21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World

BIAG NI LAM-ANG of the Ilocanos written by Pedro Bucaneg

Don Juan and his wife Namongan lived in Nalbuan, now part of La Union in the northern part of the
Philippines. They had a son named Lam-ang. Before Lam-ang was born, Don Juan went to the mountains in
order to punish a group of their Igorot enemies. While he was away, his son Lam-ang was born. It took four
people to help Namongan give birth. As soon as the baby boy popped out, he spoke and asked that he be
given the name Lam-ang. He also chose his godparents and asked where his father was.
After nine months of waiting for his father to return, Lam-ang decided he would go look for him. Namongan
thought Lam-ang was up to the challenge but she was sad to let him go. During his exhausting journey, he
decided to rest for awhile. He fell asleep and had a dream about his father's head being stuck on a pole by the
Igorot. Lam-ang was furious when he learned what had happened to his father. He rushed to their village and
killed them all, except for one whom he let go so that he could tell other people about Lam-ang's greatness.
Upon returning to Nalbuan in triumph, he was bathed by women in the Amburayan river. All the fish died
because of the dirt and odor from Lam-ang's body. There was a young woman named Ines Kannoyan whom
Lam-ang wanted to woo. She lived in Calanutian and he brought along his white rooster and gray dog to visit
her. On the way, Lam-ang met his enemy Sumarang, another suitor of Ines whom he fought and readily
defeated. Lam-ang found the house of Ines surrounded by many suitors all of whom were trying to catch her
attention. He had his rooster crow, which caused a nearby house to fall. This made Ines look out. He had his
dog bark and in an instant the fallen house rose up again. The girl's parents witnessed this and called for him.
The rooster expressed the love of Lam-ang. The parents agreed to a marriage with their daughter if Lam-ang
would give them a dowry valued at double their wealth. Lam-ang had no problem fulfilling this condition and
he and Ines were married.
It was a tradition to have a newly married man swim in the river for the rarang fish. Unfortunately, Lam-ang
dove straight into the mouth of the water monster Berkakan. Ines had Marcos get his bones, which she
covered with a piece of cloth. His rooster crowed and his dog barked and slowly the bones started to move.
Back alive, Lam-ang and his wife lived happily ever after with his white rooster and gray dog.
BIDASARI of Mindanao based from a Romance of Malays
When a simple merchant, his young son and mute servant are out in the woods, they chance upon a drifting
boat, in which there is a baby girl and a bowl containing a live goldfish. The merchant realises that the baby is
unusual because her life is bonded to the fish: if the fish leaves the water, she stops breathing. The merchant
adopts the baby as her own and names her Bidasari. Years later Bidasari grows up into a beautiful young
woman while the merchant has prospered into a wealthy businessman. At the royal palace of this kingdom,
the King has just remarried a beautiful woman, the Permaisuri (Queen). The Permaisuri is a proud woman who
secretly practises witchcraft. Hidden in her chambers is a magic mirror that can show her anything she asks.
She uses it to ask who the most beautiful in all the land is. One day when she asks the mirror this question, the
image of Bidasari appears in it. She is enraged by this and carries out a search to find who Bidasari is. Her
search leads her to the merchant's house. Under the guise of kindness, the Permaisuri asks the merchant for
permission to bring Bidasari to the palace to be her companion. Although the merchant is reluctant to part
with his beloved daughter, he lets her go. But once Bidasari arrives at the palace, she is sent to the kitchens as
a servant, where she is starved and given the dirtiest jobs.
After the Permaisuri is satisfied that Bidasari has been ruined, she once again asks her magic mirror who is the
most beautiful in the land. When the mirror shows Bidasari yet again, the Permaisuri flies into a rage and runs
to the kitchen where she grabs burning pieces of firewood which she tries to burn Bidasari's face with. She is
shocked when the fire goes out and Bidasari's face is left untouched. Bidasari, who has by now realised that
the Permaisuri's malice is targeted only at her and will never stop, begs for mercy and explains her life is
bonded to that of a fish that is kept in a bowl in her father's garden. The Permaisuri has a servant steal the fish
for her from the merchant's garden, and as soon as the fish leaves the water, Bidasari collapses and stops
breathing. Satisfied that Bidasari's life is in her hands, the Permaisuri hangs the fish around her neck as a
trophy. When she asks the mirror who is the most beautiful in the land, the mirror shows her own image. The
merchant realises that the fish is missing, and is told that Bidasari died mysteriously at the palace. Her body is
returned to him and he builds a small tomb for her in the woods where her body is laid out in peace.
Meanwhile, the Permaisuri's stepson the Prince has been having dreams about Bidasari, although he has
never met her. The dreams plague him even in his waking hours, despite his father's advice that such a
beautiful woman cannot exist. The Permaisuri sees her stepson acting this way and plants a painting of
Bidasari in his room. The Prince finds the painting, which leads him to the merchant who explains the sad tale
of Bidasari's death and the mysterious disappearance of the fish.
The Prince decides to visit Bidasari's tomb to see her beauty with his own eyes. Coincidentally at this time,
back at the palace the Permaisuri is having a bath in the royal bathing pool. The fish manages to break free of
its locket and drops into the water where it starts swimming. This causes Bidasari to wake up right before the
Prince's eyes. Bidasari tells him of what the Permaisuri did to her, which confirms the Prince's suspicions of his
stepmother. When the Permaisuri finishes her bath, she discovers that the fish has gotten free. She manages
to catch it just as the Prince is about to help Bidasari leave the tomb, causing her to fall unconscious again. The
Prince places Bidasari back in the tomb and promises to make things right. The Prince returns to the palace in
a fury, demanding that the Permaisuri give him the fish. The Permaisuri pretends not to know anything, and
when the King listens to the Prince's explanation, the King declares that his son has gone insane and calls the
royal guards. A fight ensues, during which the Permaisuri is injured and dies. Just before the Prince is about to
be captured, the merchant and the Prince's loyal manservants arrive with Bidasari on a stretcher. The
merchant explains that the story about the fish being bonded to Bidasari's life is true. The Prince takes the fish
from the locket around the Permaisuri's neck and puts it into a bowl of water. As soon as the fish enters the
water, Bidasari comes back to life. The King apologises to his son, and the Prince and Bidasari are married.
HUDHUD of Ifugao
Once upon a time, in a village called Hannanga, a boy was born to the couple named Amtalao and
Dumulao. He was named Aliguyon. He was an intelligent, eager young man who wanted to learn many things,
and indeed, he learned many useful things, from the stories and teachings of his father. He learned how to
fight well and chant a few magic spells. Even as a child, he was a leader, for the other children of his village
looked up to him with awe. Upon leaving childhood, Aliguyon betook himself to gather forces to fight against
his father’s enemy, who was Pangaiwan of the village of Daligdigan. But his challenge was not answered
personally by Pangaiwan. Instead, he faced Pangaiwan’s fierce son, Pumbakhayon. Pumbakhayon was just as
skilled in the arts of war and magic as Aliguyon. The two of them battled each other for three years, and
neither of them showed signs of defeat. Their battle was a tedious one, and it has been said that they both
used only one spear! Aliguyon had thrown a spear to his opponent at the start of their match, but the fair
Pumbakhayon had caught it deftly with one hand. And then Pumbakhayon threw the spear back to Aliguyon,
who picked it just as neatly from the air. At length Aliguyon and Pumbakhayon came to respect each other,
and then eventually they came to admire each other’s talents. Their fighting stopped suddenly. Between the
two of them they drafted a peace treaty between Hannanga and Daligdigan, which their peoples readily
agreed to. It was fine to behold two majestic warriors finally side by side. Aliguyon and Pumbakhayon
became good friends, as peace between their villages flourished. When the time came for Aliguyon to choose
a mate, he chose Pumbakhayon’s youngest sister, Bugan, who was little more than a baby. He took Bugan into
his household and cared for her until she grew to be most beautiful. Pumbakhayon, in his turn, took for his
wife Aliguyon’s younger sister, Aginaya. The two couples became wealthy and respected in all of Ifugao.
ALIM of Ifugao
Ang epikong Alim ng mga Ifugao ay nagsasalaysay ng isang panahong ang lupain ay saganang-sagana.
Maging ang mga ilog at dagat ay sagana sa isda. Ang mga kagubatan ay maraming mga hayop na madaling
hulihin. Walang suliranin ang mga tao tungkol sa pagkain. Pag ibig nilang kumain, wala silang gagawin kundi
pumutol ng biyas na kawayan at naroroon na ang bigas na isasaing. Ang biyas ng kawayan ay siya ring
pagsasaingan. Noon, ang daigdig ay patag na patag maliban sa dalawang bundok : ang Bundok ng Amuyaw at
ang Bundok ng Kalawitan. Dumating ang panahong hindi pumatak ang ulan. Natuyo ang mga ilog. Namatay
ang mga tao. Humukay ang ilang natitirang tao ng ilog. Ang tubig ay bumalong. Natuwa ang mga tao at sila
ay nagdiwang. Subalit bumuhos ang malakas na ulan, umapaw ang mga ilog. Tumaas nang tumaas ang tubig.
Nagsipagtakbo ang mga tao sa dalawang bundok subalit inabot din sila ng baha. Nalunod na lahat ang mga
tao maliban sa magkapatid na sina Bugan at Wigan. Nang bumaba na ang baha, nagpaningas ng apoy si Bugan
sa bundok ng Kalawitan. Nakita ito ni Wigan sa kanyang kinaroroonan sa bundok ng Amuyaw. Pumunta si
Wigan kay Bugan. Nalaman nilang silang dalawa lamang magkapatid ang natirang tao sa daigdig. Nagtayo ng
bahay si Wigan na tinirahan nila ni Bugan. Pagkaraan ng ilang panahon, si Bugan ay nagdalantao. Dahil sa
malaking kahihiyan tinangka ni Bugan na magpakamatay. Pinigil siya ng isang matanda. Ito'y bathala ng mga
Ifugao, si Makanungan. Ikinasal ni Makanungan si Wigan at si Bugan. Nagkaroon sila ng siyam na anak, limang
lalaki at apat na babae. Nang dumating sila sa hustong gulang, ang apat na lalaki ay ikinasal sa apat na babae.
Ang bunsong lalaki na si Igon ang natirang walang asawa. Namuhay silang masagana. Paglipas ng ilang
panahon, nakaranas sila ng tagtuyot. Wala silang ani. Naalala ni Wigan at ni Bugan si Makanungan. Sila'y
nanawagan ditoat hinandugan nila ng alay na daga. Patuloy pa rin ang tagtuyot. Naisipan nilang si Igon ang
patayin at siyang ihandog sa Bathala. Natapos ang pagsasalat at tuyot. Subalit nagalit si Makanungan sa
ginawa nilang pagpatay at paghahandog ng buhay ni Igon. Isinumpa niya ang mga anak nina Wigan at Bugan.
Sinabi niyang maghihiwa-hiwalay ang magkakapatid - sa timog, sa hilaga, sa kanluran, sa silangan. Kapag sila'y
nagkita-kita, sila'y mag-aaway at magpapatayan. Kaya't ang mga tribong ito ng mga tao sa kabundukan,
magpahangga ngayon ay naglalaban at nagpapatayan.
INDARAPATRA AT SULAYMAN of Mindanao
A long, long time ago, Mindanao was covered with water, and the sea cover all the lowlands so that
nothing could be seen but the mountains jutting from it. There were many people living in the country and all
the highlands were dotted with villages and settlements. For many years the people prospered, living in peace
and contentment. Suddenly there appeared in the land four horrible monsters which, in short time has
devoured every human being they could find. Kurita, a terrible creature with many limbs, lived partly on the
land and partly on sea, but its favorite haunt was the mountain where the rattan palm grew; and here it
brought utter destruction on every living thing. The second monster, Tarabusaw, an ugly creature in the form
of a man, lived on Mt. Matutum, and far and wide from that place he devoured the people, laying waste the
land. The third, an enormous bird called Pah, was so large that, when on the wing, it covered the sun and
brought darkness to the earth. Its egg was as large as a house. Mt. Bita was its haunt; and there the only
people who escaped its voracity were those who hid in the mountain caves. The fourth monster was also a
dreadful bird, having seven heads and the power to see in all directions at the same time. Mt. Gurayan was its
home and like the others, it wrought havoc to its region. So great was the death and destruction caused by
these terrible creatures that at length, the news spread even to the most distant lands - and all nations grieved
to hear the sad fate of Mindanao. Now far across the sea, in the land of the golden sunset, was a city so great
that to look at its many people would injure the eyes of men. When tidings of these great disasters reached
this distant city, the heart of King Indarapatra was filled with compassion, and he called his brother, Sulayman,
and begged hem to save the land of Mindanao from the monsters. Sulayman listened to the story and as
heard it, was moved with pity. "I will go", zeal and enthusiasm adding to his strength, "and the land shall be
avenged," said he. King Indarapatra, proud of his brother's courage, gave him a ring and a sword as he wished
him success and safety. Then he placed a young sapling by his window and said to Sulayman "By this tree I
shall know your fate from the hour you depart from here, for if you live, it will live; but if you die, it will die
also." So Sulayman departed for Mindanao, and he neither waded nor used a boat, but went through the air
and landed on the mountain where the rattan grew. There he stood on the summit and gazed about on all
sides. He looked on the land and the villages, but he could see no living thing. And he was very sorrowful and
cried out: "Alas, how pitiful and dreadful is this devastation." No sooner had Sulayman uttered those words
than the whole mountain began to move and then shook. Suddenly out of the ground came the horrible
creature Kurita. It sprung at the man and sank its claws at his flesh. But, Sulayman knowing at once that this
was the scourge of the land, drew his sword and cut Kurita to pieces. Encourage by his first success, Sulayman
went on to Mt. Matutum, where conditions were even worse. As he stood on the heights viewing the great
devastation, there was a noise in the forest and a movement in the trees. With a loud yell, Tarabusaw forth
leaped. For the moment they looked at each other, neither showing any sign of fear. Then Tarabusaw used all
his powers to try to devour Sulayman, who fought back. For a long time, the battle continued, until at last, the
monster fell exhausted to the ground and Sulayman killed him with his sword. The nest place visited by
Sulayman was Mt. Bita. Here havoc was present everywhere, and though he passed by many homes, he saw
that not a single soul was left. As he walked, sudden darkness fell over the land, startling him. As he looked
toward the sky he beheaded a great bird that swooped upon him. Immediately he struck, and the bird fell
dead at his feet; but the wing fell on Sulayman and he was crushed. Now at this very time King Indarapatra
was sitting at his window, and looking out he saw the little tree wither and dry up. "Alas!" he cried, "my
brother is dead" and he wept bitterly. Then although he was very sad, he was filled with a desire for revenge.
Putting on his sword and belt, he started for Mindanao, in search for his brother. He, too, traveled through the
air with great speed until he came to the mountain where the rattan grew. There he looked about, awed at
the great destruction, and when she saw the bones of Kurita he knew that his brother had been there. He
went on till he came to Matutum, and when he saw the bones of Tarabusaw, he knew that this, too, was the
work of Sulayman. Still searching for his brother, he arrived at Mt. Bita, where the dead bird lay on the ground,
and when he lifted the severed wing he beheld the bones of Sulayman with his sword by his side. His grief now
so overwhelmed Indarapatra that he wept for some time. Upon looking up, he beheld a small jar of water by
his side. This, he knew had been sent from the heaven, and he poured the water over the bones, and
Sulayman, came to life again. They greeted each other and talked animatedly for great length of time.
Sulayman declared that he had not been dead but asleep, and their hearts were full of joy. After some time
Sulayman returned his distant home, but Indarapatra continued his journey to Mt. Gurayan where killed the
dreadful bird with the seven heads. After these monsters had all been killed, peace and safety had been
restored to the land: Indarapatra began searching everywhere to see if some of the people who hid in the
earth were still alive. One day, in the course of his search, he caught sight of a beautiful woman at a distance.
When he hastened toward her she disappeared through a hole in the ground where she stood. Disappointed
and tried, he sat down on a rock to rest when, looking about, he saw near him a pot uncooked rice with a big
fire on the ground in front of it. This revived him and he proceeded to cook the rice. As he did so, however, he
heard someone laugh near by, and turning he beheld an old woman watching him. As he greeted her, she
drew near and talked to him while he ate the rice. Of all the people in the land, the woman told him, only few
were left, and they hid in a cave in the ground from whence they never ventured to come out. As for herself
and her old husband, she went on, they had hidden in a hollow tree, and this they had never dared to leave
until Sulayman killed the voracious bird Pah.
At Indarapatra's request, the old woman led him to one such cave. There he met the headmen with his family
and some people. They all gathered about the stranger, asking many questions, for this was the first time they
had heard about the death of the monsters. When they found out what Indarapatra had done for them, the
headman gave his daughter to him in marriage, and she proved to be beautiful girl whom Indarapatra had
seen at the mouth of the cave. Then the people all came out of their hiding places and returned to their
homes where they lived in peace and happiness. And the sea withdrew from the land and gave the lowlands
to the people.
FLORANTE AT LAURA written by Francisco Baltazar
The story begins with a description of a dark, dangerous, deserted forest in the kingdom of Albania,
that is inhabited by serpents, basilisks, hyenas, and tigers. Deep in the heart of the depressing jungle where
the tangled growth of vines and thickets intertwined, and the great canopy of heavy foliaged trees formed a
roof over the dismal jungle clearing, the moans and anguished cries of a forsaken man filled the savage
stillness of the air. The man is tied to a tree and is barely alive. He is Florante, the son of Duke Briseo and
Princess Floresca. He has blonde hair, fair smooth skin, and a face and body that is comparable to that of
Narcissus and Adonis. Florante, while tied to a tree, questions the heavens for the suffering of the people of
Albania. Here he describes the treachery and suffering that are happening inside and outside of the kingdom
of Albania. Gone are the days of peace and and justice. Innocent people have become victims of those who
are hungry for power and money. Those who fought to save the kingdom have suffered grievously. He
mentions that Count Adolfo was said to be behind the treachery with his plot to steal the crown from King
Linceo and the wealth of Duke Briseo. Florante begs heaven to save the kingdom of Albania. The man tells the
heavens that he can take whatever trial or challenge that may come his way as long as Laura will always
remember him. Aside from all that is happening to Albania, he takes refuge in the memories of the times he
shared with Laura. He mentions that he would be pleased to see Laura crying over his dead body if Laura
would betray him. With this, he imagines Laura in the arms of Count Adolfo. This thought brings him to tears
and devastation which made him tired and cause him to pass out. The man cries for Laura to save him, but she
does not come. With this, the man thinks that Count Adolfo has finally stolen Laura from him. He mentions
that he will thank Count Adolfo for all the hardship as long as he doesn't take Laura from him. With too much
to bear, the man cries in despair and faintes. In another part of the forest comes Aladin, a Muslim soldier. He
sits on a stump and professes his love for a woman named Flerida. He talks about his overwhelming love for
Flerida and vows to kill for the sake of love. He says that no one can stand in his way nor is there anyone who
can take his love from him, not even his father. He also says that love can make a person blind to the truth
and make him forget about reason and honor. After professing his love for Flerida, the Muslim soldier hears a
voice in the forest. This voice talks about the brutal death of his loving father. The man talks about how his
father was beheaded and had his body thrown somewhere else. No one attempted to bury his father's
remains for fear of Count Adolfo's wrath. Even without seeing his father, the man knew that the old man was
thinking of him until the end of his life. While tied to a tree, Florante was approached by two lingering lions.
But the lions did not seem to attack, thinking that the man might already be dead. Realizing the approach of
death, the man says his farewell to Albania, the land he wished to serve since he was a child, and to Laura,
whom he will forever love. Upon hearing the man's cries, Aladin set off to find the man. His timing was
impeccable because the lions were about to attack Florante. With a swift motion of his weapon, the Muslim
soldier killed the two lions. With his courage and precision in combat, he was compared to Ares, the god of
war. After rescuing Florante, Aladin frees him and lays him down. Florante wakes up delirious looking for
Laura. The Muslim soldier does not respond and Florante goes back to sleep. When he finally wakes up,
Florante is surprised to see an enemy taking care of him. Aladin told him that he wishes the man no harm and
that the command of heaven to help is what's important. The man said that he did not want the soldier's pity,
what he needs is death. Aladin yelled at him for speaking such nonsense. Due to all that they have been
through recently, Aladin and Florante decide to become silent. When nightfall comes, Aladin carried Florante
and rests on a flat rock. The Muslim soldier feeds Florante and has him sleep on his lap. He watches over
Florante because he is still delirious and he is devastated every time the latter wakes up. In the morning,
Florante thanks Aladin for what he has done for him. The soldier asked Florante why he was so devastated,
and the latter willingly narrated his story. The man tells the Muslim soldier that his name is Florante. Florante
tells him that he came from Albania and that he is the son of Duke Briseus, second in command of the
kingdom, and Princess Floresca of Croton. He proudly talks about his father saying what a brave and kind man
he was. He also emphasizes that there is no one who can outdo his father in loving a child and in teaching him
good manners. Florante also spoke of two accounts when he almost died as a child. One was when he was
almost caught by a vulture but was rescued by his cousin Menalipo. The other was when someone attempted
to take the diamond that was on his chest. Florante spoke about his happy childhood. When he was a child,
he loved playing outdoors and hunting. He realized that a child must not be raised with too much freedom and
security because life is tougher when one grows older. He also says that a child will have difficulty in facing
challenges if he is too pampered and safe as a child. Duke Briseus taught him how to stand alone by sending
him to Athens to study under Antenor.Florante studies in Athens under Antenor. He becomes homesick and
longs to be with his parents again but he is comforted by Antenor. Adolfo, a boy from Albania and the son of
Duke Sileno, becomes his classmate. Adolfo is two years older than him and is admired by everyone in school
for his wisdom and kindness. Due to his intelligence, Florante was able to learn the lessons about philosophy,
astrology and mathematics in no time at all which astonished his teachers. He even surpassed Adolfo in all
aspect and became known all across Athens. Everyone distrusted the kindness that Adolfo is showing. In a
sporting competition, Adolfo's true color began to show which aroused the people's suspicions. During a play
performed by the students, Adolfo attempted to kill Florante but did not succeed due to his classmate
Menandro's interference. After two months, Florante received a letter from his father bringing bad news and
summoning him to come home. It was difficult for Florante to say his goodbyes to his classmates and his
mentor, Antenor. Before leaving, Antenor advised Florante not to be too trusting because there are enemies
all around us. Florante went home with his friend, Menandro. Upon arriving at Albania, Florante cried when
he saw his father. After he calmed down, Duke Briseus told Florante about the death of Princess Floresca. The
emissary of Croton came to Albania with a letter asking for help in saving Croton from the Persian invaders
headed by General Osmalic. Florante pauses to praise Aladin, saying that the general is only second to Aladin
in combat skill. With this, Aladin smiles and says that rumors are not necessarily true. Returning to his story,
Florante said that he and his father went to King Linceus to discuss how they could help Croton. King Linceus
appointed Florante to lead the army that will help save Croton. During their visit to King Linceus, Florante saw
Laura, the daughter of the king. He was mermerized by Laura's beauty. He becamespeechless and stuttered a
lot in the presence of Laura. After talking about Laura, Florante's mind drifts toward horrible thoughts about
Laura's unfaithfulness. Before setting off to war, King Linceus threw a feast for Florante. The celebration
lasted for three days and within this period, he did not get to see Laura. The day before he set of to war,
Florante saw Laura and he professed his love. Laura did not give him a straight answer, instead she cried and
Florante took this as a sign of Laura's reciprocation of his feelings. General Osmalic and Florante finally meet
and they battled for five hours until Florante was able to defeat the general. Florante was able to save Croton
from the hands of the enemy with the help of Menandro and his troupes. The people rejoiced their victory
especially when they learned that Florante is the king's grandson. But Florante and the king did not rejoice
with them for they remembered Princess Floresca and mourned for her death. Five months had passed when
Florante decided to return to Albania to be with Laura again. On his journey back, Florante became weary
when he saw the Muslim flag swaying in Albania. Florante hid on the outskirts at the foot of the mountain to
observe what is happening. He saw a woman tied and blindfolded who is about to be beheaded. He
remembered Laura and hastily went to rescue the woman. He fought the Muslims and rescued the woman
who happened to be Laura herself. Laura told Florante about that Albania had been conquered. They went
back and redeemed the country from the invaders. Florante freed the captives including King Linceus, Duke
Briseus, and Count Adolfo. The king honored Florante for his braveryand Florante won Laura's affection. With
the victory of Florante, Adolfo's hatred and envy deepened and he planned to take revenge against Florante. A
few months have passed since Albania was last invaded when the Persian army, headed by Miramolin
disturbed its peace. But the Turkish invaders did not succeed because Florante had defeated him. After this,
Florante successfully won many battles which earned him the respect of thirteen kings. One day, while
Florante was in the middle of a war, he received a letter ordering him to return immediately to Albania. He
left the war under the command of Menandro and set off to return to Albania. Upon arriving, he was
surprised to be welcomed by 30,000 soldiers who abducted him. Here he learned that Adolfo had ordered for
his father, Duke Briseus, and King Linceus to be beheaded. He also learned that Laura was engaged to Count
Adolfo. Florante was imprisoned for 18 days then was transferred to the forest where he was tied to an
Acacia tree. He had been in the forest for two days when the Muslim soldier found and rescued him. After
Florante narrated his story, the Muslim soldier introduces himself as Aladdin, son of Sultan Ali-Adab of Persia.
Aladdin tells Florante that he will tell his own story in due time because he needs some time to collect himself.
After wandering around the forest for five months, Aladin begins to narrate his story. He says that his father is
the root of all his suffering. His father became his rival for his love, Flerida. In order to succeed, Sultan Ali-
Adab plotted a scheme to behead Aladin by framing him as the cause of the downfall of the Persian invaders
that resulted to Florante's victory in Albania. On the night before Aladin's execution, Sultan Ali-Adab forgave
Aladin on the condition that he would flee Persia and never return. Aladin agreed but could not accept the
idea of Flerida in the arms of another man. Since then, Aladin has been a wanderer of the forest for six years.
He suddenly stops his story when they heard voices in the forest. The two men heard voices. One of the
women narrated the story she heard about the danger that her lover was in. She begged the Sultan not to
push through with his beheading in exchange for her agreement to marry him. The Sultan agreed and her
lover was set free, leaving without saying goodbye. One night, while everyone was busy with the wedding
preparations, the woman who happens to be Flerida, disguised herself as a soldier and escaped. She
wandered the forest hoping to find her love. Here in the forest is where the two women met when Flerida
saved Laura who was about to be assaulted by a man. They stop talking when they hear footsteps
approaching and were surprised to see Florante and Aladdin. Laura narrates her story. It began when Florante
left to battle the Persian invaders. Adolfo ordered that the king and his loyal servants be beheaded. Adolfo
took over the throne and forced Laura to marry him. It took five months for him to court Laura but she did not
waver in her decision not to marry him. After Florante was sent to die in the forest, Menandro and his men
returned to Albania and overthrew Adolfo from the throne. Adolfo would not accept defeat; instead he took
Laura and his men to the forest. Here Adolfo saw no escape and decided to rape Laura right there. Upon
hearing a woman's cry for help, Flerida came to the rescue and killed Adolfo with an arrow. Their
conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Menandro and his troupe. Upon seeing Florante, he rejoices to
see his friend. The two couples return to Albania where they are warmly welcomed. Flerida and Aladdin agree
to be baptized as Christians. Both couples are wed and Florante and Laura rule over Albania with justice,
peace, and harmony. When Sultan Ali-Adab dies, Aladdin and Flerida return to Persia and they rule over the
people happily.
IBONG ADARNA written by Jose Dela Cruz aka Huseng Sisiw
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom named, Berbania. It was ruled by King Fernando and Queen
Valeriana who had three sons – Don Pedro (first born), Don Diego (second) and Don Juan (the youngest). One
night, King Fernando had a bad dream. He saw that his youngest Prince and his favorite, Don Juan was thrown
away in a creepy deep well. The King started to get weak for some unknown reasons. It seemed that nothing
could bring back his healthy condition. His medical advisors told him that the only cure to his unexplained
sickness is a lullaby sung by the Adarna bird. So King Fernando tasked his three sons to hunt the magical bird.
Don Pedro went first but he wasn’t successful. He may have reached Mount Tabor and the tree of Piedras
Platas where the Adarna bird nested but the prince fell asleep after hearing the bird’s song. Worse he turned
into a stone when the lovely bird pooped on him. The second prince, Don Diego went to hunt next.
Unfortunately, he had the same bitter chance like his older brother. The kingdom was counting on Don Juan,
so he went next. The youngest prince has climbed through Mount Tabor. He met a very old sick man who gave
him tips about the magical tree of Piedras Platas and catching the Adarna bird. Don Juan successfully caught
the bird and helped his two brothers to be human again. Because of envy and greed of power, the two joined
forces to beat Don Juan to death and throw him in a deep well. The two then returned home with the Adarna.
However, the king’s illness went worse because the bird never sang a single song. Luckily, Don Juan’s strength
returned. He has been healed by the poor old man he helped in the mountain. He came back to the Kingdom
of Berbania. King Fernando has known the truth when the bird started singing after seeing Don Juan. The King
went well and stronger than ever. He wanted to punish his two sons but Don Juan asked his father to just
forgive them. The King granted his request and asked the three princes to guard the Adarna bird. Because of
Don Pedro, the bird flew away and escaped. Don Juan went away from the kingdom so the king won’t punish
his brother. King Fernando asked the two princes to look for Don Juan. They found him in the kingdom of
Armenia. They decided to live there. One day they found an interesting well. Only Don Juan went down inside
successfully. He found two lovely princesses, Donya Juana and Donya Leonora captive by a giant serpent.
Because of his skills in fighting, the mighty prince has killed the serpent and saved the two princesses. Don
Pedro envied the young prince. He cut the rope when the prince went down inside the well to get the ring
Donya Leonora has forgotten. Anyway, it was easy for Don Diego to make Donya Juana to fall in love with him.
So when they came back to Berbania, they married. On the other hand, Don Pedro did everything to pursue
Donya Leonora but he failed. An enchanted fox helped Don Juan and he was quickly healed. The Adarna bird
appeared suddenly and told him about the princess of Reyno delos Cristales, his love destiny. He immediately
searched for the princess and found out about the cruel King Salermo. In spite of the obstacles the cruel king
has given him, he faced them all and succeeded with the help of Maria Blanca, daughter of King Salermo.
Because of the selfish king, the two tried to escape. Maria Blanca was cursed to be crawling like a snail and be
forgotten by the prince Don Juan. Don Juan has returned to Berbania where he was welcomed by his mother,
Queen Valeriana and Princess Leonora. He has forgotten about Maria Blanca because of Princess Leonora. Don
Juan and Princess Leonora were scheduled to wed. At the day of the wedding, Maria Blanca visited wearing
the emperatris. She tried to bring back all the memories and remind Don Juan about their love. Finally, Don
Juan and Princess Maria Blanca got married while Princess Leonora married Don Pedro. In the end, Don Pedro
became the new king of Berbania while Don Juan became the king of Reyno delos Cristales.
DATU SAMAKWEL FROM MARAGTAS of Panay
Datu Sumakwel was one of the seven chiefs who, coming from Borneo many years before the
Spaniards conquered these islands, settled the Island of Panay. He lived in Sinaragan, a town near San Joaquin,
in the southern part of Iloilo Province. His wife's name was Capinangan. Sumakwel went every morning to the
seashore to watch his slaves fish with the sinchoro, or net. One day they caught many fishes, and Sumakwel
commanded them: "Spread the fish to dry, and take care that the crows do not eat them up." A slave
answered: "Sir, if your treasure inside the house is stolen by the crows, how do you expect those out of doors
to be kept safe?" This was said with a certain intonation that made Sumakwel conjecture that there was a
hidden meaning in it. "What do you mean by that?" he asked. "Sir, I have to inform you of something that I
should have told you long ago. Do not reprove me if I have been backward in telling you of the injury done you
by your wife. It was due to my desire to get complete proofs of the truth of my statement." "End at once your
tedious narrative!" said the datu, "What did my wife do?" "Sir," answered the slave, "she deceives you
shamefully. She loves Gorong-Gorong, who is at this very moment in your house jesting at your absence."
"Alas!" said Sumakwel, "if this be true he shall pay well for his boldness." The chief hurried home, intending to
surprise the offenders. He carried a fish called ampahan in a bamboo tube full of water, going around by a
secret way, so as not to be seen. On reaching home he went up into the attic to observe what was going on,
and found that his informant had told the truth. Gorong-Gorong and Capinangan were engaged in an
affectionate dialogue. Involuntarily Sumakwel spilled some of the water down, and, fearing that he would be
discovered, seized a spear that was hidden in the attic and, dropping it down, dexterously ran Gorong-Gorong
through the body, killing him instantly. "Oh, Diva!" exclaimed Capinangan, kneeling beside the inert corpse,
"How shall I be able to take it away without being discovered by Sumakwel?" Sumakwel, who had not been
seen at all, stayed quietly above, watching what Capinangan would do. Capinangan did not suspect that her
husband was there, as he usually did not come home before nightfall. She tried to take the corpse out for
burial, but could not carry the heavy body of her unfortunate lover. She must conceal it in some way, and it
was dangerous for her to call for aid, lest she might be betrayed to her husband. So she took a knife and cut
the body into pieces so that she could take them out and bury them under the house. After this task was done
she managed to wash the blood up. She became tranquil for a moment, believing she would never be
discovered. Sumakwel, however, had observed all, and he formed a plan for punishing his wife as she
deserved. When everything seemed to be calm he crept down, doing his best not to be seen. At the door he
called his wife by name. Capinangan was afraid, but concealed her fear with a smile. "Capinangan," said her
husband, "cut this fish in pieces and cook it for me." Capinangan was astonished at this command, because
she had never before been treated in this way. They had many slaves to perform such tasks. "You know I
cannot," she said. "Why not?" asked her husband. "Because I have never learned how to cut a fish in pieces
nor to cook it," she replied. "I am astonished that you don't know how to cut, after seeing that cutting is your
favorite occupation," said Sumakwel. Capinangan then did not doubt that her husband knew what she had
done, so she did as he had bidden. When dinner was ready the husband and wife ate it, but without speaking
to each other. After the meal, Sumakwel told his wife that he had seen all and should punish her severely.
Capinangan said nothing. A guilty person has no argument with which to defend himself. Sumakwel ordered
his servants to throw Capinangan into the sea. At that time the chief's will was law. Neither pleadings nor
tears softened his hard heart, and Capinangan was carried down to the sea and thrown in. Time passed by;
Sumakwel each day grew sadder and gloomier. He would have been willing now to forgive his wife, but it was
too late. He said to his slaves: "Prepare a banca for me, that I may sail from place to place to amuse myself."
So one pleasant morning a banca sailed from Sinaragan, going southward. Sumakwel did not intend to go to
any definite place, but drifted at the mercy of wind and current. He amused himself by singing during the
voyage. One day the crew descried land at a distance. "Sir," they said, "that land is Cagayan. Let us go there to
get oysters and crane's eggs." To this their master agreed, and upon anchoring off the coast he prepared to
visit the place. Oh, what astonishment he felt, as he saw, peeping out of the window of a house, a woman
whose appearance resembled in great measure that of Capinangan! He would have run to embrace her, had
he not remembered that Capinangan was dead. He was informed that the woman was named Aloyan. He
began to pay court to her, and in a few weeks she became his wife. Sumakwel was happy, for his wife was very
affectionate. Aloyan, on her part, did not doubt that her husband loved her sincerely, so she said to him: "My
dear Sumakwel, I will no longer deceive you. I am the very woman whom you caused to be thrown into the
sea. I am Capinangan. I clung to a log in the water and was carried to this place, where I have lived ever since.”
"Oh," said Sumakwel, "pardon me for the harshness with which I meant to punish you." "Let us forget what is
passed," said Capinangan. "I deserved it, after all." So they returned to Sinaragan, where they lived together
happily for many years.