Katleen P.

Gorobao BSOA 2-A

IBALON (Three Heroes of the Bicol Epic)
When the hero Baltog came to the rich land of Ibalon, many monsters still roamed around in its very
dark forest. Baltog, born in Baltavara to the brave clan of Lipod, was the first to cultivate the fields in the
rich land of Ibalon. Then the Tandayag attacked and destroyed Bal tog’s fields and crops. The Tandayag
was a monstrous wild boar but the hero Baltog was not afraid. One night, he waited for the Tandayag
and wrestled with it with all his might. The Tandayag had very long fangs. The earth shook at the
Tandayag's step. But Baltog was strong and brave. He was able to pin down the monstrous wild boar and
tear out its mouth. Baltog carried the Tandayag and hung it on a talisay tree in front of his house in
Tondol. The people celebrated when they learned of the victory of their king Baltog The clans of
Panicuason and Asog came over to harvel at the monstrous wild boar in Ibalon. At that time the hero
Landing came with a band of warriors to the land of Ibalon. Handiong and his men had to fight
thousands of battles, and face many dangers to defeat the monsters. They first fought the one-eyed
giants in the land of Ponon.

They fought without rest for ten months until all the one- eyed giants were killed. They went to the lair
of the giant flying fishes called Tiburon which had slimy, scaly, and hardy flesh and saw like teeth that
could crush rocks. Handiong and his men did not stop until they vanquished every Tiburon. They tamed
the fierce tamaraws. They drove away the giant Sarimaw which was larger than an elephant and very
fierce. They used their spears and arrows to kill all the crocodiles which were bigger than boats. The
savage monkeys were frightened and hid when they saw the rivers and swamps of Ibalon turn red with
blood. Oriol was the hardest to kill. A serpent with a beautiful voice, Oriol could change its image to
deceive enemies. Oriol had escaped every trap and disappeared.

All by himself, Handiong looked for Oriol in the heart of the forest. He followed the beautiful voice and
was almost enchanted by it in his pursuit. It is said that Oriol admired Handiong's bravery and gallantry.
Thus, the serpent taught the hero how to conquer the monsters until peace came to the whole Ibalon.
Handiong built a town in Isarog and a season of progress followed. Under Handiong's leadership, the
people planted rice which they named after him. He built the first boat to ride the waves of Ibalon seas.
Because of his good example, inventors came forth from his people. Ginantong made the plow, harrow,
and other farming tools. Hablom invented the first loom for weaving abaca clothes. Dinahon, an Aeta,
created the stove, cooking pot, earthen jar, and other kitchen utensils. The brilliant Sural thought of the
alphabet and started to write on white rock. It was a golden period in Ibalon when even slaves were
respected under the laws of Handiong. But there came the big flood freed by Unos, earthquakes and the
eruption of the volcanoes of Hantik, Kolasi, and Isarog. Rivers dried up and the seas receded. The earth
parted, mountains sank, and many towns in Ibalon were destroyed. Then appeared the giant Rabot, half-
man half-beast, with terrible powers.

Bantong, Handiong's good friend, was ordered to kill the new monster in Ibalon. He took with him a
thousand warriors to attack Rabot's den. Bantong used his wisdom against Rabot. He did not attack the
giant's den right away but instead observed Rabot's ways. He saw many rocks around the den. They were
people turned into rock by Rabot. He also learned that Rabot loved to sleep. When Rabot slept very
soundly, Bantong was able to go near him. The giant died with a single stab by the brave and wise
Bantong. Ibalon was at peace once more.