TINGUIAN FOLKTALE (ABRA)

1. What can you say about the people staying for a long
period of time in places of celebration?
I think an extended stay in places of celebrations is
alright especially if the festival is held for a long period
of time. It is not a problem if those people can support
themselves and not rely on others. And yes, I have
spent extended period with relatives. However, it was
quite boring because their area is secluded, it was no
fun since we did not even leave the house.

2. What can you say about the discrimination on the big

girl Garbageman? Have you ever been discriminated
based on your looks?
The discrimination on the big girl Gimbagonan was
quite sad for me. The discrimination she experienced
made her insecure about herself. Yes, since before, I
have received comments about how skinny and small
I was. Growing up, I did not have much problem with
the way I look, but when they started to leave such
remarks, I began to be conscious.

3. As in the Tv show, “Married at first sight” and like this

tale, would you agree to a social experiment of
marrying someone who you are matched with but
never met?
No, because I will not marry someone I do not even
know. I will marry whom I really want to spend the rest
of my life with, and not just some random person

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 paired to me. Marriage is a lifetime commitment, not
just a game.

THE WIDOW’S SON

1. For those of you who have brother/s, what are your

observations regarding the relationship of mother/s
and son/s? How do they treat each other?
I do not have a brother but as what I have observed
from my cousins, their mother and son relationship is
good. My aunt treats her son the same way she treats
her daughter. Although my cousin can be hardheaded
sometimes, I can say that he loves her mom.

2. What can you say about “feeding the anger?” Have

you ever experienced the need to be angry or to get
that anger out of the wat before moving on from a
situation?
I think “feeding the anger” is like “adding fuel to the
fire.” Yes, and I believe that letting out all your
frustrations can help you move on from a situation.
Bottling up your emotions can make things worse.

3. Do you believe that both envy and jealousy can make

a person unreasonable?
Yes, these emotions basically trigger a person to
explode and do irrational things. Also, yes, I have
experienced these emotions and it only made me do
things that I later regretted.

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THE CREATION MYTH

1. Hypothetically, do you believe that God orchestrates

situations for us like Lumawig did? Have you ever
experienced help coming from God?
Yes, I think God orchestrates situations for us to
guide and lead us to the right path. Yes, one time, I was
mentally unstable, and I think he helped me get through
it.

2. On the flipside, do you believe that God punishes

people? Have you ever experienced or thought that
God punished you for something you have failed to do
like what Bontoc experienced from Lumawig?
Yes, I believe that God punishes people. I as well
once thought that God punished me for what I have
done wrong.

3. If you were allowed to pray for a career, what would

you ask for? Why?

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 If I am allowed to pray for a career, I would pray to
be a veterinarian, so I can aid animals especially
those in the streets.

THE CHILDREN OF LIMOKON

1. The Mandaya came from the dove limokon, what if

you originated from a creature, what creature could it
be? Explain your choice.
If I originated from a creature, it would be fish.
Because as a kid, I have always wanted to be a mermaid,
have a tail, and freely swim in the sea.

2. If it were not the hair of the woman, what other object

could you think of to replace the hair Why would you
choose this object?

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 If it were not the hair of the woman, I think it
could be a tool sed for survival. Because if it was a
tool, it could give the man a hint that another person is
living somewhere like
TINGUIAN FOLKTALE

1. What is the main point of this Tinguian Folktale?

The main point of this folktale is their traditions
especially in marriage.

2. What is the secondary message to this tale?

The secondary message is that one should not
discriminate someone for his looks. Moreover,
it says to not marry someone you haven’t met yet.

3. Are the character like Mother Dinawagan,

Aponibalagen, Aponibolinayen, and Gawigawen really
that important or is it the concept of the story that is
more important?
Yes, these characters are important because
without them, the story will end the way it should he.
Each of them has significant role in the story, as well.

4. What can you say about the custom dancing where the
husband cannot invite the wife until others have
danced.
I disagree with this custom. I think inviting the wife
for a dance should be allowed even though other
haven’t danced yet, especially if the couples are
newlyweds.

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5. What is the connection between taking the old man’s
head and turning it into spring? How about the body
becoming a tree? How about the blood transforming
into beads? Why are these images present on the
story?
The connection between those things are about
magic and traditions. In addition, those are present in
the story since it depicts their ancestral culture.

6. What is the main conflict of this tale? Why such

conflict?
The main conflict of this tale is about the fight
between Kadayawan and Gawigawen because of
Aponibolinayen. This occurs to represent the possible
conflicts that may arise in the marriage of Tinguian.

7. What can you say about Tinguian’s belief on a woman’s

destiny, power to decide, and the price of a woman as
shown through the character of Aponibolinayen?
I think it is kind of unfair and sad that woman do not
have the full control of their lives.

8. Why do you think that magic is integral in

Aponibolinayen’s escape? Why use the magic of oil? Is
there a connection between this and your research on
the Tinguian?
Since oil is her magic and her means of escaping, it
became an integral part of Aponibolinayen’s flight.
Without magic, she cannot successfully do her plans. I

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 did not find any connection between this and my
research on the Tinguian tribe.

9. How will you classify this tale? What makes it more

than a folktale?
I classify it through looking at the elements used in
the story, like magic, for example. That fact that the
story uses magic makes it more than a folktale.

WIDOW’S SON

1. What is the definition to being man as illustrated in the

character of the son?
As illustrated in the character of the son, being man
means being kind to your mother and opposite to other
people. It shows that man can be full of rage and can
act recklessly because of it.

2. What do you think is the essential message of this story

– greed, rage, revenge, redemption?
Redemption.
a. What is the message?
The message is that we can be tempted to
make horrible things to others but if we listen to that
voice—our conscience, we can stop it.
b. What is being rewarded?
If we listen to our conscience that stops us,
we can be redeemed from darkness.

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3. Who or what is the voice or the spirit that the widow’s
son heard?
I believe the voice he heard was a good spirit that
was guiding him in his journey.
a. What is the voices function in the story?
The voices function was to remind him,
guide him, and lead him to the right path.

b. Can you connect this to your research on the

Subanon group?
The voice was one of the four supernatural
beings that Subanon believes to exist.

4. Can you find all the numbers used in this tale?

The numbers used in this tale are 1, 3, 6, 7.

a. Can you count the repetition of numbers?

1 was repeated thrice, 3 and 6 was used
twice, while 7 was repeated 7 times.
b. What are the numbers and the circumstances in
which they were used?
1 – when warriors fell one by one.
3 – refers to the number of days the son
fought the seven warriors and the giant.
6 – used when the pig the son was chasing
stopped 6 times.
7 – refers to the time when he finally killed
the pig, numbers of colors the master wore,
and the number of warriors sent to kill him.

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 c. Can you find reasons to why these numbers are
used in the tale? Can you find a connection in
your research about the Subanon?
None, but I think these numbers are related
to their practices and beliefs.

5. Why is there a giant in the tale? And why is the Master

of the stone suddenly a spirit, too? Fairy tales like “Jack
ad the Beanstalk” have giants. Indigenous stories also
use giants. Can you find the symbolism of the giant in
stories?
There is a giant in the tale because he was one of
those the son fought. The master of the stone was a
spirit who gave the son a test. Giant symbolizes any
person who is feared and loathed by mankind.

THE CREATION MYTH

1. Can you describe Lumawig? What is he like as a Great

Spirit of the Mountain Province?
Lumawig is the Great Spirit who came down from
the sky to create men. As a Great Spirit, Lumawig sets
direction for his people to follow.

2. Did you find in your research the sub-groups of the

Igorots like Mayinit, Bontoc, and Samoki?
Yes, Bontoc are those who live in mountainous
territory particularly close to Chico River. Samokis are
good at pottery while the Mayinit are good at making
use of salt.

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3. What customs, traditions, and views, and opinions can
you hypothesize based on this creation myth?
Salt-making and pottery are some of the traditions
seen in the creation myth. They also believe that
Lumawig lend them a hand in this kind of living.

HOW THE MOON AND STARS CAME TO BE

1. Why do you think the spinster is used in this myth?

What is the symbolism of the spinster? Is it positive or
negative?
The spinster is used because what the spinster
symbolizes is related to the myth. Those she
symbolizes are crescent moon, and new beginning. I
believe it is positive.

2. Why do you think the Bukidnon tribe needed to explain

the sky, stars, and moon?
I think they needed to explain the sky, stars, and
moon because it is a part of their beliefs and culture.

3. Why do you think the sun was not included in the myth?
Is the absence of the sun significant in this tale?
I think the sun was not included because this myth
tackles only the moon and the stars, the lights during
the night. No.

4. What elements found in a complete story are not

present in this myth?

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 What is not stated in this myth is that the spinster
was a gorgeous lady with a very beautiful hair that
reached her knees and other girls envied her for it. She
also adored jewels, which are normal stones back then,
and used a crescent moon-shaped comb to brush her
hair.

5. Is the myth simple or complicated? Why?

Simple. Because the myth was direct to the point
when narrating how the moon and stars came to be.

THE CHILDREN OF LIMOKON

1. Why do you think that of all animals, the Mandaya tribe

chose limokon (dove specie) to be the originator of their
people? What is the symbolism of the bird for the
Mandaya?
The Mandaya tribe chose Limokon because it
symbolizes the bird of omen that guides them on daily
basis.
a. What made the Mandaya invent such tale? cAn
you find clues in the story?
The Mandaya invented such tale to narrate
where they originated— in streams. Yes, clues
such as the Mayo River are found in the story.
b. Imagine yourself in the mind of this indigenous
tribe. Why would the Mandaya come from eggs?
Mandaya believes that they come from eggs
because they also believe that they come from
limokon.

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2. Do you think that birds, specifically doves were superior
to people? Why or why not?
Yes, because in the myth, Mandaya believes that
they came from doves, so I believe that Mandaya have
high respect for birds which makes birds superior from
them.

3. What is the symbolism of “hair” to the people of

Mindanao? What did you find about this in your
research?
Hair is an integral part of their identity. It also
depicts knowledge, beauty, and resilience.

a. How can hair be so powerful as to “drown” the

man?
It is believed that hair is as strong as steel
and the fact that it came from a woman made by
limokon, it made the hair much powerful.
b. Do you think the hair was still attached to the
head of the woman or not? Why or why not?
I believe, yes. The hair is still connected to
the head of the woman which made the search
faster and easier for the man.

4. What does the tale say about the Mandaya tribe?

The tale says that the Mandaya originated in
streams.
a. What is the core meaning of this myth?

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 The core meaning of this myth aside from
their origin, is that you can find what you’re
looking for if you do it with effort.

b. Does it sound like a fairy tale than a myth? Why

or why not?

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 It sounds more like a myth than a fairy tale
because fairy tales are set in a magical time and
space, this story isn’t. In addition, myth is true in
a way for the culture that tells them, often about
origins, and so I can say that this story is a m
1. Research the current Indigenous People in the
Philippines.
a. How many tribes are there?
There are 110 ethnolinguistic groups in the
Philippines.
b. What percentage are they of the Philippines
population?
The IP population according to NCIP (2009)
is 10-15% of the country’s total population.
c. Learn about how they identify themselves and
their lifestyle.
Indigenous people are mostly from
Austronesian and Negrito descent or those who
are the earliest known inhabitants of a region.
They usually dress in traditional attire with
beaded accessories. They are also known to be
in tune with nature. During the ancient times,
they worship anitos and anitas. Their language is
quite different from the national language and
are usually known as farmers, hunters, weavers,
and fishermen.

2. Research about:
a. Gaddang
b. Pangasinan

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 c. Bisaya
d. Ilokano
e. Pampanga
f. Tagalog

I. Learn about them in pre-

Spanish times
a. Gaddang

The Gaddang
might have come from
the north, entering the
Cagayan River at its mouth. They may have
been the first to occupy the Cagayan Valley after
the Aetas. Early Gaddang were Proto-
Philippineasians who already have the
knowledge of the kaigin system of agriculture.

b. Pangasinan

Malay-Polynesians of
Austronesian stock arrived by
boat and establish settlements
along the Lingayen Gulf. They
are proficient in salt-making, so
they call their new home

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 Pangasinan which means “where salts are
made.”

c. Bisaya

The most
tattooed people in the
Philippine history are
the Bisayans that
have greater than 50,
000 tattoos. It was called “batik” and was called
“Pintados by the Spaniards. The tattoos were
signs of ranking and
achievements.

d. Ilokano

Ilokano is the third largest

ethnolinguistic group in the
Philippines. The Austronesian
ancestors of the present-day Ilocanos came to
the Philippines through bilogs, or outrigger boats
during the Iron Age.

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 e. Pampanga

The socio-political
economic
conciliations of
Pampanga before the colonizers came indicate
that the Kapampangan had a functioning and
well-adjusted system of self-governance. There
were artisans, class structure, and engagement
in trading particularly with Chinese

f. Tagalog

Tagalog people
primarily descend from
seafaring Austronesians
who migrated southwards
to Philippine Islands from
the island of Taiwan some
4,000 years ago.

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II. Learn about their customs and traditions

a. Gaddang
Gaddang people are famous for their healing
rituals patunnok, makamongs, mabbawang, and
immunogakit ritual. They also have a lavish taste
for traditional costumes and adornments.

b. Pangasinan
During All Saints Day and All Souls Day,
Pangasinans dress in traditional burial clothes
and carry lighted candles.

c. Bisaya
They share a narrative culture with strong
Roman Catholic traditions merged with cultural-
elements.

d. Ilokano
Members of the family keep vigil during the
wake. Women wear black clothes and
handkerchief to cover the head and shoulders.

e. Pampanga
They have a knack for wood carving. They
specialized carving chairs, tables, beds,
cabinets, etc.

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 f. Tagalog
Tagalogs believe in afterlife and other
superstitions.

III. Learn about their location in the

Philippine map.
a. Gaddang c.
Bisaya

b. Pangasinan d. Ilokano

e. Pampanga f. Tagalog

MANILA,
ETC.

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IV. Learn about their uniqueness from each other.
a. Gaddang
Distinguished for having elevated beadwork
to an art form, unique among northern Luzon
communities.

b. Pangasinan
Known to be the major producer of salt in the
Philippines.

c. Bisaya
A race that is dominant but not brutal. They
are very lively, very effervescent folk who’d win
you over their humor and laughter.

d. Ilokano
Are known to be the first ethnic group to eat
larvae, and eggs of abuos (weaver ants.)

e. Pampanga
Are known for being the best cooks.
Kapampangan dishes won over the Filipino
palate across the country.

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 f. Tagalog
Are famous for their “bayanihan spirit,” which
is interpreted as striving in cooperation with
fellow villagers doing any heavy metal labor to
make the task easier.

3. Research how to write Tanaga

Tanaga uses 7-7-7-7 syllable count. Rhymes range
from dual rhyme forms: AABB, ABAB, ABBA; to freestyle
forms such as AAAB, BAAA, or ABCD. Tanagas do not
have titles traditionally because it must speak for itself.

4. Research how to write Dalit

Dalit is a type of short Filipino poem, consisting of
four lines with eight syllables each. It follows a rhyming
pattern (AAAA, where all endings rhyme/ AABB, rhyming
couplets/ ABBA, where the first line rhymes with the fourth, and
the second with the third.)

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