REDISCOVER the fair and lovely Agingay

 

Aguingay, or Agingay, is a legendary figure deeply rooted in the oral mythology folklore of Bulusan, Sorsogon. She is a central character in the epic tale Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay, known for her fair features and beauty her story recounts the love, tragedy, and conflict that befell her and her beloved, Bulusan. This story is believed to have originated centuries before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the Philippines, making it a cherished piece of pre-colonial heritage in the region.

Aguingay was born into a powerful tribe neighboring Bulusan’s village. From a young age, she was renowned for her beauty, her fair complexion, and her graceful demeanor. It was said that her beauty was so striking that her fate was sealed early on—she was betrothed to Bulusan, the son of a great warrior. Bulusan was known for his bravery and strength, and together, they formed a bond destined to become legendary in their village. In time, Bulusan's name would be immortalized as the name of the town, a symbol of his heroism and their fated connection.

like all oral mythology and Philippine stories this is one of many versions

Long ago, in the ancient land of Bulusan in Sorsogon, there lived a brave and handsome warrior named Bulusan, who had just wed the fair and lovely Agingay. The couple lived happily beneath the towering shadow of a mighty volcano. However, unknown to them, an evil force lurked in the form of Casiguran, the envious son of Apu Juban, the respected village chieftain. Though Casiguran already had a loyal and loving wife, Irosin, his heart burned with jealousy toward Bulusan, wishing to take Agingay for himself.

When Apu Juban passed away of natural causes, Casiguran saw his chance to destroy Bulusan. Driven by envy, he falsely accused Bulusan of murdering his father. To make his lie believable, he threatened and bribed the village soothsayer, Putiao, to bear false witness against Bulusan. Under this false testimony, Bulusan was brought before the village elders, the Gurang Donsol, Gurang Matnog, and Gurang Bacon. In their judgment, they sentenced him to be fed to the fearsome Mampak, a giant, man-eating bird that terrorized the village.

Despite Agingay’s tearful pleas, Casiguran’s heart remained as cold as stone. With no mercy, Bulusan was taken to the summit of the volcano, where the Mampak devoured him, leaving nothing but sorrow behind. But Casiguran’s hatred was far from satisfied. He ordered that once Agingay bore Bulusan's child, the newborn would be cast into the fiery heart of the volcano, ensuring no trace of Bulusan's legacy would remain.

Terrified and grief-stricken, Agingay climbed the volcano, her newborn son cradled in her arms, following Casiguran’s cruel command. Meanwhile, Irosin, who had long seen through her husband’s wickedness, confronted Casiguran, but he only sneered at her defiance. As guilt consumed Putiao, he confessed his false testimony to the village elders. Shocked and enraged by Casiguran's treachery, the elders, along with Irosin and the villagers, rushed to the volcano to save Agingay and her child.

On the way, they discovered the lifeless body of Putiao, brutally slain by Casiguran's minions to silence him forever. When they reached the volcano’s crater, they found Agingay lying lifeless, her heart shattered by grief. She had taken her own life after casting her infant son into the fiery depths, unable to bear the weight of her sorrow. Casiguran, hiding nearby, was seized by the furious villagers and was thrown into the same fiery crater where he had condemned Bulusan and his son.

With heavy hearts, the villagers carried Agingay's lifeless body down the slopes of the volcano. Their tears, mixed with the blood of Bulusan and the sorrow of Agingay, flowed down the mountainside, forming two beautiful lakes. These lakes, born of tragedy and love, became known as Lake Bulusan and Lake Agingay. The mighty volcano, which had witnessed both the love and sorrow of Bulusan and Agingay, was forever called Mt. Bulusan.

Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay Festival

In modern times, the tale of Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay continues to live on through an annual festival held in the town of Bulusan. The festival takes place the day before the town’s fiesta on July 25, the feast day of St. James the Greater. During the celebration, the epic story is reenacted through a colorful parade and street dances, with participants dressed in traditional costumes, portraying the characters from the legend. The festival is a vibrant display of local culture, preserving the memory of Bulusan and Aguingay for future generations.

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.