The Mermaids of Malinao

Legends of the beautiful but vicious mermaids were prevalent in Bicol one of the stories concerning these mermaids happened allegedly during the Spanish occupation of Bicol In one of its Municipality in Albay. The story tells of Moro(Islamic) raiders who plundered them and took seven women, and how the mermaids sank the boat they were using to save these women.

magindara

Long ago in a province city in Bicol called Anilao live a girl named Maria, she was baptized in the ways of the Colonials from the Wests but she and her family secretly still worshiped and believed in the old ways. One night a terrible storm passed their province. The next day she and her brother went to play by the river, In the river, they saw a beautiful maiden, she looked injured. As the two came near the lovely maiden they were shocked. She had long flowing hair which covered the top part of her body but the lower part of her body was like that of an eel. The children also noticed that she was trapped, her tail caught between driftwood in the river. Scared the two children ran home and told their mother, Pedro the elder of the two children told their mother that they must tell the parish priest about it, Their mother scolded him and said that they would be punished by the priest if ever they told him that. Their mother told them that they must help the maiden, the mother told them that it was a Magindara that might have been washed their during the storm, but only the children can help it because they are known to be vicious towards an adult. The next day Maria and Pedro went back to the river, scared but reminded that their mother told that the creature would never harm children they came close and helped her. The mermaid told the children she was not a Maginadara but rather a Naga. That Magindara are different from her kind but she is of higher status. The two children freed her tail. The beautiful Naga thanked the children and some how magically made it drizzle. The children danced happily under the summer rain. Before the Naga left she told the children that they would repay them for their kindness and if ever they would need help in the seas, all they need to do is either chop a lock of their hair of pluck some strands. The hair will signify they are calling her and she will help. Then she swam away and also the drizzle stopped.

Years have passed and Maria and her brother Pedro had not forgotten the beautiful Naga. One day as Maria was walking by the beach he herd screams suddenly a band of Moro men grabbed her. Things happened so fast and she realized she was being abducted by these strong men. Men who looked thicker in muscle then the men from her community. They were forced in their boats, Maria and the other women started sobbing. Wiping her eyes she looked at the waters and remembered the lovely Naga, she pulled strands of hair from her nape and prayed that the Naga would help her. A thud on the side of the Moro boat. Then another, Maria got a glimpse of colored scales. 

magindara

The boat flipped, and she and the Moro men and the abducted women were now the in the waters. Maria saw beautiful women with long flowing hair with lower bodies of multi-colored scaled fishes. They were beautiful but they tore the flesh from the Moro men. She would have drowned in fear but something was pulling her. Like the other women the lower half of her body was like fish but unlike those of the magindara that were colorful and scaled, hers was of gray and silver. It was the lovely Naga she and her brothers helped before. The seven girl, Maria one of them woke up on the shores. The whole Anilao was in joy that the boat of the Moros had sunk and not one of them saw seen, and all the girls that were abducted were safe. It drizzled that day and only Maria knew that it was a sign from the lovely Naga who had rescued them.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners and foreign products. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos,and retold by Filipinos.

LEGEND OF THE THREE MOUNTAINS OF BICOL

Ang alamat ng tatlong bundok (Bulkan) ng Bicol

There are many different versions of legends and myths in Bicol. This is one of many and tells about how the three mountains (Volcanoes) came to be...

Ang Tulong bulod

The legend of the three mountains(volcanoes) of Bicol

Alamat ng Tatlong Bulod

Long ago there was a rich land called Ibalon, where the people venerated their gods and in return was bountiful catch and harvest and fine weather. One of the colonies ruled by Datu Makusog(his name means strong) and his wife Diwani, the had two daughters named Malinao and Masaraga. Later Diwani became pregnant with her youngest daughter which they named Magayon. The three grew up to be the loveliest maidens in all of Ibalon, specially Magayaon. Masaraga was of short stature and was a brown beauty, she was strong willed and industrious and prayed to the gods often. She wanted to learn the knowledge and secrets of the gods so Ibalon could prosper more.  Malinao is lithe and soft spoken is of a different beauty and character she is very light of skin and was forbidden to go out of their abode. Youngest and most beautiful was Magayon Beautiful but proud and moody, some say she was blessed with having golden-copper  skin and copper colored hair.

The three sisters being the loveliest maidens were chosen dance for their whole colony the rituals of ''atang'' but Magayon being stubborn refuses, but is later conviced by her eldest sister Masaraga.
Masaraga was favored by the gods for her deeds and her plans for Ibalon, but it was also the thing that would lead to her demise and hr sister Malinao's demise. Favored by Gugurang she had learned the secrets of herbs and potions and practical healing. But this angered Oryol who was the daughter of the deity Asuang. Oryol sang and her lovely voice called the Banog. The Banog was winged monster half-man and half-bird. Oryol commanded the Banog to fly and kill Masaraga for she had learned the secrets of the gods. And so the Banog did as commanded and went to where Masaraga was and scooped her and flew high. When they were high enough the Banog dropped Masaraga.

Oryol thinking that Masaraga had told the secrets of the gods to her sister Malinao also plotted to kill her.Malinao was a maiden who rarely leaves their abode, and when she does she is always carried in a hammock or a basket by their slaves. She was well kept for because she is much favored by the god of the sea Magindang. For her light skin reminds the sea god of Bulan, the god of the moon. ever since Malinao was born their had always been a bountiful catch from sea, and when Malinao is sad their fisher men could not catch fish. Oryol had to think of how to kill Malinao. She transformed herself into a appearance of Masaraga.  Masaraga(who was Oryol in disguise) tricked Malinao into coming with her to the shallow waters. She carried Malinao on her back, Oryol sang and her beautiful voice called the vicious Magindara (mermaids) She threw Malinao to the water and the vicious mermaids did the rest.

So lastly Oryol had to deal with the proud Daragang Magayon. Magayon had many suitors. Among her many suitors were nobles, and one of them was  Datu Pagtuga(Eruption) of the Iraga. Datu Pagtuga brought with him many baskets filled pearls dived from the deep sea, and as many gold as his servants could carry, he thought that he could win over Magayon's heart with riches. But Magayon was proud of her beauty and of her status, she rejected Datu Pagtuga and her other suitors. One day a young noble and his men arrived in Datu Makusog's territory. It was Gino(prince) Panganoron or as his men called him Gino Ulap (Ginoong Ulap/Prince Cloud) to seek a bride. Ulap has heard of the beauty of Daragang Magayon and has come a long way just to see her. Panganoron had light skin and the people said that it is because his mother was of the wind people (tawong lipod)
some say his mother was a mermaid. So Gino Panganoron was captivated by Magayon's beauty, Panganoron was patient with Magayon. 

Daragang Magayon

One day Magayon went to the river called Yawa. Oryol was waiting for Magayon, She used her voice to charm Magayon into going to the river and had made sure that the stones were slippery, Oryol also had mermaids there to drown Magayon once she fell on the river. So as planned Magayon came and and slipped into the river where she almost drowned if not Ulap(Panganoron) who saves Magayon
He carried her home, When they arrived he threw his spear in front of Magayon's abode proclaiming he wants to marry her. The proud Magayon now humbled accepts the proposal, grateful that the noble Ulap saved his remaining daughter Datu Makusog agrees to the wedding. Ulap must return to his land for the preparation of their wedding, and also to bring treasures from his land as a gift to his soon to be bride.
Oryol angered that her plan to kill Magayon failed thought of another plan. She sang, her beautiful voice implanted evil thoughts on Datu Pagtuga's head.
When Datu Makusog was hunting Datu pagtuga and his men abducted him
He threatened Magayon telling her he will kill his father and wage war if she refuse to marry him.
Against her will and her heart she agrees.
Ulap heard of the horrible news and he wasted no time returning to Rawis On their wedding day
Ulap and his men arrived and rained arrows over Pagtuga and his men. A great battle instead of a wedding feast took place. Ulap was able to defeat Pagtuga
Magayon jubilant runs over to her beloved but as she was about to hold him, an arrow struck her from behind. Ulap shocked by this let his guard down which Linog (Pagtuga's most loyal warrior) saw as his chance, he struck Ulap using a spear Datu Makusog killed the man who struck Ulap using his bolo(large single-edged knife).They buried the two young lovers together

Daragang Magayon

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The gods had saw what had happened to the three sisters, In remembrance to the ground where Masaraga fell to her death Mount Masaraga appeared,

and in the place where Malinao drowned Mount Malinao appeared.

Lastly where Magayon and Panganoron were buried Mount Magayon now called mount Mayon is now located.

People believe that when clouds cover the top of Mayon volcano, it signifies that Ulap is kissing Magayon

if you want to read more about the  DARAGANG MAGAYON MYTHOLOGY click the blue link.

Malinao

Malinaw - the beautiful,fair and cloistered princess of Ibalong, was well-kept and the sister of Daragang Magayon. In the place where Malinao drowned, Mount Malinao appeared. She was well kept for because she is much favored by the god of the sea Magindang. For her light skin reminds the sea god of Bulan, the god of the moon. ever since Malinao was born their had always been a bountiful catch from sea, and when Malinao is sad their fisher men could not catch fish.She was killed by the demi goddess Oryol because Oryol believed Malinaw learned the secrets of the gods

Masaraga

Masaraga - beautiful strong-willed and industrious princess of Ibalong, prayed to the gods often and possessed beautiful golden-brown skin. She was the most willing to make Ibalong prosperous and more progressive Tragically, she was killed by the flying monster called Banog, controlled by the enchanted voice of the  demi-goddess Oryol. The ground where Masaraga fell to her death, Mount Masaraga appeared.

Magayon

Magayon - Most beautiful Princess in Ibalong. Depicted as often surrounded by small birds.Magayon sometimes called Mayon or daragang Magayon is the youngest sister of Masaraga and Malinao, Beautiful but proud and moody, some say she was blessed with having golden-copper  skin and copper/dark brown coloured hair. In the beginning she was stubborn and refused to make rituals and "atang" and ''haliya'' with her sisters. She fell in love with Panganoron and became humble but was forced to marry Pagtuga to save her father, Datu Makusog. She died during the fight of Pagtuga and Panganoron.  In the place where she lay the stunning Mayon volcano grew.

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.

MALINAW

 

Malinaw, also known as Malinao, is a mythical princess in Bicolano folklore. She possesses a unique beauty and character, being lithe and soft-spoken. With her fair skin, She was cloistered, and well kept. Malinao was forbidden to leave their abode, kept in seclusion. Her radiant complexion drew favor from the sea god Magindang, as it reminded him of Bulan(and or Haliya), the god of the moon.

Since Malinao's birth, the sea yielded a bountiful catch, a sign of Magindang's favor. However, when Malinao felt sorrow, the fishermen faced difficulty catching fish. Tragically, Malinao's life took a dark turn when the demi-goddess Oryol believed she had learned the secrets of the gods.

To execute her plan, Oryol transformed into the appearance of Masaraga, tricking Malinao into accompanying her to shallow waters. Carrying Malinao on her back, Oryol's enchanting voice summoned the vicious Magindara (mermaids). She then threw Malinao into the water, and the merciless mermaids took her life. In the very place where Malinao drowned, Mount Malinao emerged as a lasting testament to the tragic fate of the mythical princess.

STORY OF MOUNT MALINAO

TATLONG BULOD

Once upon a time in the rich land of Ibalon, where the people cherished their gods and were rewarded with plentiful harvests and fair weather, lived Datu Makusog and his wife Diwani. They had three daughters: Malinao, Masaraga, and the youngest, Magayon. Magayon was known for her striking beauty, but her initial pride and moodiness gave way to humility and kindness over time. Depicted as surrounded by small birds, she was the loveliest maiden in all of Ibalon.

Masaraga, strong-willed and industrious, prayed to the gods for knowledge to prosper Ibalon. Malinao, forbidden to leave their abode, possessed a different beauty she was fair and lithe  and was associated with the sea god Magindang. Magayon, the most beautiful but initially proud, had golden-copper skin and copper-colored hair.

As the loveliest maidens, the sisters were chosen to dance for their colony's rituals of "atang." However, Magayon, initially stubborn, later agreed under the persuasion of her eldest sister, Masaraga. Favored by the gods, Masaraga's knowledge led to her demise when Oryol, daughter of the deity Asuang, plotted against her. Oryol, angered by Masaraga's secrets, commanded the Banog to kill her.

Oryol, thinking Masaraga had shared the secrets with Malinao, plotted her demise too. Disguised as Masaraga, Oryol tricked Malinao into shallow waters, where she summoned Magindara (mermaids) to drown her.

Lastly, Magayon, with many suitors, rejected them, including Datu Pagtuga of the Iraga. However, when Gino Panganoron arrived, captivated by Magayon's beauty, he patiently won her heart. Oryol attempted to harm Magayon by luring her to the Yawa river, but Panganoron saved her.

Panganoron proposed, and the once-proud Magayon humbly accepted, grateful for Ulap's (Panganoron) heroism. However, Oryol, angered by her failed plan, manipulated Datu Pagtuga into abducting Datu Makusog. Threatening Magayon, Pagtuga forced her into an unwanted marriage.

Ulap, upon hearing the news, returned to Rawis, and a great battle ensued at the wedding. Ulap defeated Pagtuga, but tragedy struck as an arrow pierced Magayon just as she was about to hold Ulap. In grief, Ulap let his guard down, allowing Linog (Pagtuga's loyal warrior) to strike him. Datu Makusog intervened, killing Linog. The young lovers were buried together.

The gods, witnessing the tragic fate of the sisters, created mountains in their memory: Mount Masaraga where Masaraga fell, Mount Malinao where Malinao drowned, and Mount Magayon (now called Mayon) where Magayon and Panganoron were laid to rest. People believe that when clouds cover Mayon's peak, it signifies Ulap kissing Magayon.