Ibalon , or Ibalong , is the ancient name of the Bicol Region in the Philippines . The center of settlement is believed to be either beside the Bicol River at present-day Libmanan, Camarines Sur (as based on the Ibalong Epic ) or in Magallanes, Sorsogon , Philippines , renowned as one of the first Spanish settlements in the island of Luzon . At some point, the name Ibalong was also used by the Spanish to refer to the entire Bicol Peninsula and, to some extent the entire island of Luzon .
35-555: At present, the Epic of Ibalong , at the present times, is being celebrated by Legazpi City in Albay. The Ibalong Festival celebrates the epic story of the Kingdom of Ibalong with three legendary heroes, namely Baltog , Handyong , Bantong and other ancient heroes. People parade in the streets wearing masks and costumes to imitate the appearance of the heroes and the villains, portraying
70-645: A talisay tree in front of his house in Tondol. For this marvelous feat, he was acknowledged as chief of the local hunters. The clans of Panicuason and Asog came over to marvel at the monstrous wild boar in Ibálong. Next to come was Handyong. With his followers, he fought the monsters of the land. But Oryol, a wily serpent who appeared as a beautiful maiden with a seductive voice, was one whom Handyong could not destroy. Meanwhile, Oryol admired Handyong's bravery and gallantry. Because of this, Oryol helped Handyong clear
105-619: A Franciscan missionary in Guinobatan, Albay , when he got acquainted with an errant Bicolano bard referred to in the epic as Kadunung. It was put afterward into Spanish by Melendreras in Ibal, a 400-page manuscript in verse on the ancient customs of the Albay indios. The 60-stanza portion was later included in a treatise on the Bicol region by Fray Jose Castaño in 1895. However, no credit
140-468: A catastrophe destroyed it some 4,500 years ago. The Ibálong is an invaluable piece of literature that marks the spontaneous record of the ancient Bicol's early struggle for principle, survival, and growth. It commemorates the Bicolano people 's resilience against the typhoons that annually beset their region. It stresses the humble accomplishments and peaceful pursuits of the early Bicolanos, including
175-443: A catastrophic setback with a great deluge caused by tempests, leading to volcanic eruptions, changes in land formations, and the devastation of the growing civilization. Notably, the land of Ibalon undergoes significant geographical transformations. The narrative also highlights the deeds of Bantong, a young warrior who plays a crucial role in vanquishing Rabot, a fearsome half-man, half-beast monster. Bantong's clever strategy leads to
210-455: A formidable challenge, sometimes aiding and other times obstructing Handiong's endeavors. Handiong's triumph over the wild beasts results in the establishment of settled communities, marked by advancements such as boat-building, agriculture, and the creation of various tools and utensils. Laws are enacted to ensure equality and protect life and honor, fostering a sense of order and respect for heritage. However, this burgeoning civilization faces
245-485: A golden period in Ibálong when even slaves were respected under the laws of Handyong. Then came a great flood, freed by Unos, that changed the features of the land. Three volcanoes, named Hantik , Kulasi , and Isarog erupted simultaneously. Inundations caused lands to sink, from which Lake Buhi came about, or rise, as in the strip of seacoast in Pasacao , Camarines Sur , and wiped out many settlements, especially
280-585: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Ibalong Epic The Ibálong , also known as Handiong or Handyong , is a 60-stanza fragment of a Bicolano full-length folk epic of the Bicol region of the Philippines , based on the Indian Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata . The epic is said to have been narrated in verse form by a native bard called Kadunung . It
315-580: Is celebrated in Legazpi City during the month of August. The Ibalong festival features the various characters from the epic while celebrating through song and dance. It is also performed in theaters like Tanghalang Pilipino 's Ibalong the Musical by Rody Vera. Many accomplishments and advances made by the ancient Bikols were credited to various characters mentioned in the epic. Long before Spaniards arrived in Bicol and introduced Christianity ,
350-432: Is known about the legendary beginnings of Bicol might describe the area circa 4,500 years ago. The epic-fragment portrays ancient Bicol as lush in jungle growth, teeming with fish and wild game, and dotted by mountain ranges, hills, and volcanoes. The bard Kadunung in the epic recounted this as the glorious Bikolandia , a beautiful and fertile ancient land of long ago, inhabited by strong and brave people, that existed before
385-483: Is now called the Strait of San Bernardino and is considered enchanted or engkantado. The parallelism of the events in the Ibálong and the above-cited legend with what actually happened under Spanish rule seems to suggest the total transformation of the inhabitants from a sturdy phase to becoming passive people. There is no definite date that can be given to where the epic-fragment starts and ends, however, what little
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#1732791449800420-587: Is set in the land of Aslon and Ibalong. The mountains Asog , Masaraga , Isarog , and Lingyon were prominent features of the area. In its oldest known text, the folk epic does not have a title. Its oldest existing account is written in Spanish . A non-religious festival called the Ibalong Festival is celebrated annually in honor of the epic Ibalong as a commemoration of the Ibalon geography. It
455-420: Is unusual because Spaniards introduced saints and fiestas and all religious-related activities except Ibalong. It is also a celebration of the province's people and their resiliency, given the string of calamities that regularly befall the region given its typhoon -prone geographical location. The full-length narrative is presumably jotted down by Fray Bernardino de Melendreras de la Trinidad (1815-1867),
490-461: The article wizard to submit a draft for review, or request a new article . Search for " Fray Bernardino Melendreras " in existing articles. Look for pages within Misplaced Pages that link to this title . Other reasons this message may be displayed: If a page was recently created here, it may not be visible yet because of a delay in updating the database; wait a few minutes or try
525-565: The nomadic state to the settled life. The Ibalong teaches about courage, of how a simple act can bring about positive change. The heroes made use of this courage to lead the community out of chaos without any regard for self-glorification. This gives evidence of good leadership. All three heroes were foreigners and not pure inhabitants of the Ibalong. This poses an argument that the locals had to depend on foreign abilities and leadership before they were able to obtain progress. Also portrayed in
560-428: The supernatural ." She also added that Handyong could have “correctly foresaw the coming of a new age and aptly mourned the death of his time.” Meanwhile, some others speculate that he foresaw the subjugation and destitution of his people under a less benevolent leader - as what, indeed, happened under the Spanish colonial rule . The existence of various Bicolano oral accounts focus on a curse allegedly cast against
595-579: The Bicol Epic, is a legendary tale from the Bicol region of the Philippines, passed down through oral tradition. It tells the heroic adventures of Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong, who fought monsters and natural disasters to bring peace and civilization to Ibalon. The epic reflects the bravery and resilience of the pre-colonial Bicolano people, preserving their cultural heritage through generations. This Philippines -related article
630-609: The Bicolano people seem to bridge the gap between the Ibalong epic and the subsequent decline and destitution of the Bicolanos. Some of these oral accounts indicated such a transformation. In Sorsogon , the legend of San Bernardino embodied this turn of events against the land and its inhabitants. The legend spoke about a mighty spirit who dwelt in Mt. Bulusan and fell in love with a maiden there. This maiden did not love him back, and so
665-467: The Bicolanos already believed in gods and supernatural beings. The epic-fragment contains many of the supernatural faith and religion that the ancient Bicols had, among them are supernatural creatures. The differences of the Ibalong from other Philippine epics may suggest culture differences of the Ancient Bicols from other ancient groups. Fray Bernardino Melendreras From Misplaced Pages,
700-741: The Dagatnong settlement in the Kalabangan Gulf. The Malbogong Islet formed in the Bicol River while the Inarihan River altered its course. A lofty mountain sank at Bato, forming a lake . Despite the calamities, Ibálong grew powerful under the elder Handyong, whose constant companion and good friend, by then, was the young Bantong. Although given a thousand men to destroy the half man and half beast Rabot, who could change its enemies into rocks, Bantong slew it single-handedly – to
735-541: The bard Kadunung to recount the tale of the glorious Ibálong of long ago. Forthwith Kadunung described the ancient land and spoke of its first hero, Baltog, a white Aryan , who had come from Boltavara ( Bharata-varsha or India ). He planted a taro ( linsa ) patch in Tondol (now in Kamalig) which, one night, was foraged by Tandayag na Upon , a giant wild boar . The furious Baltog chased Tandayag na Upon , killed it with his bare hands, and hung its enormous jawbones on
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#1732791449800770-454: The classic battles that made their way into the history of Bicol . The Ibalong Festival aims to express warmth and goodwill to all people; visitors and tourists are encouraged to celebrate with the Bicolanos. "Ibalon" is an epic narrative originating from the Bicol region of the Philippines. The tale unfolds in a land characterized by wide plains and fertile fields, known for its exceptional agricultural productivity. The narrative commences with
805-456: The defeat of Rabot, and his triumphant return to Handiong's people is met with celebration. "Ibalon" is a valuable literary work, consisting of 240 lines, offering insights into the cultural beliefs and heroic traditions of the ancient Bicolanos. It is one of the few epic narratives that originate from Christian Filipinos, alongside "Biag ni Lam-ang," with the majority of epics hailing from non-Christian indigenous groups. Ibalon, also known as
840-400: The epic is the concept of social class , of slaves and masters. However, this did not hinder the growth of the community because the classes respected each other. The Ibalong stresses the humble accomplishments and peaceful pursuits of the early Bicolanos. It is unlikely that the ancient Bicolanos had worshiped idols. Nothing is mentioned about gods in the epic except perhaps in passing, Onos,
875-500: The fierce half-man and beast, Rabot. Curiously, Handyong was saddened by Rabot's death. In her study of the Ibalong Epic, the Bicolano scholar, Ma. Lilia F. Realubit, explained that the reason behind this is that Handyong might have "mourned the passing of an era, when men were proved men by monsters and the skill of the hunt, when magic and ceremonial incantations infused life and explained his questions about life and nature and
910-931: The 💕 Look for Fray Bernardino Melendreras on one of Misplaced Pages's sister projects : [REDACTED] Wiktionary (dictionary) [REDACTED] Wikibooks (textbooks) [REDACTED] Wikiquote (quotations) [REDACTED] Wikisource (library) [REDACTED] Wikiversity (learning resources) [REDACTED] Commons (media) [REDACTED] Wikivoyage (travel guide) [REDACTED] Wikinews (news source) [REDACTED] Wikidata (linked database) [REDACTED] Wikispecies (species directory) Misplaced Pages does not have an article with this exact name. Please search for Fray Bernardino Melendreras in Misplaced Pages to check for alternative titles or spellings. You need to log in or create an account and be autoconfirmed to create new articles. Alternatively, you can use
945-485: The god of floodwaters. The very survival of these pre-Hispanic legends is direct proof of the vitality of Bicol culture. Folk history or not, this epic is valuable for it enabled the Bicolanos of today to gain valuable insights into the misty past of their land and their ancestors. The epic is celebrated through street performances and floats on Ibalong Festival in Legazpi City , Bicol region since 1992. This
980-399: The implementation of just laws. Among other pursuits is the cultivation of upland and lowland crops, the construction of dwellings on tall trees, the creation of the first boat in the region, the making of utensils, tools, and wares, but most importantly, the invention of writing. The epic depicts the transition of the ancient Bicolanos from the hunting stage to the agricultural stage, from
1015-555: The introduction of the first man, Baltog, who originally hailed from Botavara and belonged to the Lipod race. Baltog's life takes a significant turn when his prized "linsa" or gabi plants are destroyed by a formidable Tandayag boar. In his fervor to avenge this loss, Baltog engages in a relentless battle with the colossal boar, ultimately defeating it by breaking its massive jaws with his own formidable strength. The arrival of Handiong, another prominent figure, brings further transformation to
1050-648: The land of Bikol. Handiong embarks on a mission to rid the region of menacing creatures, including one-eyed, three-throated beasts, winged sharks, wild carabaos, and man-eating crocodiles. His heroic efforts lead to the exile of the "sarimaw" to the mountain Kulasi and the burial of serpents in Hantik. A significant adversary in Handiong's journey is Oriol, a shape-shifting entity who challenges him with her seductive yet deceitful nature. Oriol proves to be elusive and presents
1085-412: The loud cheers of his thousand warriors that reverberated throughout the forests and mangrove swamps. Brought to Ligmanan, the corpse of Rabot was horrible to behold that the great Handyong himself was shocked at the sight. At this point, the Ibálong epic-fragment ends abruptly, and Kadunung promises to continue the story some other time. The fragmentary epic ended at that part where Bantong killed
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1120-400: The region of ferocious beasts until peace came to the whole of the land. With Ibálong rid of wild creatures, Handyong turned to making wise laws and planting the land to linsa and rice . A period of the invention followed: boat , farming tools, weaving looms , claywares , kitchen utensils, tree houses , and even a syllabary . Together, the people built a society with culture . It was
1155-403: The spirit was enraged. Panic filled everyone except one man - the favored suitor of the maiden. He killed the spirit to stop its violence in the area. Once killed, the spirit fell into the sea. The part of the water in which the spirit fell transformed into land. The old folks claim that the two islands with a slender strip of water between Samar and Sorsogon were the spirit of Mt. Bulusan . It
1190-629: Was given to Melendreras by Castaño in the work, and so students of the Ibalong have since presumed that it was recorded and translated by Castaño himself. The full English translation of the Ibalong was published in 1996 in the Far Eastern University Faculty Journal, Manila by Merito B. Espinas . Luis G. Dato , a Bicolano poet laureate translated the epic into English from the Spanish version of Fray Jose Castaño in 1965. The epic opens with Iling requesting
1225-429: Was passed on orally until it was presumably jotted down in its complete Bicol narrative by Fray Bernardino de Melendreras de la Trinidad . The Ibalong portrays deeds in heroic proportions, centering on white men or tawong-lipod who were warrior-heroes named, among others, Tambaloslos , Baltog , Handyong , and Bantong . They came from Boltavara (present-day India), settling and ruling Bicol and its people. The epic
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