore.”

Apan fell silent. She could not find the words to reply to the bird.

The bird continued, “All life is part of something much larger. A brief change in the air caused by the flap of our wings could make it so that a fly would end up where it might never have gone. It is clear that all life is affected every day by forces beyond our comprehension. And once we realize that, we must surrender.”

“And what is your destiny?” Apan asked.

“You will see it later.” The bird almost looked like it was smiling. “And since you are here I will answer your question.”

The bird once again raised its wings so that the balls of fireballs were visible. Apan was worried that her feathers would burn being so close to fire, but she was surprised at the warm glow that washed over her form.

“This is what I am,” said the bird.

“You are the fire?” Apan tried to understand what the bird was trying to tell her.

“I am the fire and a deceiver.”

“But you are a bird. How can you be both?”

“Look up,” the bird said, “it is almost time.”

“Time for what?”

“For the rain.”

At that moment Apan could feel a raindrop hit her head. And another. And another.

The bird seemed to forget their conversation and flew high towards the rainclouds.

Apan tried to shout at the bird, to ask what it meant.

She received her answer in a luminescence that nearly blinded her.

The bird became fire, a ball of bright flame hanging in the sky. Apan didn’t know how many hours she had spent staring at the ball of fire. Once the morning sun broke through the twilight the light disappeared and Apan made her way back to her flock.

She couldn’t wait to tell them about the bird.

But the bird’s words weighed heavy on her.

Are we only what our destiny is?

————————————————————————–

*Ilocano is the third most-spoken local language of the Philippines.An Austronesian language, it is related to such languages as Malay (Indonesian and Malaysian), Tetum, Chamorro, Fijian, Maori, Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Paiwan and Malagasy. It is closely related to some of the other Austronesian languages of Northern Luzon, and has slight mutual intelligibility with the Balangao language and the eastern dialects of the Bontoc language.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Ilocano translation by Maria Jesusa Villaruz
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Maria Jesusa Villaruz

Inspired by the Sansilmo bird legends from Ilocos and “Sansilmo, the Light Deciever.” in Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. Eugenio. 2002. and an Interview with Migo Luis (2015)

The Sansilmo Bird Illustration by Alvin Gasga
FB: Art of Alvin

The post The Sansilmo Bird – Ilocano Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Tagalog

“Sa gitna ng isla, may mga kakaibang nilalang na gumagawa ng mga nakakakilabot na bagay.  Malalaman mo kung ano sila kahit mukhang tao sila, dahil ang itim na bilog ng kanilang mga mata ay hindi tulad ng karaniwang tao, kundi mga makitid na hiwa, tulad sa mga pusa.  Kumikislap din ang kanilang mga mata na parang may sumasayaw na apoy sa loob.

Ang kanilang pangunahing pagkain ay lamang-loob ng mga bangkay, hindi kinakailangang sariwa. Nakita ko itong mga nilalang na pinunit ang tiyan ng sariwang bangkay at mabangis na kinagat at pinunit ang laman, tulad ng mga hayop na labis ang gutom.

Kapag mababa ang suplay ng mga bangkay, doon pinakamapanganib ang mga nilalang. Pupunta sila sa talahiban at magta-trance, pagkatapos, ang kanilang astral na katawan ay lilipad palayo. Itong kakaibang mahika ay wala sa anumang nakita ko noon, kahit sa lahat ng paglalakbay ko.

Ang astral na anyo nitong mga nilalang ay pumapasok sa mga bahay ng walang kamalay-malay na mga biktima at biglang sasalakay sa kanila. Tinatanggal ang kanilang lamang-loob na tulad ng bagong aning bangkay, pinapawi ang kanilang gutom para sa laman ng buhay.  Maririnig sila, ang tunog ay tulad ng pag-ungol ng tao, at mas malakas ito kapag mas malayo sila sa kanilang biktima.

Napansin ko ang pagwisik ng katas ng kalamansi sa mga kamamatay lang, na ang sabi sa akin ay para pigilan ang mga nilalang sa pagpasok sa mga libingan.

Binalaan ako na kapag marinig ko ang pag-ungol, o makita ang pagkislap ng kanilang mga mata, kailangan kong kumaripas ng takbo papalayo, ang alternatibo ay labanan sila at ang tanging sandata na sinabi sa akin na mabisa ay isang kris na pinahiran ng katas ng kalamansi.

Itong nilalang ay tulad ng iba pang hayop sa mga isla, kumakain ng lamang-loob ng mga bangkay at lumilipad sa gilid ng kanilang mga biktima. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mangyayari kapag nakita ko ang isa sa personal, bagaman umaasa ako para sa kapakanan ng aking pananaliksik, ang aking mga maikling talaan ay mapapanatili.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ginagawa ko ito, kung bakit patuloy kong inilalagay ang aking sarili sa harapan ng panganib upang maitala itong mga kakaibang nilalang. Batid ko ang hindi pagsang-ayon ng aking pamilya sa parehong pamamaraan at pagsasaliksik ko, ngunit kinakailangang malaman ang mga bagay na ito. Dapat mayroong paraan para balaan ang mga tao tungkol sa mga panganib nitong mga isla, kahit maging kapalit ang aking kaluluwa.”

—- Mula sa mga maikling talaan ni Mari Bas

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English Version

In the center of the island, strange creatures go about their horrible ways. You can tell what they are even if they look human, as their pupils are not round like regular folk, but are narrow slits, much like those of felines. Their eyes also flash as if dancing flames can be seen inside them.

Their main diet consists of the entrails of corpses, not necessarily fresh. I have seen these creatures rip apart the stomach of a fresh corpse and savagely bite and tear through the flesh like ravenous scavengers.

When the supply of corpses is low, that is when these beings are the most dangerous. They will go into the tall grass and fall into a trance, then, their astral bodies fly away. This strange magic is nothing like I’ve ever seen before, even in all of my travels.

These creatures’ astral forms would go into the houses of unsuspecting victims and pounce on them. Gutting their entrails like a newly harvested corpse, satiating their hunger for living flesh. They can be heard, the sound is like human moaning, it is louder the farther they are from their victim.
I have noticed that lime juice is sprinkled on the newly dead, which I have been told is a ward against the creatures from entering the graves.

I have been warned if I hear the moaning, or see the flickering of their eyes, I must run away with much haste, the alternative would be to fight them off and the only weapon that I have been told is effective is a kris rubbed with lime juice.

This creature is much like the other scavengers of the islands, feasting on the innards of corpses and flying to the side of their victims. I do not know what will happen when I find one in person, though I hope for the sake of my research, my notes survive.

I do not know why I do this, why I keep putting myself in harm’s way to record these strange beings. I have noted my family’s disapproval of both my methods and my research, but these things have to see the light of day. There must be something to warn the people of the dangers of these islands, even if it may cost me my very soul.

—- From the notes of Mari Bas

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Inspired by the Berbalang legends from Cagayan Sulu.

Berbalang Illustration by Ysa Peñas
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The post Berbalang – Tagalog Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

In the light of the waxing moon a single spirit prepared for his journey.

He bid his home goodbye and wondered where he would voyage.

The stars perhaps? The messengers were busy tonight.

There was also rumbling of a disturbance in the courts of the middle world? He didn’t want to get in the middle of that conflict.

The land of earthquakes and storms? He had just been there his last trip; the serpents would understand some time apart.

He closed his eyes and took a step forward and bathed in creation.

And in a moment, he was gone.

“Hail to you mother-crocodile.”

“Ahhh, the caretaker of the silver light. I have heard your movements through the cosmos. What brings you to me?”

The mountains on the back of Dapu shifted. Ngapal did not know if carrying the world was a big a burden as it seemed, but for now she seemed comfortable with her encumbrance.

“I have traveled now where I have not yet been,” answered Ngapal.

“Ahh, the wonders a journey can give to a soul. You may stay next to me.”

Ngapal floated to the crocodile’s side.

“What do you want of me?” Dapu’s eyes piercing Ngapal’s being.

“I only request a humble conversation.”
“And in return?”

“You will have a new story to tell.”
The crocodile roared a hearty laugh.

“The audacity!”

“It is the only thing I can offer, mother-crocodile.”

“You have made these old bones rattle. Proceed, caretaker, what would you like to know?”

“I have heard tales of your shadow.”
“Ahhh, Lawu,, I have not thought of them in ages.’
“There are many stories of the both of you. I would like to know which one is true.”
“All. Neither. It depends on what shadow the sky casts.”
“That is not an answer.”
“And that is all you will get.”
Ngapal knew better than to push things when dealing with the greater spirits. But he had no other options.

“I meant no disrespect mother-crocodile. I just wanted to know..”
“Because of Sowu.”
“Yes.”
“Lawu is also one of the celestial beings called the moon-eaters.”
“Yes.”

“You insult me, caretaker. You have fought his kind before and were victorious. What else do you seek?”
“Every eclipse the Sowu inches closer to victory. If I am to protect my charge I must know of the others.”

“And how you can defeat them?”
“Yes.”
It was the first time he had said his fears to another, but not was not the time for shame nor pity.
“Please mother-crocodile, tell me your tale.” Ngapal begged.
The giant sighed.

“Very well. There are not many with the gall to go to my domain and ask thus.”
“I am not like them.”

“There is the story of my death.”
“But you are very much alive, great spirit.”
“Hush, let me finish.”
“I apologize.”

“Much has been said about that story. In it, I simply die. No reason or rhyme, all to fuel the rage of the Lawu.”

Dapu let out another laugh causing the world on her back to shift.

“That is one tale. There is another where Lawu is borne of my blood. Seeking retribution on my behalf.”
“And is that the truth, mother-crocodile?”
“Yes. No. Maybe.”

“Is there anything that could help me in my battle?”
“Only this, caretaker. You have an ally in your charge. The light of the night sky is not as helpless as you might think.”
“I will ruminate on those words mother-crocodile. I thank you for your precious time.”

“I must thank you as well. I have remembered much about myself and my shadow. Goodbye, caretaker, I wish you luck on your sojourn.”

And with that Ngapal took another step into the cosmos.

He didn’t get far before a familiar noise beckoned him.

It was the kumbing of his people.

The journey would have to wait.

Now it was time to battle.

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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Story inspired by an interview with Rosie Sula, a Tboli elder.

Illustration by Katrina Escolar-Tan

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*Note this poem is in Tagalog

Dito kung saan kami tumigil

Dito kung saan kami magsisimula

Ang Muya

Ang Bayi-bayi

Ang pangalan niya ay Amburukay

Itinatago niya ang kaniyang mga dalaga

Itinatago niya dila sa kaniyang Tore

Ang Muya

Ang Bayi-bayi

Kung sino man ang makakukuha ng kaniyang tuos

Ng kaniyang gintong bulbol

Ay mapakakasalan siya,

Taghoy, ang duwende

Ang espiritung-gabay

Ng Labaw Donggon

Ay nagsabing ayusin niya

Ang sira niyang bidya

Tanging ang tuos

Ng Muya

Ng Bayi-Bayi

Kinuha niya

Alam niyang hindi ito sa tuos

Ng Muya

Ng Bayi-bayi

Ang kaniyang dapat pakasalan

Amburukay

Noong araw ng itinakdang kasal

Ang kaniyang tahanan

Ang tahanan ng lalaki

Ay ibinigay sa Muya

Sa Bayi-bayi

Umiyak ang Labaw Donggon

Hindi ang Muya

Hindi ang Bayi-bayi

Hindi ko siya mapakakasalan

Amburukay

Ito ang kaniyang binukot

Ang kaniyang tinatagong mga dalaga

Ang mga anak niyang babae

Natuwa ang Labaw Donggon

Kung saan kami huminto

Dito kami matatapos

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English Version

Where we all pause
Here shall we begin

The Muwa
The Bayi-bayi
Her name, Amburukay
She hides her kept maidens
Hides them in her tower

The Muwa
The Bayi-bayi
Whoever gets her tuos*
Her golden pubic hair
Will marry her

Taghoy, the duwende
The spirit guide
Of Labaw Donggon
Tells him to fix
His broken bidya

With only the tuos
Of the Muwa
Of the Bayi-bayi
He takes it

He knows not of the tuos
Of the Muwa
Of the Bayi-bayi
He must marry
Amburukay

The wedding day
His house
The house of the groom
Is brought to the Muwa
To the Bayi-bayi

Labaw Donggon cries in despair
Not the Muwa
Not the Bayi-bayi
I cannot marry her

Amburukay
Is not there
It is her binukot
Her kept maidens
Her adopted daughters
Labaw Donggon rejoices

Where we all pause
Here shall we end

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*A tuos is a sacred vow or pledge. (This is in reference to the story wherein anyone that gets Amburukay’s golden pubic hair must marry her, as was the sacred magical binding contract of her parents)

*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 (In the style of a Sugidanon [Epic] of Panay)

Translation by Gabriela Baron
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Translation Copyright © Gabriela Baron

Story adapted from Amburukay: Sugidanon (Epics) of Panay. Caballero & Caballero-Castor translation by Magos. 2015.

Amburukay Illustration by Patmai De Vera
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*Note this story is in Cebuano

Ang dagat misidlak sama sa usa ka baol nga napuno sa nadugmok nga mga diamante nga nagpabanaag sa malumo nga kahayag sa mga bituon.

Karong gabhiona, sama sa tanang gabii, mao ang iyang ritwal. Lawom na ang gabii, takna diin ang mga damgo naglupad-lupad sa mga alimpatakan sa uban, ug mao kining panahon nga iyang matigom ang iyang mga hunahuna.

Diyotay na lang ang nahibilin alang kaniya niining iya untang puluy-anan. Gisaysayan siya sa iyang inahan matod sa panahon nga ang ilang katigulangan mobalhin-balhin sama sa mga tiglalin sa tibuok nga isla, apan kana nahitabo sa dugay na nga panahon. Mitan-aw siya sa baybayon nga karon napuno sa mga turista nga buot makalingkawas sa kahago sa kinabuhi sa siyudad. Kaniadto, kining dapita usa ka paraisong puluy-anan alang sa iyang mga katigulangan; karon, sama na kini sa usa ka haw-ang nga kabhang kon itandi sa iyang kanhing kaugalingon, nahimong huyang human sa pagkonsumo sa tawo.

Usa ka malumo nga luha ang midagayday sa iyang aping, ug ang iyang kasubo miabot sa kinapungkayan niini. Giunsa kini pagkahitabo, kini ba gayod ang kapalaran sa iyang katawhan? Hangtod sa hangtod nang nawala, hangtod sa hangtod nga maglatagaw alang sa ilang luna sa kalibotan?

Gipiyong niya ang iyang mga mata ug gihanggab ang hangin sa kagabhion. Iyang gipahiluna ang iyang ulo sa humok nga balas, gipasagdan ang mga hunahuna nga molupad sa iyang alimpatakan hangtod nga siya napuno sa kangitngit.

Nahigmata siya, nakapahulay ug andam na, apan dunay dili husto.

Ang mga bituon wala makita sa dagat, dili niya mabati ang mainitong silaw sa kahayag sa bulan.

Nahibalo dayon siya.

Sayo na sa buntag, panahon nga ang iyang katawhan mo-atiman sa mga uma ug sa mga gimbuhaton aron mabuhi, apan dili, iyang gisultihan ang iyang kaugalingon nga ang mga karaan nga pamaagi nahanaw na.

Mibalik siya sa iyang balay ug sa iyang pamilya nga napandol sa kangitngit. Wala hinuon ni makahasol niya, gani nagsunod ni niya sa tibuok niyang kinabuhi.

Ang kangitngit mipuno sa iyang panan-aw hangtod nga wala nay nahibilin.

Hangtod nga natabonan sa semento ang mga baybayon.

Hangtod nga nalumos ang kalasangan sa mga minahan.

Hangtod nga ang iyang pamilya kinahanglan nga modangop sa pagpakilimos.

Nahibal-an niya nga kinahanglan siyang mosinggit, aron ang adlaw makigbatok sa pagkabiktima niini. Anaa kini sa iyang dugo, ang dugo sa iyang katawhan.

Apan naghari ang kahilom.

“Pasagdi nga ang bitin motukob sa adlaw.” Nagluhod siya ug ang iyang mga luha ningdagayday sa kangitngit.

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English Version

The sea glistened like a field of crushed diamonds, reflecting the soft light of the stars.

Tonight, as in all nights, was her ritual. It was late, the time when dreams fluttered in the minds of others, and it was this time that she could collect her thoughts.

There was little left for her in what should have been her home. Her mother had told her stories of when her people would move as nomads all over the island, but those times were long past. She looked at the beach, now filled with tourists escaping the drudgery of city life. This place was once a paradise for her people to live, now it was a hollow shell of its former self, chipped away at the ends by the consumption of man.

The post Sawa – Cebuano Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

The scent was carried by the western wind.

Deer? No not gamey enough.

Wait. I know this one.

The olfactory sense, the one she was most proud of was weak tonight. In normal days she could identify the musk of a carabao or even the scent of freshly cut undergrowth at a great distance.

Yes.

Humans.

Not the stringy kind, she thought, much more tender.

It had been a while since she had eaten juveniles. They were faster than the older ones, but the sweet taste of their flesh lingered on her tongue, long after that meal.

Three?

No. Two.
The wafting of the breeze emboldened her.

A great vintage. She said to no one in particular.

One male. Seven years old, very nervous. Sweating too much. A bit heavy set.

Another one. Female. Related to the boy. Old enough to have passed puberty. She seems to be the one leading them both through the forest.

Leading them to her first meal in a while.

Small game was what the giantess had been subsisting on for the past few weeks. She brought them to her cave, the soft light of the small fire exuding some form of comfort in her bleak existence.

She was an outcast even among the giants. She was not the strong Bungisngis, the fearsome Dambuhala or the oath sworn Sarimao.

She was Bekat, the giantess who could smell.

And today she was hungry.

The humans were in the part of the forest where the river ran.

Perfect. She could wash the meat without having to inconvenience herself.

She took a large log, felled from a narra tree and started her hunt.

That smell again.

She could tell by the scent that both of them were sweating, their adrenaline seeping out of their bodies.

Her belly growled. All she had to do was get close enough for one swipe. Just one.

The girl screamed, giving ample time for the boy to run away.

Bekat grabbed her quarry, the girl struggling to escape her grasp.

She smelled something on the girl, a kind of perfume or a lip balm? Bekat never liked eating those, they tasted like chemicals and preservatives.

It was time to drown her prey. The cold waters of the river would rush away any unwanted flavors.

“Wait!” The girl said. “Do not drown me giant, my flesh will be tough!”

Bekat reflected, had all her drowned prey been tough to chew? That may have been the case.

The giantess sat down, the girl still struggling against her grip.

“Hmmm.. How should I deal with you, child?”

“You could release me, giant. I can bring you many more humans.”

“I could not eat all of you given the chance. I only want a light meal.”

“then what kind of meal do you want to have?”

“Something plump and juicy.”
“I can get you my brother! All you need is to let me go and I can bring him!”
“What if you run away?”
“I will not, I promise.”
So Bekat let her go and waited.

The sun set and she waited.

Twilight passed and she waited.

“Damn, fooled again,” she said.

It was not the first time she was tricked like this and it wouldn’t be the last. Her strength equaled her ignorance.

She smelled a whiff of deer in the air.

And resumed her hunt.

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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Inspired by the Bekat description in The Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology, Maximo Ramos, Phoenix Publishing, 1990.

Bekat Illustration by emirajuju
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