Sarimanok

Sarimanok… Sarimanok..
A beacon for the M’ranaw people.

It is said that if it stops its crowing, the earth will come to its end.

It was invited to the Volery by its compatriot, the Mra Bolawan.

As it kneeled before Sumayang Galura, the king of all birds, it let out a sigh. It had no time to bow before others. It was a proud bird and its own power was vast, though it shared that to its many human worshippers.

It size was gigantic, much bigger than the other birds in the Volery, its crest reaching to the high heavens.

As it preened up, Sumayang Galura’s voice roared.

“Welcome fair avian, what brings you to the Volery?”
“I come under the guidance of the M’ra Bolawan.”
“And from that, what do you seek?”
“Just a short chat.”
“Ah those are in plenty supply.”
“What is the Volery?”
“Ahh, newcomer, I assume the M’ra Bolawan did not tell you much of us?”
“They just said that I would learn much from all the birds here.”
“The Volery is an aviary consisting of many avians and avian like gods, celestial beings, creatures of omen, even sorcerers. As long as they are part of the feather, they are welcome here.”

The Sarimanok stretched out its wings.

“Very interesting, I can see that you have many spirits among your number. I recognize some of them from the south.”

“They settle here to avoid the conniptions of man.”
“As they should, mortals are exhausting.”
“Enough of this small talk, what conversation do you wish to be had?”
“King of birds, I seek a boon.”
“Of what?”
“A few moons ago I met this messenger of the gods. It was a tiny being, not much longer than one of my feathers. It was sent by its diwata master to collect specific objects, for what reason, I don’t know. One of the items was a feather from a celestial bird. It asked me politely and I acquiesced to its request. It did not bother me then but the more I think about it, the more my curiosity burns. I must know what it used my feather for.”

“A fascinating request. I will confer with my messengers, I bid you to lay down your arms.”
It took an eternity for the king’s messengers to reply, but in the skyworld time bends and blends, centuries can last minutes and seconds stretch into perpetuity.

A small bird, the size of a Maya rested on a nearby branch and proceeded to whistle, telling of the answer to the Sarimanok’s inquiry.

The melody was carried on from the entirety of the Volery and the birds were held captive by the song.

The servant of the Diwata, called the Lambana was undertaking a great task.

The messenger continued on and recounted a war between the gods of Kamaritaan (The earthworld).

The Diwata, Sidapa, sent many of her servants to gather items of power to fuel her already considerable strength.

The Sarimanok nodded, “A war I would do well to avoid.”
“Is there anything else you wish to know?”
“That is all, king of birds, I thank you for accepting me into your Volery. It will not be the last time I ask for a story between us.”
“I look forward to then, Sarimanok.”
The Sarimanok took its large frame, stretched their wings and prepared to descend to the earthworld, satisfied that its query was answered.

Written by Karl Gaverza

Inspired by the description in “Southwestern Philippine Art”. Anthropological Papers National Museum, Peralta, Jesus T., 1980

Sarimanok Illustration by Cil Flores