B A T A N G A S
Legend of Juanang Ilaya
Originally written by Amparo Reyes
Near the baliti tree was a stream of pure, cool and clear water, which was visited by men and boys from the village nearby to get drinking water and which Juana often haunted to quench her thirst and to find consolation for her broken heart.
One day at twilight, presumably many years after Juan had run away, a handsome young farmer tired from the day’s kaingin wandered towards this same stream to rest and probably get a drink of water. When he turned, he beheld a beautiful young woman dressed in a red skirt and camisa. She was tall and lovely in countenance.
The young farmer was so bewitched by her beauty that he instantly proposed to her. Juana took the farmer to her baliti tree but when he chanced to look at her feet, to his utter surprise he saw that these were those of a horse. He instantly remembered the rumors of the Juanang Ilaya and tried to escape, except that she was faster than him.
“I love you. Do not run away. Stay with me and do not fear,” Juana begged the man. Partly because of fear and partly because he continued to be captivated by Juana’s beauty, the farmer stayed with her for a few days. Thoughts of his parents, however, made him lonely and sickly so that he felt he had to ask Juana to let him go with the promise that he would be back.
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Reluctantly, Juana did, telling him, “Although I know you will not fulfill your promise, yet I am willing to fulfill your request. Take these seeds, plant them and you will find them useful.” After handing him the seeds, he disappeared before his eyes.
Spooked, the farmer bolted to run away from the place. When he reached the stream, he found an old, ugly, dark, wrinkled woman who bade him to stop for a while. The woman said, “I thank God I have fulfilled the yearnings and desires of my broken heart. You saved me from my endless suffering caused by a young man like you.” Then she proceeded to tell him that she had transformed herself into a beauteous young woman to entice him.
Next, she handed him a cane and told him, “Bring it with you wherever you go and it will be of great use to you. It will save you from dangers which sooner or later will come to you. Depart from me now.” She instantly disappeared from his sight.
Thereafter, the farmer became renowned for courage and bravery for no bullet could pierce his skin and no sword could penetrate through his body. The seeds given by Juana which he planted would grow into bamboo trees. From these, he would built a house where he would live till he died.
After the trees were cut down, people could hear a sweet wailing song sung by a lovely maiden near the place where the bamboo trees were cut down. But every time people tried to approach the place, the woman suddenly disappeared and the song gradually died away in the air.
She had suitors from all around the province but spurned them all because her heart was captivated by a youth named Mario, renowned for his bravery and courage. Unfortunately for Juana, Mario had one crucial failing. He used to fall in love seven times a day and that he loved many and fooled many.
Yet Juana had complete faith in him and would not entertain other young men in her own home for fear that this would make him jealous. One day in the month of May, Mario went to see Juana to bid her goodbye. He was leaving for Manila to further his career. She did not know it yet at the time; but it would be the last time that she would set eyes on him.
Years passed without a word from Mario until one day, the postman arrived with a letter from him to let her know that she had married a girl in Manila. Juana went into a state of delirium and ran away following the course of a winding valley near her home.
She walked and walked until she reached a large tree called “baliti” where she rested and tried to console her heart. She would make this baliti tree her home and, for reasons, become a witch. Her parents would look everywhere but could not find a trace of her.
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THE STORY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSFER OF LIPA TO ITS PRESENT PLACE
In the Province of Batangas, there is a body of fresh, clear water called Lake Taal. To the north of the lake is a volcano also called Taal. Several times, this volcano erupted, bringing a great deal of destruction and enormous disturbances to the people inhabiting the surrounding regions.
A little distance southward from the volcano is a towering peak called Uspayog, so named because of its peculiar shape, its top wider than its lower part which touched the surface of the water. But an important feature of the lake, one that is indispensable to this narrative, is the small island which two hundred years ago was floating in the middle of the lake. This island was called Pulo. It was covered by tropical vegetation. Hunters often sailed to the island in pursuit of fowls, deer, sheep and other wild animals.
Somewhere to the eastern side of the lake was the nook on which was once located “Old Lipa.” According to our ancestors, it was bigger in comparison with any other town of Batangas Province. It had concrete, wooden and cogon houses with a magnificent church that had a high tower.
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Three types of people inhabited the town. The bulk were Lipeños, peaceful and hospitable descendants of the Tagalogs who called themselves Batangueños. These people lived happily and contentedly and enjoyed plentiful harvests every year.
Then, there were the Spaniards – the priests, friars and rich landowners. It was they who introduced gambling, dishonesty, fanaticism and despotism to the town. Their vices and immoralities were inherited by the Lipeños.
There were also Chinese traders, carpenters and masons.
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Old Lipa was bounded to the north, south and east by a vast wilderness, abaca plantations and forests; and to the west by the fresh, clear and cool waters of the lake. Such was Old Lipa with its romantic youth and maidens; but a great catastrophe would befall the unfortunate inhabitants of the town that forever made it perish from the sight of all, lead to the confusion of its peaceful people and bring into existence the new Lipa in the map of the province.
Although the island of Pulo was uninhabited, according to some, on it once lived a mysterious beautiful maiden. During moonlit nights, this maiden would be seen on a banca sailing around the lake with a small alpha [probably a stringed instrument similar to the harp].
One night, a wedding feast was being held in one of the houses of the town. During the course of the merrymaking and games, the maiden appeared with her alpha. At first, the people were amazed at her presence; but due to her kind and gentle manner, they started to appreciate her and make friends with her. She played her alpha which greatly pleased the people because of its golden strings and the sweetest music from it that they had not heard before.
When midnight came, she prepared to leave but the people begged her to stay longer. She refused, but because of the people’s insistence, she said to them, “I shall have to go away now, but in order that you may be sure that I am coming back, I shall leave my alpha which pleases you so much.” After saying this, she went away.
When morning came, the bride and groom for whom the feast was held went to church to solemnize their marriage. Few people were left in their houses because many went to the church to witness the wedding ceremony.
The next night, she (the mysterious maiden) came back for her alpha, but it could not be found in the house. It was lost. The maiden shouted angrily, “I must have my alpha, and if I cannot get hold of it after several days, a serious calamity will fall over the whole town.”
The people mocked her and laughed at her, thinking that being a woman, she could do nothing. On the seventh night, she came back for her alpha. It had not yet been found. She disappeared suddenly and went back to her floating island. Together with its forest, shrubs, vines and wild creatures that roamed within its limits, the island by some mysterious phenomenon within the earth’s crust sunk.
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The island’s sinking caused the water to rise over the shore. The town, which was at the shore, was then covered with water till the whole spot was beneath the surface of the angry waves. The tower alone of the church could be seen, with its roof level with the water. Thus, the whole town of Lipa met its end.
From this time, it was believed that the sinking of the town was caused by the anger of the mysterious beautiful woman whose alpha with golden strings was forever lost.
In the meantime, while the horrible waves kept rising over the town, its people, in confusion, in fear, in dread rushed to their boats bringing with them only the most precious things they could carry. The migrated in great multitudes through the wilderness, looking for the best spot on which to build their new homes.
In the course of their journey, they found a plateau which, because of its height could not be reached by the waters of the lake. They used the place to build new huts which would later be enlarged into modern and concrete homes. These homes formed the origin of the present new town of Lipa.
In time, the waters of the lake stopped rising, and at present can still be seen beneath the water the old town with broken walls, furniture, dishes, pots and the old church and tower. In visiting this spot, we come to feel and think with sorrow and love for this was the part of the earth where our grandmothers and grandfathers saw the first light of day and where many of them lived, died and were buried.
The Origin of Taal Volcano
Many years ago there lived on the mountain of Taal an old man whose name was Nuno. His house was on the topmost part of the mountain. He was so kind to the natives that they did not fear him. He allowed them to plant tobacco and other plants on the side of the mountain. As Nuno was the one who took care of the plants, they grew very well. The natives were allowed to have all the tobacco raised on the sides of the mountain; but Nuno told them only that above a certain line around the top of the mountain no tobacco should be planted. All obeyed the will of the old man. The tobacco fields extended from the very bottom to the boundary line at the top of the mountain. The natives became wealthy and prosperous on account of raising tobacco.
A very long time passed, but Nuno did not return. The natives made inquiries about him, but no one could tell what had become of him. As the price of tobacco at that time was very high, the farmers were tempted to plant on the forbidden ground. One year passed again, but nothing happened to the disobedient farmers. But one day, while they were celebrating a fiesta in the house of Nuno, a violent earthquake occurred. The natives were so terrified that they left the mountain. After a few days, they were surprised to find out that all the plants that were growing on the mountain had disappeared. The part of the mountain above the former boundary line flew high up in the air. An immense hole was formed from which smoke began to come out from that time on. Nuno kept his word and confiscated all the tobacco for his own use. Barrios have sprung up again at the bottom of the mountain, but no plants can be grown along its sides. The descendants of the disobedient farmers may be waiting anxiously for the return of Nuno, but they have to wait until he finishes smoking all his tobacco.
The Three Friends–The Monkey, the Dog, and the Carabao.
Once there lived three friends,–a monkey, a dog, and a carabao. They were getting tired of city life, so they decided to go to the country to hunt. They took along with them rice, meat, and some kitchen utensils.
The first day the carabao was left at home to cook the food, so that his two companions might have something to eat when they returned from the hunt. After the monkey and the dog had departed, the carabao began to fry the meat. Unfortunately the noise of the frying was heard by the Buñgisñgis in the forest. Seeing this chance to fill his stomach, the Buñgisñgis went up to the carabao, and said, “Well, friend, I see that you have prepared food for me.”
For an answer, the carabao made a furious attack on him. The Buñgisñgis was angered by the carabao’s lack of hospitality, and, seizing him by the horn, threw him knee-deep into the earth. Then the Buñgisñgis ate up all the food and disappeared.
When the monkey and the dog came home, they saw that everything was in disorder, and found their friend sunk knee-deep in the ground. The carabao informed them that a big strong man had come and beaten him in a fight. The three then cooked their food. The Buñgisñgis saw them cooking, but he did not dare attack all three of them at once, for in union there is strength.The next day the dog was left behind as a cook. As soon as the food was ready, the Buñgisñgis came and spoke to him in the same way he had spoken to the cara-
bao. The dog began to snarl; and the Buñgisñgis, taking offence, threw him down. The dog could not cry to his companions for help; for, if he did, the Buñgisñgis would certainly kill him. So he retired to a corner of the room and watched his unwelcome guest eat all of the food. Soon after Buñgisñgis's departure, the monkey and the carabao returned. They were angry to learn that the Buñgisñgis had been there again.
The next day the monkey was cook; but, before cooking, he made a pitfall in front of the stove. After putting away enough food for his companions and himself, he put the rice on the stove. When the Buñgisñgis came, the monkey said very politely, “Sir, you have come just in time. The food is ready, and I hope you’ll compliment me by accepting it.”
The Buñgisñgis gladly accepted the offer, and, after sitting down in a chair, began to devour the food. The monkey took hold of a leg of the chair, gave a jerk, and sent his guest tumbling into the pit. He then filled the pit with earth, so that the Buñgisñgis was buried with no solemnity. When the monkey’s companions arrived, they asked about the Buñgisñgis. At first the monkey was not inclined to tell them what had happened; but, on being urged and urged by them, he finally said that the Buñgisñgis was buried “there in front of the stove.” His foolish companions, curious, began to dig up the grave. Unfortunately the Buñgisñgis was still alive. He jumped out, and killed the dog and lamed the carabao; but the monkey climbed up a tree, and so escaped.
One day while the monkey was wandering in the forest, he saw a beehive on top of a vine. “Now I’ll certainly kill you,” said someone coming towards the monkey. Turning around, the monkey saw the Buñgisñgis. “Spare me,” he said, “and I will give up my place to you. The king has appointed me to ring each hour of the day that bell up there,” pointing to the top of the vine.
“All right! I accept the position,” said the Buñgisñgis. “Stay here while I find out what time it is,” said the monkey. The monkey had been gone a long time, and the Buñgisñgis, becoming impatient, pulled the vine. The bees immediately buzzed about him, and punished him for his curiosity. Maddened with pain, the Buñgisñgis went in search of the monkey, and found him playing with a boa-constrictor. “You villain! I’ll not hear any excuses from you. You shall certainly die,” he said.
“Don’t kill me, and I will give you this belt which the king has given me,” pleaded the monkey.
Now, the Buñgisñgis was pleased with the beautiful colors of the belt, and wanted to possess it: so he said to the monkey, “Put the belt around me, then, and we shall be friends.” The monkey placed the boa-constrictor around the body of the Buñgisñgis. Then he pinched the boa, which soon made an end of his enemy.
The Legend of the Locusts
Many years ago, in the town of Sagana [Tagalog for plenty], there lived a man who was especially favored by Bathala, the God of the Universe. The name of this man was Maramot [in Tagalog, selfish]. He was an honest, helpful and industrious man. For this reason, he became the favorite of Bathala. Being only a worker without money, he had to work very hard to earn his living. He worked steadily and honestly for many years so that after the passage of time, he was no longer the poor Maramot but a wealthy and energetic landowner.
But with Maramot’s change in economic status, there also came a marked change in his personality. It seemed that the immense fortune which he gradually acquired through his persistent labors had undermined his character. Now, Maramot was no longer the thrifty, helpful and honest man – he was greatly changed because he grew to be the cruelest of men.
He seemed to have lost his humanity. He became friendless and without a heart. This rather radical change was observed by Bathala, who regretted it very much. He could not altogether believe that such a complete change could ever have occurred, especially in Maramot, his thrifty and honest favorite. So he devised a plan with which he himself could try Maramot so as to correct him if possible.Bathala, being the Almighty, had only to wish for anything and then it was done. He consequently commanded the god of the plants and of water to deprive
the land of fruits and rain. This god was instructed to leave the luxurious plantations of Maramot untouched. Such was the imperious command of Bathala, so the wide land became dry and barren like a desert.
While such was the condition outside of Maramot’s dominion, within was an exact contrast. Within, there was life and prosperity while outside was poverty and hunger. People were wildly clamoring for food; all were imploring help from heaven. They soon found relief at the door of Maramot’s house. But not all were given relief. He bolted his doors against those who could not afford to meet the exorbitant prices he affixed upon his barrels of grain. Poor men were driven away to die of hunger by the wayside.
Such was the conduct of Maramot. So, when Bathala saw this, he disguised himself and went to Maramot’s residence as an old man. He was to try his fate with the heartless landowner. He soon came to the house; and at the door he met Maramot. He at once related to him [Maramot] the story of his life and of his wants. He asked for help in the name of the great God who gave him his immense fortune. But Maramot, upon hearing the words of the poor old man, instead of being touched by the misfortunes of the poor, was rather incensed and angered. He immediately ordered his servants to drive away the poor man. But the old man pleaded and insisted, so Maramot, at the height of his cruelty commanded the servants to flog him to death. But all these, Bathala would never permit.
Maramot had barely given his command when he heard a terrible commotion – earth and fire rolling. There was smoke, fire and dust everywhere. What do all these mean? Where was his great residence? Alas, Maramot was now standing amidst the ruins of his great fortune. He stood amazed and frightened to see his luxurious home, his rich barns – all were dwindling under the mystic but powerful charm of fire. There was a great thunderclap and in the midst of the thunder and lightning, Maramot saw his master and his god, Bathala.
He repented, but all was in vain; his repentance was all too late. Soon, the sky was cleared of smoke, and Maramot stood with longing eyes towards heaven. He noticed numerous and dot–like things flying up above him. They were in the shape of grains. But there was no more grain in the barn. They were transformed into flying insects such as were seen by Maramot.
These were what is now known as locusts and these small destructive insects were created and let loose by Bathala, who commanded them to visit and destroy all of the rice plantations of all those landowners who would prove to be heartless among his followers. Such was the sad effects of the locusts that from that time on, they have always been sent as instruments for punishing those wealthy but heartless landowners and, thus, ravaging their plantations of rice.
Such is the origin of locusts as believed by folks at home [in Batangas].
References:
(2010, May 8). Retrieved from https://lifesomundane.net/2017/09/juana.html
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cache://:www.batangashistory.date/2018/07/locust-legend.htmlGoogle Search. (n.d.). Retrieved from :https://www.batangashistory.date/2018/07/locust-legend.html
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Clark, J. (2016, November 9). BUNGISNGIS: Origin of the Philippine Cyclops • THE ASWANG PROJECT. Retrieved from https://www.aswangproject.com/bungisngis/
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Clark, J. (2020, January 13). The Origin of Taal Volcano: Tagalog Myth • THE ASWANG PROJECT. Retrieved from https://www.aswangproject.com/the-origin-of-taal-volcano-tagalog-myth/
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The Folkloric Story of Why the Town of Lipa was moved to Its Present Location. (2019, February 28). Retrieved from https://www.batangashistory.date/2019/02/folkloric-story-why-lipa-moved-present-location.html
