*Note this story is in Cuyonon

Sa primiro, ing pilayan tana.

Masyadong malabég ang adlaw. Masyadong marakéng mga naynabo, suroayan, orogiawan, ig sobrang rakéng mga dapat taposon sa opisina. Sobra ra anang kalipay datong makita na anang kama. Anang ololonan agaaimbitar kanana na magpakon sa mga logar na kung sadin ara kakaistorbo kanana, logar nga kung sadin kakatinir tana paz.

Sa ikarwa, kabati tana kanta.

Ing adlékan tana sa daman-daman, piro anang kapilay maman dén anang ing papamatian. Ang bégat ang kalibotan midyo maman ang aga dés kanana pababa, ig midyo aga-ukay anang lébéngan. Iba ang gabing dia, makon tana sa anang ololonan. Kakapanari tana rén da. Mintras loay-loay tana kakakatorog, abéréng tana kung ayamo anang kamalay agapatogtog mabaskég na kanta. Sa anang éna-éna, akikita na anang sadili na magariklamo kinaromanan.

Sa ikatlo, mi mga anino.

Tatlo ka adlaw, piro ara tana para éngéd kakakatorog. Indi tana pa ra éngéd kapakon sa logar na anang ingtitingwa mintras apiréng. Tana ay sa logar na kung sadin indi tana kakalyék. Sa logar tana na ara tana kontrol. Ag séléng tana sa kilid anang kama, sa mantsa ang kapi ig naulog na asukar sa salég, ig ingkon na sa anang sadili, ayos ako lamang. Agpangadi tana na basipa ayos tana lamang manda.

Sa ikaapat, ag kadlaw tana.

Ag ngirit ang malam sa anang binuatan, mi saka kalag tana romang angkénén. Pirmi sanda kakamata, ig ing isip anda na ara rén ang daman-daman. Piro sa oras na agpiréng sanda roman, diyan tana para saradoan ang puertan. Ing batak na anang lawas, ig ing lébasan ang ibang mga kalag na aga paranaw-panaw sa kalibotan ang taginép. Saka daligmata ang ag sugod, halos magbonggoan sanda, ig ing silotan na ang kada mata ang padlék. Masyadong malabég ang gabing dia, maliag tana lamang ag panari.

=—————-=

English Version

The first time, she was tired.

The day had been too long. Too many memories of shouting and fights, too many deadlines she couldn’t ignore. It had been pure joy when she finally saw her bed. The pillows invited her to journey with them to places where her boss couldn’t call her, somewhere she could finally be at peace.  The last thing she saw was the light from her phone gently going dark.

The second time, she heard music.

She was afraid of the nightmare, but exhaustion overtook her senses. The weight of the world felt like it was pushing her down and digging a grave for her. Tonight would be different, she told her pillow. She would finally be able to rest. As she drifted off, she wondered why her neighbors were playing such loud music. In her head, she imagined complaining the next day.

The third time, there were shadows.

It was three days and still she did not sleep. She could not bring herself to go to the place she had been when her eyes were closed. It was a place where she couldn’t move her body. It was a place where she had no control. She looked at her bedside, at the coffee stained floor and the crumpled packets of sugar and she told herself she would be okay. She prayed she would be okay.

The fourth time, she laughed.

The old woman smiled at her handiwork, another soul for her to claim. They would always wake up and think that the nightmare has passed, but once they close their eyes, she would be there to block the door. She hauled her corpulent frame, and passed the other spirits roaming through the dream world. A daligmata rushed through, nearly ran into her and she cursed each eye on the beast. This night had gone on for too long, she needed some rest.

=—————————–=

*Cuyonon is a regional Visayan language spoken on the coast of Palawan, and the Cuyo Islands in the Philippines.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Cuyonon Translation provided by Arlan Belen
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Arlan Belen

Story inspired by Batibat entry in Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Ramos. 1971.

Batibat Illustration by Leandro Geniston
FB page: That Guy With A Pen

Watercolor by Alexa Garde
Website: www.Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Kapampangan

Pasisibayu ne namang medisoras ing asawa na, siningal ne naman ing lalaki.

Menagkas ya keng angin ing malating lalaki. Mengisnawa yang marimlang angin bat keng ilug at siningal yang pasibayu. Dadala no ning angin deng pamanuksu at sitsit da reng aliwang maglalage. Lulsut la keng siwang ning bale dang kwayan anggang milagpas ya kareng bulung at linuksu keng ilug.

Kening ilug ne minunang ikit ing babai.

Makapadurut keng lalaki ing danum, makalbug ya at anti ya mong makaulas mabasa. Taimik keni, asnang katunud. Aganaka ne itang aldong akilala ne ing kayang asawa. Asne kasala  ing aldo at mikapalyan ya keng kakewan, pepalbug no deng bitis na keng ilug kaybat megpiyak ya. Kanita ne minunang dimdam magkanta ing babai. Linub ya ing kanta keng balugbug ning lalaki kaybat sikmal ne ing puso na. Masaya la pa kanita.

Siyempre kontra ya ing pamilya ning babai. Aliwa la deng maglalage ning ilug kareng maglalage ning kakewan. “Ali ya map ing sirena kareng kalupa mu.” Mesukal ya lub ing lalaki kaybat da sinabi ita deng kapatad ning babai. Ali da kasi aintindian ing panamdaman na.

Ali naman dapat makanini. Ali dapat makanini kasakit ing kasal. Balu na at balu na rin ning asawa na ating bage na ali da akontrol. Ali la malyaring mikayanak maski na kasal la. Balu ning lalaki na makanta yang makuswelu ing asawa na, kaya pin paburen na nemu keng pamanintun na.

Miras ne keng lalam ning ilug at kinawe ya papunta keng lukib. Mengaligkig ya keng bawu da reng mete. Pegmasdan na lang deng mangalating butul, patung-patung at dikit-dikit la. Atin na naman kanyang bayung butul na matambak keni. Balu nang ali na dapat makaying isipan ing keinan da reng tau. Balu nang ali na no man talaga aintindian uling ali neman tau, pero aliwa ya talaga panamdaman patse akakit no deng butul.

Piniling ya kaybat kinawe ne pabalik keng pangpang. Sasabyan na keng sarili na makanini yang magkuswelu ing asawa na, na malati yang bage ini. Kabang maglakad ya pabalik keng kakewan, daramdaman nong magindredus deng aliwang maglalage. Ali na no pansin uling daramdaman na neng magkanta ing babai keng malawut.

Ing timan ning babai ing maulaga kaya.

Medisoras ne na naman ing babai at manaya ya.

===============

English Version

Again, she is late and again, her husband sighs.

The small man curses in the wind. He breathes in the cool river air and sighs for the third time. The taunts and whispers of the other sprits are thick on the wind.  They breach the sanctuary of his bamboo home until he rushes past the leaves and jumps into the river.

The river where he first met her.

The water surrounds his body, submerging him in a blanket of liquid. There is silence here, there is peace. He thinks back to the day he met his bride. There was too much sun and he was uncomfortable in his grove, he dipped his feet in the side of the river and closed his eyes. That was the first time he heard her song. It filled his ears and stole his heart. Those were happy times.

Her family never approved, of course. The spirits of the river and the spirits of the grove lived in two different worlds. “A sirena is not meant for the likes of you.” Those words from her sisters cut deep. They would never understand what he felt.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Marriage wasn’t supposed to be this hard. There were things they couldn’t control, and she knew as well as he did. Their kind could never have children, at least not together. He knew being a mother was the only thing that could make her happy, so when she started her search he could only say yes.

He is at the bottom of the river now, and he swims to the cave. The smell of death sent shivers down his spine. He stared at all the small bones, stacked neatly, side by side. Soon, there would be another set to join them. He knew better than to succumb to human frailties. After all, he was not human enough to understand them, but the sight of the bones made him feel something strange.

He shook his head and swam back up the river. He told himself that this was the only thing that would make her happy, and it was a small price to pay. As he walks to his grove, the gossip of the other spirits reaches his ears. It doesn’t bother him, because he hears her song in the distance.

The only thing that matters to him is her smile.

She is late and he is waiting.

=——————=

Story inspired by Litao description in El Folk-lore Filipino written by Isabelo de los Reyes, translation by Dizon and Peralta-Imson. 1994. (Original Spanish Manuscript Printed 1889)

Litao Illustration by emirajuju
IG: https://www.instagram.com/emirajuju/

Colors by Alexa Garde
Website: Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Chavacano-Zamboanga

Un noche na pono de anislag, el maga aniniput ya comenza dila ritual nocturno. Desde cuando uno kanila ay puede acorda, ta alumbra sila el con el cielo con diila maga baile que ay puede competi contra con el maga mas hermosa de maga contelacion. Y quien otro para encabeza kanila si hinde diila rey? El regente del maga aniniput ay baila junto con su maga subdito creando un engrande presentacion de brillo.
Mientras el Rey ta prepara para na baile, ya nota le que uno del maga aniniput no hay luz. “Niño aniniput,” ya habla le, “Por que tu hinde arde como igual tu maga uban?”
“Mi señor, hinde yo ta entende por que kita ta hace este, hinde ba si ta manda kita mira diaton luz ay ta atrae kita maga depredador? Ya adverti comigo el maga grillo que el maga palaka, el maga lawa y maga pajaro ay hace kanaton sabroso merienda si ay manda kita mira diaton maga cuerpo.”
“Por que kita esconde si diaton luz el muy hermosa parte del noche? Debe kita lleva luz na maga oscuro lugar. Cada uno diaton tiene un espiritu que no puede nega. Ta sinti tambien tu este, hinde ba?”
“Sinti cosa, mi señor?”
“El necesidad para alumbra el cielo. Talli ese na corazon del maga aniniput. El maga depredador ay mira kanaton, ese el verda, ay mira sila diaton maga luz y busca para apaga kanila, pero este un diutay precio para paga para puede diaton maga alma canta na oscuridad.”
El niño aniniput no puede siempre entende cosa que quere habla su Rey, tiene gayot le miedo mori. No puede le hace por pecho el maga palabra del disuyu Rey y ya oscurece su luz.
Aquel noche ya baila maga aniniput pero tiene maga rastro de sombra que puede mira na un distancia. Ta aparece que makatapon el miedo del niño aniniput. Ta puede oi con el maga hutik que el maga aniniput ta preferi el seguridad del oscuridad contra con el riesgo del luz.
El Rey del maga aniniput ya llama un miting del disuyu maga subdito para discuti con el situacion.
“El cosa kame ta habla ay debe kita tiene cuidao basta de noche,” ya habla el niño aniniput “No quere kame queda el siguiente sena del lawa.”
“Por que tu ta hace este, niño aniniput?” el Rey ya pregunta.
“Ta tiene yo miedo mi señor, no quere yo que ay saca mi luz hasta para siempre.”
“Pero hinde ba ese mismo tu ta hace na tu cuerpo?”
“Puede pa siempre kita alumbra, pero solamente na maga lugar Seguro. Este debe diaton nuevo reglamento!” Ya habla el niño aniniput con confianza.
“Aniniput, debe kita brilla na oscuridad, porque para ese razon kanaton ya crea. Por que tu necesita mira maga señales para alumbra cuando kita mismo el maga estrella que debe alinea?”
“Hinde pa siempre yo ta entende, mi señor.”
Y alla el Rey del maga aniniput ya pensa cosa debe ele hace.
Ya arde le, mas brillante con el luna y ya vola afuera del pono de anislag. El niño aniniput ya grita, “Mi señor! Ay mira sila contigo, por favor no arde tu cuerpo!”
Por supuesto este no hay sirvi, el luz del Rey ya aguanta con el horizonte y apenas el maga kabug, maga lawa, maskin maga pajaro del noche ya vola para na resplandor.
No puede cree el niño aniniput cosa ya socede siguiente. A su alrededor, el otro maga aniniput ya baila junto con diila Rey, formando un ipo-ipo de luz. El maga depredador ya para, cautivao del espectaculo y uno a uno ya entra na baile.
The birds and bats flapped their wings, the frogs moved to the rhythm and the spiders twirled as the fireflies brought light to the darkness. El maga pajaro y kabug ya toca diila maga alas, el maga palaka ya move na ritmo y el maga lawa ya gira mientras el maga aniniput ya lleva luz na oscuridad.
Y dentro del su alma, el niño aniniput finalmente ya entende.
Si ay dale tu luz ay queda tu parte de un cosa mas grande.
No hay ya ele espera para na un contestacion.
Ya brilla le.
Su alma ya grita na maga sombra, “Ay hinde yo deja que saca bo este conmigo!”
El bosque ay hasta siempre acorda el cuento del niño aniniput que tiene miedo na su mismo luz, y todo que ta llama con el bosque diila casa, maskin el maga depredador, ay recorda con el galaxia de luz en frente del pono de anislag, sabiendo que aquel momento que tiene sila fuego dento diila maga cuerpo que no puede sila nega.
Por ahora y para siempre.

=———————–=
English Version

One night by the anislag tree the fireflies began their nightly ritual. For as long as any of them could remember they would light up the sky with dances that rivaled the most beautiful of constellations. And who else would lead them but their king? The regent of the fireflies would dance with his subjects creating a breathtaking display of luminescence.

As the King prepared for the dance he noticed that one of the fireflies was not lighted. “Young firefly,” he said, “Why do you not light up with your brethren?”

“My lord, I do not understand why we do this, won’t showing our light attract predators? I was warned by the crickets that frogs, spiders and birds would make us a tasty snack if we show ourselves.”

“Why should we hide when our light is the most beautiful part of the night? We must bring light to the dark places. Each of us has a spirit that cannot be denied. You feel it too don’t you?”

“Feel what my lord?”

“The need to light the sky. It is in the heart of all fireflies. Predators will see us, that much is true, they will look at our lights and seek to snuff them out, but that is a small price to pay to have our souls sing out in the darkness.”

The young firefly still couldn’t understand what his King was trying to say, he was much too afraid of dying. He could not take his King’s words to heart and dimmed his light.

That night the fireflies danced but small flecks of shadow could be seen from a distance.  It seemed that the young firefly’s fear was contagious. Whispers could be heard from all around that fireflies would rather have the safety of darkness than the risk of the light.

The King of the fireflies called a meeting of his subjects to discuss the situation.

“All we are saying is that we should be careful in the night,” said the young firefly “We do not want to be a spider’s next meal.”

“Why do you do this, young firefly?” the King asked.

“I am scared my lord, I do not want my light to be taken forever.”

“But is that not what you are doing to yourself?”

“We can still light up, but only in safe places. That should be our new rule!” The young firefly said with confidence.

“Firefly, we must shine into the darkness, for that is what we were made for. Why must you look for signs to light up when we, ourselves, are the stars that must align?”

“I still don’t understand, my lord.”

And it was then that the King of the fireflies knew what he had to do.

He lit up, brighter that the moon and hovered outside the anislag tree. The young firefly cried out “My lord! They will see you, please do not light yourself up!”

It was no use of course, the King’s light touched the horizon and all around bats, spiders, even night birds flew towards the dazzling glow.

The young firefly couldn’t believe what happened next. All around the other fireflies danced with their King forming a hurricane of phosphorescence. The predators stood, enthralled by the spectacle and one by one joined in the dance.

The birds and bats flapped their wings, the frogs moved to the rhythm and the spiders twirled as the fireflies brought light to the darkness.

And deep within his soul, the young firefly finally understood.

If you send out your spark you will become a part of something greater.

He did not wait for a reply.

He shined.

And his soul cried out to the shadows, “I will not let you take this from me!”

The forest would forever remember the story of the young firefly who was afraid of his own light and all those that called the forest home, even the predators, would think back to the galaxy of lights in front of the anislag tree, knowing in that moment that they had a fire inside themselves that they would not deny.

For now and forever.

=————————=

*Note this poem is in Maguindanaon

So limu, lilini na makatingguma

Na makauyag sa tademan

a mapaet

Endu makanggay sa salig, apas

Ow  mana bu ka pamakikinegeng tanu

Na kasabutan tanu man e ngini kaulad kasla nu dungya

So limu, lilini na makatingguma

Na makasigay a makatayaw siya kanu kinabpapalak kinadtatankaya tanu

Makalandaw kanu alung-alung nu mga alwak tanu

Pabila ka makauma den siya kanu kahadapan tanu

Na mabaluy a makauyag kanu uyag-uyag tanu

So limu, lilini na makatingguma

Siya kanu kinapamalinpapak nin

Na mapananawag nin so kawalaw tanu

Na niya husto na niya tanu kadsulamigan na

Su bantang

So limu, lilini na makatingguma

A menggay sa langun a nataratanto sa leka

Endu  langun a nataratanto sa leka a maaden mabaloy

Sa daden makagkibil lun

=———————-

English Version

Love will arrive,

It will bring back old memories

Of pain

Of hope

If we dare listen to it

We will know how big the world truly is

Love will arrive,

It will shine a light on our exile

Cast away the shadows of our souls

When it comes into our sight

It will lead us into life

Love will arrive,

On feathered wings

It will call out our bravery

And we must choose

The cost

Love will arrive,

Will you give all that you are

And all that you will ever be

To truly be free

=——————–=

*Maguindanao or Maguindanaon is an Austronesian language spoken by majority of the population of Maguindanao province in the Philippines. It is also spoken by sizable minorities in different parts of Mindanao such as the cities of Zamboanga, Davao, and General Santos, and the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, as well as Metro Manila. This was the language of the historic Sultanate of Maguindanao, which existed before and during the Spanish colonial period from 1500–1888.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Traslation by

Forester SANGGACALA R. ABDULA

Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright ©

Forester SANGGACALA R. ABDULA

Inspired by Biraddali description in Voices from Sulu A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions. Rixhon. 2010.

Biraddali Illustration and Color by Alexa Garde
Website: Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Maguindanaon

Sa inia inged a migkasela su tua mama ku, sa apia entain na di kapakayan embitiala sa magabi.

“Kakineg ku pan su uni na guyudan a putaw nin,” pidtalu na tua mama ku.

Kapegkasela a kaped sekanin na bida. Kanu kutika a wata kami pan endu pegumbal kami sa uni sa magabi edtalaguy sekanin sa lekami endu tantu a kena makaingel, di pegumbal sa ingel sa ginawa nin.

Tatap a pedsendit aku sa kapegidsa sa enduken.

Sa nan a inged pebpawang intu sa magabi, pegketengen nin su guyudan a putaw nin. Su guyudan na napenu sa takembangan nu nauna a pimbunu nin.

“Su manga manusia a di mataw papedtelen sa ngali nilan.”

Sa ukit a kinapanudtul nu tua mama sa tudtul, Natawan ku a aden kaped nin a nabunu lu. Da nin embitiala i ped, ugaid isa kutika, sa magabi sa kinatulug nin na kakineg ku sekanin.

“Ernesto, suled ku a Ernesto, tagak ka sekanin.”

Pidtalu nin sa laki na minukit sa walay nilan. Su suled nin na mawalaw endu babal, katig nin na di kalabian. Su kabenal na kangudan na mabagel sa dalem nin.

“Inenggat nin su manginggilek endu binayadan nin i alaga.”

Su Tua mama ku na tatap a pedtalus pantag sa alaga.  Sa panun intu a nganin-nganin a nabayadan pabila naukit intu. Da ku katuntayi i ngin a benal intu sampay sa inipatuntay nin.

“Da bun intu sa lekitanu a su manginggilek kimua bu sa nyawa, ugaid kinua nin su nganin-nganin a su kamatayan bu wagib a pedtalima.”

Su suled ni tua mama ku naawa su nyawa sa intu.

Saguna, Di aku a benal pebparitiaya sa nganin-nganin mana su nyawa endu manginggilek a pegkikineg sa magabi, ugaid kamudian na kinabpatay ni tua mama minebpun su manga uni.

Kakineg ku su manga takembangan a pebpupuka sa kaped sa guyudan nin. Kakineg ku su manga kisek nu manga pimbunu nin, pangeni sa abadi a kapapembutawa. Kakineg ku su ulian a sengka nu tua mama ku, pangeni-pangeni sa kanu nyawa nu suled nin.

“Mapakay, temu saki kua ka.”

Pangenin-ngenin ku na matading den su manga uni. Di ku katawan enduken ka pedtundugen nilan su tua mama ku endu enduken ka pedtundugen aku nilan. Pidtepengan ku a di pamamantag silan, ugaid di ku kagaga.

Uman magabi na labi pegkabagel

=————————-=

English Version

In the town where my lolo was raised, no one was allowed to talk at night.

“I can still hear the sound of its iron cart,” my lolo used to say.

Growing up with him was strange. When we were kids and we would make a sound at night he would run towards us and make sure we were quite, trying not to make noise himself.

I always regretted asking him why.

In that town it traveled at night, pulling its iron cart. The cart was filled with the skulls of its previous victims.

“The ones that didn’t know how to keep their mouths shut.”

The way my lolo told the story, I knew that he had lost
someone to the monster. He never spoke of it much, but sometimes, at night while he was asleep I could hear him.

“Ernesto, my brother Ernesto, leave him alone.”

He told me it passed by their house. His brother was brave and foolish, he thought he was invincible. The truth of youth was strong within him.

“He challenged the monster and paid the price.”

Lolo would always go on about the price. How it was something that was paid when it got its way. I never understood what it really was until he explained.

“It would not matter to us had the monster only taken lives, but it took something that only death should claim.”

My lolo’s brother had lost his soul to it.

Now, I don’t really believe in things like souls and monsters that listen in the night, but after lolo died the sounds began.

I could hear the skulls knocking against each other in its cart. I could hear the screams of its victims, begging for their eternal release. I could hear the last gasp of my lolo, pleading for his brother’s life.

“Please, take me instead.”

I wish the sounds would go away. I don’t know why they followed lolo and why they’re following me. I try to ignore them, but I can’t.

Every night they get louder.

————————–————————–————————–———–

**Maguindanao or Maguindanaon is an Austronesian language spoken by majority of the population of Maguindanao province in the Philippines. It is also spoken by sizable minorities in different parts of Mindanao such as the cities of Zamboanga, Davao, and General Santos, and the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, as well as Metro Manila. This was the language of the historic Sultanate of Maguindanao, which existed before and during the Spanish colonial period from 1500–1888.

*This story is not “word for word” or “translated literally” since there are English words that has no exact equivalent in Maguindanaon language. It was translated as to how an old Maguindanaon would re-tell the story. But nonetheless, the content and dialogue in the original and the translated version are all the same.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Traslation by Datu Hashim
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Datu Hashim

Inspired by the Kuraret legends from La Union

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

Colors by Alexa Garde

Website: Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Kapampangan

“Alberto, matudtud naka!”, anang Neni anyang linawe ni i Alberto king kwartu na. Mebigla ya makakera ne pala.

Apansin na medyu matamle ya. Pigaganakan na pota ali na ne na naman matudtud masalese.

“Opu!.Matudtud naku pu!” Pakibat nang Albertu a makaulas na.

Yapin na ita. Pete na neng Neni ing sulu kaybat neng sebyanang matudtud ne i Alberto.

“Bukas munta tamu park, ne?” Anang Neni kalwal nang pasbul.

“Matudtud ta na puuuuu!” Pakibat nang Alberto.

———————————————————————————————————————————– “Manuyab ya pa i Alberto kabang makasake ya king kabayu nang de pakpak susulapo kareng ulap. Balamu mo napun mu milyari itang anyang minsang mekisabi ya itang metung prinsesa ning Kahangian a ali na ne pa ituluy itang metung pamaglusub na.

Balu nang Alberto, ali ya makaali patse ating pamipagsapalaran.

Oneng ngeni, buri nang Alberto, mayari na ing pamipagsapalaran a ita.Balamu malabug nang manyabut king alang aggang pamaglusub da reng ayup.

Ali la ordinaryung ayup deni. Balamu payung lang susula-sulapo kareng ulang ning Kahangian. Ana ning prisesa kang Alberto, madalas ali no man bubulad ampong manablas deng ayup oneng ngeni sinapak nala. Pigaganakan na ning prinsesa, ini pa ing umpisa ning mas madagul a pamaglusub king kaarian da.

Pilang domingu nala ding tatabi Alberto, kayabe ning kabayu na, deng ayup palawut king kaarian. Agyang buri na ning prinsesa a gumamit yang puersa i Alberto, ena la agyung panasakitan deng  ayup.

Kayari na ning pekatawling kumpul ning ayup, pepaawus ne ning prinsesa i Alberto king kwartu na.

Kailangan na neng yarian Alberto ini. Sayang king oras ing gagawan nang Albertong pamanabi kareng ayup nung magbalik la din naman. Dininan neng kaun i Alberto at sebyanan neng munta king ari da reng ayup para paten ne.

Biklat neng Alberto ing kaun at mebigla ya anyang akit na na espada ya ing makalage a makaukit ing keyang lagyu. Mabayat yang lub linawe king prinsesa saka ya miniling.

Ali na agyu ing pagawa na. Ali solusyun ing pamanasakit para kaya. Likwan ne ing kaun king kwartu na ning prinsesa saka ya sinake kabayu na.

Mituknang mu ing egana-ganang ini nung masunud yamu buri i Alberto.

———————————————————————————————————————————–Tiniman ya ing kabayu nang Alberto. Uling kabayu ne mu, mesane neng ali sasabing pilubluban na oneng ngeni, ali ne mekabata.

Masaya iya na ustu ya ing desisyun nang Alberto. Ali no man manakit deng ayup. Istorbu la deng ayup king kaarian ning prinsesa oneng angga mu karin.

Sinulagpo lang adwa ning kabayu na kareng ulap angga king agyu na ning kabayu na. Nung nanu ya kagaling ing kabayu na king pamanlundag, makanita neman kapalpak kareng pakpak na. Pabusbus a  sinugud kareng ayup, mekapangan ya pang pipilang bulbul ayup i Alberto, agga king atupan de ing ari da reng ayup.

Dinuku ya ing kabayu nang Alberto. Agyang kabayu ya, atin ya pa din dayang ayup at kailangan nang tuki kareng aliwang batus-ayup bangkanita ali de kamuan deng aliwang ayup.

Asneng karagul ing ari da reng ayup. King kadagul na, mitatakpan ne alus ing aldo king katawan na. Linawe ne ning ari da reng ayup i Alberto ampo ing kabayu na saka na sinabi, “Ninu ikayu? Ampong nanung gagawan yu keni?”

Makaduku ya pa din ing kabayu anyang dimdam neng mekibat i Alberto.

“Bakit ye pu lulusuban ing kaarian?”, anang Alberto.

“Nanung buri mung sabyan?! Ala kung lulusuban! Panikwanan ku mung misubli ya ing kakung pibandian!”

Melukut ya kanuan i Alberto king pangalitu na.

“Oneng sabi na pu ning prinsesa kaku, ikayu pu ining linusub!”

“Iya ing minuna aliwa yaku! Penako ne ing kakung korona! Kaya kula papuntalan deng kakung alagad bangkanita akwa ke ita!”

“Oneng ana pu ning prinsesa –”

Dirutan ne ning ari da reng ayup i Alberto saka ne lege ing tuktuk na king lupa na.

“Abalitan da naka. Ika ampo ning kabayu mung de pakpak. Malwat da na kayung daramdaman kening kaarian a ini. Ngeni, makisabi kung mayap, isubli ye ing kakung korona. Patse milyari ita, metung mung amanu ku, tuknang na la reng alagad ku.”

Linawe ya ing Alberto king kabayu na at sabe lang tinangu.

———————————————————————————————————————————–Makalawe ya ing prinsesa king salamin kabang susuklen de reng alagad ing buak na. Ali na isip-isipang tanggian ne ning metung tawu ing keyang regalu. Siguru king susunud, ditak pang lua, ala nang makatanggi king regalu na.

Sebyanan na lang lumwal deng keyang alagad. Linub ya king metung sikretung pasbul. Keng kilub ning kwartu, metung a baul. At king kilub ning baul, metung a premyu a pakiingatan na.

Pekamasanting yang korona king buung Kahangian. Atin yang bala makaburdang batuin ibat king langit. Gintung inaseru nang Ginton. Atin yan kasantingan a bage king pekamalagung prinsesa kareng ulap.

“Malaram!”, Gulisak nang Alberto king kwartu na ning prinsesa.

Memigsu yang menakbag ing korona king bigla na. Ali na isipan a mibalik ya agad ing tawung tinubud na.

“Malaram ka!”, anang ginulisak pasibayu.

“Katnamu atyu naka! Atyu la deng ayup nandin keni buri deng kunan ing korona kaku!”, ana ning prinsesa sabe atin ginilid lua king mata na. Ali mu minsang ginana ya ing makanining palusut na ning prinsesa. Nung ginana ya dati, gumana ya din ngeni.

“Ali me bandi yan!”, Anang Alberto kabang linapit la ning abayu na king prinsesa.

“Ali ya kaku pero ken yang tatang ku ini! Maiinggit lamu deng ayup kanaku kaya buri deng kuanan kanaku ini. Ali mu naman paburen ita, ali? Saupan mu ku,” Ngeni, manulu na ing lua king pisngi na kabang lalen ne i Alberto king mata.

“Malaram!”, anang Alberto kaybat neng dinaklut ing korona saka sinake kabayu na.

“Dakpan ye yan!”, Ana ning prinsesa ka reng guardya na.

Sibukan de pang tagalan i Alberto oneng mekalagpas nala kareng susulapong ubingan a makabante king puntud nang Ulilangkalulua. Patse milagpas naka karin, mengari nakang pagong a ali milako king bale mu.

“Ali naka makabalik keni kapilan man!”, gulisak na ning prinsesa kareng ulap. “Pantunan daka tandanan mu yan!”

“Dinumug de reng ayup di Alberto ampo ning kabayu na. Metula lang mayap a tatalnan neng Alberto ing korona ning ari da.”

“Kapate na naka ning kaarian ning prinsesa mu,” Ana ning ari da reng ayup.

“Wa pin pu.”

“Salamat keka. Manibat ngeni asaan mung saupan naka ning kaarian da reng ayup nung sakaling kailangan mu.”

“Salamat pu.”

Makatiman yang linaweng i Alberto king kabayu na. Kinawul neng Alberto ing kabayu na at saka neman mekibat ing kabayu na. Balu da na ustu ya ing desisyun a gewa da agyang ngening atin nalang kapate madagul.

“Atsing Neni, mapagal naku pu!”

“Oh, sige, Alberto. Miglip naka pa. Ligpit mula deng kinalat mung crayola, ne?”

“Opu.”

Ngening aldo, maranun yang tinikdo i Alberto ampong mig-almusal. Migaganaka ya pa din i Neni na eya mekatudtud masalese i Alberto oneng balu na na makabawi neman king tudtud nung miglip ya.

Sinopan neng ligpit deng Crayola nang Alberto. Magtaka ya mu pin nung bakit payung ing pane nang do-drawing.

“Atsing Neni, ayup, oh!” anang Alberto kabang papakit ne ing ayup a dinrowing na lupang payung. Mas maragul yamu pin kareng aliwang payung.

“Ay! Kasanting na naman niyaaaaan! Oh, tara na, ne? Magligpit ta na saka naka matudtud, ne?”

“Opu!”

English Version

“Alberto it’s time for bed!” Neni shouted from the hallway. She checked Alberto’s bedroom and was surprised to find him already under the covers.

She had noticed that he was less energetic than usual and she was worried that he wasn’t sleeping well.

“Neni I’m going to sleep!” Alberto said from under his blanket.
There wasn’t much she could do. Neni switched the lights off and told Alberto to have good dreams.

“I’ll see you in the morning. We’ll go to the park tomorrow okay?” She said as she walked out of his room.

“Neni! Time to sleep!” was Alberto’s reply.

Alberto yawned as he rode his winged steed through the clouds. It felt like only yesterday when one of the princesses of Kahangian*asked Alberto and his horse to stave off an invasion.

Alberto knew he couldn’t say no. When adventure calls he only had one answer.

But Alberto wished this adventure would end soon. Victory seemed out of reach as the endless onslaught of birds came wave after wave.

These were no ordinary birds. They flew like umbrellas along the clouds of Kahangian. The princess told Alberto that the birds would usually keep to themselves, but something must have happened to rile them up. She was afraid that this was only the beginning of a larger assault on her realm.

Alberto and his horse spent the last few weeks rerouting the birds away from the kingdom. As much as the princess wanted him to use force, Alberto could not bring himself to harm the birds.

After redirecting the latest wave of birds Alberto was summoned to the princess’ chambers.

She told him that it was time to end this. Redirecting the birds was a waste of time if they just kept coming back. She gave Alberto a box and told him to go to the king of the birds and slay him.

Alberto opened the box and was surprised to find a sword with his name engraved on it. It felt heavy in his hands and he looked at the princess and shook his head.

He would not do as she asked. Violence wasn’t the answer, at least not to him. He left the box in the princess’ chambers and went to his horse.

This would end, but on his terms.

Alberto’s horse smiled. As a horse he was used to keeping his opinions to himself but today he couldn’t help it.
He was proud that he made the right choice in Alberto. The birds weren’t violent, at most they were a nuisance to the princess’ kingdom.

They flew through the clouds with as much grace as the horse could muster. As adept as he was with galloping, the horse was clumsy with his wings. They barreled through the surge of birds ahead of them, Alberto had to spit out a few feathers, but eventually they came upon the roost of the king of birds.

Alberto’s horse bowed his head. As much as he was a horse, he was also part bird, and there were certain rules that you had to follow to make sure the other birds wouldn’t get mad at you.
The king of birds was enormous, his large frame almost blacking out the sun. He took one look at Alberto and his horse and said, “Who are you and why are you here?!”

Alberto’s horse was still looking at the ground when he heard Alberto answer.

“Why you attack the kingdom?”

“Strange human, I attack nothing. I am just trying to get back what belongs to me.”

Alberto’s brow creased in confusion.

“But princess said you attack!”

“The princess was the one that started this. She and her kingdom stole my crown! I’ve been sending my birds to her kingdom to get it back.”

“But princess said—-“

The king of birds whirled around and put his beak up to Alberto’s face.

“I’ve heard of you, human. You and your bentohangin have made quite a name for yourselves in this realm. And I am asking you, please, get my crown back and I will tell my birds to stop.”

Alberto looked at his horse and they nodded in unison.

The princess stared at her mirror as her servants brushed her hair. She had not calculated that the human would reject her gift, but no matter. A few bats of her eyelashes and some tears would certainly do the job the next time.

She bade her servants to leave her alone and walked to a hidden door in her chambers. In it was a chest and in that chest was her prize.

It was the most beautiful headpiece in all of Kahangian, inlaid with fallen stars and made from gold straight from Ginton’s forges. Such beauty should only belong to her, the fairest princess in the clouds.

“L—-I—-A—-R!” Alberto’s voice rang through the princess’ chambers.

The princess managed to catch the crown as it fell through her fingers. She had not expected the human to be back so soon.
“You’re a liar!” Alberto shouted again.

“I’m so glad you’re here! The birds have been trying to steal from me!” It was time for the tears. The princess was familiar with this tactic, many heroes had fallen for her charms and this one would be no different.

“That’s not your crown!” Alberto and his horse moved towards the princess.

“This is my father’s! The birds are jealous of its beauty and keep trying to take it from me, but you won’t let them will you? Please help me!” Tears were flowing down her cheeks as she looked into Alberto’s eyes.

“L—–I—–A—–R!” Alberto grabbed the crown from the princess and ran towards his horse.

“Guards! Get them!”

Alberto and his horse were experts and running away. The guards tried to catch up to the pair but once you’ve escaped from the flying serpents guarding Ulilankalulua’s grave everything seems like a turtle in comparison.

“You are not welcome here!” The princess shouted through the clouds, “We will hunt you down!”

The birds flocked Alberto and his horse. They were overjoyed at the sight of the crown and accompanied them to their king’s throne.

“You have made yourself an enemy of the princess’ kingdom.” The king of birds said to Alberto.

“Yes.”

“Thank you, know that the kingdom of birds will help you, whenever you will need it.”

“Yes.”

Alberto looked at his horse and smiled. Alberto’s horse hugged his companion and neighed. They knew they made the right choice, even if it meant making a powerful enemy.

“Neni! I’m tired!”

“Okay Alberto, you can take a nap soon. Let’s clean up your crayons okay?”

“Okay.”

Today Alberto woke up early and even got ready for breakfast in time. Neni was still worried that he wasn’t getting enough sleep but that was nothing a good nap couldn’t fix.

She helped him clear his crayons and wondered why he kept drawing umbrellas.

“Neni! Bird!” He showed a drawing that was like the other umbrellas but bigger than the rest.

“It looks great Alberto! Let’s clean up and you can take a nap, okay?”

“Okay!”

Continued from the Bentohangin’s tale

*Kahangian is the fifth layer of the universe

Inspired by the Hubot description in The Soul Book. Demetrio & Cordero-Fernando 1991.

Hubot Illustration by Edrian Paolo T. Baydo

Color by Alexa Garde
Website: Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Umalingawngaw ang boses ni Neni mula sa pasilyo.

“Alberto, oras na para matulog!”

Gulat ang bumungad kay Neni nang silipin niya ang silid ni Alberto. Akma nang nakatalukbong si Alberto sa kanyang higaan.

Nakababagabag at nakakapanibago ang panghihina at kawalan ng kasiglahan ni Alberto na siyang ikinababahala ni Neni. Bukod pa rito ang pag-aalala niya sa pagkapuyat ni Alberto.

“Matutulog na ako!”, sambit ni Alberto sa kanyang tinig na kinulob ng kumot.

Walang nagawa si Neni kung hindi ang patayin ang ilaw at sabihan si Alberto na matulog nang mahimbing.

“Bukas ay pupunta tayo sa liwasan, ayos ba ‘yon sa’yo?”, pahabol ni Neni kay Alberto.

Hindi ito binigyan ng tugon ni Alberto.

“Oras na para matulog, Neni!”, ang tanging naging sagot nito.

Pupungas-pungas pang humikab si Alberto sakay ng kanyang lumilipad na kabayo. Napupuno ng ulap na singputi ng bigas at singlambot ng bulak ang himpapawid na binabaybay ni Alberto kasama ang kanyang kabayong may pakpak.

Sariwa pa sa kanyang isip at animo’y parang kahapon lamang nang hilingin ng isa sa mga prinsesa ng Kahangian* ang kanyang tulong na talunin ang mga hukbo ng mananakop.

Alam ni Alberto na hindi niya kakayaning tumanggi. Isa lamang ang kanyang sagot sa tuwinang tatawag ang paglalakbay.

Ngunit sa dulo ng kanyang isip, hinihiling ni Alberto na magwakas ang kanyang paglalakbay. Pagkat alam niyang hindi mapasasakamay ang tagumpay sa kanyang palad habang nagpapatuloy ang walang katapusang paglusob ng mga ibon.

Ang mga ibong kanyang sinasagupa ay hindi pangkaraniwan.

Animo’y mga payong na sumusuyod sa kaulapan ng Kahangian ang mga ibong kanyang hinaharap. Ibinahagi ng Prinsesa kay Alberto na dati rati ay hindi nanggagambala ang mga ibon subalit, marahil, mayroong nangyari sa mga ibon upang sila ay maging mapaminsala. Ikinatatakot ng Prinsesa na simula pa lamang ito ng pagsalakay ng mga ibon sa kanyang kaharian.

Ginugol ni Alberto at ng kanyang kabayo ang mga nakaraang linggo para lamang itaboy mula sa kaharian ang mga ibon. Ninais man ng Prinsesa na gamitan ng dahas ang mga ibon, hindi maatim ni Alberto na saktan ang mga ito.

Matapos itaboy ni Alberto ang panibagong lipon ng mga ibon ay ipinatawag siya ng Prinsesa sa silid nito.

“Nararapat na nating wakasan ang panganib ng mga ibon”, ani ng Prinsesa. Walang silbi ang pagtaboy sa mga ibon kung patuloy lamang silang manunumbalik at manggagambala sa kaharian.

Upang matupad ang kanyang hangarin ay ipinagkaloob ng Prinsesa ang isang sisidlan kay Alberto at ipinagutos ang katapusan ng hari ng mga ibon.

Hiwaga ang bumalot kay Alebrto sa kanyang pagbukas sa kahon. Nasilayan niya ang isang espada at nagulat nang makitang nakaukit ang pangalan niya sa talim nito. Dama niya sa kanyang kamay ang bigat ng kalis ngunit mas dumadagan sa kanyang dibdib ang masidhing pagsalungat sa nais ng Prinsesa. Nagbunga ang kanyang damdamin sa pagtingin sa Prinsesa at pag-iling sa kautusang iniatang nito.

Hindi niya susundin ang utos ng Prinsesa. Hindi karasahan ang sagot, hindi para sa kanya.

Lumisan siyang hindi tangan ang sisidlan na handog ng Prinsesa at nagtungo sa kanyang kabayo.

Matatapos ang panggagambala ng mga ibon, subalit, sa kanyang pamamaraan.

Napangiti ang kabayo ni Alberto. Nasanay na ang kabayo na angkinin ang kanyang mga saloobin ngunit natatangi ang araw na ito.

Lubos niyang ipinagmamalaki ang pagpapasiya ni Alberto na manindigan sa nararapat. Hindi gumagamit ng dahas ang mga ibon, kung tutuusin ay panggagambala nga lamang ang tanging dulot ng mga ito sa kaharian.

Sa pagsuyod nila sa kaulapan, ipinamalas ng kabayo ang kanyang makakaya sa paglipad. Kung anong husay niya sa lupa ay lubhang kabaliktaran ang kanyang paglipad. Sakay si Alberto ay bumulusok sila sa animo’y pader na pagtitipon ng mga ibon. Kinailangang ibuga ni Alberto ang mga balahibong kanyang nahigop ngunit sa kalaunan ay narating din nila ang pugad ng Hari ng mga Ibon.

Magalang na tumungo ang Kabayo ni Alberto sa Hari ng mga Ibon. Kabayo mang maituturing, siya ay may bahagi rin ng ibon, at may mga patakarang hindi dapat suwayin upang hindi matamo ang galit ng ibang mga ibon.

Dambuhala ang Hari ng mga Ibon. Sapat ang laki nito upang matakpan ang sinag ng araw. Masusing sinipat ng Hari si Alberto at ang kanyang kabayo.

“Ano ang inyong ngalan, at ano ang inyong pakay sa aking kaharian?”, sambit ng Hari.

Nanatiling nakagapos sa lupa ang paningin ng Kabayo sa pagtungo nito nang marinig ang tugon ni Alberto.

“Ano ang dahilan ng paglusob ninyo sa aming kaharian?”, ang sagot ni Alberto.

“Paglusob? Wala akong nilulusob, tao. Nais ko lamang maibalik sa akin kung ano ang akin.”

Halos magdikit ang kilay ni Alberto sa pagkunot nito sa nagging tugon ng Hari ng mga Ibon.

“Subalit ang sabi ng Prinsesa ay nilulusob mo ang kanyang kaharian!”

“Ang iyong tinutukoy na “Prinsesa” ang siya mismong nagsimula ng kaguluhang ito. Siya at ang kanyang kaharian ang nagnakaw sa aking putong! Ang tanging pakay lamang ng aking mga kapwa ibon sa kanyang kaharian ay mabawi ang aking putong!”

“Ngunit palagi niyang sinasab-“

Bumungad sa mukha ni Alberto ang pinakamalaking tuka na kanyang namasdan sa kanyang buhay.

Tiningnan ng Hari ng mga Ibon si Alberto, mata sa mata, at sinabing, “Marami na akong nasagap tungkol sa iyo, Manlalakbay. Tanyag ang iyong ngalan at ang iyong bentohangin sa lupaing ito.”

“Hindi ko nais na kalabanin ka o ang kaharian ng iyong prinsesa. Ang tanging hiling ko lamang ay maibalik sa akin ang aking putong. Mangyari ito at ipinapangako ko sa iyo, hindi na gagambalain ng mga ibon ang inyong kaharian.”

Naglapat ang paningin ni Alberto at ng kanyang Kabayo. Sabay silang tumango sa sinambit ng Hari ng mga Ibon.

Minamasdan ng Prinsesa ang kanyang wangis sa salamin habang humahagod ang suklay na gamit ng kanyang mga alalay sa kanyang buhok. Nanlilisik ang kanyang mata sa salamin sa hindi inaasahang pagtanggi ni Alberto sa kanyang handog.

Ngunit anuman ang naging desisyon ni Alberto, wala itong kahalagahan. Sa pamamagitan lamang ng mayuming pagkuskos ng kanyang pilikmata at pagpatak ng kanyang luha ay maa-akit ang Manlalakaybay at susunod sa kanyang hiling.

Inutusan niya ang kanyang mga alipin na lumisan. Tumungo siya sa nakatagong lagusan sa kanyang silid. Sa loob nito ay nakatago ang kanyang pinakaiingatan at pinakatatanging yaman.

Ang pinakanakapupukaw na putong sa lahat ng Kahangian!

Gawa ang putong sa gintong pinanday pa sa pugon ni Ginton at napupuno ng mga kristal na animo’y bulalakaw sa pagkinang.

“Ang pinakamagandang putong para sa pinakamagandang prinsesa sa Kahangian!”, kanyang naisip.

Malalim ang kanyang paghanga sa putong nang biglang umaligunggong ang nagngangalit na tinig ng isang lalaki.

“SI-NU-NGA-LING!”, sigaw ni Alberto na pumutok sa silid ng Prinsesa.

Sa gulat ng Prinsesa ay halos mabitawan niya ang kanyang korona. Wala sa kanyang isip ang mabilis na pagbalik ng Manlalakbay.

“Ubod ka ng sinungaling!”, singhal ni Alberto.

“Mabuti na lamang ay naandito ka! Nilusob ako ng mga ibon at sinubukang magnakaw sa akin!”

Dalubhasang pinatulo ng Prinsesa ang kanyang luha. Walang bayani ang hindi lumuhod sa kanyang pagtangis at sa kanyang isip, walang laban ang Manlalakbay sa kanyang yumi.

“Hindi sa iyo ang putong na iyan!”, tugon ni Alberto habang siya at ang kanyang Kabayo ay unti-unting lumalapit sa prinsesa.

“SI-NU-NGA-LING!”, galit na hinablot ni Alberto ang putong mula sa kamay ng nagpapa-awang Prinsesa at maagaop na sumibat mula sa silid.

“Mga kawal! ‘Wag n’yo silang hayaang makatakas!”

Sinubukan ng mga kawal na habulin ang Manlalakbay at kanyang kabayo ngunit hindi maihahambing kanilang bilis sa liksing tumalo sa mga lumilipad na ulupong na nagbabantay sa libingan ni Ulilangkalulua. Animo’y mga pagong ang mga kawal kung ihahambing sa bilis ng dalawa.

“Kailanma’y hindi ka na makapapasok sa kahariang ito!”, galit na sigaw ng Prinsesa sa landas ng mga ulap na tinahak ni Alberto at ng kanyang kabayo.

“Pagsisihan mo ito at ipinapangako kong tutugisin ka namin!”

Sa pagtakas ni Alberto at ng kanyang Kabayo ay maingat siyang pinalibutan ng mga ibon. Hindi maikubli ang kanilang ligaya sa muling pagbabalik ng kanilang putong.

“Ginawa mong mortal na kaaway ang Prinsesa at kanyang kaharian sa iyong naging pasya”, sambit ng Hari ng mga Ibon kay Alberto habang papalapit ang Manlalakbay sa kanyang trono.

“Oo.”, maikling tugon ni Alberto.

“Mula ngayon ay asahan mo ang tulong ng mga ibon, saan man at kailan man mo ito kailanganin.”

“Maraming salamat.”

Nakangiting nagkatinginan si Alberto at ang kanyang mahiwagang Kabayo. Niyakap ni Alberto ang kanyang Kabayo na tinugunan naman nito sa paghalinghing. Nakatatak sa kanilang isip ang paninindigan sa tama at katarungan, kahit pa nangangahulugan ito ng pagharap sa mga makapangyarihang kalaban.

“Pagod na ako, Neni!”

“Sige, Alberto, pwede ka nang matulog pero kailangan mo munang linisin ang mga krayola mo.”

“Okay.”

Gumising nang maaga si Alberto at maliksi pang naghanda para sa almusal. Nababahala pa rin si Neni sa pagkapuyat ni Alberto ngunit walang puyat na hindi malulunasan ng mahimbing na pag-idlip.

Tinulungan ni Neni si Alberto na linisin ang kanyang mga pangkulay ngunit nagtataka si Neni sa patuloy na pagguhit ni Alberto sa mga larawang animo’y mukhang payong.

“Neni! Tingnan mo itong ibon!”, sambit ni Alberto habang ipinapakita ang kanyang iginuhit na mas malaki pa kumpara sa iba pa niyang nagawa.

“Ang galing mong gumuhit! Maglinis na tayo para makatulog ka na, ha?”

“Sige!”

*Kahangian – ang ikalimang salop sa kalawakan

“Alberto it’s time for bed!” Neni shouted from the hallway. She checked Alberto’s bedroom and was surprised to find him already under the covers.

She had noticed that he was less energetic than usual and she was worried that he wasn’t sleeping well.

“Neni I’m going to sleep!” Alberto said from under his blanket.
There wasn’t much she could do. Neni switched the lights off and told Alberto to have good dreams.

“I’ll see you in the morning. We’ll go to the park tomorrow okay?” She said as she walked out of his room.

“Neni! Time to sleep!” was Alberto’s reply.

Alberto yawned as he rode his winged steed through the clouds. It felt like only yesterday when one of the princesses of Kahangian*asked Alberto and his horse to stave off an invasion.

Alberto knew he couldn’t say no. When adventure calls he only had one answer.

But Alberto wished this adventure would end soon. Victory seemed out of reach as the endless onslaught of birds came wave after wave.

These were no ordinary birds. They flew like umbrellas along the clouds of Kahangian. The princess told Alberto that the birds would usually keep to themselves, but something must have happened to rile them up. She was afraid that this was only the beginning of a larger assault on her realm.

Alberto and his horse spent the last few weeks rerouting the birds away from the kingdom. As much as the princess wanted him to use force, Alberto could not bring himself to harm the birds.

After redirecting the latest wave of birds Alberto was summoned to the princess’ chambers.

She told him that it was time to end this. Redirecting the birds was a waste of time if they just kept coming back. She gave Alberto a box and told him to go to the king of the birds and slay him.

Alberto opened the box and was surprised to find a sword with his name engraved on it. It felt heavy in his hands and he looked at the princess and shook his head.

He would not do as she asked. Violence wasn’t the answer, at least not to him. He left the box in the princess’ chambers and went to his horse.

This would end, but on his terms.

Alberto’s horse smiled. As a horse he was used to keeping his opinions to himself but today he couldn’t help it.
He was proud that he made the right choice in Alberto. The birds weren’t violent, at most they were a nuisance to the princess’ kingdom.

They flew through the clouds with as much grace as the horse could muster. As adept as he was with galloping, the horse was clumsy with his wings. They barreled through the surge of birds ahead of them, Alberto had to spit out a few feathers, but eventually they came upon the roost of the king of birds.

Alberto’s horse bowed his head. As much as he was a horse, he was also part bird, and there were certain rules that you had to follow to make sure the other birds wouldn’t get mad at you.
The king of birds was enormous, his large frame almost blacking out the sun. He took one look at Alberto and his horse and said, “Who are you and why are you here?!”

Alberto’s horse was still looking at the ground when he heard Alberto answer.

“Why you attack the kingdom?”

“Strange human, I attack nothing. I am just trying to get back what belongs to me.”

Alberto’s brow creased in confusion.

“But princess said you attack!”

“The princess was the one that started this. She and her kingdom stole my crown! I’ve been sending my birds to her kingdom to get it back.”

“But princess said—-“

The king of birds whirled around and put his beak up to Alberto’s face.

“I’ve heard of you, human. You and your bentohangin have made quite a name for yourselves in this realm. And I am asking you, please, get my crown back and I will tell my birds to stop.”

Alberto looked at his horse and they nodded in unison.

The princess stared at her mirror as her servants brushed her hair. She had not calculated that the human would reject her gift, but no matter. A few bats of her eyelashes and some tears would certainly do the job the next time.

She bade her servants to leave her alone and walked to a hidden door in her chambers. In it was a chest and in that chest was her prize.

It was the most beautiful headpiece in all of Kahangian, inlaid with fallen stars and made from gold straight from Ginton’s forges. Such beauty should only belong to her, the fairest princess in the clouds.

“L—-I—-A—-R!” Alberto’s voice rang through the princess’ chambers.

The princess managed to catch the crown as it fell through her fingers. She had not expected the human to be back so soon.
“You’re a liar!” Alberto shouted again.

“I’m so glad you’re here! The birds have been trying to steal from me!” It was time for the tears. The princess was familiar with this tactic, many heroes had fallen for her charms and this one would be no different.

“That’s not your crown!” Alberto and his horse moved towards the princess.

“This is my father’s! The birds are jealous of its beauty and keep trying to take it from me, but you won’t let them will you? Please help me!” Tears were flowing down her cheeks as she looked into Alberto’s eyes.

“L—–I—–A—–R!” Alberto grabbed the crown from the princess and ran towards his horse.

“Guards! Get them!”

Alberto and his horse were experts and running away. The guards tried to catch up to the pair but once you’ve escaped from the flying serpents guarding Ulilankalulua’s grave everything seems like a turtle in comparison.

“You are not welcome here!” The princess shouted through the clouds, “We will hunt you down!”

The birds flocked Alberto and his horse. They were overjoyed at the sight of the crown and accompanied them to their king’s throne.

“You have made yourself an enemy of the princess’ kingdom.” The king of birds said to Alberto.

“Yes.”

“Thank you, know that the kingdom of birds will help you, whenever you will need it.”

“Yes.”

Alberto looked at his horse and smiled. Alberto’s horse hugged his companion and neighed. They knew they made the right choice, even if it meant making a powerful enemy.

“Neni! I’m tired!”

“Okay Alberto, you can take a nap soon. Let’s clean up your crayons okay?”

“Okay.”

Today Alberto woke up early and even got ready for breakfast in time. Neni was still worried that he wasn’t getting enough sleep but that was nothing a good nap couldn’t fix.

She helped him clear his crayons and wondered why he kept drawing umbrellas.

“Neni! Bird!” He showed a drawing that was like the other umbrellas but bigger than the rest.

“It looks great Alberto! Let’s clean up and you can take a nap, okay?”

“Okay!”

Continued from the Bentohangin’s tale

*Kahangian is the fifth layer of the universe

*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 Mathew Juganas
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Translation Copyright © Mathew Juganas

Inspired by the Hubot description in The Soul Book. Demetrio & Cordero-Fernando 1991.

Hubot Illustration by Edrian Paolo T. Baydo

Color by Alexa Garde
Website: Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Bahasa Sug

In tagainüp nangdüngdüngi kākü’ sin giyatusan mata niya ampa in aku amura in kapamanhüd ku ha kulangan ku.

Di’ ku kaingatan bang unu in kabaya’an niya, malayngkan di’ ku mapikil manga awn maksud niya kamudāratan. In mahaluk timikang harap mawn kākü’ iban sā’bu ku diyürüngdüngan in baran niya magpillaw-pillaw, kiyahātihan ku ra mayan. In pangdamat bükün mattan pangdamat. Hambuuk sadja pamānda’. In daligmata (Di’ ku kaingatan bang biya’ diin in kaingat ku sin ngān, simaygpat sadja pa lawm-uw ku) simusulay namayta’ kākü’ kalagihan ku pa’gangan in pagdatüng sin linug.

“Biya’ diin in kaagi ha yan?” Iyasubu ku in daligmata. Diyüngdüngan aku nagbalik, ampa kiyaingatan ku. Kalagihan ku madtu pa pag-aawnan ha manga linug. Subay ku sila kabayta’an manattapi wayruun kuhibal. “Mahi ta’ aku?” In sambung ha pangasubu ku dimatüng biya’ sahubbu ha pikilan ku. In daligmata himühüla’ ha lawm tagainüp, ampa makakuhibal sadja bang duun ha lawm hüla’-pārkawasahan. Wayrapat niya makakadtu pa kadunyahan sin manga baranan, labi wayrapat pa duruunan sin manga linug iban manga hunus bang  niya ri’ maparuun ha kīd niya in hambuuk mananagainüp.

Ampa nakakawa’ siya hambuuk mananagainüp.

In pagkadtu bükün sibu’ in anib iban sin ha napasandung ku. In daligmata, ha pikilan ku, nagpamayta’ sadja amura kalagihan ku in managainüp supāya aku makakadtu, ampa kiyahidāyatan aku marayaw. Biyayta’an aku papanagainüpün sin dunya, sagawa’ bükün biya’ sin kiyaingatan ku. Nagbissara siya pasal  siring-langit, in pagbü’lak sin dunya iban sin nārka’ iban sin manga simud sin manga mahaluk  himühüla’ didtu. Salupa sin manga hās nanglilibüri ha dunya, tiyatayak sin sangat-lagkü’ tuhan Magbabaya, nanglīgütan ha lawm uw ku. Tiyagainüp ku in siring-langit iban manga hās ni Magbabaya. Tiyagainüp ku in hüla’  amu in piyagpaawnan ha manga linug. Tiyagainüp ku in lupa’ sin manga hangin iban sin manga hunus.

Iban hangka küdjap da, didtu na aku.

“Uwya’ mānusiya’ magkamatay”. Nangasip kākü’ in tingüg babai. “Makakita’-makakita’ kami sin  pihak mu awn sadja pārsugpatan niya pa kahinangan ni Mangilala.” Hambuuk tingüg üsüg in simambung. Kiyahantapan ku sin imaatud aku ha manga uw sin duwa hās kalap-lagkü’, kaniya-kaniya labi malagkü’ dayng ha gibayan-dakula’ sangat-taas. Apit sa yadtu ku muga’, sagawa’ in kabassaran sin duwa nagpanananam kākü’ katahammulan labi-labihan.  Nimanam aku kasalamatan ha panghādiri nila.

Sīkmu’ aku sin daligmata dayng ha ulihan hangkan kiyatümtüman ku mahi aku miyadtu. “Manga Hās Salaggü’-laggü’…” Wala’ ku kiyaingatan bang biya’ diin in panawag kanila, sagawa’ nakira ku in pagpakita’ pag-addat di’  makamula. Biyayta’an ku sila sin pangdamat ku, in linug landu’ küsüg nangjuljana’ ha dāira ku iban nanglarak ha bāy ku.

“Amu ini in hüla’an sin manga linug, mānusiya’ asibi’,” Simambung in tingüg üsüg. “In pagjügjüg maawn bang kami humibal.”  In tingüg babai simambung. “In panghibal-hibal namü makahüküt ha dunya.” Laung sin tingüg üsüg. “Unu in kapunnyahan namü’ bang in dunya matigallam na?” Nangasubu in tingüg babai.

“Bang in pangdamat ku dumatüng, in dunya ku malawa’ na. Kalu baha’ tibahagi’an asibi’ da sin katiluagan dunya, sagawa’ in tibahagi’an manahut yadtu amu in kalunlunan dunya ku. In dāira yadtu hangka sibu’ in hālga’ kākü’ iban sin hālga’ sin manga ginlupa’an-langkus kaniyu.” Amu yadtu in sambung ku.

“Maisüg kaw.” Laung sin tingüg babai. “Wayruun pa mānusiya’ nakabissara kāmü’ iban katulusan.” Simambung in tingüg üsüg. “Kamataüran sin mānusiya’ pagsulayan kami dupangün hipalanggana’ in manga banta nila.” Namissara in tingüg babai. “Hambuuk ini  pamindahi  tatayma’ün.” Simambung in tingüg üsüg. “Naraak kami magpatütüg sin dunya ha kiyabübütangan.” Naglapal in tingüg babai. “Pa’gahan in pagtigallam sin dunya.” Simambung in tingüg üsüg. “Sagawa’ unu in hikarayaw bang matüpük in hambuuk dunya ha lawm sin dunya?” Nangasubu in tingüg babai.

“Hinangün namü’ biya’ sin piyangayu’ niyu. Tumattap kami wayruun hibal supāya in dunya niyu  kumakkal tibuuk.” In manga Intumbangul nagdüra’  simambung. “Kadtu na kaw, mānusiya’. In hüla’an sin manga linug bükün duruunan sin biya’ sin kajinis  mu.”

Simulay aku magsukul kanila, sagawa’ timagna’ na in hangin maküsüg dimüpüy. Diyā aku ampa itungan di’ aku makanapas.  In düpüy landu’ makajuljana’ pangannal ku biya’ aku sin pīrīt.  Nakapamahit aku.

Sakali nakabati’ aku.

In jāman-magbabanda’ ku kimatingüg. Lisag pitu na sin mahinaat.  Kiyaingatan ku makaikul aku pa iskul bang aku wala’ imüws. In pagsūkbanyul sin sasakatan adlaw ini makabuga’, biya’ sin dayng angay adlaw. Nangiyaban aku iban siyulayan ku tiyümtüm in panagainüp ku. Ha kira ku mataüd hās iban tiyumpukan mata imaatud kākü’, sagawa’ di’ ku na katümtüman puas ha yadtu.

In hambuuk pa jāman-babanda’ ku hikaruwa miyagting labi pa matanug dayng sin nakauna. Siminyal na sin panagna’an sin adlaw mataud ligap.

Naangan-angan ku bang aku nakahinang labi mataüd barāpa makaraüg-küwg.

=————————–=

English Version

The dream stares at me with its hundred eyes and I stay frozen on my bed.

I don’t know what it wants, but I don’t think it means any harm. The creature walks over to me and as I stare at its blinking body, I finally understand. The nightmare wasn’t a nightmare at all. It was a warning. The daligmata (I don’t know how I know its name, it just popped in my head) was trying to tell me I needed to stop the earthquake from happening.

“How do I do that?” I asked the daligmata. It stared at me again, and I knew. I had to go to the place where earthquakes were born. I had to ask them to stay still. “Why me?” The answer to my question came in a flood of thoughts. The daligmata lives in dreams, and it can only move in that realm. It could never go in the physical world, much less the home of earthquakes and storms if it didn’t have a dreamer by its side.

And a dreamer it had.

The journey wasn’t as perilous as I imagined it to be. The daligmata was in my thoughts saying I only need to dream to be there and it guided me well. It told me to dream of the world, but not as I knew it. It spoke of the horizon, the split between the earth and the underworld and the mouths of the creatures that lived there. Images of the snakes wrapped around the world, held up by the great god Magbabaya, swirled in my head. I dreamt of the horizon, of the snakes, of Magbabaya. I dreamt of the place where earthquakes were born. I dreamt of the land of the winds and storms.

And in a flash, I was there.

“Hello mortal.” A feminine voice greeted me. “Whenever we see your kind Mangilala usually has something to do with it.” A male voice answered back. I realized I was staring at the heads of two gigantic snakes, each bigger than a skyscraper. I would have been scared, but the majesty of the two was making me feel so much awe. I felt safe in their presence.

The daligmata nudged me from behind and I remembered why I was there. “Great Serpents…” I didn’t know how to address them, but I figured showing respect wouldn’t hurt. I told them about the nightmare I had, the giant earthquake that ripped through my city and shattered my home.

“This is the home of earthquakes, little human.” The male voice answered. “The shakes are caused when we move.” The female voice replied. “Our movements keep the world tethered.” Said the male voice. “What use are we if the world is gone?” The female voice asked.

“If my nightmare happens, my world would be gone. It may be a small part of the entire earth, but that tiny bit is my whole world. That city is as important to me as the continents are to you.” Was my answer.

“You are brave.” The female voice said. “No mortal has ever spoken to us with such candor.” The male voice replied. “Most mortals try to trick us into destroying their enemies.” The female voice answered. “This is a welcome change.” The male voice replied. “We are tasked to keep the world in place.” The female voice said. “To keep the earth from falling away.” The male voice replied. “But what good is that if a world within the world is broken?” The female voice asked.

“We will do as you ask. We will stay still so your world may be kept intact.” The Intumbangol replied in unison. “Go now, mortal. The home of earthquakes is no place for your kind to be.”

I tried to thank them, but a strong wind started blowing. It picked me up and I almost couldn’t breathe. The gusts were so violent I thought I was being ripped apart. I screamed.

Then I woke up.

My alarm was going off. It was 7 AM. I knew I would be late for class if I didn’t hurry. The traffic would be terrible today, like every day. I yawned and tried to remember the dreams I had. I think there was a snake and a bunch of eyes looking at me, but I couldn’t recall much past that.

My backup alarm rang even louder than the first one. It signaled the start of a really long day.

I wish I did more exciting things.

=—————————————–=

*Bahasa Sug or Tausug is an Austronesian language spoken in the province of Sulu in the Philippines and in the eastern area of the state of Sabah, Malaysia, by the Tausūg people. It is widely spoken in the Sulu Archipelago (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan), the Zamboanga Peninsula (Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga City), southern Palawan, and Malaysia (eastern Sabah).

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bahasa Sug translation by Benj Bangahan
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Benj Bangahan

Inspired by the Intumbangol description in The Soul Book. Demetrio, Cordero-Fernando &Zialcita 1991. And the Daligmata descriptions in Songs and Gifts at the Frontier : Person and Exchange in the Agusan Manobo Possession Ritual. Buenconsejo. 2002. & 101 Kagila-gilalas na Nilalang. Samar. 2015.

Intumbangol Illustration by Nadine Cabe
Tumblr: http://nadinecabe.tumblr.com/

Watercolor by Alexa Garde
Website: www.Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Ilocano

Kumitkita kaniak ti tagtagainep babaen ti sangagasut a matana ket agtalinaedak a nagyelo iti pagiddaak.

Diak ammo no ania ti kayatna, ngem diak pagarupen nga adda kaipapanan dayta a pannakadangran. Magna ti parsua nga umasideg kaniak ket bayat a kitkitaek ti agkir-in a bagina, maawatakon kamaudiananna. Saan lang nga tagtagainep iti tagtagainep. Maysa dayta a pakdaar.

Ti daligmata (diak ammo no kasano nga ammok ti naganna, nagtubo laeng iti ulok) ket padpadasenna nga ibaga kaniak a kasapulak a pasardengen ti pannakapasamak ti ginggined.

“Kasano nga aramidek dayta?” sinaludsodko kadagiti daligmata. Nagtungtung-ed manen kaniak, ket ammok. Masapul a mapanak iti lugar a nakaipasngayan dagiti ginggined. Masapul a kiddawek kadakuada nga agtalinaedda a sitatalna. “Apay a siak? Dimteng ti sungbat iti saludsodko iti layus dagiti pampanunot. Agbibiag ti daligmata kadagiti tagtagainep, ket mabalinna laeng ti aggaraw iti dayta a sakup.

Saanna a pulos a makapan iti pisikal a lubong, uray pay ti pagtaengan dagiti ginggined ken bagyo no awan ti agar-arapaap iti sibayna.

Ket maysa nga agar-arapaap ti adda kenkuana.

Saan a kas iti napeggad ti panagdaliasat a kas iti impagarupko. Adda iti panunotko ti daligmata a mangibagbaga a kasapulak laeng ti agarapaap nga addaak sadiay ket nasayaat ti panangiturongna kaniak. Imbagana kaniak nga arapaapko ti lubong, ngem saan a kas iti ammok. Nagsao dayta maipapan iti horizon, ti pannakabingay ti daga ken ti lubong dagiti natay ken dagiti ngiwat dagiti parsua nga agnanaed sadiay. Dagiti ladawan dagiti uleg a nabalkot iti intero a lubong, nga iggem ti naindaklan a dios a ni Magbabaya, ti nagpusipos iti ulok. Natagtagainepko ti horizon, dagiti uleg, ti Magbabaya. Inar-arapaapko ti lugar a nakaipasngayan dagiti ginggined. Inar-arapaapko ti daga dagiti angin ken bagyo.

Ket iti apagbiit, addanak sadiay.

“Hello mortal.” Maysa a babai a timek ti nangkablaaw kaniak. “Tunggal makitami ti naasiyo a Mangilala gagangay nga adda pakainaiganna iti dayta.”  Simmungbat ti timek ti lalaki. Naamirisko a kitkitaek ti ulo ti dua a higante nga uleg, a tunggal maysa ket dakdakkel ngem iti skyscraper. Mabutengak koma, ngem ti kinadayag dagitoy a dua ti mangparikna kaniak iti kasta unay a panagsiddaaw. Natalged ti riknak iti imatangda.

Induronnak ti daligmata manipud iti likudak ket nalagipko no apay nga addaak sadiay. “Dakkel nga Uleg…” Diak ammo no kasano a tamingen ida, ngem impagarupko a saan a makadangran ti panangipakita iti panagraem. Imbagak kadakuada ti maipapan iti bang-arko, ti higante a ginggined a nangrisut iti siudadko ken nangburak iti pagtaengak.

“Daytoy ti pagtaengan dagiti ginggined, bassit a tao.” Simmungbat ti timek ti lalaki. “Mapataud dagiti panagkintayeg no aggarawtay”. Insungbat ti timek ti babai. “Dagiti garawmi pagtalinaedenda a naigalut ti lubong.”Kinuna ti timek ti lalaki. “Ania ti serserbitayo no awanen ti lubong?” sinaludsod ti timek ti babai.

“No mapasamak ti bang-arko, awanen ti lubongko. Mabalin a bassit a paset dayta ti intero a daga, ngem dayta a bassit a paset ti intero a lubongko. Dayta a siudad ket napateg kaniak a kas iti kinapateg dagiti kontinente kenka.” Ti kadi sungbatko.

“Naturedka.” Kinuna ti timek ti babai. “Awan pay ti mortal a nakasarita kadakami buyogen ti kasta a kinaprangka.” Insungbat ti timek ti lalaki. “Kaaduan a mortal ikagkagumaandatayo nga allilawen dagiti kabusorda.” Simmungbat ti timek ti babai. “Maawaten daytoy a panagbalbaliw.” Insungbat ti timek ti lalaki. “Naikkankami iti annongen a mangtaginayon iti lubong iti lugarna.” Kinuna ti timek ti babai. “Tapno saan a matnag ti daga.” Insungbat ti timek ti lalaki. “Ngem ania ti pagimbagan dayta no madadael ti maysa a lubong iti uneg ti lubong?” sinaludsod ti timek ti babai.

“Aramidenmi ti kiddawenyo. Agtalinaedkami a natalna tapno agtalinaed a nasayaat ti lubongmo.” Nagkaykaysa a simmungbat dagiti Intumbangol. “Inka itan, mortal. Ti pagtaengan dagiti ginggined ket saan a lugar a pagnaedan ti kitayo.”

Inkagumaak ti agyaman kadakuada, ngem nangrugin nga agtaytayab ti napigsa nga angin. Pinidutnak ket dandani diak makaanges. Naranggas unay dagiti bagyo isu nga impagarupko a mapigpisiak.  Nagpukkawak.

Kalpasanna, nariingak.

Naguni ti alarmko. Alas 7 ti bigatin. Ammok a maladawak iti klase no diak agdardaras. Nakaam-amak koma ti trapiko ita, kas iti inaldaw. Nagngangaak ket inkagumaak a lagipen dagiti tagtagainepko. Panagkunak adda uleg ken maysa a bunggoy dagiti mata a mangmatmatmat kaniak, ngem diak malagip ti adu a napalabas dayta.

Napigpigsa pay ti panaguni ti backup alarm-ko ngem iti immuna. Ipasimudaagna ti panangrugi ti talaga nga atiddog ​​nga aldaw.

Sapay koma ta ad-adu pay dagiti makapagagar nga inaramidko.

=————————-=

English Version

The dream stares at me with its hundred eyes and I stay frozen on my bed.

I don’t know what it wants, but I don’t think it means any harm. The creature walks over to me and as I stare at its blinking body, I finally understand. The nightmare wasn’t a nightmare at all. It was a warning. The daligmata (I don’t know how I know its name, it just popped in my head) was trying to tell me I needed to stop the earthquake from happening.

“How do I do that?” I asked the daligmata. It stared at me again, and I knew. I had to go to the place where earthquakes were born. I had to ask them to stay still. “Why me?” The answer to my question came in a flood of thoughts. The daligmata lives in dreams, and it can only move in that realm. It could never go in the physical world, much less the home of earthquakes and storms if it didn’t have a dreamer by its side.

And a dreamer it had.

The journey wasn’t as perilous as I imagined it to be. The daligmata was in my thoughts saying I only need to dream to be there and it guided me well. It told me to dream of the world, but not as I knew it. It spoke of the horizon, the split between the earth and the underworld and the mouths of the creatures that lived there. Images of the snakes wrapped around the world, held up by the great god Magbabaya, swirled in my head. I dreamt of the horizon, of the snakes, of Magbabaya. I dreamt of the place where earthquakes were born. I dreamt of the land of the winds and storms.

And in a flash, I was there.

“Hello mortal.” A feminine voice greeted me. “Whenever we see your kind Mangilala* usually has something to do with it.” A male voice answered back. I realized I was staring at the heads of two gigantic snakes, each bigger than a skyscraper. I would have been scared, but the majesty of the two was making me feel so much awe. I felt safe in their presence.

The daligmata nudged me from behind and I remembered why I was there. “Great Serpents…” I didn’t know how to address them, but I figured showing respect wouldn’t hurt. I told them about the nightmare I had, the giant earthquake that ripped through my city and shattered my home.

“This is the home of earthquakes, little human.” The male voice answered. “The shakes are caused when we move.” The female voice replied. “Our movements keep the world tethered.” Said the male voice. “What use are we if the world is gone?” The female voice asked.

“If my nightmare happens, my world would be gone. It may be a small part of the entire earth, but that tiny bit is my whole world. That city is as important to me as the continents are to you.” Was my answer.

“You are brave.” The female voice said. “No mortal has ever spoken to us with such candor.” The male voice replied. “Most mortals try to trick us into destroying their enemies.” The female voice answered. “This is a welcome change.” The male voice replied. “We are tasked to keep the world in place.” The female voice said. “To keep the earth from falling away.” The male voice replied. “But what good is that if a world within the world is broken?” The female voice asked.

“We will do as you ask. We will stay still so your world may be kept intact.” The Intumbangol replied in unison. “Go now, mortal. The home of earthquakes is no place for your kind to be.”

I tried to thank them, but a strong wind started blowing. It picked me up and I almost couldn’t breathe. The gusts were so violent I thought I was being ripped apart. I screamed.

Then I woke up.

My alarm was going off. It was 7 AM. I knew I would be late for class if I didn’t hurry. The traffic would be terrible today, like every day. I yawned and tried to remember the dreams I had. I think there was a snake and a bunch of eyes looking at me, but I couldn’t recall much past that.

My backup alarm rang even louder than the first one. It signaled the start of a really long day.

I wish I did more exciting things.

————————–————————–———————–

*The Bukidnon god of temptation

*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 Princess Jaselle
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Princess Jaselle

Inspired by the Intumbangol description in The Soul Book. Demetrio, Cordero-Fernando &Zialcita 1991. And the Daligmata descriptions in Songs and Gifts at the Frontier : Person and Exchange in the Agusan Manobo Possession Ritual. Buenconsejo. 2002. & 101 Kagila-gilalas na Nilalang. Samar. 2015.

Intumbangol Illustration by Nadine Cabe
Tumblr: http://nadinecabe.tumblr.com/

Watercolor by Alexa Garde
Website: www.Lexa.us

*Note this story is in Cebuano

Usa ka gabi-i, ngadto sa punoan sa anislag, nagsugod ang mga aninipot sa matag gabi-i niini nga pagkabuhaton. Sa bisan kinsan man ang makahinumdom sa ila, ilahang sugaan ang kalangitan ubanan og mga pagsayaw na kaindig sa labing matahom nga kalalaw. Ug si kinsa pa ang mangulo niini kundi ang ilahang hari? Ang piniyalan nga mga aninipot musayaw kauban ang iyahang mga sakop nga maghimo og kahibolongang paghiklad sa kahayag.

Samtang nangandam ang Hari sa iyahang sayaw, iyahang nabatyagan kining usa sa mga aninipot nga wag magsiga. “Batan-ong aninipot,” miingon ang hari, “Nganong wa man ka nagpahayag kauban imong mga igsoon?”

“Ginoo, wala ko kasabot og nganong ato kining gibuhat, dili ba kini pangimbitar sa mga manunukob? Giabisohan ko sa mga timos nga ang mga baki, mga kaka ug mga langgam himuon tang lamiang simosimo kung ato’ng ipakita ang ato’ng kaugalingon.”

“Nganong ato mang tagoan ang ato’ng mga kahayag nga mao man kini’y labihang maanyag nga katipik sa kagabhion? Dapat ato kining dal-on ngadto sa mangitngit nga mga lugar. Tagsa-tagsa nato adunay kalag nga di ikalimod. Nakabti ka niini, di ba?”

Mabati ang unsa, ginoo?

“Ang kinahanglan nga hayagan ang langit. Anaa kini sa kasingkasing sa tanang aninipot. Makit-an ta sa mga manunukob, usa kini ka tinuod, tutukan nila ang atong kahayag ug suwayan sa pagpawong, apan gamayng bayad kini aron pasagdan ang atong mga mga kalag nga mukanta sa kangitngit.

Wala gihapon kini masabtan sa batan-ong aninipot ang buot ingnon sa Hari, giunhan kini sa kahadlok nga mamatay. Wa niya masabti ang mga gipamulong sa Hari sa iyang kasingkasing ug iyang gipaup-op ang iyang kahayag.

Kadtong gabhiona ang mga aninipot nagsayaw apan adunay mga gagmay nga tipik sa anino ang makita sa layo. Sama sa makatakod nga kahadlok sa batan-ong aninipot. Madunggan ang mga hungihong sa tibuok palibot nga ang mga aninipot palabihon ang ilang kaluwasan sa kangitngit kaysa irisgo ang kahayag.

Nagpatawag ang Hari sa mga aninipot og usa ka panagtigom sa iyang mga sakop aron hisgotan ang panghitabo.

“Buot lang namong ipasabot nga kinahanglan kita mag-amping sa gabi-i,”misulti ang batan-ong aninipot. “Di kami buot mahimong sunod na pagkaon sa kaka.”

“Nganong di ni nimo suwayan og buhat, batan-ong aninipot?” pangutana sa Hari.

“Mahadlok ko ginoo, di ko gusto mawala ni’ng akong kahayag hangtod sa kahangtoran.”

“Apan di ba mao kini imong gibuhat sa imong kaugalingon?”

“Mahimo pa man natong pasigaan apan sa mga luwas nga lugar. Mao unta kini ang angay na bag-o natong lagda!” Asoy sa batan-ong aninipot nga anaay kumpiyansa.

“Aninipot, kinahanglan kitang magpasiga ngadto sa kangitngit, kay mao kana ang rason sa atong pagkahimugso. Nganong mangita man kita og senyales aron magpasiga, nga kita, mga bituon nga kinahanglang maglaray?”

“Wa gihapon ko ni masabtan, ginoo.”

Ug didto, nasayod ang Hari sa mga aninipot ang kinahanglan niyang buhaton.

Gihayagan ang kaugalingon, labing hayag pa sa buwan ug gaalirong sa punoan sa anislag. Mihilak ang batan-ong aninipot nga mipadayag, “Ginoo! Makit-an ka nila, palihug ayaw pahayagi imong kaugalingon!”

Bitaw, wa kiniy pulos, ang kahayag sa Hari mikatag sa palibot ug tanang mga kuwaknit, mga kaka, ug mga panggabiing langgam nanglupad paingon sa makasisilaw nga kahayag.

Di makatuo ang batan-ong aninipot sa mga musunod na panghitabo. Tanang mga nakapalibot nga aninipot nagbuhat og sama sa bagyo nga kahayag. Ang mga manunukob mibarog, nalumay sa panan-awon ug tagsa-tagsang miapil sa pagsayaw.

Gikapakapa sa mga langgam ug kuwaknit ang ilahang mga pako. Miuban sa indayog ang lihok sa mga baki, ang mga kaka nagtuyok-tuyok inubanan ang mga aninipot nga nagbitbit og kahayag sa kangitngit.

Ug ang kinalawmang bahin sa iyang kalag, sa kataposan nasabtan na sa batan-ong aninipot.

Kung magpagawas ka og kidlap, mahimo kang bahin sa usa ka butang nga mahinungdanon.

Wala na kini magpaabot og tubag.

Nagpahayag kini.

Ug mihilak ang iyang kalag ngadto sa mga anino, “Di nako tugutang kuhaon kini nimo sa ako!”

Hangtod sa kahangturan mahinumduman sa lasang ang sugilanon sa usa ka batan-ong aninipot nga kas-a nahadlok sa kaugalingong kahayag ug tanang mananap nga gitawag nila ang lasang nga ilahang puy-anan, bisan ang mga manunukob, makahunahuna pag-usab sa kalawakan sa kahayag atubangan sa punoan sa anislag, nasaypd sa higayon nga adunay silay kayo sulod sa kaugalingon nga di mahimong ilimod.

Karon ug hangtod sa kahangturan.

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English Version

*The Cebuano language, alternatively called Cebuan and also often colloquially albeit informally referred to by most of its speakers simply as Bisaya (“Visayan”, not to be confused with other Visayan languages nor Brunei Bisaya language), is an Austronesian regional language spoken in the Philippines by about 21 million people, mostly in Central Visayas, western parts of Eastern Visayas and most parts of Mindanao, most of whom belong to various Visayan ethnolingusitic groups, mainly the Cebuanos. It is the by far the most widely spoken of the Visayan languages, which are in turn part of wider the Philippine languages. The reference to the language as Bisaya is not encouraged anymore by linguists due to the many languages within the Visayan language group that may be confused with the term.