Region 3: Central Luzon 

     Central Luzon (Kapampangan: Kalibudtarang Luzon; Tagalog: Gitnang Luzon), designated as Region III, is an administrative region in the Philippines, primarily serving to organize the 7 provinces of the vast central plain of the island of Luzon (the largest island), for administrative convenience. The region contains the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Granary of the Philippines". Its provinces are: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija,Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.

     Central Luzon Region is located north of Manila, the nation's capital. Bordering it are the regions of Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley to the north; National Capital Region, CALABARZON and the waters of Manila Bay to the south; South China Sea to the west; and the Philippine Sea to the east.^[3]

  There are fourteen cities in the region: Balanga in Bataan; Malolos, Meycauayan and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan;Cabanatuan, Gapan, Muñoz, Palayan and San Jose in Nueva Ecija; Angeles, Mabalacat and San Fernando in Pampanga; Tarlac in Tarlac; and Olongapo in Zambales. Central Luzon produces the most rice in the whole country. Excess rice is delivered and imported to other provinces of the Philippines. The City of San Fernando, in Pampanga, is the regional center. Aurora was transferred from Region IV through Executive Order No. 103 on May 2002.

DELICACIES

INIRUBAN

     Iniruban or nilubyan is a famous Tarlac delicacy originating from the town of Camiling. It is a type of rice cake made with burned young sticky rice, coconut milk and sweetener; usually sugar, or tagapulot, hardened sugarcane molasses.

TUPIG

     Tupig is a famous local delicacy of Tarlac and Pangasinan. It consists of coconut milk, glutinous rice flour, young coconut meat and sweetener (usually sugar or molasses).                           

tibuk-tibuk

     This is tibuk-tibuk, a richer version of the maja blanca. They bought it from the famous Susie’s Cuisine, home of quality native delicacies and pasalubong food items. It is made with carabao milk and topped withlatik. The first time I got to taste this was during Ted’s graduation party/ house blessing. One of his friends gave a big bilao as a gift which we devoured in a couple of minutes. In fact, we did not serve it to the guests.

                                        

Sisig

     “Sisig” is a term in the “Capampangan”, the dialect of the people of Pampanga and partly of Tarlac Provinces of Central Luzon, Philippines which means “to snack on something sour”. It usually refers to unripe of half-ripe fruits sometimes dipped in salt and/or vinegar. More widely known, it also refers to a method of preparing meat, especially pork and later on fish and other exotic meats, which is marinated in a souring agent such as calamodin (“calamansi”) or lemon juice or vinegar, then seasoned with salt, chili pepper and other spices.

     Onion and chicken or pork liver are among the important ingredients of the tasty dish regarded as an ultimate Filipino “pulutan” or bites/morsel usually eaten while drinking alcoholic drinks or beverages. Whilst it started as a roadside eatery food, it is now widely eaten in every Filipino home as well as in many restaurants, big and small.

    Mrs. Lucia Cunanan of Angeles City, Philippines has been credited with inventing the dish. The Philippine Department of Tourism has acknowledged that her “Aling Lucing’s” Restaurant had established Angeles City as the “Sisig Capital of the Philippines”. Mrs. Cunanan’s trademark “sisig” was developed in mid 1974 when she served a concoction of boiled and chopped pig ears and cheeks seasoned with vinegar, “calamansi” juice, chopped onions and chicken liver and served in hot plates.

Products 

Sabutan Craft

   

Roasted Cashew Nuts

Burong Isda

Footwear (Nueva Ecija)

Crocheted Products(Tarlac)

Mangoes (Zambales)

Places of Interest

Pinatubo volcano

     Mount Pinatubo is a 1485 meters high volcano localized at the borders of 3 provinces: Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. The last eruption of the volcano happened in 1991. To visit its turquoise crater lake you will have to trek 3 hours to reach it. It's also possible to get a sky tour if you prefer to see the volcano from the air. 

Monasterio de Tarlac

    For Christians around the world, this is one of the more important pilgrimage sites as the church contains a true relic of the cross of Jesus Christ in the entire Asia! In Christian belief, Jesus Christ is the son of God, and has saved the people from their sins.

Anawangin cove

     Anawangin is a pristine beach cove in the Zambales province. The best option is to spend an overnight there. Camping is allowed.

Diving in Subic

Subic is a famous diving spot for wrecks. Subic was a former US naval base and is easily accessible form Manila by public transportation. 

Zoobic safari

Zoobic is a park in Subic where you can watch exotic wildlife, as tigers or crocodiles.

Surfing in Baler

If you are into surfing don't miss Baler. This spot has some huge waves especially during the monsoon. 

Mount Samat

Mount Samat in the province of Bataan is a popular trek for veterans as it has a shrine on its summit to remember the soldiers who died during the infamous Bataan death march during the second world war. 

Capones island

Capones Island can be reached from Pundaquit Zambales. You need two days to complete this adventure. 

Giant Lantern Festival

This festival happens every December in San Fernando, Pampanga. People will parade will some giant lanterns all over the town. A great event for Photographers. 

Spelunking Bulacan's caves

Bucalan province has several interesting caves including Biak na Bato, the most famous.

Literary Works

The literary works of Central Luzon are:

• Daniw
• All over the World by Vicente Rivera
• Juan Manalaksan by Ancio Pascual
• Suan, the Good Guesser by Macaria Garcia
• The Legend of Alitaptap
• The Legend of Pinatubo
• The Legend of Olongapo

Legends, Folklore, and Myths in Central Luzon

The Legend of Olongapo

     Olongapo is a city located in the province of Zambales. It is one of the most cheerful cities in Central Luzon. It is near the Subic bay and is also one of the places which have been largely affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. This is how it got the name Olongapo:     There was a lad named Dodong. He is a farmer with a wide rice field. Because of his generosity, he was well-loved by the people in his barrio. He was labeled as APO (term used for a respectable old man) and he became well-known to both the youth and the old.In the neighboring town, there was a very beautiful maiden who is very demure. Her name is Nene. Nene and Apo became very close friends though their age gap is large. One day, Nene’s family decided to relocate. This is the reason why Apo and Nene got separated.Days passed into months. One day, Apo accidentally ran into Nene in one of the town’s public places. Time only enhanced Nene’s beauty. He noticed that Nene has transformed into a full-blown lady. He offered to take her home. This was happily accepted by the maiden. 

“Father, mother, Apo is here. He wants to visit you,” Nene happily told her parents upon arriving home.
“Dodong! How are you? We’re glad that you came here to visit us!,” exclaimed Nene’s father.

     After updating one another, Dodong promised to visit them more often so that he can help them with their chores. True enough, Dodong went there every Saturday and he and Nene became closer. Not for long, they became lovers. This was not opposed by Nene’s parents.One morning, a large vessel ridden by drunk Spaniards came ashore. They caught sight of Nene and so they approached her. They asked something to the maiden which she did not understand. She just nodded her head. The Spaniards, thinking that Nene agrees to what they want, started to kiss and hug her. Nene screamed and asked for help.In an instant, the people called Apo and informed him of Nene’s situation. Apo was enraged and he attacked the Spaniards. The armed foreigners struck Apo and killed him. They slashed their head and hanged it on a bamboo pole to serve as a warning to other natives.

"Ulo ng Apo! Ulo ng Apo!" (head of Apo) the children repeatedly shouted. The Spaniards thought that this is the name of the place. Time passed by and "ULO ng APO" became OLONGAPO. This is now one of the most controversial cities in Zambales, Central Luzon.

The Legend of Alitaptap
(Valley of Pinak, Central Luzon)

     Once, a long time ago, in the valley of Pinak in Central Luzon, one of the islands of the Philippines, there was a deep, large lake rich with fish. There, the people of Pinak fished for their food, and always, there was plenty for all. Then suddenly, the big river dried up. In the shallow mud, there was not a fish to catch! For months, there was no rains. Out in the fields, the land turned dry. The rice stalks slowly withered. Everywhere in Pinak, there was hunger. Night after night, the people of Pinak prayed hard.

“Dear Bathala,” they would recite together in their small and poorly built chapel, “send us rains, give us food to eat for the people are starving, and there is want among us all.”

     Then one black and starless night, the good Bathala answered the prayers of the faithful people of Pinak. For suddenly, up in the skies, appeared a blaze of gold.
“A chariot! A chariot of gold!” shouted the people in fear and wonder.

     True enough-zooming and blazing through the sky, was a beautiful chariot made of pure, glittering gold! The people started to flee in panic, when a big voice boomed from the chariot:
“I am a Bulan-hari, and I have come with my wife, Bitu-in. We are sent from the heavens to rule Pinak from now on. We have come to give you a good life!”
     As Bulan-hari spoke, the black skies opened. The rains fell in torrents. Soon the dry fields bloomed fresh again. The large lake rose till it was again deep and alive with fish. The people of Pinak were happy once more under the rulership of the good Bulan-hari. Soon Bulan-hari and Bitu-in had a daughter. She grew up to be a beautiful maiden. Such long, dark hair! Such lovely eyes under long, curly lashes! Her nose was chiseled fine. Her lips were like rosebuds. Her skin was soft and fair like cream. They named her Alitaptap, for on her forehead was a bright, sparkling star. All the young, brave, and handsome men of Pinak fell in love with Alitaptap. They worshipped her beauty. They sang songs of love beneath her windows. They all sought to win her heart.
But, alas! The heart of Alitaptap was not human. She was the daughter of Bulan-hari and Bitu-in who burst from the sky and were not of the earth. She has a heart of stone, as cold and hard as the sparkling star carved in her forehead. Alitaptap would never know love. Then one day, an old woman arrived in the palace. Her hair was long and dirty. Her clothing was tattered and soiled.Before the King Bulan-hari, Balo-na, the old, wise woman whined in her high and sharp voice.

“Oh, mighty king! I have come from my cave in the mountains. I have journeyed on foot to bring you sad news!”
Bulan-hari asked in fear, “What is it, wise woman?”
“I can see in my crystal ball that the future will bring ruin and sorrow. The warriors from the land of La-ut will come on their mighty horses with their mighty swords and conquer our mighty men. They will destroy our crops, throw poison in the lake, and bring ruin everywhere!”
“Oh, wise woman,” the king replied in despair, “what are we to do?”
“Alitaptap must bear a son. Only he can grew up to be the people’s leader. He will conquer all invaders, and keep the peace in our land!”
At once, Alitaptap! You must pick one of the young men to marry. You must bear a son. He will keep the peace and happiness our people now enjoy!”

But how could Alitaptap understand? The beautiful maiden with a heart of stone merely stood in silence. Bulan-hari gripped his sword in blind despair. “Alitaptap!” he bellowed in the quiet palace. “You will follow me, or you will lie dead this very minute!”
 But nothing could stir the lovely young woman’s heart. Bulan-hari, bling with anger nand fear of the dark future, finally drew his sword. Clang! The steel of his sword’s blade rang in the silence of the big palace. It hit the star on Alitaptap’s lovely forehead! The star burst! Darkness was everywhere! Suddenly a thousand chips of glitter and light flew around the hall. Only the shattered pieces of the star on Alitaptap forehead lighted the great hall, flickering around as through they were stars with tiny wings. Alitaptap, the lovely daughter sent from the heavens, lay dead. And soon, Balo-na’s predictions came true. Riding on stamping wild horses, the warriors of La-ut came likt the rumble and clash of lightning and thunder. They killed the people of Pinak, ruined the crops, poison the lake. They spread sorrow and destruction everywhere. When it all ended, the beautiful, peaceful valley of Pinak had turned into empty and shallow swamp. At night, there was nothing but darkness, but soon, tiny sparkles of light flickered and glimmered brightly in the starless night.

And so, the fireflies came about. Once, a long time ago, they were fragments from the star on the forehead ob Bulan-hari’s daughter, the beautiful Alitapap.

Juan Manalaksan

 Narrated by Anicio Pascual of Arayat, Pampanga, who heard the story from an old Pampangan woman.

    Once upon a time there lived in a certain village a brave and powerful datu who had only one son. The son was called Pedro. In the same place lived a poor wood-cutter whose name was Juan Manalaksan.

     Pedro was rich, and had no work to do. He often diverted himself by hunting deer and wild boars in the forests and mountains. Juan got his living by cutting trees in the forests. One day the datu and his son went to the mountain to hunt. They took with them many dogs and guns. They did not take any food, however, for they felt sure of catching something to eat for their dinner. When they reached the mountain, Pedro killed a deer. By noon they had become tired and hungry, so they went to a shady place to cook their game. While he was eating, Pedro choked on a piece of meat.The father cried out loudly, for he did not know what to do for his dying son. Juan, who was cutting wood near by, heard the shout. He ran quickly to help Pedro, and by pulling the piece of meat out of his throat he saved Pedro’s life. Pedro was grateful, and said to Juan, “To-morrow come to my palace, and I will give you a reward for helping me.” The next morning Juan set out for the palace. On his way he met an old woman, who asked him where he was going. “I am going to Pedro’s house to get my reward,” said Juan. “Do not accept any reward of money or wealth,” said the old woman, “but ask Pedro to give you the glass which he keeps in his right armpit. The glass is magical. It is as large as a peso, and has a small hole in the centre. If you push a small stick through the hole, giants who can give you anything you want will surround you.” Then the old woman left Juan, and went on her way.

    As soon as Juan reached the palace, Pedro said to him, “Go to that room and get all the money you want.” But Juan answered, “I do not want you to give me any money. All I want is the glass which you keep in your right armpit.” “Very well,” said Pedro, “here it is.” glass, he hurried back home. When Juan had received the

    Juan reached his hut in the woods, and found his mother starving. He quickly thought of his magic glass, and, punching a small stick through the hole in the glass, he found himself surrounded by giants. “Be quick, and get me some food for my mother!” he said to them.


     For a few minutes the giants were gone, but soon they came again with their hands full of food. Juan took it and gave it to his mother; but she ate so much, that she became sick, and died. In a neighboring village ruled another powerful datu, who had a beautiful daughter. One day the datu fell very ill. As no doctor could cure him, he sent his soldiers around the country to say that the man who could cure him should have his daughter for a wife. Juan heard the news, and, relying on his charm, went to cure the datu. On his way, he asked the giants for medicine to cure the sick ruler. When he reached the palace, the datu said to him, “If I am not cured, you shall be killed.” Juan agreed to the conditions, and told the datu to swallow the medicine which he gave him. The datu did so, and at once became well again. The next morning Juan was married to the datu’s daughter. Juan took his wife to live with him in his small hut in the woods. One day he went to the forest to cut trees, leaving his wife and magic glass at home. While Juan was away in the forest, Pedro ordered some of his soldiers to go get the wood-cutter’s wife and magic glass. When Juan returned in the evening, he found wife and glass gone. One of his neighbors told him that his wife had been taken away by some soldiers. Juan was very angry, but he could not avenge himself without his magical glass. At last he decided to go to his father-in-law and tell him all that had happened to his wife. On his way there, he met an old mankukulam, who asked him where he was going. Juan did not tell her, but related to her all that had happened to his wife and glass while he was in the forest cutting trees.


    The mankukulam said that she could help him. She told him to go to a certain tree and catch the king of the cats. She furthermore advised him, “Always keep the cat with you.” Juan followed her advice. One day Pedro’s father commanded his soldiers to cut off the ears of all the men in the village, and said that if any one refused to have his ears cut off, he should be placed in a room full of rats. The soldiers did as they were ordered, and in time came to Juan’s house; but, as Juan was unwilling to lose his ears, he was seized and placed in a room full of rats. But he had his cat with him all the time. As soon as he was shut up in the room, he turned his cat loose. When the rats saw that they would all be killed, they said to Juan, “If you will tie your cat up there in the corner, we will help you get whatever you want.” Juan tied his cat up, and then said to the rats, “Bring me all the glasses in this village.” The rats immediately scampered away to obey him. Soon each of them returned with a glass in its mouth. One of them was carrying the magical glass. When Juan had his charm in his hands again, he pushed a small stick through the hole in the glass, and ordered the giants to kill Pedro and his father, and bring him his wife again. Thus Juan got his wife back. They lived happily together till they died.


    Juan the Poor, Who became Juan the King. Narrated by Amando Clemente, a Tagalog, who heard the story from his aunt. Once upon a time there lived in a small hut at the edge of a forest a father and son. The poverty of that family gave the son his name,–Juan the Poor.


     As the father was old and feeble, Juan had to take care of the household affairs; but there were times when he did not want to work. One day, while Juan was lying behind their fireplace, his father called him, and told him to go to the forest and get some fire-wood. “Very well,” said Juan, but he did not move from his place. After a while the father came to see if his son had gone, but he found him still lying on the floor. “When will you go get that fire-wood, Juan?” “Right now, father,” answered the boy. The old man returned to his room. As he wanted to make sure, however, whether his son had gone or not, he again went to see. When he found Juan in the same position as before, he became very angry, and said,-”Juan, if I come out again and find you still here, I shall surely give you a whipping.” Juan knew well that his father would punish him if he did not go; so he rose up suddenly, took his axe, and went to the forest. When he came to the forest, he marked every tree that he thought would be good for fuel, and then he began cutting. While he was chopping at one of the trees, he saw that it had a hole in the trunk, and in the hole he saw something glistening. Thinking that there might be gold inside the hole, he hastened to cut the tree down; but a monster came out of the hole as soon as the tree fell. When Juan saw the unexpected being, he raised his axe to kill the monster. Before giving the blow, he exclaimed, “Aha! Now is the time for you to die.” The monster moved backward when it saw the blow ready to fall, and said,–


“Good sir, forbear, And my life spare, If you wish a happy life And, besides, a pretty wife.”


    Juan lowered his axe, and said, “Oho! is that so?” “Yes, I swear,” answered the monster. “But what is it, and where is it?” said Juan, raising his axe, and feigning to be angry, for he was anxious to get what the monster promised him. The monster told Juan to take from the middle of his tongue a white oval stone. From it he could ask for and get whatever he wanted to have. Juan opened the monster’s mouth and took the valuable stone. Immediately the monster disappeared. The young man then tested the virtues of his charm by asking it for some men to help him work. As soon as he had spoken the last word of his command, there appeared many persons, some of whom cut down trees, while others carried the wood to his house. When Juan was sure that his house was surrounded by piles of fire-wood, he dismissed the men, hurried home, and lay down again behind the fireplace.


     He had not been there long, when his father came to see if he had done his work. When the old man saw his son stretched out on the floor, he said, “Juan have we fire-wood now?” “Just look out of the window and see, father!” said Juan. Great was the surprise of the old man when he saw the large piles of wood about his house. The next day Juan, remembering the pretty wife of which the monster had spoken, went to the king’s palace, and told the king that he wanted to marry his daughter. The king smiled scornfully when he saw the rustic appearance of the suitor, and said, “If you will do what I shall ask you to do, I will let you marry my daughter.” “What are your Majesty’s commands for me?” said Juan. “Build me a castle in the middle of the bay; but know, that, if it is not finished in three days’ time, you lose your head,” said the king sternly. Juan promised to do the work. Two days had gone by, yet Juan had not yet commenced his work. For that reason the king believed that Juan did not object to losing his life; but at midnight of the third day, Juan bade his stone build a fort in the middle of the bay. The next morning, while the king was taking his bath, cannon-shots were heard. After a while Juan appeared before the palace, dressed like a prince. When he saw the king, he said, “The fort is ready for your inspection.” “If that is true, you shall be my son-in-law,” said the king. After breakfast the king, with his daughter, visited the fort, which pleased them very much.


     The following day the ceremonies of Juan’s marriage with the princess Maria were held with much pomp and solemnity. Shortly after Juan’s wedding a war broke out. Juan led the army of the king his father-in-law to the battlefield, and with the help of his magical stone he conquered his mighty enemy. The defeated general went home full of sorrow. As he had never been defeated before, he thought that Juan must possess some supernatural power. When he reached home, therefore, he issued a proclamation which stated that any one who could get Juan’s power for him should have one-half of his property as a reward. A certain witch, who knew of Juan’s secret, heard of the proclamation. She flew to the general, and told him that she could do what he wanted done. On his agreeing, she flew to Juan’s house one hot afternoon, where she found Maria alone, for Juan had gone out hunting. The old woman smiled when she saw Maria, and said, “Do you not recognize me, pretty Maria? I am the one who nursed you when you were a baby.”


The princess was surprised at what the witch said, for she thought that the old woman was a beggar. Nevertheless she believed what the witch told her, treated the repulsive woman kindly, and offered her cake and wine; but the witch told Maria not to go to any trouble, and ordered her to rest. So Maria lay down to take a siesta. With great show of kindness, the witch fanned the princess till she fell asleep. While Maria was sleeping, the old woman took from underneath the pillow the magical stone, which Juan had forgotten to take along with him. Then she flew to the general, and gave the charm to him. He, in turn, rewarded the old woman with one-half his riches. Meanwhile, as Juan was enjoying his hunt in the forest, a huge bird swooped down on him and seized his horse and clothes.


When the bird flew away, his inner garments were changed back again into his old wood-cutter’s clothes. Full of anxiety at this ill omen, and fearing that some misfortune had befallen his wife, he hastened home on foot as best he could. When he reached his house, he found it vacant. Then he went to the king’s palace, but that too he found deserted. For his stone he did not know where to look. After a few minutes of reflection, he came to the conclusion that all his troubles were caused by the general whom he had defeated in battle. He also suspected that the officer had somehow or other got possession of his magical stone. Poor Juan then began walking toward the country where the general lived. Before he could reach that country, he had to cross three mountains. While he was crossing the first mountain, a cat came running after him, and knocked him down. He was so angry at the animal, that he ran after it, seized it, and dashed its life out against a rock. When he was crossing the second mountain, the same cat appeared and knocked him down a second time. Again Juan seized the animal and killed it, as before; but the same cat that he had killed twice before tumbled him down a third time while he was crossing the third mountain. Filled with curiosity, Juan caught the animal again: but, instead of killing it this time, he put it inside the bag he was carrying, and took it along with him. After many hours of tiresome walking, Juan arrived at the castle of the general, and knocked at the door. The general asked him what he wanted. Juan answered, “I am a poor beggar, who will be thankful if I can have only a mouthful of rice.” The general, however, recognized Juan. He called his servants, and said, “Take this wretched fellow to the cell of rats.” The cell in which Juan was imprisoned was very dark; and as soon as the door was closed, the rats began to bite him. But Juan did not suffer much from them; for, remembering his cat, he let it loose. The cat killed all the rats except their king, which came out of the hole last of all. When the cat saw the king of the rats, it spoke thus: “Now you shall die if you do not promise to get for Juan his magical stone, which your master has stolen.” “Spare my life, and you shall have the stone!” said the king of the rats. “Go and get it, then!” said the cat. The king of the rats ran quickly to the room of the general, and took Juan’s magical stone from the table. As soon as Juan had obtained his stone, and after he had thanked the king of the rats, he said to his stone, “Pretty stone, destroy this house with the general and his subjects, and release my father-in-law and wife from their prison.” Suddenly the earth trembled and a big noise was heard. Not long afterwards Juan saw the castle destroyed, the general and his subjects dead, and his wife and his father-in-law free.


Taking with him the cat and the king of the rats, Juan went home happily with Maria his wife and the king his father-in-law. After the death of the king, Juan ascended to the throne, and ruled wisely. He lived long happily with his lovely wife.



Suan, The Good Guesser
(narrated by Macaria Garcia. The story is popular among the Pampangan)

There was once an old woman who had an only son named Suan. Suan was a clever, sharp-witted boy. His mother sent him to school. Instead of going to school, however, Suan climbed up the tree that stood by the roadside. As soon as his mother had passed by from the market, Suan hurried home ahead of her. When she reached home, he cried, “Mother, I know what you bought in the market to-day.” He then told her, article by article. This same thing happened so repeatedly, that his mother began to believe in his skill as a diviner.
One day the ring of the datu’s daughter disappeared. All the people in the locality searched for it, but in vain. The datu called for volunteers to find the lost ring, and he offered his daughter’s hand as a prize to the one who should succeed. Suan’s mother heard of the proclamation. So she went to the palace and presented Suan to the datu. “Well, Suan, tomorrow tell me where the ring is,” said the datu. “Yes, my lord, I will tell you, if you will give your soldiers over to me for tonight,” Suan replied. “You shall have everything you need,” said the datu.
That evening Suan ordered the soldiers to stand around him in a semicircle. When all were ready, Suan pointed at each one of them, and said, “The ring is here, and nowhere else.” It so happened that Suan fixed his eyes on the guilty soldier, who trembled and became pale. “I know who has it,” said Suan. Then he ordered them to retire. Late in the night this soldier came to Suan, and said, “I will get the ring you are in search of, and will give it to you if you will promise me my safety.” “Give it to me, and you shall be safe,” said Suan.
Very early the next morning Suan came to the palace with a turkey in his arms. “Where is the ring?” the datu demanded. “Why, sir, it is in this turkey’s intestines,” Suan replied. The turkey was then killed, and the ring was found inside it. “You have done very well, Suan. Now you shall have my daughter’s hand,” said the datu. So Suan became the princess’s husband.


One day the datu proposed a bet with anyone who wished to prove Suan’s skill. Accordingly another datu came. He offered to bet seven cascos of treasure that Suan could not tell the number of seeds that were in his orange. Suan did not know what to do. At midnight he went secretly to the cascos. Here he heard their conversation, and from it he learned the number of seeds in the orange. In the morning Suan said boastfully, “I tell you, your orange has nine seeds.” Thus Suan won the whole treasure. Hoping to recover his loss, the datu came again. This time he had with him fourteen cascos full of gold. He asked Suan to tell him what was inside his golden ball. Suan did not know what to say. So in the dead of night he went out to the cascos, but he could learn nothing there. The next morning Suan was summoned into the presence of the two datus. He had no idea whatever as to what was in the ball; so he said scornfully, “Nonsense!” “That is right, that is right!” shouted a man. “The ball contains nine cents.” Consequently Suan won the fourteen cascos full of gold. From now on, nobody doubted Suan’s merit.


The Dueling Dual Volcanoes


"The great war in heaven started, they were siblings (I don't know if they are brothers or brothers and sisters...but they were siblings) Aldau (the Sun) and Bulan (the Moon) were fighting for control of the earth.

From the heavens they descended on the banks of the great river, from which they pulled out two bamboo poles each. In the ensuing battle, Aldau, the sun had struck the light out of one of Bulan's eyes and its brightness dimmed. Aldau was victorious and Bulan surrendered. Magnanimous, Aldau lifted his capatad up and divided his rule between himself and Bulan. He even let Bulan sit on the throne first. Thus Bulan ruled by bengi (night) and Aldau ruled by aldau (day).

They settled on the two sacred mountains of the great river bank plains. On earth, Aldau chose as his abode Alaya, the center, the navel of the world. Thus the words 'paralaya' meaning going towards Alaya, the home, the base, the navel, and 'padauba' which means to go away from the center, or to go down to the flatlands. Paralaya also came to mean east since it is the abode of the sun.

On earth, Aldau came to be called by man as Apung Sukû meaning antiquity or even summit or zenith. Bulan, on the one hand settled on the source of eight rivers, Pinatubu, from which man derived its food and livelihood as the rivers became not only a source of fish, but was also the watering hole of game and fowl.

Man favoured Bulan with the name Apung Mallari, to whom all things were possible. He was said to be more approachable than the distant Apung Sukû.

Apung Sukû, the Sun, had for his children: Munag Sumalâ (Dawn) who was betrothed to Manalastas (the rooster), Abac, Ugtu (known also as Lakandanup who devoured shadows at noon), and Gatpanapun (the prince who knows only pleasure).

Apung Mallari had two daughters. The most beautiful was Sisilim (sunset) who was devoted to her uncle Apung Sukû by welcoming him in the western skies with songs of the cicadas at sunset. The other daughter was Kapitangan.

All things went well with their reign over man on earth till the rains came. The rains did not stop. The eight Rivers of Pinatubu overflowed. Man's possesssion were washed away and the fowls, game and fish went to seek calmer waters or went deep into the mountains. Man hungered. Man despaired. Finally man called upon Apung Sukû for help.

Apung Sukû then sent his grandson Tala (the planet Venus), son of the red serpent Munag Sumalâ and the bird Manalastas, to be born as a man.

Deep in the forest of Mount Alaya, an old manalaksan (wood cutter) went to the pool of Sapang Tacûi to quench his thirst. There in the middle of the pool, a tucal flower blossomed. in the midst of it was a healthy baby crying. The old manalaksan took pity and took the child to his old wife mangkukuran (potter). There the child began to speak and walk. The couple bowed low to the ground and paid homage to the god child.

Soon the child grew up to become a strong bayani. Riding on his friend Damulag, the guardian against the storm,Tala descended the mountain chewing on a sugarcane. On the slopes of the mountainhe fell in love with a woman called Mingan. Together they made love. As they did so, Tala took some of his seeds and placed them in Mingan's hand. "Plant them on the flooded ground," he said. Mingan was doubtful at first since nothing grew on the flooded soil save for lumut or algae.

Immediately after Mingan planted the sacred seeds, a curious green looking plant sprouted from the ground. These were the first palai, rice plants. Tala showed her how to cook nasi, from the unhusked seeds of the palai plant. Soon Mingan's tribe was able to conquer all the flooded plains and convert them to fertile rice fields. Tala went back to the sky.

Soon, man forgot about the goodness of Apung Mallari before the floods. They endlessly praised Apung Sukû for sending them his grandson Tala. In anger and jealousy, Apung Mallari threw a huge boulder to the perfect summit of Apung Sukû's abode, Bunduc Alaya. The earth trembled. But worse was Apung Sukû's anger at the insult. From that day on, Apung Mallari was cursed. He was to be called as Punsalang (the source of enmity, the enemy).

Apung Sukû took all the huge boulders of the great river bank plains and threw them all at Bunduk Pinatubu. Apung Mallari, now Punsalang, saw his abode crumble. Seeing her father lose miserably, Sisilim decided to stop her uncle the sun but she too was struck and she fell dead. Seeing this, Punsalang shouted in anguish and surrendered to his brother Apung Sukû. From then on, Apung Sukû was Apung Sinukuan (to whom everyone surrendered)."


Apo Laki and Mayari


     In one myth he is known as the son of Bathala, the supreme deity of the sky, and a mortal woman. Along with his siblings, the sisters, Mayari the Goddess of the Moon and Tala Goddess of the Stars (there are some variations to this. In some sources it was only Mayari and Apolaki, others it was all 3, another is that instead of Tala being one of the siblings, it was the Goddess of the Dawn/Morning, Hanan) they were all given their own attributes by their father. One day Apolaki wanted to rule the world by himself, in which the Goddess Mayari objected as she wanted for them to rule equally. They quarreled because they both wanted to rule the world. Eventually they fought each other in a long battle where their fight became intense until words were not able to express their furious rage. They both picked up bamboo sticks and fought each other with fierce blows. Eventually the fight ended when Apolaki struck Mayari  in one of her eyes resulting in her to being blind in one eye.             Ashamed and regretting what he had done, he stopped the fight to help his sister, asking for forgiveness and agreeing to share their rule equally. With Mayari agreeing and forgiving her brother, from that point on both ruled the world equally. Both divided their rule by Apolaki ruling half the day during the day as he was the God of the Sun, while Mayari being the Goddess of the moon, ruled the night. During Apolaki’s turn, the world is flooded with warm light because the light beams from his two bright eyes. On the other hand, Mayari bathes the world with cool and gentle light due to being blind in one eye.

My Family Traditions

            Every family has its own traditions, which are honored and respected over the generations. My family also has a number of practices that are very meaningful, beautiful and interesting. Some of the traditions that we follow from generation to generation are eating dinner together,"pagmamano",attending Sunday mass,Christmas celebration, Birthday celebration of our family members and holy week celebration.

      Filipinos have a very regular eating schedule: morning, mid-morning, lunch, afternoon (merienda) and dinner. As a Filipino we can't go a day without including rice in our meals. We love plain rice matched with salted fish, chicken and meat. Our family always have the time to eat dinner together because of how busy our parents in their work it is the only time we have our bonding.

            Pagmamano is a Filipino custom that has survived the times and foreign influences. This is the practice of respect by asking for an elder’s hand and touch one’s forehead while bowing. One usually asks by saying “Mano po” (Literally, “your hands please”). In return, the elder blesses the person. In our family when we arrived at home we always "mano" our parents right hand to show respect to them.

          Filipinos has a habit of going to church every Sunday and often praying. It reflects that Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion. In our family, during Sundays early in the morning, at 6 o'clock specifically, we will go to church to have our Sunday mass.

        As soon as December sets in, everyone in the Philippines, young and old alike are busy preparing for the biggest religious activity on December 25. Houses are cleaned, painted and decorated with new colorful curtains, Christmas decorations and multicolored lights.Lanterns of different Christmas tree and a Belen are placed in the living rooms of the most homes. 

            Our family attended the nine-day masses or Misa de Gallo which is celebrated at dawn when the cock starts to crow begin on December.In spite of the fact that we need to wake up as early as three o'clock in the morning . As we walk to the church, we always notice the streets lined with small stores selling puto, bibingka and puto bumbong. 

           The climax of this Christmas celebration is a midnight mass on Christmas eve, December 24. On Christmas day we dressed in our best attires and visit our ninongs, ninangs, relatives and friends. We kiss the hands of our elders as a sign of respect. In return the some elders give us money,gifts or native delicacies. Christmas is for everyone and at no other time of the year is the family more complete.

           We celebrate the birthday of our family member  every year. We buy cakes and decorate it with lettering and his or her age is present. The birthday celebrant will usually make a silent wish and attempt to blow out the candles in one breath; if successful, a tradition holds that the wish will be granted.The wish must be kept secret or it won't "come true". Presents are bestowed on the birthday celebrant by the guests appropriate to her/his age. 

        The Lenten season is as significant to the Filipinos as Christmas. Christian Filipinos commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ with as much sincerity and seriousness as His birth.On Ash Wednesday,we go to church were a sign of the cross is imprinted with ashes on the forehead of every season. Chanting of the Pasyon (Christ's suffering before His death) in the native tongue of the region begins on Holy Week and is held at certain hours of the night. On Holy Thursday, the chanting goes on the whole day and night until the following morning. By Good Friday, the whole town is deep in meditation on the passion and death of Christ on the Cross. In Church one can observe individuals as well as families praying the Stations of the Cross. 

    In Good Friday we had our fasting and penance to atone for our sins. A penance quite common in the barrios is for a penitent to cover his face with a black cloth and walk down the streets beating his back with thin bamboo sticks until blood oozes out of his wounds. In afternoon we,the devotees flock to church for sermon on the Seven Last Words of Jesus as he hung on the cross.Easter Sunday is a memorable day. We wake up early for the salubong, a re-enactment of the Risen Lord's meeting with His Mother at dawn.