The 7,100 islands that comprise the Philippine archipelago have inspired a lot of myths since they became known years ago. Here is one of their versions.
According to a myth the country was once a big island. In the island lived a fierce warrior. Aside from his braveness and dexterity in the art of war, this warrior was also known for his pili (native nut) farm. Thus, the myth says, the locals fondly called him “Pili.” And he also fondly called the land his “pili” or “pinili,” meaning the chosen one.
Pinas was a farmer’s daughter. The myth says Pili and Pinas were getting along well as lovers, but a foreign king was threatening to invade the land. Pili, was not bothered in the least. According to the myth, he prepared his men for the impending invasion. Daily, he and his men trained fiercely for battle. The myth adds that Pili was a master in handling the native long sword “tabak” and the hard wooden shield “panangga.”
The myth says that finally, the day that the locals dreaded came. Not far from shore the proud sails of the invading ships suddenly appeared. The superior navy began to flex its muscles. The myth says that soon canon balls were flying overhead and destroying the defense lines of Pili’s tattered forces. The local defenders had no choice but to remain in shelters and wait for the canons to cease.
Then, the myth says, the soldiers of the foreign king landed and started to engage the local defenders with guns and swords. Many of the locals died. Pili, the myth says, with sword and shield in hands, stood his ground despite his outnumbered and badly injured men and their inferior weapons. He looked up the sky and whispered a prayer to God or “Bathala.” Immediately, the myth says, Bathala responded with a shout, saying “This is my chosen land in the far east!” Then Bathala slammed his giant foot on the land. The deep cracks and crevices swallowed the invaders, the myth adds.
The big island became several islands forming the shape of a warrior in a ready stance holding a shield (Visayas) and a sword (Palawan). Since then, the myth says, Pili and Pinas were nowhere to be found. Thus, the islands, since then, had been called Pilipinas.
In this myth, the Philippine archipelago was supernaturally formed by their faith in Bathala to save the natives from foreign invasion.
Related topics:
A Myth on Mayon Volcano
One myth on the Mayon Volcano is actually a figurative narrative of the exploits of a heroic people called the Bicolanos. Personified in the courage and skills of three epic chieftains, Bicolanos, though not mentioned even once in the myth,...
Philippine Myth: The Origin of Turnips
The Philippine myth on how the Filipino term for “turnip” came to be is a quite an amusing myth. It symbolizes how the conquered and the conqueror can sometimes unknowingly help each other to resolve an issue. In this case,...
The Philippine Myth about the Sun
What would Earth be without the sun, and how would people react to such a predicament? A Philippine myth says people are likely to fail, despite efforts to make up for the sun’s absence. And the myth avers that people...
The Myth about the Sugarcane
The Philippine myth about the sugarcane is a story on searching for meanings in life. Life can only have meaning, says this myth, if our experience of it is sweet. Without this, the myth avers that achievements, no matter how...
The Philippine Myth on Maria and the Crab
A mother’s undying and boundless love for her child---this is a favorite theme of countless Filipino stories and TV soap operas. Filipino families being closely-knitted together, a Philippine myth on Maria and the Crab would be a best selling hit....
Sierra Madre Myth and an Eternal Promise
A mother's love for her kids is a favorite story theme in the country. Family ties are strong in the Philippines, vowing to stay together in perpetuity, as a Sierra Madre myth shows. The myth illustrates how Filipina mothers are...
The Philippine Myth on Why Roosters have Crowns
Warnings are very important. According to a myth, a timely ounce of warning before danger occurs is a pound of cure that can save even a whole kingdom. A Philippine myth on why roosters have crowns shows the importance of...
The Myth on the First Man and Woman
The Philippine myth on how humans came to be is a good example of how necessities become the mother of invention or creation. And also, how incidental things can lead to major events, as lead roles in a theater play...
Philippine Myth: Origin of the Moon and Stars
Personal beauty concerns are important. But when do they become a nuisance? This Philippine myth on the origin of the moon and stars tells us where the boundary line between beauty rituals and performance of duty should be drawn. Myths...
Philippine Myth on Ant Hills
Mytical ant hills, says a Philippine myth, can reveal two vital things to the curious. They can either teach one to behave or pinpoint where house repair problems originate....
wow !!
thank you !!
this one’s really really useful !!!!
Philippines is a remnant of Lemuria, a continent that disappeared long long time ago. The myth (or hidden truth)
says that Lemuria was once a peaceful and highly civilized
continent, devoid of war. They were the true intended inhabitants of this planet(this was allocated for them). This environment, their DNA or genetic makeups were adopted or compatible with Earth. They love nature, they are satisfied and they love their fellow human beings. The Atlanteans and
Made war or tried to conquer the Lemurians… To be continued next comments.. These are now the same entities that control the world and the Philippines (Filipinos are virtually slaves)..
good
DI WOW!