Tanding the gentle giant

 

the legend of the whale sharks

In the realm of Bicol, where the whispers of legends dance upon the breeze, there dwelled a colossal soul named Tanding. A giant among men, he bore the weight of solitude, for fear cloaked the hearts of those who dared to draw near. His benevolent spirit sought refuge on the fringes of civilization, a recluse by the shores of a tranquil beach.

In the wake of Tanding's departure, an ominous specter cast its shadow upon the town. Night after night, a gruesome tableau unfolded, a massacre that claimed the lives of unsuspecting men. The victims' forms, mangled and obscured by savage bites, bore witness to an unseen terror.

In the minds of the fearful, a singular culprit emerged—Si Tanding. Anguish and anger converged, leading the aggrieved townsfolk to Tanding's doorstep. Stones hurled like accusations, imprisoning the gentle giant within the walls of his own dwelling. Threats of mortal consequence hung heavy in the air, stifling his every move.

Yet, destiny took a curious turn as night descended, and the clamor of the vengeful mob retreated. Unbeknownst to them, a different threat loomed in the shadows. A legion of wild dogs, frenzied and hungry, descended upon the unsuspecting town.

Witness to impending peril, Tanding emerged from his haven. A selfless resolve ignited within him, a desire to shield those who had scorned him. With a divine purpose, he beckoned the canine horde, ensnaring them within the fabric of his clothes. Hundreds of desperate souls clung to him as he ventured into the vast expanse of the sea.

Amidst the struggle between man and beast, the sea bore witness to an epic sacrifice. Tanding, once feared as a harbinger of doom, now embraced the role of a savior. As the waves receded, the echoes of canine cries faded, leaving behind a hero's demise. The once-feared giant succumbed to the currents, his benevolence immortalized in the sacrifice he made for those who had condemned him.

Days passed, and a peculiar sight graced the waters near the shore. A colossal fish, its presence akin to a guardian spirit, patrolled the tides. In reverence, the townsfolk bestowed upon it the name Tanding, a testament to the giant's noble essence. Over time, this guardian of the sea became known as BUTANDING, a manifestation of a once-feared soul now eternally bound to the ocean's embrace.