why Bicol mythology is alive and vabirant to this day

Living mythology is vibrant and is still passed down verbally up to this day in the Bicol area. The preservation of orally passed-down mythologies in the Bicol region of the Philippines, as opposed to Metro Manila, can be attributed to various factors, including cultural practices, and the strong sense of community in the region.

 Cultural Practices: 

The Bicolanos, have a rich tradition of oral storytelling. The passing down of myths, legends, and folklore from generation to generation is deeply ingrained in their cultural practices. Elders play a crucial role in transmitting these stories to younger members of the community, ensuring the continuity of the oral tradition..

Strong Family ties

Bicolano people's strong family ties contribute significantly to the oral transmission of Philippine mythology. The close-knit nature of Bicolano families fosters a tradition where grandparents actively engage with their young grandchildren, especially during bedtime, by sharing stories of myths, legends, and monsters. This intergenerational bonding not only strengthens family connections but also plays a crucial role in preserving and passing down the rich cultural heritage of Bicolano mythology.

School activities : 

Bicolano schools have an engaging and culturally enriching experience.Children and Students do stage plays and assigned roles for various characters in myths and epics.Engaging students in a hands-on, creative exploration of the myths and specially the Ibalong epic, thiese roleplay and performance initiative not only promotes cultural awareness but also provides a memorable and interactive learning experience within the Bicolano school setting. example Young girls getting picked to portray Oryol of Ibalong

 Strong Community Ties: 

Traditional communities in the Bicol region often have strong social bonds. This sense of community can contribute to the preservation of cultural practices, as there is a collective effort to pass down and uphold shared values, stories, and traditions. In contrast, urban areas like Metro Manila may experience more rapid cultural changes due to factors such as migration, urbanization, and exposure to diverse influences.

Less Urbanization and Modernization: 

The development status of the Bicol region in the Philippines vary across different aspects, including economic, social, and infrastructure development. The Bicol region, compared to the highly urbanized Metro Manila, may have experienced less rapid modernization and urban development. Urbanization often brings about changes in lifestyle, values, and cultural practices, potentially leading to the erosion of traditional oral storytelling.

Tourism: 

The Bicol region is known for its natural attractions, including Mayon Volcano, Caramoan Islands, and whale shark interactions in Donsol. These tourist spots have retained many of their mythologies despite being tourist areas. Tours often incorporate stories and legends such as the ''Daragang Magayon story.''

Language Preservation: 

The use of regional languages, such as Bikol in the Bicol region, may also contribute to the preservation of myths. Regional languages are often deeply intertwined with cultural identity, and the use of these languages in storytelling helps maintain the authenticity of the myths.

While these factors may have contributed to the preservation of oral mythologies in the Bicol region, it's important to note that cultural practices are dynamic, and changes can occur over time. Additionally, efforts to document  but not freeze and promote cultural heritage are essential in ensuring the continued vitality of oral traditions in any region.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners. 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 in the Philippines and abroad. Filipino artist and Support Local Story Tellers