Ang Bulawan na Baka (The Golden Cattle)

 

Ang Bulawan na Baka (The Golden Cattle) of Mount Isarog

In the shadow of Mount Isarog, where lush forests and rivers thrive, the people believe in many mystical creatures that watch over the land. One of the most revered is Ang Bulawan na Baka—the Golden Cattle. Unlike ordinary cattle, this magical being shines with a golden glow and serves as the sentinel of the mountain, foretelling natural events to the local villagers.

The Bulawan na Baka doesn’t graze on fields or wander like other animals. Instead, it has the ability to take flight and soar across the skies of Mount Isarog, moving gracefully from peak to peak, including the nearby mountains of Tinambac and Lagonoy. Its appearance is rare but always a sign of impending events. When the villagers spot the Golden Cattle flying over the mountains, they know a calamity—whether it be a storm, flood, or other disaster—is soon to come.

In the old days, this majestic creature served as the local people's weather forecaster. Unlike today’s modern meteorology, the Bulawan na Baka was the warning sign that allowed them to prepare. When its golden wings were seen against the sky, villagers would begin gathering their crops, reinforcing their homes, and preparing for the worst, knowing that the cattle’s flight signaled the approach of a disaster.

The Bulawan na Baka represents not only nature’s power but also its gift of foresight to those who respect it. For the locals, this creature embodies the delicate relationship between humans and the environment. Its appearance was both a blessing and a warning, reminding people to stay in harmony with the natural world and to be vigilant in times of change.

A Symbol of Survival

The tale of the Golden Cattle continues to be passed down through generations in the villages surrounding Mount Isarog. Even today, the story of the Bulawan na Baka serves as a reminder of the wisdom embedded in the traditions of the past, and the respect that the locals have for the power of nature.

For the people of Tinambac, Goa, Naga, and the other nearby towns, the legend of the Bulawan na Baka is not just a myth, but a guiding tale. It teaches them to be prepared, to heed the signs from the world around them, and to trust in the ancient guardians of Mount Isarog to protect and guide them through life’s challenges.

The story of the Golden Cattle is still told in the villages around Mount Isarog. It teaches the importance of being prepared and paying attention to nature. For the people of Tinambac, Goa, Naga, and nearby towns, the legend of the Bulawan na Baka is not just a tale but a lesson on how to live in harmony with the world around them.