In the ancient days of Ibalong, as the people were gradually establishing their settlements, a colony emerged, known as Tigbi, or Tiwi. This tale revolves around the celestial realm and the consequences of an immortal's love for a mortal maiden, culminating in the creation of the famed hot springs of Tiwi.
The protagonist of our story is Oratíhon, the son of the Sun deity Adlao. One day, while hovering over the colony in his golden boat above the clouds, Oratíhon beheld the beauty of the young maidens of Tiwi. Enthralled by their charm, he singled out the most beautiful among them and was instantly captivated.
Unable to contain his feelings, Oratíhon returned to his celestial domain and approached his father, the sun god, Adlao. Filled with emotions, he confessed his admiration for the mortal maiden. Adlao, wise and aware of the consequences, cautioned his son against acting on his desires. The sun god reminded Oratíhon that his fiery nature, being too young and hot, could harm the maiden he longed for. If he truly loved her, Adlao advised, he must keep his distance.
However, fueled by passion and blinded by love, Oratíhon disregarded his father's counsel. The next day, adorned in his golden diadem and dressed in his finest robes, he descended to Tiwi in his golden boat. Overwhelmed with excitement, he set foot on the mortal realm.
Tragedy unfolded as the celestial being's presence ignited the very ground he tread upon. The houses of Tiwi erupted in flames as he walked, leaving a trail of fire and destruction in his wake. The once serene landscape succumbed to the inferno, houses and trees alike consumed by the heat.
Despite the chaos, Oratíhon persistently sought the beautiful maiden. However, his touch proved catastrophic; as he reached out to hold her, she burst into flames and crumbled to dust before his eyes. Overwhelmed by grief, the son of Adlao knelt before the ashes of the young maiden, weeping for the consequences of his unbridled love.
As years passed, nature worked its healing magic on the scorched lands of Tiwi. The once-burned terrain transformed into a lush, green landscape, concealing any remnants of the catastrophic event—except for the warm tears of the young lunar deity. These tears, falling to the ground, metamorphosed into the hot springs of Tiwi, serving as a poignant reminder of a love that led to both beauty and tragedy. The legend endures, etching the tale of Tiwi's hot springs into the annals of Bicolano mythology.
