Philippine

Riddles
2 1 S T C E N T U R Y L I T E R AT U R E
What are riddles?
“Bugtong” is the local version of riddle in
the Philippines. Inventing and answering
riddles are among top hobbies for early
Filipinos with much spare time at their
disposal, marking their liking towards
activities that hone the mind. Its popularity
maybe greatly attributed to its mirroring of
the Filipino culture.
The riddles of this island are known to have
two unique indications; its being short but
extraordinarily full of images is another one.
One may always notice that riddles made by
Filipinos are always based on materials or
equipments that are habitually seen or used.
One more thing noticeable about Filipino
riddles is a touch of poetic verses found in it,
combining two forms in one, indicating that
Filipinos are already masters of literature
even in the olden times. And as Filipinos
continuously produce quality riddles worthy
of mention, the quality of literature is also
altered proportionally for the better.
 Narito na si Katoto,
may dala-dalang kubo
Pagong
 Kung kailan mo
pinatay, saka pa
humaba ang buhay.
Kandila
Baboy ko sa pulo, ang
balahibo’y pako.
langka
 Nang sumipot sa
maliwanag, kulubot na
ang balat.
ampalaya
 Isang butil ng palay,
sakot ang buong buhay.
ilaw
Ako ay may kaibigan,
kasama ko kahit saan.
anino
Hindi hayop, hindi tao,
pumupulupot sa tiyan
mo.
sinturon
 Dumaan ang hari,
nagkagatan ang mga
pari.
zipper
Heto na si Kaka,
bubuka-bukaka.
gunting
 Hindi hari, hindi pari,
nagdadamit ng sari-sari.
sampayan
nagtago si Pedro, labas
ang ulo
pako
Balong malalim, puno
ng patalim
bibig
Araw-araw namamatay,
taun-taon nabubuhay
kalendaryo
Abot na abot ng tingin,
hindi mo naman
marating.
langit
 Dalawang katawan,
tagusan ang tadyang.
hagdan
 Dalawang batong
maitim, malayo ang
nararating.
mata
Itinapon mo na,
bumabalik pa.
yoyo
 Maliit pa si kumare,
marunong ng humuni.
kuliglig
Magandang prinsesa,
nakaupo sa tasa.
kasoy
Kay lapit-lapit na sa
mata, di mo pa rin
makita.
tenga
Hindi tao, hindi hayop,
kung uminom ay salup-
salop.
batya
Hinila ko ang baging,
sumigaw ang matsing.
kampana