Ang Alamat ng Gubat

Bob Ong

1. Read the novel of Bob Ong.

2. Draw/Map out the characters' relationship with each other using any graphic organizer
(mind maps/webs will do)
3. Pick one character and identify its symbolism.
4. What are your thoughts regarding Bob Ong's use of the Bibe and its intended societal
figure/persona?
5. Can we say that Alamat ng Gubat is a clear representation of today's political
atmosphere?

Map of Characters
Character and Symbolism
Tong is a symbolism of courage, braveness and determine. He is pleased to get the
medication of his father which is outside of the land that he used to be with. He takes a risk and
go beyond his limits for the health of his father. He faces different kinds of challenges in a world
that he is not used to. In our world, Tong can be compared to the country men who takes risk in
city for their family to have a better life. In these line “Alam ko. Kaya nga babaguhin ko ang
gubat. Gigisingin ko sa katotohanan ang mga hayop.” We can see how brave and determined he
are.

Bibe and its intended societal persona

Bibe was a reflection of Filipinos with a strong sense of self-worth and arrogant. They
present themselves as someone who is attractive, wealthy, and intellectual enough to jeopardize
one's dignity. In the line "...naputikang buntot ng magandang bibe dahil sa bobong talangka,",
we can clearly see her boastfulness.

Alamat ng Gubat as a clear representation of today's political atmosphere

Gubat represents the Philippines and the animals are the people of it. We can see that
every animal has a role and we can compare to real life. Like Tong, he was a symbol of an
idealized but conventional Filipino youth who was often referred to as the family's
"breadwinner." Tong was the one who sacrifices for the family. The Buwaya, they are the greedy
people in the society and public officials who steal and corrupt people’s money. Palaka reflected
how Filipinos see the rich and powerful in society in terms of power and authority. Bibe who are
the people in the low class saw palaka as king just because he possessed a large number of
pearls. Leon was a political allegory, a politician who does not maintain his campaign promises,
a politician in whom we place our trust but who inevitably disappoints us. When Tong meets
them in the middle of locating Aso, who is claimed to be the only one who knows about "puso ng
saging" as far as Leon is concerned, Leon initially acts as a decent person by instructing
Buwaya to return Tong's pearls and Pagong and Manok's eggs. Buwaya became Leon's
leadership in this area. If Leon and Buwaya were real people, it would appear that Leon was a
president and Buwaya was a congressman, but both of them were liars who utilized Tong to
figure out where the rest of the animals were hidden. Everyone was against Leon since he was a
rude and unkind guy; in reality, Tipaklong, an insect, formed a revolutionary organization
against them for no apparent reason. Tipaklong's character served as a metaphor as well. He is
a representative of conceited Filipinos. They act as if they are aware of what is going on, but
they have no idea what they are fighting for. These are persons who have no effect in life, who
die without leaving a legacy or a history that will be remembered. This insect has something
important in his life, something for which he is willing to fight: his business. "Nasa pagsisikap
lang yan ng tao," said Langgam, a businessman who believes that revolutions are not the answer
to their problems, but rather how someone exerts effort in lifting his or her social bar.