The Faithlessness of Sinogo

Somewhere off the northern coast of Mindanao a strong current begins

to travel northward. It runs to the island of Siquijor and then,

turning slightly to the east, goes racing between the islands of Cebu

and Negros. At the narrow entrance between San Sebastian and Ayucatan

it breaks up into hundreds of small whirlpools that make the water

hiss and bubble for a distance of nearly three miles.

For steamers and large boats there is not the slightest danger,

but to the native in his little sacayan with its bamboo outriggers

these whirlpools are objects of dread and fear. He will go miles out

of his way to escape them. If you inquire as to the reason, he will

explain that the Liloan, or whirlpool, is a thing always to be avoided,

and then he will tell you the story of Sinogo.

Years and years ago, when Maguayan ruled the sea and the terrible

Captan launched his thunderbolts from above, the water and air were

filled with swimming and flying monsters. Those that lived in the air

were armed with great teeth and sharp claws; but, though they were

fierce and savage, they lived together in peace, for they feared the

anger of their master Captan.

In the sea, however, all was not so peaceful, for some of the

monsters were so huge and savage and so confident in their strength

that Maguayan could do nothing with them. He lived in constant fear

of attack from these fierce subjects and finally, in despair, called

on Captan to help him in his trouble.

Accordingly Captan sent his swift messengers to every part of the

earth, air, and sea, and ordered that a council of all the creatures

in the world should be held. He named the little island of Caueli in

the center of the Sulu Sea as the meeting place, and commanded all

to hasten there without delay.

Soon the members of the council began to arrive, and the sky was

darkened by flying monsters, and the water boiled as the terrible

reptiles of the sea rushed to the place appointed.

In a short time the little island was crowded with these dreadful

creatures. There were huge Buayas from Mindanao, fierce Tic-bolans

from Luzon, savage Sigbins from Negros and Bohol, hundreds of Unglocs

from Panay and Leyte, and great Uak Uaks and other frightful monsters

from Samar and Cebu. They grouped themselves in a large circle around

a golden throne on which sat Captan and Maguayan, and while waiting

the commands of their master filled the air with shrieks and howls.

At length Captan raised his hand and the noise instantly stopped. Then

he announced his decree. He said that Maguayan was his brother god

and should be treated with the same respect. He commanded all his

subjects to obey the god of the sea and told them that he would kill

with a thunderbolt any that disobeyed this order. Then he desired all

to return to their own regions, and again the air was filled with a

noise of thunder and the sea roared and foamed as the monsters went

back to their homes.

Soon there remained on the island only Captan, Maguayan, and

three messengers of Captan, who were called Sinogo, Dalagan, and

Guidala. These were giants in size and had large wings which enabled

them to fly with great swiftness. They had long spears and sharp

swords and were very brave and powerful. Of the three, Dalagan was

the swiftest, Guidala the bravest, and Sinogo the handsomest and best

loved by Captan.

When all the creatures were gone Maguayan thanked Captan, but

the great god said that he had only done his duty in helping his

brother. Then he gave Maguayan a little golden shell and explained

to him its wonderful power. Maguayan had but to put it in his mouth

and he could change his form to that of any creature he pleased. In

case a monster, defying Captan's orders, should attack him, he had

simply to change himself into a stronger monster of twice the size

of his enemy, and then fight and kill him easily.

Again Maguayan thanked his brother god and, taking the shell, placed

it on the throne beside him. Then Captan ordered his messengers to

bring food and drink, and soon the two gods were feasting merrily.

Now it happened that Sinogo had been standing behind the throne and

had heard all that had been said. He was filled with a desire to own

the wonderful shell, and in spite of the many favors he had received

from Captan he resolved to steal it. The more he thought of its great

power, the more he longed for it. With it he could rule the earth and

sea as a god, and, by hiding, he might avoid the anger of Captan. So

he watched for an opportunity to make away with it. Finally his chance

came. While handing Maguayan some food, he slyly caught up the shell,

and soon afterwards quietly slipped away.

For some time his absence was not discovered, but all at once Captan

called for his favorite messenger and, receiving no reply, ordered

Dalagan to search for him. Soon Dalagan returned and reported that

Sinogo could not be found on the island. At the same time Maguayan

noticed that the golden shell was gone.

Then Captan knew that his messenger had stolen the shell and

escaped. He flew into a great rage and swore he would kill Sinogo. He

ordered Dalagan and Guidala to hasten to the north in search of the

faithless messenger and to bring him back a prisoner.

Swiftly northward over the blue sea flew the messengers, and near the

island of Guimaras caught sight of Sinogo. He saw his pursuers and

flew all the swifter, but he was no match for them in speed. Nearer

and nearer they came and then, drawing their swords, rushed forward

to seize him.

But Sinogo was not to be easily caught. Quick as a flash, he placed

the shell in his mouth and dived down into the water, at the same

time changing himself into a huge crocodile-shaped Buaya with scales

like armor of steel.

In vain Dalagan and Guidala rained blows on the monster. The swords

could not pierce the heavy scales.

Up through Guimaras Strait the chase went on, and Sinogo tore up

the water in his flight. So great was the disturbance of the ocean

that, as they rounded the northern coast of Negros, the waves dashed

completely over the little island of Bacabac, sweeping away the hills

and bringing the land to the level of the sea.

Still the rapid flight went on. Straight for Bantayan headed Sinogo,

but suddenly changing his course he dashed into the narrow channel

between Negros and Cebu. Then Dalagan, leaving Guidala to continue the

chase alone, flew swiftly back to Caueli and told Captan that Sinogo

was in the little strait. Up sprang the god and, flying directly east,

he posted himself at the southern entrance of the channel. In his

hand he held an enormous thunderbolt, and thus armed he waited for

the appearance of Sinogo.

Down into the narrow entrance sped the faithless messenger, tearing

up the water in his mad flight, while the brave Guidala struck in

vain at his huge body. Suddenly a roar of thunder sounded and the

thunderbolt fell on the back of the monster, bearing him down beneath

the waves and then, stiffening like a bar of iron, pinning him to the

bottom far below. In vain he struggled to free himself; the bar held

him fast and sure. In his struggles the shell fell from his mouth,

but a little Tamban caught it and brought it safely to Captan.

Thousands of years have passed, but far under the water, like a fly

on a pin, Sinogo struggles in the form of a huge Buaya. The water

bubbles around him and for three miles little whirlpools go racing up

the channel. And the native in his little sacayan avoids the narrow

entrance where the water boils and foams, for Sinogo still twists

and squirms, and the Liloan is a thing to be feared and dreaded.