Philippine Oral Traditions:

A Journey Through Ancient

Stories
This presentation explores the vibrant tapestry of Philippine oral
traditions, delving into the rich world of folk literature, indigenous
poetry, and epics. We'll journey through centuries-old stories that
have shaped the Philippine cultural identity, with a particular focus
on two renowned epics, "Hudhud hi Aliguyon" and "Biag ni Lam-
ang." This journey will illuminate the enduring power of oral
storytelling and its profound impact on Philippine literature and
cultural heritage.
by Earll Erving
Folk Literature: The Heartbeat of Philippine
Culture
Folk Tales Proverbs and Riddles

Folk tales are short stories passed down through Proverbs offer wisdom and insight into Filipino values,
generations, often containing moral lessons or while riddles challenge wit and test knowledge. They
explaining natural phenomena. They feature diverse add depth and humor to everyday conversations,
characters, including talking animals, mischievous reflecting the resourcefulness and creativity of the
spirits, and brave heroes. Filipino people.
Indigenous Poetry: A
Symphony of Sounds
1 Ambahan 2 Kudyapi
A poetic form of the A traditional poetic form
Mangyan people, from the Maranao people,
characterized by its seven- known for its melodic
syllable lines and intricate rhythm and intricate
rhyme schemes. It is often imagery. It is usually
used to express emotions, performed with musical
narrate stories, and convey accompaniment, creating a
societal values. captivating sonic
experience.
3 Tagalog Poetry
This poetic tradition encompasses diverse forms, such as
"tanaga" (four-line poems) and "dalit" (devotional hymns). They
showcase the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Tagalog
people.
Hudhud hi Aliguyon: The Epic of the Ifugao
Heroic Tale
The epic narrates the adventures of Aliguyon, a brave warrior who seeks revenge for his father's death
1
and ultimately wins the hand of his beloved.

Cultural Heritage
2 The epic reflects the rich cultural traditions, values, and beliefs of the Ifugao people,
highlighting their agricultural practices, social hierarchy, and spiritual beliefs.

Oral Tradition
3 The epic has been passed down through generations through oral tradition, making
it a living testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

Modern Relevance
4 Despite its ancient origins, the epic continues to resonate with
contemporary audiences, offering insights into human nature, courage,
and love.
Overview of "Hudhud hi
Aliguyon"
The epic unfolds in the rice terraces of the Cordillera region,
showcasing the unique landscape and cultural context of the
Ifugao people. It tells the story of Aliguyon, a young warrior
seeking revenge for the death of his father, Amtulao. The story
follows Aliguyon's journey as he battles a series of adversaries,
ultimately winning the hand of his beloved, Bugan, from her father,
the powerful chieftain, Pumbakhayon. This tale highlights the
values of courage, honor, and perseverance cherished by the
Ifugao community.
Narrative Structure of "Hudhud hi Aliguyon"
Exposition 1
The epic opens with an introduction to Aliguyon's
lineage, his father's death, and his quest for revenge.
2 Rising Action
Aliguyon's journey is filled with challenges and
encounters with powerful adversaries, such as the
Climax 3 giant, Wigan, and the strongman, Pumbakhayon.
The epic reaches its climax with Aliguyon's epic
battle against Pumbakhayon, culminating in a fierce
duel for Bugan's hand. 4 Falling Action
Aliguyon defeats Pumbakhayon, wins Bugan, and
ultimately returns to his village as a triumphant hero.
Resolution 5
The epic concludes with a celebration of Aliguyon's
victory, symbolizing the triumph of courage and
perseverance over adversity.
Themes and Symbolism in
"Hudhud hi Aliguyon"
Courage and Honor Love and Marriage
Aliguyon embodies these values The epic celebrates the bond
as he bravely faces challenges between Aliguyon and Bugan,
and defends his family's honor. highlighting the importance of
The epic emphasizes the love and marriage in Ifugao
importance of standing up for society. The epic also explores
what is right, even in the face of the complexities of societal
danger. expectations and the role of
women in the community.

Nature and Spirituality

The epic is deeply rooted in the natural world, with the rice terraces
playing a central role. The presence of spirits, ancestors, and natural
deities underscores the Ifugao belief in the interconnectedness of
humanity and nature.
Cultural Significance of "Hudhud
hi Aliguyon"

Preserving Tradition Strengthening Community

The epic serves as a powerful tool for The epic serves as a unifying force for
preserving the Ifugao language, the Ifugao people, fostering a sense of
traditions, and values. The story is community and shared identity. It
passed down through generations, reinforces the importance of
ensuring that the cultural heritage cooperation, mutual support, and
endures. collective values.

Defining Identity
The epic shapes the self-identity of the
Ifugao people, providing them with a
sense of history, pride, and cultural
belonging. It highlights their resilience,
adaptability, and deep connection to
their land.
Biag ni Lam-ang: The Epic of the Ilocano
Heroic Journey
1 This epic follows Lam-ang, a young Ilocano hero, as he embarks on a series of adventures, proving his strength,
courage, and intelligence.

Cultural Values
2 The epic reflects the values of the Ilocano people, emphasizing bravery, resourcefulness, and
respect for tradition and ancestral spirits.

Folklore and Mythology

3 The epic blends folklore and mythology, introducing fantastical creatures,
powerful spirits, and supernatural elements that enrich the story.

Modern Interpretation
4 The epic continues to resonate with contemporary audiences,
providing insights into Ilocano history, culture, and societal
beliefs.
Overview of "Biag ni Lam-
ang"
The epic takes place in the Ilocos region of the Philippines, a land
known for its rich history and strong cultural identity. It tells the
story of Lam-ang, a legendary hero who embodies the values and
ideals of the Ilocano people. From his birth, Lam-ang is endowed
with supernatural powers, and he grows to be a skilled warrior,
fisherman, and lover. The epic chronicles his adventures, including
his battle against a giant sea monster, his journey to the
underworld, and his quest to win the hand of his beloved, Ines
Canoyan.
Narrative Structure of "Biag ni Lam-ang"
Birth and Childhood
The epic begins with Lam-ang's extraordinary birth, highlighting his supernatural powers and the promise of his heroic destiny.

Young Adulthood
Lam-ang's youth is marked by feats of strength, bravery, and skill, showcasing his abilities as a warrior, fisherman, and lover.

Challenges and Adventures

The epic unfolds with a series of challenges, from battling a giant sea monster to retrieving a stolen magical jewel from the underworld.

Triumph and Loss

Lam-ang's adventures culminate in his victory over adversaries and his pursuit of love. However, his journey is marked by loss and tragedy, as he faces death and r

Resolution and Legacy

The epic concludes with Lam-ang's final act of heroism and his enduring legacy as a symbol of Ilocano bravery and resourcefulness.
Themes and Symbolism in "Biag ni Lam-ang"

1 2 3
Bravery and Resourcefulness Love and Marriage Tradition and Spirituality
Lam-ang embodies these values as The epic celebrates the love between The epic is deeply rooted in Ilocano
he overcomes obstacles and triumphs Lam-ang and Ines Canoyan, traditions and beliefs, featuring
over adversity. The epic emphasizes showcasing the importance of love, supernatural elements, ancestral
the importance of ingenuity, courage, courtship, and marriage in Ilocano spirits, and mythological creatures
and resilience. society. that reflect the cultural heritage.
Cultural Significance of "Biag ni Lam-ang"
Comparing and Contrasting "Hudhud hi
Aliguyon" and "Biag ni Lam-ang"
Hudhud hi Aliguyon Biag ni Lam-ang

Focuses on honor, revenge, and the importance of Highlights bravery, resourcefulness, and the love of the
community. Set in the rice terraces of the Cordillera Ilocano people. Set in the Ilocos region, showcasing the
region, reflecting the Ifugao culture. unique landscape and cultural identity.
Literary Analysis of Epic Structure
Philippine epics follow a common structure, featuring a hero, a quest, challenges, and a resolution. They often
incorporate supernatural elements, folklore, and mythology, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the different
regions.
Poetic Devices in Philippine Epics
1 Metaphor 2 Simile
Using figurative language to create vivid imagery and Using comparisons to create vivid imagery and enhance
convey deeper meanings. For example, comparing a the reader's understanding. For example, describing a
warrior's strength to a raging storm. hero's agility as swift as a bird.

3 Personification 4 Hyperbole
Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract Using exaggeration to emphasize a point or create
concepts. For example, describing the sea as angry or dramatic effect. For example, describing a hero's
the wind as whispering secrets. strength as boundless or a journey as long as a lifetime.
Significance of Oral
Tradition in Philippine
Literature
Oral tradition played a crucial role in shaping Philippine literature.
Before the advent of writing, stories, poems, and epics were
passed down through generations, fostering a sense of shared
identity and cultural heritage. Oral tradition continues to influence
contemporary literature, shaping themes, language, and cultural
perspectives.
Preserving and Sharing
Philippine Oral Traditions
Efforts to preserve and share Philippine oral traditions are crucial
for ensuring that these stories continue to be passed down through
generations. This includes documenting the stories, translating
them into different languages, and using modern media to reach
wider audiences. Initiatives like festivals, workshops, and online
platforms play a vital role in promoting and celebrating these rich
cultural treasures.
Adapting Oral Traditions to
Modern Media
Oral traditions can be adapted to modern media formats, such as
films, television shows, and online platforms. This can help reach a
wider audience and ensure that these stories remain relevant in
contemporary society. Adapting traditional storytelling to modern
forms requires sensitivity and respect for the original source
material, while ensuring that the stories are engaging and
accessible to new audiences.
Integrating Philippine
Epics into Education
Integrating Philippine epics into the education system can help
students understand their cultural heritage, develop critical
thinking skills, and appreciate the power of storytelling. By
exposing students to these rich narratives, educators can foster a
deeper understanding of Philippine history, culture, and values,
making learning more engaging and culturally relevant.