I've uploaded some photos from the Poetry Reading at EAC-Manila last May 24, 2004. This is the second poetry reading I organized this year in support to the 2004 Dialogue Through Poetry Week, World Poetry Day & Pablo Neruda Centenary.
On the other hand, I am currently revising the pages of the Malagilion: Soniton Pangasinan and as soon as I complete the 200-page manuscript, it will be ready for publication.
Heroes of the Ibalong, Aryans?
The Ibalong epic describes the exploits of three mythical Aryan heroes -- Baltog, Handyong and Bantong -- who transformed Bicol into a bustling civilization.
Baltog was known for his conquest of ferocious monsters and animals like the "tandayag" that heaves forth rings of fire, the one-eyed cyclops, a wild buffalo, a great crocodile, serpents and other wild beasts that destroyed the crops and livelihood of the villagers.
He gained respect after winning several battles he fought to protect the villagers and free them from the disastrous attacks of the monsters. But he failed to defeat the wily serpent known as Oriol, which could transform into a beautiful and innocent-looking maiden to seduce her victims.
Handyong "tamed" Oriol after a battle. In the end, Oriol fought hand to hand with Handyong. After the successful battle against the monsters that infested the villages, Handyong planted rice and other crops in the mountains. He also made the first banca (wooden boat) that sailed through Bicol.
Bantong, the third mythical hero, was also famous for killing the half-man, half-beast monster called Rabot that had black magic. It is said that Rabot turned all those who chased him into stones. But Bantong realized that the monster was a great sleeper, especially during daytime. He attacked the beast while it was sleeping and killed it, bringing joy to the villagers.
The word "Aryans" is probably the reason why some people dismiss it as fake lore. There's also the "one-eyed cyclops" which may have borrowed from Greek mythology and added into the written text of Ibalong.
However, I'll leave it to the Bicolanos to refute the written text of the Ibalong.
On the other hand, I am currently revising the pages of the Malagilion: Soniton Pangasinan and as soon as I complete the 200-page manuscript, it will be ready for publication.
Heroes of the Ibalong, Aryans?
The Ibalong epic describes the exploits of three mythical Aryan heroes -- Baltog, Handyong and Bantong -- who transformed Bicol into a bustling civilization.
Baltog was known for his conquest of ferocious monsters and animals like the "tandayag" that heaves forth rings of fire, the one-eyed cyclops, a wild buffalo, a great crocodile, serpents and other wild beasts that destroyed the crops and livelihood of the villagers.
He gained respect after winning several battles he fought to protect the villagers and free them from the disastrous attacks of the monsters. But he failed to defeat the wily serpent known as Oriol, which could transform into a beautiful and innocent-looking maiden to seduce her victims.
Handyong "tamed" Oriol after a battle. In the end, Oriol fought hand to hand with Handyong. After the successful battle against the monsters that infested the villages, Handyong planted rice and other crops in the mountains. He also made the first banca (wooden boat) that sailed through Bicol.
Bantong, the third mythical hero, was also famous for killing the half-man, half-beast monster called Rabot that had black magic. It is said that Rabot turned all those who chased him into stones. But Bantong realized that the monster was a great sleeper, especially during daytime. He attacked the beast while it was sleeping and killed it, bringing joy to the villagers.
The word "Aryans" is probably the reason why some people dismiss it as fake lore. There's also the "one-eyed cyclops" which may have borrowed from Greek mythology and added into the written text of Ibalong.
However, I'll leave it to the Bicolanos to refute the written text of the Ibalong.
Comments
http://www.classicwoody.com/ : complete wooden boat restoration guide