Baguilawa, Bauan, Batangas: Historical Data Part II

Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines.

PART II

PART I | PART II

[p. 7]

In a thick forest by the side of a great river, there lived an old crocodile name Buwaya. Buwaya lived contentedly. Very often, his old friend Chongo came to him to chat. Day by day, Buwaya and Chongo sat by the bench in front of Buwaya’s bound, narrating each other’s experience and adventure. Buwaya had a son whom he loved very much. Since his son was very intelligent, he called him Buwayaito. One day, Buwaya’s house, which was the home of merriment in that thick forest was turned into a very lonesome one. His beloved son had fallen sick. Old Buwaya had tried all medicines he knew, but Buwayaito’s sickness became worse than ever. He had called all the best medicine men in the village but no one was able to make Buwaya well. Buwaya was afraid he would lose his son. One day, he went to the forest to the oldest Crocodile. This Crocodile was the best doctor. This doctor told him that Buwayaito will not get well unless he was able to eat the liver of a monkey. Buwaya was worried, but how he could get a liver of a monkey. The monkeys were his best friends; what will become of their friendship if he will kill one of Chongo’s tribe? But he must do it. He loved his son more than anyone. So, directly he went to Chongo’s house and decided to kill Chongo.

Upon reaching Chongo’s house, old Buwaya said, “Friend Chongo, please accompany me to the other side of the river so that I could get some medicine for Buwayaito.” “But how can I cross the river? I cannot swim,” answered Chongo. “You can ride on my back while I swim,” convinced Buwaya.

Ignorant of Buwaya’s intention, Chongo joined him. On their way to the river, Buwaya was thinking of how to kill Chongo. He was afraid he might miss him. Chongo might know his intention, and he might climb a tree. So, Buwaya thought that the best time to kill Chongo was while swimming in the river. They were on the river at last. Buwaya dived into the river and asked Chongo to ride on his back. When they were in the middle of the river, Buwaya dived underwater, and Chongo was very much afraid, so he cried. But Buwaya laughed at him and said, “I will kill you because I need your liver.” After saying these words, he again dived into the water. When they came to the surface, Chongo cried for help. It so happened that a fisherman favored his side. Chongo wept in front of the fisherman. Upon knowing their dispute, the fisherman said that it could only be settled by a race. If the Crocodile won the race, he could get the liver of the monkey.

The Crocodile grew angry upon hearing the fisherman’s judgment. Angrily, he shook his long tail to whip Chongo and the fisherman. With hatred in Buwaya’s eyes, he shouted, “From now on, I will keep on eating men and monkeys.” From this time on, he killed and ate up every man and monkey that he saw.

[p. 8]

SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS

1. It is said that when we are in the river or in the sea and we happen to see broken twigs carried by the current in a vertical position, it is a sign of a coming typhoon.

2. It is also said that when we are sleeping and we dream that one of our teeth is pulled, it is a sign that a nearby relative of the family will die.

3. When trees shed some of their green leaves without [a] strong wind, it is also a sign of [a] storm according to their beliefs.

4. In time of a meal, when a spoon or fork unholds [?] or falls from the table, it is the expectation of many people that somebody will come.

5. Another belief which is also a sign of visitors coming is when we see that [a] cat is wiping his face in front of the door, together with the hens fighting in the yard.

6. It is also said that when the moon and a star appear together in very nearest position, it is a sign of marriage in a certain place.

12. Popular Songs, Games and Amusements:

13. Riddles:

1. Nanganak ang birhen, itinago ang lampin.
2. Baboy ko sa pulo, ang balahibo’y pako.
3. Bahay ni Kiring-kiring, butas-butas ang dingding.
4. Dalawang magkapatid, sabay magbuntis.
5. Lingosin ng lingosin, hindi mo abutin.

[p. 9]

1. Dalawang langit-langitan, ang gitna’y karagatan.
2. Dalawang tindahan, sabay buksan.
3. Hinila ko ang hangin, namatak ang buhangin.
4. Gu-gulong gulong pa parang loko, ng magbangon ay medico.
5. Hinalo ko ang nilugaw, tumakbo ang inihaw.
6. Bangka ni Simeon nasa gitna ang timon.
7. Pisong hindi magasta, pisong malakas kumita.
8. Tinta puti, plumang bakli, papel na berde nasulat ay babae.
9. Kaloob-looban na pinaghalo-halo, niluto sa init ng pagkakasundo.
10. Tapis ni Kaka, hindi mabasa.
11. Buhok ng pare, hindi mahawi.

14. Proverbs and Sayings:

1. Ang taong matiaga, magtatamong pala.
2. Ilagay ang lahat sa dapat kalagayan.
3. Ang taong masabi at kulang sa gawa, tulad ng halamang sa damo ay sagana.
4. Magpaka-habahaba ang procession sa simbahan din ang urong.
5. Ang lakad na matulin, matinik man ay malalim. Ang lakad na marahan, matinik ay mababaw.
6. Ang maagap ay daig ang masipag.
7. Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.

15. Methods of Measuring Time

PART I | PART II