SH1601

Philippine Oral Lore

Filipinos had their early literature handed down orally from generation to generation.
Philippine oral literature prominently figures in community life and the subjects are common
experiences of the people, day-to-day situations, activities, and encounters with nature.
In the past, and even today in some areas of the country, social events in the Philippines have
been accompanied by poetry and music. Genres like riddles (bugtong), proverbs (salawikain), songs
(kundiman), fables, folktales, myths, and legends.
Riddle
Riddle is an indirect presentation of an object, by stating characteristics features or peculiarities,
enough to call it to mind without naming it.
1. Kung kailan mo pinatay, saka pa humaba ang buhay.
Sagot: kandila
2. Baboy ko sa pulo, ang balahibo'y pako.
Sagot: langka
3. Nang sumipot sa maliwanag, kulubot na ang balat.
Sagot: ampalaya
4. Isang butil ng palay, sakot ang buong buhay.
Sagot: ilaw
5. Ako ay may kaibigan, kasama ko kahit saan.
Sagot: anino
6. Sa araw ay bungbong, sa gabi ay dahon.
Sagot: banig
7. Dumaan ang hari, nagkagatan ang mga pari.
Sagot: siper
8. Munting hayop na pangahas, aaligid-aligid sa ningas.
Sagot: gamu-gamo
9. Tinaga ko ang puno, sa dulo nagdurugo.
Sagot: gumamela
10. Naabot na ng kamay, ipinagawa pa sa tulay.
Sagot: kubyertos
11. Malaking supot ni Mang Jacob, kung sisidlan ay
pataob.
Sagot: kulambo
12. Maliit pa si kumare, marunong ng humuni.
Sagot: kuliglig
13. Baka ko sa palupandan, unga'y nakakarating kahit
saan.
Sagot: kulog
14. May bintana nguni't walang bubungan;
may pinto nguni't walang hagdanan.
Sagot: kumpisalan
15. Heto na si Kaka, bubuka-bukaka.
Sagot: palaka

16. Magandang prinsesa, nakaupo sa tasa.

Sagot: kasoy
17. Hindi pari, hindi hari, nagdadamit ng sari-sari.
Sagot: paruparo/Sampayan
18. Dalawang batong itim, malayo ang nararating.
Sagot: mga mata
19. Kay lapit-lapit na sa mata, di mo pa rin makita.
Sagot: tenga
20. Sa maling kalabit, may buhay na kapalit.
Sagot: baril
21. Sa buhatan ay may silbi, sa igiban ay walang sinabi.
Sagot: bayong o basket
22. Hindi tao, hindi hayop, kung uminom ay salup-salop.
Sagot: batya
23. Isa ang pasukan, tatlo ang labasan.
Sagot: kamiseta
24. Buto't balat na malapad, kay galing kung lumipad.
Sagot: saraggola
25. Lumuluha walang mata, lumalakad walang paa.
Sagot: ballpen o pluma
26. Nagbibigay na, sinasakal pa.
Sagot: bote
27. May puno walang bunga, may dahon walang sanga.
Sagot: sandok
28. Hinila ko ang baging, sumigaw ang matsing.
Sagot: kampana o batingaw
29. Yumuko man ang reyna, di malalaglag ang korona.
Sagot: bayabas
30. Nakatalikod na ang prinsesa, ang mukha'y nakaharap
pa.
Sagot: balimbing
Source: http://www.katig.com/bugtong_03.html

Philippine riddles are a very important part of Filipino culture. Also known as bugtong in The
Philippines, these brainteasers are enjoyed by young and old alike, and are a popular pastime akin to
crossword puzzles and word jumbles.

04 Handout 1

*Property of STI
Page 1 of 3

SH1601

Riddles have been a central part of the Filipino tradition since well before the country became a colony
of Spain, and the tradition persisted throughout the colonial period and into modern times. They are
an important part of the oral history tradition of the country and have been passed down for several
generations. Some of the Philippine riddles popular in the Philippines are versions of riddles that are
found in most cultures, while others are unique to the islands. Although thematically some of the
riddles may be similar to riddles found in other countries, they are also distinctly Filipino in their
references.
When told in the native Tagalong language, the riddles employ many poetic devices. They usually
rhyme and they often rely on simile and metaphor to offer clues. The riddles tend to be one (1) or two
(2) lines and refer to a specific object. The rhyming is lost in English translations of the riddles.
Sometimes, the figurative language is difficult for non-Filipinos to understand as well, since the
references and descriptions may be unique to that region. Further, some of the objects referred to in
the riddles may be foreign to outsiders not familiar with Filipino culture.
Source: http://www.2020site.org/riddles/Philippine-Riddles.html

Proverbs
Proverbs are pithy sayings that contain advice or state a basic truth. They reflect folk wisdom as to
how to act and live, hence, they show the cultural values and the physical environment of the region
where they originated.
1. A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound.
(Matibay ang walis, palibhasa'y magkabigkis.)
People gain strength by standing together.
2. While the blanket is short, learn how to bend.
(Hangga't makitid ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot.)
If your blanket is too short to cover you completely with your legs straight, bend them so that you
fit. In other words, learn how to adapt to your environment and be satisfied with what you have. If
you have less in life, learn to be frugal until you come to the point when you can spare some money
for a little bit of luxury.
3. It is hard to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep.
(Mahirap gisingin ang nagtutulog-tulugan.)
While it is easy to tell people something they do not know, it is much harder if they are willfully
choosing not to see what is before them.
4. If you persevere, you will reap the fruits of your labor.
(Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga.)
They don't call them the fruits of labor for nothing. Hard work and perseverance are needed to
reach your goals. But if you keep trying, one day you will enjoy the results of your efforts.
5. New king, new character.
(Bagong hari, bagong ugali.)
New leadership always brings new ways.

04 Handout 1

*Property of STI
Page 2 of 3

SH1601

6. If you plant, you harvest.

(Kung may tinanim, may aanihin.)
Your future will be the result of your actions today. Plan ahead.
7. Weeds are difficult to kill.
(Mahirap mamatay ang masamang damo.)
It can be hard to completely rid yourself of bad things or people.
8. Don't trust strangers.
(Huwag kang magtiwala sa di mo kilala.)
This is self-explanatory. You can never be sure that people you don't know truly have your wellbeing in mind. Don't put yourself in their hands.
9. Nothing destroys iron but its own corrosion.
(Walang naninira sa bakal kundi sariling kalawang.)
Iron is known for its strength, but it can destroy itself when exposed to certain conditions.
Similarly, even a strong person can be undone by his or her own actions or habits.
10. Even though the procession is long, it will still end up in church.
(Pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.)
Some things are inevitable. This proverb specifically refers to a couple that seems destined to
marry, even if it takes a long time.
Source: http://hubpages.com/education/examples-of-filipino-proverbs

Songs
Filipinos are music lovers. Music is a way for Filipinos to express their feelings and aspirations in life.
Even the most common people have their own music. Filipino folks clearly and lucidly express their
experiences and dreams through folk songs. Among the most popular traditional folk songs include
Bahay Kubo, Paroparong Bukid, Magtanim ay Di Biro, and many others.
Bahay Kubo
Undoubtedly, the most popular traditional Filipino folk song is Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut). The song
tells of a small hut surrounded with a variety of vegetables. It was composed by Felipe de Leon.
Bahay kubo, kahit munti,
ang halaman duon ay sari-sari.
Singkamas at talong,
Sigarilyas at mani.
Sitaw, bataw, patani.
Kundol, patola, upo't kalabasa.
At saka meron pa,
Labanos, mustasa.
Sibuyas, kamatis,
Bawang at luya.
Sa paligid-ligid ay puno ng linga.
Source: https://philippines.knoji.com/top-five-most-famous-filipino-traditional-folk-songs/

04 Handout 1

*Property of STI
Page 3 of 3