Traditional Philippine narratives are based on a series of folk literature tales found in Philippine culture. These stories feature the same quests, feats of derring-do, and spiritual awakenings as other ancient myths (such as Celtic myths or Greek myths).
Heavy, serious tragedies and supernatural monsters are abound, creating morality tales filled with danger, emotion, and magic.
Some popular Philippine narratives include:
• Kalinga Ullalim - These stories are told in the form of ballads; long, sometimes mournful songs or dirges are often used to relate the history of a tribe or people, or to reinforce the ideals and morals of a culture. In these ballads, a boy, Banna, is conceived through magical tricks; he then goes on to save the life of his own father. Another ballad in this series tells the story of Banna's struggles to meet and marry his soulmate - he confronts and defeats a series of monsters in order to achieve his heart's desire...
• Hudhud hi Aliguyon - This ancient Philippines tale tells the story of the brave warrior, Aliguyon (also known as Ifugao), who fought for almost a decade against his adversary, Pumbakhayon. In the conclusion of this epic story, the two foes made peace and put their differences aside.
• Bicol (The Ibalon) - In this story, which is narrated by Kadugnung, the history of Bicol is told to a magical talking bird. Other characters' stories are also told, and each tale is set against the backdrop of fantastical worlds and terrifying, paranormal beasts.
Folk tales educated the people before there were other methods of spreading information (such as libraries, mass media, and electronic gadgets).
• Kalinga Ullalim - These stories are told in the form of ballads; long, sometimes mournful songs or dirges are often used to relate the history of a tribe or people, or to reinforce the ideals and morals of a culture. In these ballads, a boy, Banna, is conceived through magical tricks; he then goes on to save the life of his own father. Another ballad in this series tells the story of Banna's struggles to meet and marry his soulmate - he confronts and defeats a series of monsters in order to achieve his heart's desire...
• Hudhud hi Aliguyon - This ancient Philippines tale tells the story of the brave warrior, Aliguyon (also known as Ifugao), who fought for almost a decade against his adversary, Pumbakhayon. In the conclusion of this epic story, the two foes made peace and put their differences aside.
• Bicol (The Ibalon) - In this story, which is narrated by Kadugnung, the history of Bicol is told to a magical talking bird. Other characters' stories are also told, and each tale is set against the backdrop of fantastical worlds and terrifying, paranormal beasts.
Folk tales educated the people before there were other methods of spreading information (such as libraries, mass media, and electronic gadgets).
Ballads and magical tales were told to relate historical events (often embellished for high drama) and to implant a defined moral tone among each generation. Then, the stories and ballads were passed down from mother to child, or father to child...
