REDISCOVER the flame of Ibalong

Asuang Steals the Scared Fire of Gugurang

In the mystical realm of Ibalong, where monstrous creatures and divine deities coexist, Asuang casts a sinister shadow over the land. Revered and feared, he rules over both the terrestrial and aerial monsters that populate Ibalong. Whispers abound of his deceptive allure, appearing tall, muscular, and strikingly attractive under the moon's glow, only to reveal a grotesque and monstrous visage in the unforgiving light of day.Legend tells of a time when Asuang, once considered the equal of Gugurang, sought to challenge the benevolent god's supremacy. The two gods, residing in the sacred mountains of Bolod, Bicol, were once comrades, possibly even brothers. Gugurang, the god of goodness, dwelled within the majestic Mount Mayon, while Asuang, the harbinger of chaos, lurked within the shadowy confines of Mount Malinao. Gugurang's power surpassed that of Asuang, who lingered as a subordinate, the chief deity of the Bicols.

Gugurang's dominion over the people was marked by control and protection. Disobedience to his commands invoked the ominous rumblings of Mayon Volcano, a divine warning that urged the people to mend their ways. Gugurang, the embodiment of goodness, became a symbol ready to punish the wicked. The sight of fiery streams flowing from Mayon's crater struck fear into the hearts of the people, leading them to offer sacrifices (atangs) to appease Gugurang's wrath, guided by the Baliana priestess.

Amidst this divine equilibrium, Asuang, residing in the desolate Mount Malinao, yearned for power comparable to Gugurang's. The evil deity, devoid of fire in his abode, sought to subdue the people with the threat of fire or rumbling. Asuang, driven by ambition, implored Gugurang for the sacred fire, only to be vehemently refused. Gugurang's response, thunderous and resolute, revealed the potential cataclysm should the fire fall into malevolent hands.

As the dialogue unfolded, Asuang's discontent with his humble abode and Gugurang's seemingly unchecked power escalated. The once-friendly gods became enemies, with Asuang plotting to oppose Gugurang. Gathering malevolent counselors and evil spirits, Asuang sowed the seeds of immorality, lawlessness, and crime across the land. Gugurang, discerning Asuang as the source of turmoil, realized the malevolent deity's ambitious motives.

Faced with Asuang's growing influence, Gugurang found himself powerless against the forces of evil. Pestilence swept through the barrios, prompting the people to seek protection from the omnipotent deity. Gugurang, powerless against Asuang himself, unleashed floods and eruptions, warning the people to follow his commandments strictly or face extermination.

Despite Gugurang's caution, Asuang, displaying newfound powers, infiltrated the guarded sanctum, bribing the catambang guardians with gold. With the acquisition of Gugurang's sacred fire concealed in a coconut shell, Asuang embarked on a fiery rampage, igniting every barrio in his wake.

Gugurang, witnessing the chaos, soared into the skies in pursuit of Asuang. A fierce race for supremacy unfolded, the air pulsating with heat as they raced towards Mount Malinao. In a dramatic climax, Gugurang caught up with Asuang just as the malevolent deity was about to descend Mount Malinao. With a swift motion, Gugurang snatched the fire, vanishing with it.

Returning to Mount Mayon, Gugurang restored the sacred fire, bringing light back to the world. He quelled the conflagration by summoning continuous rain upon the land. The people, now grateful for Gugurang's protection, offered atangs in penance for their perceived transgressions.

In a vengeful act against Asuang, Gugurang commanded Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike Mount Malinao. Asuang, attempting to bribe the elements, faced Gugurang's thunderbolt. The once-majestic mountain crumbled, its halves standing as a testament to the defeat of evil.

The people, witnessing the destruction of Mount Malinao, thanked the omnipotent Gugurang for purging their land of Asuang's malevolence. Though rumors circulated that Asuang perished, his influence continued to wreak havoc. The enterprising few, preserving embers, acquired fire during the aftermath, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in the annals of Ibalong.

Gugurang and Asuang:

In the ancient days, when the cosmos was in its youth and gods freely roamed the world, the realms of good and evil were not yet locked in eternal conflict. Gugurang and Asuang, residing in separate mountains within the mystical Bolod of Bicol, were once comrades, some even whispering of a brotherhood. Gugurang, the harbinger of benevolence, dwelled majestically in the heart of Mount Mayon, while Asuang, the malevolent deity, lurked within the shadowy confines of Mount Malinao. As gods, they held dominion over the destiny of the people, yet Gugurang's power eclipsed that of Asuang, who lingered as a mere subordinate, the chief deity of the Bicols.

Gugurang, with unparalleled authority, governed the lives of the people who sought his protection and favor. Disobedience to his commands or wishes invoked the dreadful rumbling of the Mayon Volcano, a harbinger of warning to the inhabitants. This ominous sign coerced the people to rectify their transgressions, or face the fury of volcanic eruptions cleansing the land of sinners.

Gugurang metamorphosed into the symbol of goodness, prepared to punish the malevolent. The emergence of fire, like liquid tongues, from the Mayon Volcano struck terror into the hearts of the people. To appease Gugurang's wrath, sacrifices, known as atangs, were offered in ceremonial rituals officiated by the Baliana priestess. Any deviation from virtue would elicit the earth's mournful groans, culminating in fiery eruptions and rivers of molten lava.

Aswang, The Deity of Havoc and Chaos

Asuang, residing in the desolate Mount Malinao, yearned for power equal to that of Gugurang. Desiring the ability to command fire and unleash rumblings upon the people, he beseeched Gugurang for this coveted gift. Gugurang vehemently refused, cautioning Asuang about the catastrophic consequences should such power fall into malevolent hands.

A tempestuous dialogue unfolded between the two deities, revealing Asuang's ambition and resentment toward Gugurang's unchecked supremacy. Asuang, driven by newfound defiance, decided to oppose Gugurang. He gathered malevolent counselors and unleashed evil spirits upon the earth, leading to an era of immorality, lawlessness, and crime. Gugurang swiftly identified Asuang as the source of these calamities.

Despite his omnipotence, Gugurang found himself powerless against Asuang's machinations. It became evident that Asuang had acquired hidden powers in the blink of an eye, rendering Gugurang's usual means ineffective. Asuang, determined to undermine Gugurang, sought to oppose every move of the benevolent deity, spreading evil and chaos throughout the land.

Gugurang, unable to directly confront Asuang, safeguarded his divine fire meticulously. The sacred flame symbolized Gugurang's power, and he entrusted his loyal guardians, the catambang, to protect it. Fearful that the fire's release would unleash a cataclysmic conflagration upon the world, Gugurang maintained a vigilant watch.

Despite these precautions, Asuang, with guile and bribery, infiltrated the guarded sanctum and coaxed the guardians with the allure of gold (bolauan). Succumbing to temptation, they permitted Asuang to abscond with Gugurang's fire, contained within a coconut shell.

The Epic Pursuit of Fire: Gugurang vs. Asuang

As Asuang embarked on a fiery rampage, every barrio he passed through ignited into a blazing inferno. Gugurang, from his celestial throne, observed the devastation and cried out for Asuang. Determined to reclaim the stolen fire, Gugurang soared into the skies, pursuing the malevolent thief. Terrified, the people were powerless against the rampant conflagration.

A fevered race for supremacy ensued between Gugurang and Asuang. The air itself grew scalding as they raced towards Mount Malinao. As Asuang neared his seat, victory for the malevolent deity seemed inevitable, casting the world into the clutches of darkness.

In a climactic moment, Gugurang caught up with Asuang just as the latter was about to descend Mount Malinao. With a swift motion, Gugurang snatched the fire within the coconut shell, vanishing with it. Asuang, unable to employ his newfound invisibility, stood astonished at his defeat.

To quench the raging fires, Gugurang summoned continuous rain upon the land. As the world cooled, the people, now grateful for Gugurang's protection, offered atangs in a display of penance for their perceived transgressions.

Gugurang, infuriated by Asuang's treachery, enacted revenge by commanding Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike Mount Malinao. Despite Asuang's attempt to bribe them, Gugurang's thunderbolt cleaved the once-majestic mountain in twain. The heavens roared, and the mountains trembled, signaling the defeat of evil.

The people, witnessing the destruction of Mount Malinao, praised the omnipotent Gugurang for purging their land of Asuang's malevolence. Though there were fleeting beliefs that Asuang perished, his lingering influence continued to sow havoc among the populace.

As the rain subsided, the enterprising few preserved embers, and fire found its way into the hands of the people, symbolizing the end of a tumultuous chapter

RABOT

Rabot is a monster in Bicolano mythology, mentioned in Ibalong. Considered the last of the ancient monsters of Ibalong, Stories about him are told all throughout Bicol.

Ang huling Halimaw ng Ibalong.

When the hero Handiog came and purged Ibalong from all its beasts and monsters, In the end he fell in love with one, the demigoddess Oryol.  He and Oryol thought the people the cultivation of rice, how to make sailboats, pottery and even writing. Under their rule Ibalong became bountiful.
They handed down the colonies to Bantong. Who would kill the last powerful monster in Ibalong Rabot and after that humans were able to survive on their own with products and skills given to them by their warrior ancestors.

Rabut
Art by Naz

Rabot

Rabot was the last of the ancient great monsters that resided in Ibalong. Some stories depict Rabot as a strong bipedal creature, while others describe him as a four-legged beast that is half-human and half-animal. His upper body resembles that of a muscular man, while his lower body is that of a huge goat, though some versions describe it as resembling a water buffalo. Rabot possesses sharp golden teeth and has the ability to turn people into stone. He is immeasurably strong and fast, akin to the beasts of the forest. His voice is loud and booming, resembling a mighty roar. Additionally, he has enormous bat-like wings that seem to cover the moon when he flies at night. Rabot was nearly undefeatable, but Baltog discovered his secret: Rabot sleeps during the day. In some versions, it is the demigoddess Oryol who reveals this secret to Baltog, guiding him in his quest to defeat Rabot.

(note. Rabot is often called kalahating Halimaw, could mean Kalahating Sarimaw meaning half tiger)

Tandayang sa Opon and Rabot

Rabot in Oral mythology and folklore

 Legend tells that he was a son of a beautiful young commoner who collected limpets. The girl would collect limpets by the beach. One day as she was doing about her daily chore she saw a warship. From fear, she froze on the spot and could not run. Three men came from the warship rode a small boat towards her. The three men were monstrous with tattoos covering their face and their exposed bodies but as they came nearer the sun revealed that they were handsome men, radiant in manhood and clad in gold.  She was captivated by their golden glow and muscular allure. They took turns with her on the beach under the morning sun. When the sun had set she woke up with piles of gold by her side. She is happy but notices her belly is big, not a day has passed but she was impregnated by the three handsome men and is about to give birth. The full moon revealed her baby had a monstrous appearance and was big for a newborn. She screamed and wanted to crush the baby's head with a stone but then the moons silvery light distracted her and she heard a soft voice. It was the moon god who told her to have pity on the newborn, She prostrated her self to the god of the moon and said that she would kill herself after killing her newborn baby.  

Rabot

The gods of the moon descended with an entourage of  wind sylphs (taong lipod) 
 Haliya wanted to smite the mother and child on the spot, Bulan who had a tender heart stoped his twin and cried tears that turned into pearls, Bulan then told the mortal he would hide her transgressions. The lunar deity sensed strong power from the baby. If Gugurang or the other gods saw her baby they would smite him. and  took her newborn baby and placed it in a cave near the beach where the mermaids reside. The child will remain in the cave and will be cared for by the mermaids but the mother must visit her child to teach it kindness and human ways. Bulan touched the head of the monstrous child and kissed it, he said that the child will grow ever strong but to balance the strength the child would grow up always feeling sleepy so that it could do no harm to others with its future strength. So the girl often visited her son in the cave near the beach, bringing a basket of fruits. 

Her son grew big and taller than any man he had ever seen, Big and hulking but with the mind of a child. She named her son Rabot.  Years had she would go to the beach to the cave and bring her son a basket of fruits and the mermaids would give him fish, her son grew bigger and taller body thick with muscle and more monstrous. One day she did not come, outside the cave strong winds and rain fell. The god of the storms Onos had passed by and had swept the colony and have drowned most of its people, including Rabot's mother. Rabot came out of the cave to see the ruins of the colonies and villages of Ibalong due to the deluge caused by the storm god.  He saw his mother among the dead. The god Asuang saw what a magnificent beast he was. The evil deity realized how strong the Rabot was when it picked up trees and other debris from the flood like they weight nothing. Asuang saw potential but he also realized the Rabot is like child. Asuang used Rabot's childlike mind to his benefit.  

 Asuang tricked Rabot that it was the villagers who had killed his mother. Angered by this Rabot went on a rampage and turning people into stone. After that he would sleep. He awoke and remembered what the god Asuang had said that the villagers were to blame, and again he went turning people to stone. A thousand men could not defeat him.

Rabot was strong, aside from turning people to stone it roar was so loud that it could fling the men and even deflect arrows and stones when it screams.  It was the cunning hero Bantong (Oryol told him the secret how to defeat the Rabot, wait for it to fall asleep) who waited until Rabot fell asleep and with one stab killed the beast.  When Bantong killed the fierce half-man and beast, Rabot. Curiously, Handyong was saddened by Rabot's death.

it signals the passing of an era, when men proved to be more vicious than any monsters with free will and the skill of the hunt, magic and ceremonial incantations, that men simply snuff out life.

Si Rabot ay isang halimaw sa mitolohiyang Bikolano, na binanggit sa epikong Ibalong. Siya ang itinuturing na huling sinaunang halimaw ng Ibalong, at ang mga kwento tungkol sa kanya ay ipinapasa sa iba't ibang panig ng Bikol.

Rabot Ang Huling Sinaunang Halimaw ng Ibalong

Nang dumating ang bayaning si Handiog at nilinis ang Ibalong mula sa lahat ng mga halimaw at mababangis na nilalang, sa huli, umibig siya sa isang demi-diyosa na si Oryol. Magkasama nilang tinuruan ang mga tao kung paano magtanim ng palay, gumawa ng mga bangka, palayok, at maging ang pagsusulat. Sa ilalim ng kanilang pamumuno, naging masagana ang Ibalong.

Ipinasa nila ang mga kolonya kay Bantong, na siyang pumatay sa huling makapangyarihang halimaw ng Ibalong, si Rabot. Matapos nito, nabuhay nang mag-isa ang mga tao gamit ang mga produkto at kasanayang itinuro sa kanila ng kanilang mga mandirigmang ninuno.

Si Rabot

Si Rabot ay ang huling halimaw na naninirahan sa Ibalong. Siya ay isang malakas na nilalang na kalahating-tao at kalahating-hayop-halimaw. Ang kanyang pang-itaas na katawan ay parang sa isang makisig na lalaki, ngunit ang pang-ibaba ay katulad ng sa kalabaw o sa kabayo (kahalintulad ng tikbalang, ngunit may mukhang tao). Mayroon siyang gintong matatalas na ngipin at kaya niyang gawing bato ang mga tao. Napakabilis at napakalakas niya tulad ng mababangis na hayop sa kagubatan. Ang kanyang boses ay malakas at parang umaatungal. Mayroon din siyang malalaking pakpak ng paniki na tila natatakpan ang buwan kapag lumilipad sa gabi. Halos hindi siya matalo, ngunit natuklasan ni Baltog ang kanyang lihim—na si Rabot ay natutulog tuwing araw (sa ilang kwento, si Oryol ang nagsabi kay Baltog kung paano patayin si Rabot).

Ang Alamat ni Rabot at ang Kwento ni Tandayang sa Opon

Ayon sa alamat, si Rabot ay anak ng isang magandang dalaga na nangunguha ng mga kabibi. Isang araw, habang nangunguha siya ng kabibi sa tabing-dagat, nakita niya ang isang barkong pandigma. Sa takot, hindi siya makagalaw. Lumapit sa kanya ang tatlong lalaking may mga tattoo at mukhang mababagsik. Ngunit habang papalapit sila, nakita niyang sila'y mga makisig na lalaki na naglalakbay sa ilalim ng araw, nababalutan ng ginto. Naakit siya sa kanilang kagandahan, at kinuha nila siya sa tabing-dagat. Nang sumapit ang gabi, nagising siyang may mga tambak ng ginto sa tabi niya, ngunit napansin niyang malaki na ang kanyang tiyan at handa nang magsilang.

Ipinanganak niya ang isang halimaw na si Rabot, ngunit pinigilan ng diyos ng buwan ang kanyang balak na patayin ang bata. Sa halip, sinabi ng diyos na ang kanyang anak ay magiging malakas ngunit palaging inaantok, upang hindi ito makasakit ng iba. Pinalaki si Rabot ng mga sirena sa isang kweba malapit sa dagat, at madalas siyang dalawin ng kanyang ina upang turuan siya ng kabutihan at pagiging tao.

Habang lumalaki si Rabot, naging higante siya, malaki at matipuno. Isang araw, hindi na bumalik ang kanyang ina, dahil nasawi ito sa isang matinding bagyo na dulot ni Onos, ang diyos ng unos. Galit na galit si Rabot sa pagkamatay ng kanyang ina, at dahil sa panlilinlang ni Asuang, ang diyos ng kasamaan, naniwala siyang ang mga tao ng Ibalong ang pumatay sa kanyang ina. Sa galit, nagwawala siya at ginawang bato ang mga tao.

Napakalakas ni Rabot. Bukod sa kakayahang gawing bato ang mga tao, ang kanyang malakas na sigaw ay kayang magpatalsik ng mga mandirigma at makapagpatumba ng mga palaso at bato. Sa wakas, si Bantong ang nakatuklas ng kanyang lihim—na natutulog si Rabot tuwing araw. Nang matulog si Rabot, sinamantala ni Bantong ang pagkakataon at pinatay ang halimaw sa isang pag-atake.

Bagaman nagtagumpay si Bantong sa pagpatay kay Rabot, malungkot si Handyong sa pagkamatay ng huling halimaw, dahil ipinapakita nito ang pagtatapos ng isang panahon—ang panahon ng mga halimaw, na pinalitan ng mas mabagsik na mga tao na may malayang kalooban at kasanayan sa pagpatay.

Rabot's Appearance and Abilities:

Depending on the versions Rabot, a colossal bipedal creature, some versions on four hooves with a muscular human upper body and the lower body of a huge goat , possesses an aura of fearsome strength. His visage is both captivating and terrifying, with golden sharp teeth and the power to turn people into stone and a strong booming voice and roar. The monstrous hybrid also boasts wings that can eclipse the moon when he takes flight, showcasing a blend of monstrous features that define his mythic existence.

Origin and Tragic Tale:

Legend tells that Rabot was born to a commoner, a young woman who encountered three handsome men radiating in golden allure. What seemed to be a divine encounter turned into a tragic twist as the woman discovered her pregnancy and the monstrous appearance of her newborn child, Rabot. The godsof the moon intervened, sparing the child's life and placing him in a cave near the beach, cared for by mermaids.

Rabot's Tragedy Unfolds:

Rabot, growing larger and stronger than any man, lived a life of solitude in the cave, visited only by his mother, who taught him kindness and human ways. However, tragedy struck when a storm god, Onos, unleashed a deluge upon Ibalong, drowning Rabot's mother and devastating the colonies. Misled by the cunning god Asuang, Rabot believed the villagers were responsible and unleashed his wrath, turning people into stone with a mere glance.

The Heroic Intervention:

Despite Rabot's immense strength and the havoc he wreaked, the hero Bantong, embodying cunning and bravery, waited for the opportune moment. When Rabot fell asleep, Bantong seized the chance and delivered a fatal blow, ending the monstrous reign and signaling the passing of an era.

The last monster of Ibalong

Rabot's tale in the mythos of Ibalong is a poignant narrative that explores themes of tragedy, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of life. While rooted in the fantastical, the story of Rabot mirrors the complexities of human existence, where divine intervention, tragic twists of fate, and the actions of heroes and monsters shape the destiny of a mythical land. As with many myths, Rabot's significance lies not in its literal truth but in the profound lessons and cultural reflections it imparts, serving as a timeless piece of Bicolano folklore.

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

Both oral and written mythology in the Philippines are valid because they serve different but equally important roles in preserving Filipino heritage. What is truly harmful is when foreigners manipulate these discussions for personal gain, attempting to invalidate one aspect of Filipino mythology to cause division. Instead of falling for such tactics, Filipinos should embrace the richness and diversity of their own stories, ensuring that both oral and written traditions continue to thrive.

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.

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.