The Story of Juan and the Monkey

Juan was a farmer, a farmer so poor that he had only one shirt and

one pair of trousers. Juan was much annoyed by monkeys, who stole his

corn. So he set a trap and caught several of them. These he killed

with a club until he came to the last, which said to him, "Juan,

don't kill me and I will be your servant all your life." "But I will,"

said Juan. "You are a thief and do not deserve to live." "Juan, let me

live, and I will bring you good fortune, and if you kill me you will

be poor all your life." The monkey talked so eloquently that Juan let

himself be persuaded, and took the monkey home with him. The monkey

was true to his word, and served Juan faithfully, cooking, washing,

and hunting food for him, and at night going to distant fields and

stealing maize and palay which he added to Juan's little store.

One day the monkey said to Juan, "Juan, why do you not marry?" Said

Juan, "How can I marry? I have nothing to keep a wife." "Take my

advice," said the monkey, "and you can marry the king's daughter." Juan

took the monkey's advice and they set out for the king's palace. Juan

remained behind while the monkey went up to the palace alone. Outside

he called, as the custom is, "Honorable people!" and the king said,

"Come in." The king said, "Monkey, where do you walk?" and the monkey

said, "Mr. King, I wish to borrow your salop. My master wishes to

measure his money." The king lent him the salop (a measure of about

two quarts), and the monkey returned to Juan. After a few hours he

returned it with a large copper piece cunningly stuck to the bottom

with paste. The king saw it and called the monkey's attention to it,

but the monkey haughtily waved his hand, and told the king that a

single coin was of no consequence to his master.

The next day he borrowed the salop again and the coin stuck in the

bottom was half a peso, and the third day the coin was a peso, but

these he assured the king were of no more consequence to his master

than the copper. Then the king told the monkey to bring his master

to call, and the monkey promised that after a few days he would.

They went home, and as Juan's clothes must be washed, Juan went to

bed while the monkey washed and starched them, pulling, pressing,

and smoothing them with his hands because he had no iron.

Then they went to call on the king, and the king told Juan that he

should marry the princess as soon as he could show the king a large

house, with a hundred head of cattle, carabao, horses, sheep, and

goats. Juan was very despondent at this, though he was too brave to

let the king know his thoughts, he told his troubles to the monkey,

who assured him that the matter was very easy.

The next day they took a drum and a shovel and went into the mountains,

where there was a great enchanter who was a very wealthy man and also

an asuang. They dug a great hole and then Juan hid in the woods and

began to beat his drum, and the monkey rushed up to the enchanter's

house and told him the soldiers were coming, and that he would hide

him. So the enchanter went with the monkey to the hole and the monkey

pushed him in and began with hands and feet to cover him up. Juan

helped, and soon the enchanter was dead and buried. Then they went

to the house and at the first door they opened they liberated fifty

people who were being fattened for the enchanter's table. These

people were glad to help Juan convey all the money, cattle, and all

the enchanter's wealth to the town. Juan built a house on the plaza,

married the princess, and lived happily ever after, but his friend the

monkey, having so well earned his liberty, he sent back to the woods,

and their friendship still continued.

The Monkey and the Turtle

One day a Monkey met a Turtle on the road, and asked, "Where are

you going?"

"I am going to find something to eat, for I have had no food for

three whole days," said the Turtle.

"I too am hungry," said the Monkey; "and since we are both hungry,

let us go together and hunt food for our stomachs' sake."

They soon became good friends and chatted along the way, so that the

time passed quickly. Before they had gone far, the Monkey saw a large

bunch of yellow bananas on a tree at a distance.

"Oh, what a good sight that is!" cried he. "Don't you see the bananas

hanging on that banana-tree? [pointing with his first finger toward

the tree]. They are fine! I can taste them already."

But the Turtle was short-sighted and could not see them. By and by

they came near the tree, and then he saw them. The two friends were

very glad. The mere sight of the ripe, yellow fruit seemed to assuage

their hunger.

But the Turtle could not climb the tree, so he agreed that the Monkey

should go up alone and should throw some of the fruit down to him. The

Monkey was up in a flash; and, seating himself comfortably, he began

to eat the finest of the fruit, and forgot to drop any down to the

Turtle waiting below. The Turtle called for some, but the Monkey

pretended not to hear. He ate even the peelings, and refused to drop

a bit to his friend, who was patiently begging under the tree.

At last the Turtle became angry, very angry indeed: "so he thought

he would revenge" (as my informant puts it). While the Monkey was

having a good time, and filling his stomach, the Turtle gathered

sharp, broken pieces of glass, and stuck them, one by one, all around

the banana-tree. Then he hid himself under a cocoanut-shell not far

away. This shell had a hole in the top to allow the air to enter. That

was why the Turtle chose it for his hiding-place.

The Monkey could not eat all the bananas, for there were enough to

last a good-sized family several days; "but he ate all what he can,"

and by and by came down the tree with great difficulty, for the glass

was so sharp that it cut even the tough hand of the Monkey. He had a

hard time, and his hands were cut in many places. The Turtle thought

he had his revenge, and was not so angry as before.

But the Monkey was now very angry at the trick that had been played

upon him, and began looking for the Turtle, intending to kill him. For

some time he could not find his foe, and, being very tired, he sat

down on the cocoanut-shell near by. His weariness increased his anger

at the Turtle very much.

He sat on the shell for a long time, suffering from his wounds, and

wondering where to find the Turtle,--his former friend, but now his

enemy. Because of the disturbance of the shell, the Turtle inside could

not help making a noise. This the Monkey heard; and he was surprised,

for he could not determine whence the sound came. At last he lifted

his stool, and there found his foe the Turtle.

"Ha! Here you are!" he cried. "Pray now, for it is the end of your

life."

He picked up the Turtle by the neck and carried him near the riverbank,

where he meant to kill him. He took a mortar and pestle, and built a

big fire, intending to pound him to powder or burn him to death. When

everything was ready, he told the Turtle to choose whether he should

die in the fire or be "grounded" in the mortar. The Turtle begged for

his life; but when he found it was in vain, he prayed to be thrown

into the fire or ground in the mortar,--anything except be thrown

into the water. On hearing this, the Monkey picked the Turtle up

in his bleeding fingers, and with all his might threw him into the

middle of the stream.

Then the Turtle was very glad. He chuckled at his own wit, and laughed

at the foolishness of the Monkey. He came up to the surface of the

water and mocked at the Monkey, saying, "This is my home. The water

is my home."

This made the Monkey so angry that he lost his self-possession

entirely. He jumped into the middle of the river after the Turtle,

and was drowned.

Since that day monkeys and turtles have been bitter enemies.

Catalina of Dumaguete

This is a legend of Dumaguete, the capital of the province of Negros

Occidental. From this town can be seen five islands, viz., Negros,

Cebu, Bohol, Mindanao, and Siquijor.

There is no one on the great island of Negros who does not love the

name of Catalina. Even the wild mountain men speak it with respect,

and down in the coast towns at night, when the typhoon is lashing the

waters of Tan Strait, and the rain and wind make the nipa leaves

on the roofs dance and rattle, the older people gather their little

black-eyed grandchildren around the shell of burning cocoanut oil

and tell them her story.

Many years ago there lived in Dumaguete a poor tuba seller named Banog,

who made his daily rounds to the houses just as the milkman does in

far-off America. But instead of a rattling wagon he had only a long

bamboo from which he poured the drink, and in place of sweet milk he

left the sap of the cocoanut tree.

The bad custom of mixing tuud, a kind of red bark, with the sap,

and thus making of it a strong liquor, had not yet been known, so

Banog, though poor, was respected, and the people tried in every way

to help him and his daughter Catalina.

Catalina was a beautiful girl of sixteen and very good and industrious,

but with many strange ways. She scarcely ever spoke a word and spent

most of her time in looking out over the sea. Sometimes she would

suddenly stand erect and, clasping her hands, would remain for a long

time looking up at the sky as if she saw something that no one else

could see. On account of these strange manners the people thought

her a wonderful girl and she was supposed to have mysterious powers.

One day many ships came up from the island of Mindanao and hundreds

of fierce Moros landed. Shouting and waving their terrible knives,

they fell upon the peaceful people and killed many, among them poor

Banog. Then they robbed and burned the houses and, seizing all the

women they could find, set sail for their great southern island. Among

the prisoners was Catalina. With her eyes fixed on the sky she sat

very quiet and still in the bow of one of the boats, and though her

companions spoke often to her she made no reply.

Suddenly she sprang into the water and a wonderful thing occurred,

for, instead of sinking, she walked lightly over the waves toward the

distant shore. The Moros were so astonished that they did not try to

stop her and she reached the land safely.

Many people who had hidden in the forests ran out to meet her but she

spoke to no one. With her eyes still fixed above she walked through

the burning town and along the road to Dalugdug, the Thunder mountain,

that lies behind Dumaguete.

On Dalugdug there lived a terrible Sigbin. Its body was like that of

a monstrous crow, but just under its neck were two long legs like

those of a grasshopper, which enabled it to leap great distances

without using its wings. It ate any one who came near its home,

so when the people saw Catalina start to climb the mountain they

begged her to come back. She paid no heed to their cries, however,

but went up higher and higher, till her white dress seemed merely a

speck on the mountain side.

All at once she seemed to stop and raise her hands. Then a fearful

shriek was heard, and the fierce Sigbin came rushing down the

mountain. It appeared to be greatly frightened, for it took tremendous

leaps and screamed as if in terror. Over the heads of the people

it jumped, and, reaching the shore, cleared the narrow channel and

disappeared among the mountains of the island of Cebu.

When the people saw that the Sigbin had gone they ran up the mountain

and searched everywhere for Catalina, but they could find no trace of

her. Sorrowfully they returned to their homes and busied themselves

in building new houses and in making their town beautiful once more.

Several years passed in peace and then again the Moro boats came up

from Mindanao. The men hurriedly gathered on the beach to meet them,

and the women and children hid in the cocoanut groves.

This time the Moros had no quick and easy victory, for the Visayans,

armed with bolos and remembering their lost wives and sisters, fought

furiously, and for a time drove the enemy before them. But more Moro

boats arrived and numbers told against the defenders. Slowly but

surely they fell fighting until but a few remained.

Suddenly a bridge of clouds unfolded from Dalugdug to the town, and

across it came the lost Catalina holding a beehive in her hands. Then

she spoke and thousands of bees flew from the hive to the ground. Again

she spoke and waved her hand, and the bees changed into little black

men with long sharp spears, who charged the Moros and killed every

one of them.

Then Catalina, the hive still in her hand, went back over the bridge

and disappeared once more in the mountain.

The people came out of their hiding places, crowding around the little

black men and questioning them, but they received no answer. Instead

the little warriors gathered together and ran into the forest and up

the mountain side, where they were soon lost to view.

Such is the story of Catalina, Since that time Dumaguete has been safe

from the Moros. The Sigbin has never returned to Negros. It still

lives in the mountains of Cebu and the people are so afraid of it

that they lock themselves in their houses after dark and can hardly

be induced to come out. Up in the mountains of Negros live the little

black men. They are called Negritos and are very savage and wild.

The savior of Dumaguete still lives in Dalugdug and is worshiped by the

people. And in the town, now grown into a big busy city, the old people

for years to come will tell their grandchildren the story of Catalina.

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.