BUGTONG (RIDDLES)

1. Nagtago si Pedro, labas ang ulo. (Pedro hides but you can still see his head.)

ANSWER: Pako (Nails)

ANALYSIS
Nails have a top meaning it is its head. It has a body like a stick. Therefore, the riddle is
pointing out a nail.

2. Hindi pari, hindi hari, nagdadamit ng sari-sari. (Not a priest, not a king but wears
different kinds of clothes.)
ANSWER: Sampayan (Clothesline)
ANALYSIS
A clothesline is where we hang our clothes after washing it. Looking at it now, a
clothesline is like a fashion icon, it wears different clothes at the same time. However, it
will never be possible for humans to do the same.).

3. Ang alaga kong hugis bilog, barya-barya ang laman-loob. (I have a pet, his body is full
of coins.)
ANSWER: Alkansiya (Money box)
ANALYSIS
A money box is really like a pet to an owner. It is big and it’s up to whether we drop a
coin or bill to it every day or not. Also, it’s up to us whether we will put coins or bills in
it.

4. Dalawang pipit nag titimbangan sa isang siit. (Two birds, trying to balance in one twig.)
ANSWER: Hikaw (Earrings)
ANALYSIS
Most women wear earrings to add beauty to their selves. It has become a trend now to
wear two different earrings on each ear but two matching earrings are still one of the best
accessories. Some earrings are simple and some are extra depending on one’s preference.

5. Bibingka ng hari, hindi mo mahati. (Rice cake of the king that you cannot divide.)

ANSWER: Tubig (Water)

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 ANALYSIS

Water is one the elements of the Earth. It is a universal fact that we can never divide
water. Water can be divided but through the use of different things.

6. Heto na si Kaka, bubuka-bukaka. (Here comes Kaka, walking with an open leg.)
ANSWER: Gunting (Scissors)
ANALYSIS
Scissors are most commonly used by students or anyone living on Earth. Scissors have
this leg-like feature on them with a blade that cuts anything placed on middle of it.
Scissors can be dangerous sometimes if not used properly because it cuts through.

7. Sa araw ay bungbong, sa gabi ay dahon. (Roll in the morning, leaf in the afternoon.)
ANSWER: Banig (Mat)
ANALYSIS
A mat can have a lot of uses to most Filipinos. It can be for sitting and made especially
for sleeping. It is very comfortable. However, it can be uncomfortable for some as it has
a rough feature on it.

8. Ate mo, Ate ng lahat ng tao. (My sister, your sister, everyone’s sister.)
ANSWER: Atis (Sugar Apple)
ANALYSIS
Ate rhymes with Ati. S symbolizes a word’s plurality. Combined together, “Atis”.

9. Baka ko sa Maynila, hanngang ditto, dinig ang unga. (My cow in Manila, you can hear
his moo.)
ANSWER: Kulog (Thunder)
ANALYSIS
The sound of Thunder can be heard through a big coverage. Also, thunders are especially
loud at times. Thunders are quite dangerous especially with electricity as it also
generates lightning.

10. Nag tapis nang nag tapis nakalitaw ang bulbolis. (She wears a skirt, but you can still see
what’s inside.
ANSWER: Mais (Corn)

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 ANALYSIS
Corns have a protective covering in order for them to grow and develop well. This
covering protects them. This covering also makes them unique as we can still what’s
inside even if it has its cover.

OVER-ALL ANALYSIS
Riddles have a big part in our culture. We Filipinos especially enjoy doing this during
gatherings. Riddles are also fun to be played as it is educational and mind-boggling.
Through the years, there have been more and more riddles made and more will be made
in the coming years.