Module 27: Philippine Epic: Tales of Valor/Mga Epiko ng Pilipinas

The Epic

An epic is an extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feasts of a legendary or traditional hero.  --source:  dictionary.com
  • tales of love and adventures about native heroes, endowed with powers from the gods
  • heroes battle monsters, triumph over formidable armies, ride the wind, travel in flying shields and protect the earliest communities of the islands.  [Philippine epics, Wikipedia]​​

Ilocano Epic (North)

Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lamang) tells of the adventures of the prodigious epic hero, Lam-ang who exhibits extraordinary powers at a very early age. At nine months he is able to go to war to look for his father’s killers. Then while in search of his lady love, Ines Kannoyan, he is swallowed by a big fish but his rooster and his friends bring him back to life.



Sculpture of Lam-Ang: https://artofrbg.artstation.com/projects/ZQdDw

Hiligaynon Epic (Central)

Labaw Donggon is about the amorous exploits of the son of a goddess Alunsina, by a mortal, Datu Paubari. The polygamous hero battles the huge monster Manaluntad for the hand of Abyang Ginbitinan; then he fights Sikay Padalogdog, the giant with a hundred arms to win Abyang Doronoon and confronts the lord of darkness, Saragnayan, to win Nagmalitong Yawa. ​

Ilianon Epic (South)

The Agyu or Olahing is a three part epic that starts with invocation then a narration of the past and the main episode complete in itself. All three parts narrate the exploits of the hero as he leads his people who have been driven out of their land to Nalandangan, a land of utopia where there are no land grabbers and oppressors.

Subanon (South)

Sandayo, the Subanon hero, is  born as he fell out of the hair of his mother while she was combing it on the ninth stroke. He had many magical weapons: the monsala or flying scarf, the golden thread that serves as a bridge from one house to another, pinching people into finger rings to save them from the enemy.  He leads his people in the fight against Muslim invaders of their land and waterways.  ​

Other examples of epics:

  • Bantugen (Darangen) of the Maranao, a Muslim epic
  • Kudaman of Palawan transcribed by Dr. Nicole Revel-McDonald
  • Alim of the Ifugao
  • Hinilawod of Panay
  • Ibalon of Bikol
  • Tuwaang of the Manobo transcribed by anthropologist E. Arsenio Manuel

Aliguyon

narrates the exploits of Aliguyon as he battles his arch enemy, Pambukhayon among rice fields and terraces.
He instructs his people to be steadfast and learn the wisdom of warfare and of peacemaking during harvest seasons.
The battle scene
(photo from The Last Filipino Headhunters by David Howard)
Omen
​(photo from The Last Filipino Headhunters by David Howard)
The Battle
vthrowing spears
vAliguyon and Pumbakhayon were equal
vthey were both strong and handsome
vvillagers cheering in the background
Power of women
(photo from The Last Filipino Headhunters by David Howard)
Bugan
​(photo from The Last Filipino Headhunters by David Howard)
Beads define beauty power genealogy
​(photo from The Last Filipino Headhunters by David Howard)
Honor
​(photo from The Last Filipino Headhunters by David Howard)
Wedding as a peace pact
​(photo from The Last Filipino Headhunters by David Howard)

Motivating Activity

Processing Activity

Matabagka:
  • Students watch and read Matabagka
  • Ask the students to describe the characters
  • Describe the characters (Matabagka and Imbununga)

Guide Questions

Culminating Activity

In your culture or favorite movie, tell us your favorite tale of valor. What were the qualities of the main character? What was their greatest challenge?  What was their weapon of choice?  How did they triumph over the adversaries?

Design a campfire indoors, with lights off (gong sound and fire), ask Tim if allowed to use a room for campfire

*Student Presentations: Introduction in tagalog and conclusion in tagalog, small phrases.​