*Note this story is in Bicol Naga

Tighiling ni Manay Paul an surat na tigwalat ni Lolo Ambo saiya. Gusto niya mang respetuhon an mga kagustuhan ni Lolo Ambo, masakit. Kaipuhan niyang ipabakal an daga para may kwarta sinda maglipat sa ibang lugar para sa kinabukasan kan saiyang pamilya. Naglakaw si Paula sa kahoy nin Balate sa may boundary kan uma. Mayong ilaw sa mga sanga ngunyan na banggi. Dae niya sigurado kun an ibig sabihun kaini na kung mahali man an mga tao sa kahoy.

“Sorry.” Nagdadakol na an mga luha sa mata ni Paula. “Aram ko na pinangako ni Lolo Ambo na mayong mangyayri sa saindong kahoy asin pinakiulay niya na gibuhon mi an pangakong ito, pero kaipuhan kong pilion an ikakarahay kan sakong pamilya. May makulog si Lila, dae mi kaya mabakal an saiyang bulong. Si Roberto, dae makahanap trabaho. Ako…ako ang ina, kaipuhan kong itao sa sakuyang mga aki an magayon na buhay sainda.” Tigpunasan ni Paula an saiyang mga luha, “Patawadon nindo ako.”

Maliwanag an bulan sa madiklom na langit. Oras na an nakaagi asin mayong nangyari. Mayong senyas, mayong senyas na pwede magsabi na nadangog kan mga tao sa kahoy an saiyang sinabi. Dae niya aram kung ano ang pwede mangyari pero sana may sabihon sinda saiya ning dawa ano. Kung anuman.

Naghalat siya hanggang aga asin pagkatapos, naglaog siya sa saiyang harong, nagpuon nang mag-impake.

Tulong bulan na an nakaagi, tigmamasdan ni Manay Paula an saiyang mga aki, ngunyan nanaman lang siya naugma ni arog kaini sa kahaluyan nin panahon. Nagdadalgan si Lila kaiba an saiyang mga pinsan. Nagirumduman ni Manay Paula kung gano kaluya ang itsura kan aking babae sa ospital asin nagsabi sya nin pangadyi ning pasasalamat na maluhay sana. Nagtukaw siya asin pinunan niyang gibuhon an tradisyon niyang pagkakaaga-an magbasa nin diyaryo.

An headline, “Bagong Kaganapan Sa Rali Kan Mga Nagpoprotesta” na mayo mang pinagbago; naakusahan nin korapsyon an kumpanyang nagpapatugdok kaiba an mga lokal na opisyales para dae na ninda pansinun an kararatan na dulot kaini sa kapaligiran, pero may sarong letrato na halos nagpatindog ki Paula sa saiyang pagkatukaw.

Letrato in ikan sarong magayon na aking babae na nakapula habang nanginginutan sa mga nagpoprotesta laban sa bulldozer.

Nagngirit si Manay Paula. Kaya man pala ninda an saindang mga sadiri.

=——————=

Engilsh Version

Manang Paula looked at the letter that Lolo Ambo left her. As much as she wanted to respect his wishes, times were hard. She had to sell the land to have enough money to move where it would be a better future for her family. Paula walked to the Balete tree in the edge of the field. There weren’t any lights in the branches tonight. She didn’t know if that meant the people in the tree were going toleave as well.

“I’m sorry.” The tears were starting to swell up in Paula’s eyes. “I know that Lolo Ambo promised that nothing would happen to your tree, and he asked all of us to keep that promise alive, but I have to choose what’s best for my family. Lila is sick and we can’t even afford her medicine anymore. Roberto can’t find a job. I… I am a mother and I need to give my children the life they deserve.”

Paula wiped away the tears from her cheek, “Please forgive me.

The moon was still in the night sky. Hours passed and nothing happened. There was no sign, nothing to tell Paula that the people in the tree heard her. She didn’t know what to expect, but she had hoped that they would tell her something. Anything.

She waited by the tree until morning and afterwards, she went to her house and started packing.

Three months later, Manang Paula was looking at her children and she was happy for the first time in a long while. Lila was running around playing with her cousins, Manang Paula remembered how weak her little girl looked in the hospital bed and she said a soft prayer of thanksgiving. She sat down and started her morning tradition of reading the newspaper.

The headline read “Protesters Rally New Development” which wasn’t surprising; the construction company had been accused of bribing the local officials so they could ignore the environmental destruction they were causing, but a certain picture almost made Manang Paula jump out of her seat.

It was of a beautiful girl in red leading the protesters against a bulldozer.

Manang Paula smiled. They could take care of themselves after all.

————————–————————–————————–

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Angela Arnante
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Angela Arnante

Inspired by ‘The Fairy of Balete Tree’ in Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. Eugenio. 2002.

Mariang Ilaya Illustration by Laura Katigbak
FB: Rabbit Heart
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rabbitheartart/

The post Mariang Ilaya – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol Naga

“Unfair ini” an hibi ni Sasha ay nag-echo sa kakahuyan. Tighiling niya an siyang letrato kaiba an saiyang mahal sa buhay. Ex-love, tigkorek niya an sadiri. Dae sya makapaniwala sa nangyari, kung papano nadurog an saiyang puso asin kung papano niya ini ibabalik.

Alas tres nin maagahon, aram niya na an saiyang pamilya ay nahahadit na saiya pero mayo siyang pake. An siyang kulog, iyo sana an totoo sa saiyang buhay asin dae niya aram kung papanohon ini. Puro kasinungalingan sana an gabis niyang sinabi? Pantasiya sana an mga oras na ibahan sinda? O takot lamang siyang tanggapon na dae man talaga sya namomotan saiya?

Dae niya kaya, habo niyang isipon an bagay n aini. Gusto niya na lang magkamang sa sarong labot asin Magadan. Mayo naming tada para saiya. At least sa mundong ini. Iniisip niya na mas maray para sa gabos kung tapuson niya na an buhay niya.

Dae napansin ni Sasha an ambon na namumuo sa kataed niya. Dae niya pati na narisa na mayo na siya sa kakahuyan. Nagbabagong anyo an ambon habang siya naghihibi. Luhay-luhay sanang may nabuong hugis nin babae habang pinapatahan an sadiri sa tahaw nin kakulgan.

“Aram mo, dae siya nararapat saimo.” Nagtingala si Sasha asin may nahiling siyang magayon na babae na garo nabuo hale sa ambon nin kagubatan. Kadaklan siguro mahuhmaling sa kababalaghan na ini pero sabi ni Sasha, na may halong pait sa saiyang boses, “Pabayaan moa ko. Dae moa ram kung ano sinasabi mo.”

“Sa hiling ko mas dakol ang aram ko kaysa saimo.” An aparisyo ay nagluwa ning kapidaso nin tela, “Uni, punasa mo luha mo.”

“Pano mo nasabi?” Kinua man sana ni Sasha an kapidasong tela. Dae niya aram kun siisay o ano ito. Baka multo, baka guni-guni, pero mayo na siyang pakiram. Dawa gadanon pa siya kaini, mapapamray pa an saeyang pagmati. Mayo na siyang boot para aramon.

“Hali na ako diyan,” sabi kan babae habang nakahiling kay Sasha pero mate ni Sasha na garo lagpas an paghiling kaini saiya. “An minamahal ko sa buhay ay namoot sa sakuyang tugang na babae.”

“Sako, winalat ako, pinalit sako an bestfriend ko.” Dae bisto ni Sasha kung siisya ni pero ngunyan garo mate niya na pamilyar an ispiritu.

“Dae.” Sigurado an ispirirtu sa saiyang pagkasabi, namate nanaman ni Sasha an pagkadurog kan sarong parte kan saiyang puso. “Pero padagos ka pa  man giraray.”

“Pinano mo magpadagos kun sobrang kulog?” Mahigpit an pagkakapot ni Sasha sa tela asin napaluha nanaman siya.

“Iyo ta bako yan an katapusan.” Kinaputan kan babae an saiyang kamot asin nahiling ni Sasha an pagkamakulog sa saiyang mga mata. “Permeng may ibang katapusan, dawa ika pa magsurat.”

Naglaho na sana an babae asin nawalat nanaman nin solo si Sasha.

=—————————–=

English Version

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

————————–————————–————————–—-

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Angela Arnante
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Angela Arnante

Story inspired by ‘Mariang Binokong’ in Negros Oriental and Siquijor Island Legends, Beliefs and Folkways. Aldecoa-Rodriguez. 2000.

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

The post Mariang Binokong – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

Bagong inagihan na daga, raraot na masetas. dugo. Hali ito digdi.

Duwang bulan na an nakaagi puon kang nag-ekpedisyon. Duwang bulan asin mayong nakuang marhay kundi saralang impormasyon, mayong laog na kagubutan asin mayong padudumanan na lakaw, pero ngunyan may pagkakataon na madakop ito. An bagong dakulang mammal species, pinakaenot na arog kadto an nadiskubre sa laog kan sanggatos na taon, magiging sikat kami.

Garo kabaliwan nin tulong tawo an paghahanap kaini pero gabos ini para sa funding asin dae ako nagrereklamo, marhay si Johann sa pag-survey asin aram na maray ni Manuel an lugar kaya marahay an samong kalagayan.

“Baka mas marhay na subukan ta man an ibang lugar sa may gilid kang dagat ta baka yaon ito duman.” Nadangog kong sinabi ni Manuel sa harayo.

“Dae ko aram kung okay yan, hababa man grade ko perme sa Marine Science.” Nagsabi nanaman si Johann kan saro sa mga baduy niyang jokes. Pero okay lang para dae boring ang paghahanap kaya pinabayaan ko na sana.

Naghiling ako sa palibot asin pigmasidan ko an destruksyon na winalat kaidtong hayop na ito asin dae ko masabutan. Garo ini herbivore, garo man sana normal nab aka, pero an saiyang hiru-hiro garo halos nangangakan. An sadit na usa ay garo halos marunot kan darakulan ngipon na garo tingo. Siguro napasala an mga local ti baad ini ay sarong klase ning mabangis na elepante na pwedeng magkaag sako sa cover nin magazine. Tigtago ko muna an sakuyang excitement asin pinagirumduman ko ang sakuynag sadiri na dae muna magselebrar. Kaipuhan kong maghalat.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGH” Nadangong ko ang kurahaw ni Johann hali sa likod kasunong kang lagatob nin bitis ning garo kabayo.

Bako ining tama. Papanong dae mi ini nadangog. Ibinangga kan hayop na ito si Johann sa kahoy asin nabanga an saiyang hawak habang tigngunguya kaini an saiyang braso. Nahihiling ko na ngunyan an saiyang buong hawak. Mabalahibong balat, mga dakulang pangil, dae ko aram kung garo ini baka o ano. Pero siguradong nagkakan ini nin karne. Asin mapanganib.

Luhay-luhay akong nagrayo, para dae mapansin kan hayop na marikas an hiro, pero bigla na sana akong nagpundo sa paglakaw. Pigbutasan kan hayop an braso kang sakuyang amigo asin luhay-luhay na naglakaw paduman sako. Nakahiling in isa sakuyang mata asin mayo pa akong nahiling nin mata na arog kaini sa mga hayop. Garo ini tao. Pighiling ako kaining hayop asin garo ini nakangirit sako.

Binadil ni Manuel an hayop gamit an shotgun asin nagrayo man ini pero takot pa girarary ako. Dae ka maihahanda kan eskwelahan sa arog kadtong kabangisan. Nagdalagan siya sakuya para aramon kung okay lang ako pero sa hiling ko dae ko kaya.

“Kaipuhan tang maghali bago ini magbalik.” Kinakabahan na ako asin iyo na sana ito an sakuyang nakayang sabihon.

“Dae na ito mabalik, na-shock ka lang.” Pinapakalma ako ni Manuel.

“Dae mo naiintindihan.” An sakuyang boses ay nanginginig na, masakitun mabuo an mga tataramon pero kaipuhan syang ma-warningan.

“Sa hiling ko tighahanting kita.”

==————————————-==

English Version

Fresh tracks, broken shrubs, blood. It’s been through here.

Two months since we started the expedition. Two months and nothing but false leads, empty forests and aimless treks, but now we have the chance to catch it. A new large mammal species, the first of its kind discovered this century, we’ll all be famous.

A team of 3 trying to find this thing seems crazy, but it’s all our funding could get us and I’m not complaining, Johann’s good at surveys and Manuel knows the area pretty well so we’ve been in good shape.

“Maybe we should try the areas around the coast, it might be by the seaside.” I hear Manuel say from a distance.

“I don’t know about that, my grade in Marine Science was always below C-Level.” Johann says another one of his terrible puns, but it helps clear the boredom of another day of tracking so I let it pass.

I look around and survey the destruction the thing left in its path and it just doesn’t make sense. It looks like an herbivore, just like a normal cow, but its behavior is almost predatory. Small deer were crushed by large teeth and what almost looks like tusks. Maybe the locals were mistaken and this may be a kind of aggressive elephant… that may get me a lot of magazine covers. I shrug off my excitement and remind myself not to count my chickens before they hatch. I need to be patient.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGH” I hear Johann’s scream from behind me followed by the thumping of hooves.

No. This isn’t right. How could we not have heard it. The thing smashes Johann into a tree and breaks him in half before chewing on his arm. I can see it now, in full flesh. Hairy, rough skin, giant fangs that are like tusks, I can’t tell if it’s bovine or something else. But it’s definitely a meat eater. And hostile.

I slowly move away, trying not to alarm the animal with fast movement, but I stop dead in my tracks. The thing calmly dropped my friend’s arm and walked towards me, calmly. It looked me in the eye and I swear its eyes weren’t like anything I’ve ever seen an animal possess. It was almost human. The thing looked me over and it was almost like it was smiling at me.

Manuel fired a few rounds from his shotgun and it scared the beast away, but I was still shaken. A lecture hall can never prepare you for that kind of savagery. He rushes to my side and tries to see if I’m okay, but I don’t think I can be.

“We need to leave before it comes back.” My voice is shaking and it’s the only thing I can manage to say.

“It’s not going to come back, you’re just in shock.” Manuel tries to reassure me.

“You don’t understand.” My voice is trembling now, it’s hard to me to form the words, but he needs to be warned.

“I think it’s hunting us.”

————————–————————–———————–

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Angela Arnante
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Angela Arnante

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

Mantahungal illustration by Leandro Geniston fromAklat ng mga Anito
FB: That Guy With A Pen

The post Mantahungal – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

Takoton akong marhay.

Nakabalik pa nanggad duman si Papa kaiba an maligno. Pinurbaran kong magin maisog asin nagdalagan sainda, alagad dai mayo akong magigibo. Saro sana man akong sadit na babaye na padagos na nanraraot sa buhay kan manga tawo. Mayo akong naginibong toltol.
Madiklomon na marhay an kadlagan para maagihan ko kaya nagtinir na sana ako sa sarong lugar. Pigsabi sakuya kadto ni Kuya na madudukayan ako kan mga tawo kun magtunong ako sa sarong lugar. An magigibo ko sana iyo an paghibi, Pagkatapos kan nangyari ki Aura, kun pa’no kulgan kan omboy si Mama, kun pa’no nawara si Kuya asin ngunyan, nagdudulag si Papa sa sarong maligno, dai ko sana aram kun anong igwa sakuya.

Ako sana man si Teleia, sarong sadit na babaye na dai kayang imantinir na ligtas an saiyang pamilya. ‘Kompleto’ an boot sabuton kan Teleia. Pinangaranan ako nin arog kaiyan kan sakong Mama ta sabi niya kan namundag daa ako, bilog na an pamilya mi, alagad sa hiling ko, niraot ko sana. Sa kaangutan ko nin marhay nagkua ako nin gapo dangan ginapo ko!

Nakadangog ako nin makusog na kurahaw dangan may kun anong nakakatakot na nagluwas sa mga poon. Garo ini aki, arog ko, alagad naglalakaw ini sa saiyang manga kamot. Madiklomon man kaini, garo gibo sa manga anino. Pinurbaran kong magdulag parayo, alagad nagpuon na magkulog an sakuyang manga piad. Makulugon. Dai ko mahiro an sakong mga piad, kaya nagpuon na sana ako gamiton an sakuyang manga kamot. Nangalas talaga akong marhay na ini madalion. Ni dai ko ngani kaidto magibo an wheel-carti-cartwheels! Alagad ngunyan, naglalakaw ako sa sakong manga kamot, talagang, marikason. Sa pagkarikas kong marhay, nakarayo na ako sa nakakatakot na bagay nin dai sa oras!

Amang-ugma ko. Sa hiling ko aram ko na an gigibuhon ngunyan. Magayunon kan kadlagan pag banggi. Maninigo kang magtago dawa sain! Kaipuhan ko sanang magpadagos sa paglakaw sa sakong manga kamot ta makulog pa nanggad talaga an sakuyang piad. Makulog talaga kun pupurbaran kong maglakaw nin normal alagad ayos lang. Arog ako kaini ngunyan!

Magigin maugma ini. Magigin marhay an sakuyang pamilya kun mayo ako. Naaraman kong maninigo akong magkaigwa nin manga bagong katood. Kaipuhan ko sanang maghiling nin bagong kakawat dangan makulog man an saindang mga piad! Asin malakaw sinda sa saindang manga kamot arog ko!

Maninigo akong magkaigwa nin kadakulon na bagong katood.

Kaipuhan ko sanang maghanap nin kadakol na aki na mapagkakalwagan.

=——————————————————-=

English Version

I’m so scared.

Papa’s still back there with the monster. I tried to be brave and run after them, but there was nothing I could do. I’m just a little girl who keeps ruining people’s lives. I can’t do anything right.

The forest is too dark for me to walk through, so I just stayed in one place. Kuya told me before that if I stay in one place then people can find me. All I could do was cry. After what happened with Aura, how the baby hurt Mama, how Kuya disappeared and now Papa’s running away from a monster, I just don’t know what’s wrong with me.

I’m just Teleia, the little girl that can’t keep her family safe. Teleia means ‘complete’. My Mama named me that because she said that when I was born it made our family complete, but I think I just tore it apart. I was so angry I took a rock and I threw it!

I heard a loud scream and something scary came out of the trees. It was like a child, like me, but it was walking on its hands. It was also very, very dark, like it was made of the shadows. I tried to run away, but my knees started to hurt. It was so painful.

I couldn’t move my legs, so I just started using my hands. I was really surprised that I found it so easy. I couldn’t even do wheel-carti—-cartwheels before! But now I was walking on my hands, really, really fast. I was so fast that I was away from the scary thing in no time!

I was so happy. I think I know what to do now. The forest is so nice when it’s night. You can hide anywhere! I just need to keep walking on my hands because my legs still really hurt. It’s really painful if I try to walk normal but it’s ok. This is how I’m gonna be now!

It’s going to be great. My family’s going to be fine without me. I found out I can make new friends. I just need to look at a new playmate and their legs will hurt too! And they’ll walk on their hands just like me!

I can make so many new friends.

I just need to find more kids to play with.

————————–————————–————————––

Story continued from the Harimodon’s Tale

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Joseph Villanueva Ciudadano
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Joseph Villanueva Ciudadano

Inspired by the Bugsok entry in Bikol Beliefs and Folkways: A Showcase of Tradition. Nasayao 2010..

Bugsok illustration by Nia Cortezano
Tumblr: http://niakawa.tumblr.com/

The post Bugsok – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

Magtubod ka sakuya! Nahiling ko ini digdi, nagtutuga ako”

Ipiggala ni Jia an saiyang manga mata. Duwang oras na puon kadtong mahiling ni Jaime an ‘sarong bagay’ sa manga poon asin nagdesisyon na butungon siya.

“Tibaad sarong usa sana man idto. Hilinga , dai mayo akong nahiling na anuman na kaagid sa ‘bagay’ na nahiling mo. Maninigo na daw tabi kita magbalik?”

“Ay ta, ta’wan mo sana ako nin kadikit na oras, mahihiling nyato ini, aram ko an gigibuhon ta!”

Pig-isip ni Jia kun ano an ‘ini’ na kukunon niya.

Midbid na ninda an lambang saro puon kang mag-adal sa elementarya, alagad nagpuon sana sinda magin magkatood sa inot taon kan hayskul. Puon kadto, pigbuhos ninda an kadaklan sa saindang anwa*, sa pagtaram manongod sa saindang manga pamilya asin katood, an boot sabihon kan manga bituon, asin an hinuna nindang magigin kaarog kan saindang nuanoy.

Dai naghaloy, harayo na an memorya kan hayskul. Pigsusudya sinda kan saindang manga kag-anak na mag-adal sa manga unibersidad na harayo sa probinsya, na magkaigwa nin marhay na nuanoy, o kaya inisip ninda. Ipigpasa ni Jaime an kadaklan sa paglaog sa unibersidad asin nag-irok sa sarong eskwelahan sa Maynila mantang napag-uyunan si Jia na magduman sa Unibersidad nin Silliman sa Dumaguete.

Dai pa nin sarong bulan, masuwayan na sinda nin dalan. Iyo man, maninigo man sindang mag-ulay paminsan-minsan dangan hilingon an lambang saro sa pista-opisyal pag nagbisita sinda sa saindang pamilya. Alagad ini na an kasagkuran, asin siguro mawot sana ni Jaime nin mas kadakol na oras sa saiya.

O tibaad…

‘Hala. Ah, dai man baya.’ naisip ni Jia.

Narumduman niya an paagi kan paghiling niya sa saiya. Kaidtong nakaaging bulan, igwang nagbago. Parati na sana nahahandal manongod sa nuanoy si Jaime. Gabos na bagay sobra an pig-isip sa punto na nadadaog na siya kaini (asin an gabos na harani sa saiya). Alagad ibahon na siya, dai pa man nahaloy. Dai mayo na an manga pusog na hapot na nagamit niya. Tuninong sana sinda kan magkakairibahan sinda.

Igwa siyang romantikong pana’naw manongod sa pagkamoot na dawa an katotohanan dai nakikipagkompetensya asin tibaad iyo an rason kun tano ta nungka siya nagkaigwa nin bata. Pag napag-uulayan ninda an nuanoy, parating naglalaog an urulayan kun siisay an makakatapos sa sainda.

Kaidto pa man, pigsambit na ni Jia na dai mayo siyang labot na aktibong maghanap nin sarong tawo. Daing sirbi an manga Dating app, magtatapos an manga online chat sa pang-goghosting niya; sarong aldaw igwang makakakapot sa saiya. Sa ngunyan, igwa siyang buhay tanganing mabuhay.

Magtatapos si Jaime, na tapat sa saiyang sadiri, sa sarong oras na pagsasalaysay manongod sa kun pa’no dapat hanapon an pagkamoot sa gabos nin lugar. Nakakaugma asin medyo nakakaayoayo kung pa’no siya kasiguro sa paghahanap nin tunay na pagkamoot (o kasing totoo kan mahahanap kan sarong hagbayon).

Pero siguro nagibo na niya.

Nadugangan an gabos.

Pirang oras na sindang nagsosolosolo.

Napag-uurulayan na ninda an saindang manga plano para sa unibersidad.

Tibaad ini na an huring tyansa na magkakahirilingan sinda.

‘Sasabihon niya sakuya na padangat niya ako’ nagdadalagan sa isip ni Jia.

Napaisip siya kun ano an sasabihon niya. Kun sasabihon niya sa saiya na dai niya namamatian an parehas na paaging ini, makukulgan an saiyang puso, asin moot niya pa nanggad siya bilang sarong katood. Tibaad iyo an sasabihon niya na maninigo idto na sarong pagpipilian sa maabot na aldaw, pwede nindang balikan ini pag nagin mas mature na sindang duwa. Nagkaigwa man nin pagpipilian na sabihon na haloy na niya ining midbid kaya dai na niya ini maisip na iba apwera sa sarong pigura nin tugang.

‘Okay’ napaghuropan niya. ‘Kaya ko ini.’

“J, pwede daw tabi na magpundo kita?”

“Ta’no, pagal ka na? Maninigo man kitang magpahingalo nin kadikit, tibaad pagal man an bagay na idto. Baka maabutan ta pa ‘to.”

“Aram ko kun manongod sain talaga ini.”

“Bako ining usa! Midbid ko an usa, nakahiling na ako nin kadakol na manlainlain na usa. Kun ano man ini, bako ining sarong usa.”

“Magpundo ka na, aram kong bako ining pasil para saimo.”

“Ha?”

“Masuwayan na kita pagkatapos kan bulan na ini. Tibaad dai na magkasabatan giraray an satong manga landas. Pinapaduman mo ako sa lalaw na paghapag na ini ta igwa kang mawot na sabihon sako.”

“Iyo, pigsasabi ko saimo na yaon duman an bagay na idto asin pwede tang madakop ito!”

Nagsenyas si Jia sa sarong dakulang gapo dangan nagtukaw sindang duwa. Nasakitan siyang hilingon ini sa mata, alagad mas marhay na tangkason na niya an band aid ngunyan.

“Aram kong sasabihon mo na namomoot ka sakuya.”

“Syempre namumutan taka J. Magkamidbidan na kita kadto pa man, dai ko maisip an sarong urog kamarhay na katood na arog mo.”

“Dai, an boot kong sabihon. ‘Padangaton mo ako’ padangaton mo ako.”

“Ano?”

Makaagi an pirang segundo, sa luwas kan manga poon, sarong lalaw na nilalang an nagsugod sa atubangan ninda. Kasingdakula ini kan sarong dakulaon na kanding, igwang manga piad na kabaing kan kanbing na kumpleto sa manga kuko, alagad naglalakaw ini sa pangmahurihan na piad. Igwa ining balukag sa bilog na hawakn asin sa liwanag nin hapon, haros tawo an lalawgon kaini. Naglukso an nilalang sa atubangan kan duwa dangan nagbutas nin matinis na kurahaw bago naglukso pabalik sa kadlagan.

Pig-abot nin pirang minuto bago nakamukna nin manga kataga an mga hagbayon. Nagtindog si Jaime dangan inugmahan sa saiyang trayumpo.

“Sabi ko saimo! Sabi na! Tunay ini asin pigsabi ko saimo! Iyo! Iyo!”

“Dyosmiyo, totoo man nanggad.”

“Iyo! Hilnga? Dai ako mahaman nin arog kaiyan!”

“Nago, nago, tama ka. Ano an bagay na idto?”

“Dai ko aram pero siguradong bako ‘tong sarong usa.”

“Dai mo kaipuhan na magin surupugon manungod digdi.”

“Iyo! Nagsayang ka nin 3 oras sakuya, nagsasabing dai ka nagtutubod sakuya. Nom, ‘say nagngingirit ngunyan.”

Napahangos nin hararom si Jia. “Ika baga.”

“Hamag yan, tama ako. Nagduman siguro to sa dalan na idto kun nagdalagan kita tibaad makua ta ‘to bago maglubog an saldang. Sa hiling ko nagwalat ini nin bakas, bayai akong busision an daga.”

“J, ano ‘tong pigsasabi ko?”

“Arin na parte?”

“Itong— nadarodara** ka sakuya.”

“Ah, hahahahaha mauragon man yan.”

“Ano?”

“Masinuba ka J, dapat komedyante ka talaga.”

“Boot daw na dai ka— uh—– romantikong interesado sakuya?”

Nagngisi nin makusog si Jaime kasabay kan pagkurahaw kan nilalang.

“Bako ka sana an sakuyang tipo.”

Note:
* – anwa means time in Old Bikol Sentral
** – darodara means fall in love in Bikol Sentral

=————————————-=

English Version

“You have to believe me! I saw it here, I promise!”

Jia rolled her eyes. It had been 2 hours since Jaime saw ‘something’ in the trees and decided to drag her along.

“It was probably a deer. Look, I haven’t seen anything that resembles the ‘thing’ that you saw. Can we please go back?”

“C’mon, just give it a bit more time, we’ll find it, I know we will!”

Jia wondered what ‘it’ he was getting at.

They had known each other since elementary school, but they only started to be friends in the first year of high school. Ever since then, they spent the majority of their time together, talking about their families and friends, the meaning of the stars, and what they thought their futures would be like.

High school was soon to be a distant memory. Their parents encouraged them to go to universities away from the province, to have a better future, or so they thought. Jaime had passed most of the university entrance test and settled on a school in Manila while Jia decided to go to Silliman University in Dumaguete.

In less than a month, they would go their separate ways. Sure, they might chat from time to time and see each other on holidays when they visit their families. But this was the end, and maybe Jaime just wanted a bit more time with her.

Or maybe…

‘Oh no. Oh god no.’ Jia thought.

She remembered the way he looked at her. In the past month something about it changed. Jaime was always one to worry too much about the future. Everything was overthought to the point of overwhelming him (and everyone close to him). But recently he was different. Gone were the soliloquies that she had gotten used to. It was just silence when they were around each other.

He had this romantic view about love that reality couldn’t compete with and maybe that’s why he never had a girlfriend. When they talked about the future, the topic of who they’d end up with would always come up.

Jia had always said that she didn’t care enough to actively seek someone. Dating apps were useless, online chats would end with her ghosting; one day someone she could handle would find her. In the meantime, she had her life to live.

Jaime, true to his nature, would end up with an hour-long spiel about how one should seek love in all places. It was funny and a little bit cute how he was just so sure about finding true love (or as true as a teenage boy could find).

But maybe he already did.

It all added up.

They’ve been alone for hours.

They’ve talked about their plans for university.

This may be the last time they might see each other.

‘He’s going to tell me he loves me’ Jia’s mind raced.

She thought about what she was going to say. If she told him she didn’t feel the same way it would break his heart, and she still loved him as a friend. Maybe she would say that that might be an option in the future, they could revisit it when they both became more mature. There was also the option of saying that she’d known him for so long that she couldn’t think of him as anything else other than a brother figure.

‘Okay’ she thought. ‘I can do this.’

“J, can we please stop?”

“Why, are you tired? We can take a small rest, maybe the thing’s tired too. We might catch up to it.”

“I know what this is really about.”

“It’s not a deer! I know deer, I’ve seen many different kinds of deer. Whatever this was, it wasn’t a deer.”

“Stop okay, I know this isn’t easy for you.”

“Huh?”

“We’re going to be apart after this month. Our paths might not ever cross again. You’re sending me on this wild chase because you want to tell me something.”

“Yes, I’m telling you that the thing is there and we can catch it!”

Jia motioned to a large rock and they both sat down. She had trouble looking him in the eye, but better she rip the band aid off now.

“I know you’re going to say you’re in love with me.”

“Of course I love you J. We’ve known each other since forever, I can’t imagine a better friend like you.”

“No, I mean. ‘Love me’ love me.”

“What?”

A split second later, out of the trees, a wild creature dashed in front of them. It was about the size of a large goat, with legs like a goat complete with hooves, but it walked on its hind legs. It had hair all over its body and in the afternoon light its face looked almost human. The creature jumped in front of the two and let out a shrill scream before bounding away back into the forest.

It took a few minutes before the shellshocked teenagers were able to form words. Jaime stood up and enjoyed his triumph.

“I told you! I knew it! It was real and I told you! Yes! Yes!”

“Oh my god it was actually real.”

“Yes! See? I wouldn’t make something like that up!”

“Okay, okay, you were right. What was that thing?”

“I don’t know but it sure as hell wasn’t a deer.”

“You don’t have to be so smug about it.”

“Yes I do! You spent 3 hours with me saying you don’t believe me. Well who’s laughing now.”

Jia sighed. “You are.”

“Damn right I am. It went that way if we run maybe we can get to it before sundown. I think it left a trail, let me check the ground.”

“J, what about what I said?”

“Which part?”

“The— you being in love with me one.”

“Oh, hahahahaha that was a good one.”

“What?”

“You’re full of jokes J, you should really be a comedian.”

“So you’re not— uh—– romantically interested in me?”

Jaime laughed as loud as the creature screamed.

“You’re just not my type.”

=——————————————————————=

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Joseph Villanueva Ciudadano
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Joseph Villanueva Ciudadano

Inspired by the Oguima description in Diccionario mitológico de Filipinas in Volume 2 of Retana, W.E. Archivo del bibliófilo filipino by Ferdinand Blumentritt (1895)

Oguima Illustration by Abe

The post Oguima – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol – Naga

“Selamat pagi!” bati ni Aish sa local niyang taramon asin nagsimbag ako na “Maray man mahiling ka.” Siya bago pa sana, sarong estudyante haling Malaysia na muya mahiling ang igwa ang Pilipinas kaya uni kami ngonyan. Nasa katahawan ning Negros, masakat pasiring sa kabuludan. Yay.

Dae man sa habo kung maging tour guide pero mahambog lang ako kung masabi akong iyo. Saro akong taga syudad, pinangaki asin nagdakula duman kaya habo ko sa arog kani igdi. Kadakulon mga kahoy, kadakulon maray masitas asin dae pa ko nainom kape sa limang oras na nakaagi. Dae ko maisip na kakayahon kong mabuhay sa arog kani.

Pagkatapos kang lakaw na garo mayong katapusan, nakaabot man kami sa campsite. Naglibot si Aish sa lugar para magkua ning mga magagayon na litrato para sa saiyang souvenir book asin ako man nawalat sa campsite habang minaisip kung panong ang arog kaning bagay naging pamuso sa arog kaning panahon. Ang pagsakat sa mga tukad bako ko talagang ideya ning kaogmahan asin pagkatapos kaning lakaw na ni, dae ko maisip na maulit pa ko.

Naglatag ako ning duyan asin nagpurbar magturog nguna bago magpreparar ning pamanggihan. Naglubog na ang aldaw ning amay ngonyan na banggi pero ang bulan bilogon kaya dae man problema. Nagsara ako ning mata asin nag-isip na mangiturugan ning marhay na bagay.

“Penanggalan! Penanggalan!” namata ako sa kurahaw ni Aish asin dae ko aram kung saro pa ini sa mga gawi ning Malaysian, pero mayo akong interes ngonyan sa pag-aadal kultura. Pigyugo ako ni Aish sa sakuyang duyan asin naghapot, “Haen si mga kakanon!?”

“Aram mo Aish—” nagpundo ako sa katahawan ning taram kang mahiling ko siya. Ito. Aram ko kung ano ito. Sarong ungga-ungga o kung ano mang apod saiya sa parteng ini, pero sa Bikol inaapod mi ining anananggal. Ang mga tour groups madalas tinatakot ang mga turista kang mga istorya kang bruhang naglalayog na naglalaylay ang lamang loob. Dae na ko nag isip isip asin nagdalagan ning abang rikas. Dapat talagang ngpirmi na lang ako sa harong.

“Hain si kakanon?!” Kurahaw ni Aish giraray. “Dae ini oras para mag-isp kang tulak mo!” Kurahaw ko man habang nagdadalagan kasabay niya. Dae ko maisip na maiintindihan ko ang mga Malaysians talaga. “Seryoso ako!” kurahaw niya giraray, kaya tano dae, kung gusto niya ang huri niyang pagkakan, dae ko siya pupugulan. “Yaon sa likod kang tent.”

Nagdalagan si Aish pasiring sa tent asin pigsusog siya kang ungga-ungga. Bako ako itong maisog na tawo pero barkada ko man giraray si Aish. Garo arog kayan, kaya kaipuhan ko magdalagan pabalik para kuanon siya. Nahiling ko siya na may kapot pinya asin pigdaklag ini sa ungga-ungga asin tinamaan ini. Dae ko aram kung anong nangyayari pero nagkurahaw ang ungga-ungga asin naglayog parayo.

Nagtindog lang ako duman, ribaraw.

“Sa pinaghalian ko, ang pinya pigtatanom gibo kang ang mga tunok kang dahon kani pinapahali ang Penanggalan. Ang mga tunok napasiring sa mga baga asin laman loob kani kaya nasasakitan sindang maglayog. Aram kong mabisa ini dawa igdi.” Nagngingirit si Aish sin nag-abot sako ning mga isnakan.

“Gutom ka?”

=—————————=

English Version

“Selamat pagi!” Aish greets me in his native language and I reply “Nice to see you.” He’s a new guy, an exchange student from Malaysia who wanted to see what the Philippines had to offer so here we are. In the middle of Negros backpacking through the “great” outdoors. Yay.

It’s not that I don’t like being a tour guide, but that would be a lie. I am a city boy, born and raised and I do not like it here. There are too many trees, there’s too much green and I haven’t had coffee in 5 hours. I don’t think I’ll survive this.

After a trek that seemed to last forever we finally hit camp. Aish goes around the area to take some nice pictures for his souvenir book and I’m left at the campsite wondering how this sort of thing is popular these days. Trekking through the mountains is just not my idea of fun and after this trip I don’t think it will ever be.

I lay out a hammock and try to take a small nap before preparing dinner. The sun set early tonight but the moon is full so it isn’t that inconvenient. I close my eyes and hope that I get to dream about something good.

“Penanggalan! Penanggalan!”Aish’s shouts wake me up and I don’t know if it’s another one of his Malaysian customs, but right now I am not interested in a cultural exchange. Aish shakes me from my hammock and says, “Where is the food!?”

“Look Aish—“ I stop mid-sentence when I see her. It. I know what that is.  An ungga-ungga or at least that’s what they call it in these parts, back in Bikol we just call them anananggal. The tour groups would always try to scare tourists with stories of the witch that flies with its guts hanging out. I don’t take another moment before I run like hell. I should have stayed in my house.

“Where is the food?!” Aish shouts again. “This is no time to think about your stomach!” I scream as I run alongside him. I don’t think I’ll ever get Malaysians. “I’m serious!” he shouts again, so why not, if the guy wants his last meal then I won’t stop him. “It’s behind the tent.”

Aish dashes to the tent and the ungga-ungga follows him. I was never the brave one but Aish is still my friend. Kind of. I have to run back and get him. I see him with a pineapple and he throws it at the thing and hits it. I don’t know what’s happening but the ungga-ungga screams and flies away.

I just stand there, confused.

“Where I come from, pineapples are grown because their thorns keep the Penanggalan away. The thorns go into their lungs and intestines which makes it harder for them to fly. I knew that would work just as well here.” Aish smiles and hands me some snacks.

“You hungry?”

=——————————————-=

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Translation by Monmon Nietes
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Monmon Nietes

Inspired by the Ananaggal entry in Bikol Beliefs and Folkways: A Showcase of Tradition. Nasayao 2010.

Anananggal Illustration by Leandro Geniston fromAklat ng mga Anito
FB: That Guy With A Pen

Watercolor by Catherine Chiu
FB: Wildling Child
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wildlingchild/

The post Anananggal – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

Sinubol ang pulisya na kunsultahon ang kaso kang nalamos na turista sa anod kang salog Ulot. Midbid ang lugar sa mga sugno ning bangka na udang alalay tangarig mamintenar ang balanse kani na inaapod na Torpedo Boating. Pagkatapos kang pagsakay, kadalasang gibuhon na lumukso sa naragasang salog sa punto ni Deni kung sain ang mga giya nagsasabi sa mga turista na magkapot sa gakod bago sinda anudon sa babang parte pa ning salog.

An sinasabing aksidente nangyari kang Hulyo 8, 2018. An duwang turista na si Rowena Yi sagkod Winston Yang, parehong Chinese, nagsakay sa baruto ning ala una ning maagahon. Normal man ang mga bagay bagay hanggang sa makaabot sinda sa punto ni Deni kung sain, pakalukso sa salog, dae na sinda nagbutwa. Sa takot na ang duwang indibidwal ay pigdara na parayo kang anod kang salog, ang mga giya nagbuo ning mahanap na grupo. Nagibo nindang mahanap ang hawak ni Winston Yang sa bangketa kan salog, sarong kilometro ang rayo hale sa pigluksuhan niya sa salog.

Ang pagpurbar na masalbar siya mayo ng naginibo huri kang nalamos na ining haloy. Ang bangkay kani kinua asin nilipat sa pinakaharaning morge para maeksamin. Ang pagkalamos ang malinaw na kawsa kang pagkagadan pero igwa ining mga gasgas sa bitis na garong may pisikal na nagbutong kani pairarom.

Ang hawak ni Rowena Yi dae na nahanap, pinagtutubudan na ang makusog na anod kang salog dinara ang hawak pasiring dagat. An lugar masusing pinaghanapan asin sarong grupo ning mga ekspertong Chinese ang pinadara para magtabang sa paghanap, pero mayong napala. Ang paghanap natapos sarong bulan pakatapos mangyari ang insidente.

Kan September 3, 2018, panibagong grupo ning mga turista na naman ang nawara. Sa pagkakataong ini, tulong haling Manila na sina Loren Albay, Samuel Encarnacion, asin Iñigo Ferrer ang dae na nagbutwa pakatapos maglukso sa punto ni Deni. Ang paghanap sa mga hawak ninda inabot ning duwang bulan asin garo mayo ng masasalbar arog kang kaso nin Rowena Yi alagad ang saro sa mga turista, si Samuel Encarnacion, ay may kamerang GoPro na nakatakod sa saiyang helmet. Nakua an kamera kan saro sa mga tagarurip kang naghaharanap.

Masakit ang eksaminasyon kang footage. Sa timestamp na 30:46, mahihiling na ang tulo (nasa likod si Samuel Encarnacion kaya igwang kumpletong kua kan duwang turista) nakabitay ning mayong hiro hiro sa gakod. Sa puntong ini na si Loren Albay garo nawara sa kua. Sa pag-analisar kan footage, mahihiling na pwedeng tinulod siya kang sarong marikas na naghihirong bagay sa sentro kan saiyang bitis. Igwang nagkapot sa saiyang bitis asin hinila siya pairarom sa salog.

Ang salog ning Ulot kasalukuyang sarado sa mga turista alagad yaon pa ang demand sa Torpedo Boating. Ang local na mga giya nagpaplano na bukaan ang atraksyon sa masurunod na pirang semana maliban kung igwang saktong rason para punduhon ang saindang ikinabubuhay.

Saro sa mga giya, si Ramon Agbon, nagrani sa mga pulis asin tagarurip kang mga nakaaging insidente asin nagtao ning parehong taramon sa parehong pagkakataon:

“Ining mga tao dae pigrerespeto ang salog. Igwa kadtong naggagamit kaining lugar na pangangasuhan, nakapreparar mag atake ning biglaan. Ini pa lang ang puon.”

Ang mga opisyal pighapot pa siya sa saiyang mga taramon pero pig-uulit niya lang ang sinabi na niya. Ang ibang opisyal nagtutubod na ini aksidente sana, na ang mga giya kaipuhan lang ning mas istriktong pag-iingat para dae na mangyari ini ulit. Ang iba man minatubod na may igwang nakakatakot asin may ibang tawong kaibahan sa mga insidente.

Sa pagkawara ning dagdag na mga ebidensya, ang rekomendasyon sana kang mga opisyal ay magistrikto sa pagiingat na gibo sa Torpedo boating asin ang nasunod na paglukso sa salog. Ang mga giya nag-ayon igdi asin magibo kang dagdag na pag-obserbar kang pagiingat sa kondisyon kang lugar.

=————————————————————-=

English Version

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Translation by Monmon Nietes
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Monmon Nietes

The post Ugkoy – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

“Anó an tanog na ini?”

“Dai ko aram, an tanog garo nagngunguya. Tibaad sarong nagpapangudto nin lalaw na hayop.”

“Likayan ta an dalan kun sain ini hali. Mari na, kaipuhan ta magdalidali, paabot na an natatada sa sainda.”

“Dai ko maaraman kun pano mo ako kinakaulay manongod sa estupidong pangangayam na ini, bako ini arog kan muya ko sa manga tawong ini”

“Eksakto, magagamit mo an pagkasuya na iyan tanganing mag-ungos an samuyang kapangganahan, maduman na kita, sa hiling ko an masunod na tanda iyo an yaon sa ibabaw kan bulod na ini.”
“Nago, alagad kun manggana, tatawan mo ako nin 2 pidaso nin manok hali sa Jollibee.”
“KAGURANGNAN TANG DIOS!”
“Ok, ok, nago, sarong pidaso na sana.”

“Dai! Maghiling ka digdi. Diosmiyo, Kagurangnan tang Dios!”
“Ano ‘ni—– Linti—–“
“Saro ining gadan na hawak!”
“Nahiling ko idto!”
“Anong gigibuhon ta?!”

“Okey, kalmado sana, maghinangos sana!”
“Diosmiyoperdones Kagurangnan tang dios.”
“MAGHANGOS SABI KO! Makibilang ka sakuya, saro. Duwa. Tolo.”

“Saro. Duwa. Tolo.”

“Hilinga? Kaipuhan ta sanang magin kalmado asin—– ANONG IMPYERNO INI”
“Naghihiro ini! Abaanang Dyosmiyoperdon ”
“Dai ko aram kun ano ika alagad rumayo ka! Habo ming magkaigwa nin problema.”
“Diosmi igwang dugo sa liog niya.”
“An boot sanang ipasabot kan sakuyang katood iyo an dai mi intensyon na kulgan ka.”
“Pakiulay, dai mo kami kulgan! .”

“Rumayo ka!”

“AAAHHHGHGH!”

“…. halat.”
“…..buhay pa daw kita?”
“Ano an ginigibo kaini?”
“Sa hiling ko nginingiritan kita kan manga ini.”
“Dai mayo ining nguso.”
“Ano pa daw an ginigibo kaini?”
“Sa hiling ko nagpapaaram na ini ngunyan”

“Ako….. Anong nangyari?”

=—————————————=

English Version

“What’s that sound?”

“I don’t know, sounds like crunching. Maybe a wild animal’s having lunch.”

“Let’s avoid the path where it’s coming from then. Come on we need to hurry, the rest of them are already ahead.”

“I don’t know how you talked me into going on this stupid scavenger hunt, it’s not like I even like these people.”

“Exactly, you can use that hatred to fuel our victory, now let’s go, I think the next clue is over this hill.”

“Fine, but if we win you owe me a 2 piece chicken from Jollibee.”

“OH MY GOD!”

“Ok, ok, fine, a 1 piece.”

“No! Look over here. Oh my god, oh my god!”

“What’s—– HOLY—–“

“It’s a dead body!”

“I can see that!”

“What do we do?!”

“Okay, calm down, just breathe!”

“Ohmygodohmygodohmygod.”

“I SAID BREATHE! Count with me, one. Two. Three.”

“One. Two. Three.”

“See? We just need to stay calm and—– WHAT THE HELL”

“It’s moving! Ohmygodohmygodohmygod”

“I don’t know what you are but stay away! We don’t want any trouble.”

“Ohymygodthere’sbloodonitsneck.”

“What my friend is trying to say is we don’t mean you any harm.”

“Pleasedon’thurtus.”

“Stay back!”

“AAAHHHGHGH!”

“……wait.”

“…..are we still alive?”

“What’s it doing?”

“I think it’s laughing at us.”

“It doesn’t have a mouth.”

“Well what else do you think it’s doing?”

“I think it’s waving goodbye now.”

“I…..What just happened?”

=—————————————————=

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Joseph Villanueva Ciudadano
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Joseph Villanueva Ciudadano

Story inspired by Numputul entry in Myth Museum. Medina. 2015.

Numputul (Sambal) Illustration by Leandro Geniston from Aklat ng mga Anito
FB: That Guy With A Pen

The post Numputul (Sambal) – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

Ang manga pila asin bakrus sa takyag kan babaye testamento kan naging buhay niya. Dae niya maintindihan kun tano pinalad siyang makakua nin maisog na agom na dae ngani makatao saiya asin sa manga aki kan saindang panganga-ipo, pero nagdesision siyang mag-tsaga.

Ang baybayon pirme nang natao saiya  nin katuninongan.  Duman sa baybayon may dakulang gapo na kun saen dinadara niya ang saiyang umboy kada tapos nin pagbudal saiya kan agom.  Duman ang saiyang manga luha nasumaro sa dagat.  Mayo siyang madadalaganan, alagad ang dagat nakaka-tao nin ginhawa, maski para mentras o maghaloy pa man.

Bilang agom may tungod siya, sarong obligasyon sa sarong lalake na parasugal asin buratsero, pero tungod pa nangad.  Inako kan babaye ang saiyang palad alagad magabaton na ang manga pila asin bakrus.

Sarong banggi, ang sobra ─ tama na.  Ang babaye nagdulag, nagduman sa baybayon para isalbar ang sadire asin buhay kan saiyang aki.  Asin duman sa may dakulang gapo nagparahibe.  Hinibian niya ang manga palad asin manga dagat.  Alagad ang mas hinibian niya ang saiyang aki, ta anong futuro ang naghahalat sa pobreng umboy.

Nagparahibe siya sagkod na may makadangog.

Ang manga hibion kan babaye dinara kan manga alon sa kairarum-iraruman abot sa talinga kan diyos nin dagat.  Nungka pa si diyos nin dagat naka-danggog na mamundoon na istorya sagkod pano nin dusa asin kina-hirakan niya ang babaye y ang saiyang aki.

Hale sa kairaroman kan kadagatan and diyos nin dagat nagbutwa asin hinapang ang babaye.  Pinapili niya ang babaye, magistar digde sa daga o mag-iba saiya, sa irarom kan mga alon na ang kamundoan kan babaye mawawara.

Mayong puedeng pagpilian.  Ora mismo ang babaye tuminango asin si diyos kan dagat binago ang babaye asin aki niya.  Ang mga ine naging mga nilalang kan kadagatan.

Padagos sinasabi na itong babaye na naka-kuang consolasyon sa dagat, na inako kan saindang hadi, sagkod pa man nagsusumaro sa manga alon asin manga sabo-sabo, sagkod na sa katapusan nin panahon.

=————————————————–=

The scars and bruises on the woman’s arms were a testament to the life that she lad. She did not know why fate had chosen to give her a cruel husband that would not even provide for the needs of her and her child, but she had decided to persevere.

She had always found peace in the beach. By the shore there was a big rock where she would bring her baby after each beating her husband gave. There her tears would join the ocean. There was nowhere else she could run, but the sea afforded her some measure of comfort, for however long that would last.

She had her duty as a wife, a duty to a man who was a gambler and a drunkard, but a duty nonetheless. The woman accepted her fate, but the scars and the bruises were taking their toll.

One night, too much was enough. To save her life and the life of her child the woman fled to the beach and went by the large rock and cried. She cried to the fates and the oceans. She cried about her life and her scars. But mostly, she cried for her child, for what future would await the poor baby.

She cried until she was heard.

Far beneath the waves the woman’s cries were carried by the waves to the ears of the god of the sea. He had never heard such a tale of sadness and woe and decided to take pity on the woman and her child.

From the depths of the oceans the god of the sea emerged and faced the woman. He gave her a choice, to stay on land or to go with him, underneath the waves where the woman’s sadness would vanish.

There was no choice to be made. Immediately the woman nodded and the god of the sea transformed the woman and her baby into creatures of the sea.

So it went that the woman who found solace in the sea, was embraced by its ruler, forevermore to be one with the waves and the sea foam, until the end of time.

=——————————————–=

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Patricia P. SanJose
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Patricia P. SanJose

Inspired by “The Origin of the Duyong.” in Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. Eugenio. 2002.

Duyung illustration by Seika Mitsuya
https://www.instagram.com/seikart/

The post Duyung – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.

*Note this story is in Bicol-Naga

May manga oras na, kung tutugotan, ang manga segundo inu-unat sa manga taon. Ang panahon kadakul na manga amo, pero mayo kapoderoso arog kan takot.  Ine haloy ko nang nanudan.

Ito . . .  Siya  . .   .  Dae ko aram kung papano ipaliwanag kung ano man ito. Basta, bigla na sanang nagbutwa itoo sa atubangan ko, ay bako, bakong dale-dale.  Nagi-girumdoman ko ang tanog kan nagrara-ngisnis na manga dahon, ang malumbay na ngisi kan sarong lalake, asin ang parong kan tabako. Nunka ko malilingawan ang eksperiensyang ine.

Halangkaw siya, garo-higante kalangkaw. Sinup-sup ang saiyang tabako asin tumiruhok sakuya.

Ay, nanginginotan ako sa sakong sadire. Kan aldao na ‘idto nagtratrabaho ako sa oma na harane sa kadlagan, pigpapa-alang ang mga linabhan, asin siniguro na ang mga aanihon naka-andam na kan ako nagtukaw sa lindong nin Balete.

Pagmata ko yaon na siya.  Nag-turuhok ang samuyang manga mata o pagmate ko naglakaw ang manga aldaw, hasta na tinarog niya ang silencio.

“Tara, namu-muotan ta ka.”

Nagkadarangog ko na ang manga istorya nin pagkamuot kan Kapre sa manga babaye.  Nagi-giromduman ko ngani ang istorya ni Juana na pigparaikog-ikogan ni Kapre, asin nagbalyo pa ine ning porma para siya maging nobyo.  Binadil siya kan mga pulis, alagad kan nirikesa ang nilalang yaon sana ang halangkaw na kahoy ning batag na may manga labot gikan sa tama kan manga bala.

Mayo ang bala makaka-salbar sakuya, dae ko aram kung ano ang puede. Tolo na simpleng tataramon ang nagparalizar nin pagkatakot sako asin naghehebi akong nagsimbag,

“Dae ta ka namu-muotan! Dae ta ka ngani bistado.”

Mababasa sa pandok ni Kapre ang dapat kong maaraman. Nakulugan ko siya. Mas urog pa kakulog sa totoong pagbadil.

Nagsupsup nin tabako si Kapre asin nagngirit.

“Mabibisto mo ako asin mamu-muotan mo ako.”

Tapos nawara siya duman sa kahoy.

Ang misteriosong parte iyo na tama siya. Perang taon ang nakalagpas asin naghuhuna ako na susunod-sunodon ako kaineng nilalang.  Mayo akong paglaom na ito . . . siya . . . magigin amigo, asin mas pa.

Ang buhay pano-pano nin paglaom na mayo man kaa-abutan; mas pa pano nin mga sorpresa.

Yaon si Kapre sa kada pagkasawi, kada iriwal sa samuyang pamilya. Yaon siya kan nawara ko ang sakong matua, asin kan nagdarakula na pusog ang iba ko pang mga aki.

Sa pa-agi nin manga sadit na bagay pinaheling niya ang saiyang presensia.  Natagiti nin manga gapo-gapo, ang sango kan tabako na dará-dara kan duros, asin pirme nang mate ko na yaon siya. Ang silensiong protektor.

Ang kabalos iyo ang pag-preserbar kan saiyang ini-istaran, ang kahoy na Balete na harong niya alagad garo man sana sakong harong.  Dae ko mabibilang ang manga banggi, nagdadalan kang manga bituon kaibahan ko siyang nari-riparo sakuya.

Asin ngonyan na nakatukaw digde, 80 tag-init na kan buhay ko ang naka-agi.  Iyo, yaon ako sa may Balete kan sakuyang padaba.

“Midbid ta ka, asin namu-muotan.”

=————————————————=

English Version

There are moments that stretch into years if you let them. Time has many masters, but none more potent than fear, this I learned many years ago.

It….He… I don’t know how to describe whatever it was. It just suddenly appeared before me, no, not suddenly. I remember the sound of rushing leaves, the soft laughter of a man and the smell of tobacco. I could never forget it.

He was tall, taller than any human had any right to be. He took a puff from his cigar and just stared at me.

I’m getting ahead of myself. I was doing chores in the field next to the forest, drying the laundry and making sure that the harvest would be ready when I sat under the Balete tree for some shade.

I woke up and he was there. We stared at each other for what felt like days, until he broke the silence.

“Hello, I love you.”

I had heard stories of the Kapre falling in love with human women before. I even remember a story of a girl named Juana who was stalked by her Kapre and the creature even changed form to be that of her lover. It was shot at by police officers but when they looked at the creature they only found a tall banana tree with bullet holes.

Bullets couldn’t save me now, I didn’t know what could. Three simple words were all that it took to paralyze me with fear and I cried as I said my reply.

“I don’t love you, I don’t even know who you are.”

The look on the Kapre’s face told me all I needed to know. I had hurt it. Far more than if I had taken a gun and shot it.
He took another drag out of his cigar and smiled.

“You will know me, and you will love me.”

Then, he vanished into his tree.

The strange part was he was right. Years had passed and I expected to be stalked by a monster, I had never expected that it… he… would become my friend, and then something more.

Life is full of expectations that are never met; it is even more full of surprises.

The Kapre was there through every broken heart, every fight with my family. He was there when I lost my first child, and when my other children grew to be strong.

He would show his presence in the small ways, a shower of stone outside my house, the smell of his cigar wafting on the wind, but I always knew he was there. A silent protector.

In return I would never let anyone harm his home, the Balete tree was as much my home as it was his. I spent countless nights, watching the stars with him watching over me.

And here I sit, 80 summers have passed through my life and I am under the Balete tree with my love.

“I know you, and I have loved you.”

=—————————————————=

*Central Bicol, commonly called Bicol Naga, is the most-spoken language in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. It is spoken in the northern and western part of Camarines Sur, second congressional district of Camarines Norte, eastern part of Albay, northeastern part of Sorsogon, San Pascual town in Masbate, and southwestern part of Catanduanes. Central Bicol speakers can be found in all provinces of Bicol and it is a majority language in Camarines Sur.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Patricia P. SanJose
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Patricia P. SanJose

Inspired by the Kapre Myths and description in Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Ramos. 1971.

Kapre Illustration by Abe Joncel Guevarra
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abe.art.ph/joncel/ 

The post Kapre – Bicol Naga Translation appeared first on Philippine Spirits.