Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay of Bicol Mythology

 

Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay

Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay: A Bicol Mythology Tale

Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay is a beloved tale in Bicol mythology, passed down through generations as part of the region’s rich oral tradition. The story centers on Aguingay, a beautiful princess, and Bulusan, a brave warrior, whose tragic love and untimely deaths are forever linked to the mountains of Sorsogon that bear their names. Like many Bicolano myths, this tale is not written down but shared through storytelling, deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people.

The legend is said to have inspired the naming of Bulusan town and its surrounding mountains. Aguingay, with her fair beauty and grace, was betrothed to Bulusan, the son of a great warrior. Before their marriage, however, a jealous princess named Dayang Buhang sought to take Bulusan for herself. Determined to escape her wrath, Bulusan and Aguingay fled into the forests, where they were pursued by soldiers who were ordered to kill them if necessary. The couple fought back, but both tragically died in the end.

To honor their memory, the grief-stricken Dayang Buhang commanded a grand burial for the lovers on high ground, with their tombs becoming a lasting symbol of their love, visible from the town below. The two mountains that stand near Bulusan are said to represent Bulusan and Aguingay, forever intertwined in legend.

As with many stories in Bicol's oral mythology, Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay is deeply cherished, reflecting the values, emotions, and cultural heritage of the people. It’s a living myth, continually retold in the community, connecting them to their ancestral past while remaining a source of local pride. The tale, like other Bicolano legends, serves not only as entertainment but as a symbol of identity, resilience, and the beauty of the region’s folklore.

Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay: The Tragic Love Story of Bicol Oral Mythology

In the ancient days before the arrival of the Spaniards, the peaceful land of Bulusan, nestled in the southern region of Bicol, was home to a legendary love story that has been passed down through generations. At the heart of this tale is Aguingay, a beautiful princess, known throughout the land for her grace and kindness and fair skin. She was the daughter of a neighboring tribal chieftain, and her beauty was said to be unmatched.

Aguingay was betrothed to Bulusan, the brave and noble son of a great warrior, whose strength and courage made him a hero in the eyes of their people. Their union was a symbol of peace and harmony, and the town of Bulusan would later be named in his honor.

However, their happiness was not to last. Dayang Buhang, another princess from a distant village, had set her eyes on Bulusan. Like Aguingay, Dayang Buhang was beautiful, but unlike her, she was cruel and consumed by jealousy. Desperate to have Bulusan for herself, she schemed to tear him away from his beloved Aguingay.

Unable to withstand the fury of Dayang Buhang and her threats, Bulusan and Aguingay fled to the deep forests, seeking refuge from the vengeful princess. But Dayang Buhang, unwilling to let go of her desires, sent soldiers to hunt them down. Her orders were clear: capture Bulusan, even if it meant killing Aguingay.

In the dark heart of the forest, a fierce battle erupted. The soldiers, driven by Dayang Buhang's command, fought fiercely against the couple. Despite their bravery, Bulusan and Aguingay were overwhelmed. Both fell in the struggle, dying in each other's arms.

When the news of their tragic deaths reached Dayang Buhang, she was filled with remorse and sorrow. Though she had sought to claim Bulusan for herself, she had not intended for such a devastating outcome. In her grief, she ordered that Bulusan and Aguingay be given a grand burial on a high hill, where their tombs could be seen by all the people in the town.

As time passed, the memory of Bulusan and Aguingay's love and sacrifice became a legend. It is said that two mountains rose from the place where they were buried, standing tall as a reminder of their unbreakable bond. The two mountains are now known as Mount Bulusan and Mount Aguingay, eternal symbols of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of the people of Bicol.

Aguingay is a legendary figure in the folklore of Bulusan, a town in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. She is a central character in the epic Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay, believed to have lived centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards in the islands.

Early Life

Aguingay was the daughter of the leader of a neighboring tribe. Known for her beauty and fair complexion, she was betrothed to Bulusan, the son of a great warrior. This union later inspired the name of their hometown, Bulusan.

The Mampak Bird

According to folklore, a giant bird called Mampak once terrorized the town, killing many tribesmen during Aguingay's time. Just before Aguingay and Bulusan were to be married, the bird attacked the northern tribes. With the help of the nearby Casiguran tribe, the bird was eventually killed and thrown into the sea. Many believe that several village names in Bulusan originated from the bird's flight and death. For instance, Tagdon means "landing," and Layog means "flight." Some stories claim that Bulusan Lake was formed from the bird’s blood when it was fatally wounded.

Conflict with Casiguran

After the bird was killed, Casiguran, the leader of the neighboring tribe, claimed that his people were responsible for its defeat. He demanded to marry Aguingay as a reward. Bulusan opposed this, leading to a battle at Punta Tawog where Bulusan emerged victorious. Casiguran and his men retreated, and Aguingay remained with Bulusan, who was hailed as the hero who killed the Mampak bird.

Tragic Love Story

Before their marriage, a princess named Dayang Buhang fell in love with Bulusan and tried to take him from Aguingay. The couple fled to the forests to escape the princess' wrath. Soldiers were sent to capture Bulusan, even if it meant killing Aguingay. A fierce fight ensued, and both Bulusan and Aguingay tragically died. Grieving their loss, the princess ordered a grand burial for the couple on a high ground, where their tombs became visible from the town. This event is said to have given rise to the legend of two mountains, symbolizing Bulusan and Aguingay.

Reynaldo T. Jamoralin's Version of the Epic

In another version of the story, Bulusan and Aguingay were newly married and living peacefully under the shadow of a volcano. However, jealousy consumed Casiguran, the son of a neighboring chieftain, Apu Juban. After the death of his father, Casiguran falsely accused Bulusan of murder, leading to Bulusan being sacrificed to the man-eating Mampak bird. Despite Aguingay's pleas, Bulusan was killed.

Casiguran's cruelty did not end there. He demanded that Aguingay throw her newborn son into the volcano as a sacrifice. Terrified and grief-stricken, Aguingay complied but ultimately took her own life. The villagers, learning the truth about Casiguran's treachery, sought revenge and threw him into the volcano.

Their collective tears, along with the blood of Bulusan, are said to have formed two lakes on the slopes of Mt. Bulusan—Lake Bulusan and Lake Agingay. These natural landmarks remain a symbol of their tragic love and the enduring legend of their sacrifice.

Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay Festival

The Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay Festival is an annual celebration held in the town of Bulusan, taking place the day before the town's fiesta on July 25, which honors St. James the Greater. This vibrant festival features a lively parade and street dancing, with participants dressed in elaborate costumes representing the characters from the epic tale of Bulusan and Aguingay. A highlight of the event is a dance contest, where groups compete to tell the legendary love story through interpretative dance, bringing the ancient myth to life for the community

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.