These Heroic Animals Even Protect Humans...

Shouldn't We Also
Protect Them?

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 Story at-a-glance

Lions live in prides with related females and up to three unrelated males; female lions live together their entire lives

Male lions are the only big cat species with manes

Female lions do the hunting (together in groups) while male lions stay home to protect the pride

The Early Pup Gets the Dog!

Why Your Holistic Vet Should Also Be an Excellent Conventional Vet

By Dr. Becker

Lions are often thought of as ferocious predators; the King of the Jungle. They have a mysterious, majestic air to
them that draws people in (usually to see them at a zoo or, if youre lucky, on a wildlife safari).
If youre a cat lover, however, you may notice some surprising similarities between these big cats and your house cat.
For instance, the way kitties like to rub up against their humans legs.

Lions in the wild exhibit a very similar behavior, especially when subordinate females or younger animals meet up
with more dominant lions in the pride. When a subordinate lion comes upon a dominant lion, she lowers her head,
lifts her tail, and rubs her head against the other animal. 1

Establishing a family scent as she is doing is important in preventing and diffusing aggression among lions in the
group. All members of a pride must bear the family scent in order to steer clear of trouble.

Lions have also been described as heroic, even in protecting humans. For instance, a 12-year-old Ethiopian girl was
abducted in 2005 by men attempting to force her into marriage. She was found a week later protected by three lions
who stood guard until we [police] found her and then they just left her like a gift and went back into the forest. 2

What else is there to know about lions? Plenty, and Paw Nation has compiled nine fascinating examples.3

9 Lion Facts You Should Know

1. A Complex Social Structure

Lions live in large groups called prides, similar to wolves (but not most other cat species). A pride consists of
multiple related females and their dependent offspring along with two or three unrelated males. A typical pride
has about 15 members, although some prides as large as 40 members have been observed.

2. Second Largest Big Cat

A male lion weighs about 500 pounds and grows to eight feet in length. It sounds impressive, but tigers are
actually larger, reaching 850 pounds and 11 feet long.

3. Lions Dont Live in the Jungle

Even though lions are known as King of the Jungle, they live in grasslands and plains not the jungle. Also
unusual in the animal kingdom, female lions do the hunting (usually in groups) while male lions stay home and
watch over the pride. The males, however, are first to eat when the female lions come home with their kill.

4. Lion Babies Arent Only Called Cubs

Baby lions may be referred to as cubs, whelps, or lionets. A whelp actually refers to any young member of a
carnivorous species, while lionet means small lion in Middle French.

5. Females Live Together for Life

Female lions, sisters, live together for life. Their female cubs also stay with the pride, even after theyre grown,
but male cubs must venture out on their own once they reach maturity.

6. The Only Big Cats with Manes

Male lions have majestic manes that make them appear larger and more intimidating. Female lions are also
attracted to fuller, thicker manes.

7. They Once Roamed the Globe

Lions once lived in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Northern India. Now lions primarily live in
Africa, aside from a small group (about 300) Asiatic lions that live in Indias Gir Forest.

8. The Loudest Roar

A male lions roar can be heard from up to five miles away the loudest roar of any big cat species. Their roar
helps them find other lions as well as to proclaim their territory. A prides territory may include up to 100 square
miles.4

9. A National Symbol
 Lions are associated with pride, courage, and strength, making them a perfect national symbol. Albania,
Belgium, Bulgaria, England, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Singapore all regard the lion as their
national symbol.

African Lions May Be Extinct by 2050

Last year the US Fish and Wildlife Services announced that African lions may be facing extinction by the year 2050.
The agency proposed listing the lions as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. According to Scientific
American:5

The decision to list the big cats as threatenedone level below endangeredwould allow the U.S. government to
provide some level of training and assistance for on-the-ground conservation efforts and restrict the sale of lion parts
or hunting trophies into the country or across state lines.

The greatest threats facing lions are habitat loss, loss of prey (largely due to the bushmeat trade), and human-lion
conflict, including sport hunting and retaliation kills, in which lions are killed after attacking area livestock. 6

There are only about 34,000 lions left in Africa, which is about half the number that existed 30 years ago. About 70
percent of these animals live in just 10 regions of the continent, mostly in southern and eastern Africa. In West Africa,
fewer than 250 adult lions remain.

The lion has forever been a symbol of strength, power and ferocity. During WWF tours to Africa, seeing the majestic
species up-close is sure to be a spine-tingling experience.
10. African lions are the most social of all big cats and live together in groups or prides. A pride consists of about 15 lions.

9. Male lions defend the prides territory while females do most of the hunting. Despite this, the males eat first.

8. These majestic cats are threatened by habitat loss. The lion is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species.

7. The lion was once found throughout Africa, Asia and Europe but now exists only in Africa with one exception. The last
remaining Asiatic lions are found in Sasan-Gir National Park in India, which was primarily created to protect the species.
Currently, there are approximately 350-400 lions in the park.

6. A lions roar can be heard from as far as 5 miles away.

5. A lion can run for short distances at 50 mph and leap as far as 36 feet.

4. Even though the lion is sometimes referred to as the king of the jungle, it actually only lives in grasslands and plains.
The expression may have come from an incorrect association between Africa and jungles or may refer to a less literal
meaning of the word jungle.

3. A good gauge of a male lions age is the darkness of his mane. The darker the mane, the older the lion.

2. A lions heels dont touch the ground when it walks.

1. A lion may sleep up to 20 hours a day.

Philippine Literature
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
HINILAWOD
Hinilawod is the oldest and longest epic poem in Panay. It is usually sung for a period of three weeks at intervals of two hours at night. It contains, in its complete
form, some eighteen stories. Each story represents three generations.
In the eastern part of what is known as the Philippines, there lived a beautiful goddess named Alunsina, goddess of the eastern sea. Alunsina fell in love with an
ordinary mortal named Paubari and she married him though she knew that marriage between heavenly persons and ordinary mortals was frowned upon.
When the marriage was discovered, Maklium-sa-twan, god of the plains and valleys, became angry. He vowed to make life miserable for the unfortunate couple.
Together with other gods who felt insulted by the marriage, Maklium-sa-twan sent down raging storms and floods to the kingdom, of Paubari and Alunsina.
Fortunately, Suklang Malayon, the guardian of happy homes, had warned the couple beforehand. Heeding the warning, the two fled to the top of the Madyaas
Mountains and stayed there until the gods had spent their wrath.
With the deluge over, the couple descended to the plains to live in peace and raise a family. Eventually, Alunsina gave birth to triplets. These three children grew
up to become giants, all endowed with superhuman strength which they used for helping their parents and the people in outlying villages.
With their coming of age, Labaw Dingin, the eldest of the three, asked his parents, Respected Father, O, my Beloved Mother, I ask your permission to go and
seek a loving and industrious woman who will give me sons and daughters and who will serve you in your old age.
Go, my son, replied the two. Bring back a woman who will be a source of happiness for all.
But bringing back the woman of his dreams was no easy task. To win his first wife, he had to vanquish Manalutad, a monster. For his second wife, he had to kill a
hydra-headed giant named Sikay Padalogdog. And for his last love, Labaw Dinggin had to fight Saragnayan, the lord of darkness. For many moons they grappled
with each other until Labaw Dinggin was overpowered. He was thrown into prison and there, he languished for many years until one of his children fought the lord
of darkness and killed him.
When Alunsinas second son, Humadapnin, heard of the maltreatment suffered by his brother, he set out to punish the people of the lord of darkness. He brought
with him his trusted warrior Buyong Matang-ayon. Along the way, they met a sorceress named Pinganun-Pinungganum. The Sorceress had the taken the form of a
woman so beautiful that in no time, Humadapnin was bewitched. Fortunately, Buyong Matang-ayon succeeded in breaking her spell and the two were able to
escape.
Upon reaching the kingdom of Umban Pinaumbaw, they found their way blocked by a huge boulder. Because of this huge rock the people in the kingdom could not
move about freely. The two friends tried to go around the boulder but it seemed that the rock grew wider with every step. They tried to climb it, but it seemed to
grow higher with their every step. Seeing that the boulder could not be overcome by ordinary effort, Humadapnin put on his magic cape. Without much ado, he
was able to lift the rock and put it out of the way. For thus great feat, he was awarded the hand of the princess.
Meanwhile, Alunsinas third son, Dumalapdap, set out to win the hand of the beautiful Lubay-Lubyok Hanginin si Mahuyok---- the goddess of the evening breeze.
After several minor adventures, he finally reached the palace where she lived. But this place was guarded by ferocious monsters.
The first was Balanakon, a two-headed monster. With the aid of a friendly dwende, Dumalapdap overcame this first foe. Hardly had he rested from this battle when
a bat-like monster named Ayutang came hurtling down at him. No matter how he tried, Dumlapdap could not pierce the monster with his sword for its body was
covered with thick scales. Finally, he inflicted a wound on the monsters armpit, the only vulnerable part of the monsters body.
Mortally wounded, Ayutang began growling in pain and gasping for breath. The earth beneath him quaked as he trashed about in agony. Suddenly, the earth split
into two and swallowed up the hapless monster. The rocks in the area sank into the newly-formed sea but their surfaces stuck out and became the island of
Panay.
With his hard-earned victory, Dumalapdap returned home accompanied by the beauteous goddess of the evening breeze. Meanwhile, the newly-formed land was
apportioned among the brothers. Labaw Dinggin was made the ruler of Irong-Irong (Iloilo); Humadapnin, the king of Hantique (Antique); and Dumalapdap, the lord
of the Aklan region. Thereafter, Alunsina and Paubari went to live in peace atop the Madyaas Mountains.
Posted by westfieldsos at 12:11 AM

Epic of hinilawod (summary)

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Maragtas Summary The Maragtas Chronicles of Panay is a history of rulers of the. meaning "King" and "Laon" from a Malay word meaning "Ancient.") and "Hinilawod" an epic.
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Summary of Labaw Donggon?. The Hinilawod epic tells the story of the exploits of the three demigod brothers, Labaw.
The term "Hinilawod" means Tales From The Mouth of The Halawod River". Hinilawod is an epic poem written by the early inhabitants of a place called Sulod in.
The Hinilawod epic of Central Panay is considered the longest epic yet found in the Philippines with its 53,000 lines. The babaylan knows the lines.
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Synopsis HINILAWOD
The Summary of Hinilawod. Labels: hinilawod, philippine epic, precolonial philippine literature

Hinilawod is an epic poem written by the early inhabitants of a place called Sulod in central Panay. The word means tales from the mouth of the Halawod River.

Hinilawod. This epic poem was written in Western Visayas islands in the island of Panay, Philippines. It is 8,340 lines long in the written dialect of Panay.

Epic of hinilawod (summary) Philippine epic poetry

The Story

152 Votes

HINILAWOD

When the goddess of the eastern sky Alunsina (also known as Laun Sina, The Unmarried One) reached
maidenhood, the king of the gods, Kaptan, decreed that she should marry. All the unmarried gods of the
different domains of the universe tried to win her hand to no avail. She chose to marry a mortal, Datu
Paubari, the mighty ruler of Halawod.

Her decision angered her other suitors. They plotted to bring harm to the newlyweds. A meeting of the
council of gods was called by Maklium-sa-twan, god of the plains, where a decision by those present
was made to destroy Halawod by flood.

Alunsina and Paubari escaped harm through the assistance of Suklang Malayon, the goddess and
guardian of happy homes and sister of Alunsina, who learned of the evil plot and warned the two so
they were able to seek refuge on higher ground.

After the flood waters subsided, Paubari and Alunsina returned to the plains secretly. They settled near
the mouth of the Halawod river.
Several months later Alunsina became pregnant and told Paubari to prepare the siklot, things necessary
for childbirth. She delivered a set of triplets and summoned the high priest Bungot-Banwa to perform
the rites of the gods of Mount Madya-as (the mountain abode of the gods) to ensure the good health of
the children. The high priest promptly made an altar and burned some alanghiran fronds and a pinch of
kamangyan. When the ceremony was over he opened the windows of the north side of the room and a
cold northernly wind came in and suddenly the three infants were transformed into strong, handsome
young men.

Labaw Donggon, the eldest of the three, asked his mother to prepare his magic cape, hat, belt and
kampilan (sword) for he heard of a place called Handug where a beautiful maiden named Angoy
Ginbitinan lived.

The journey took several days. He walked across plains and valleys, climbed up mountains until he
reached the mouth of the Halawod river. When he finally met the maidens father and asked for her
hand in marriage, the father asked him to fight the monster Manalintad as part of his dowry. He went
off to confront the monster and with the help of his magic belt Labaw Donggon killed the monster and
to prove his feat he brought to Angoy Ginbitinans father the monsters tail.

After the wedding, Labaw Donggon proceeded home with his new bride. Along the way they met a
group of young men who told him that they were on their way to Tarambang Burok to win the hand of
Abyang Durunuun, sister of Sumpoy, the lord of the underworld and whose beauty was legendary.

Labaw Donggon and his bride continued on their journey home. The moment they arrived home Labaw
Donggon told his mother to take care of his wife because he is taking another quest, this time he was
going to Tarambang Burok.

Before he can get to the place he has to pass a ridge guarded by a giant named Sikay Padalogdog who
has a hundred arms. The giant would not allow Labaw Donggon to go through without a fight. However,
Sikay Padalogdog was no match to Labaw Donggons prowess and skill in fighting so he gave up and
allowed him to continue.

Labaw Donggon won the hand of Abyang Durunuun and also took her home. Before long he went on
another journey, this time it is to Gadlum to ask for the hand of Malitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata who
is the young bride of Saragnayan, the lord of darkness.

This trip required him to use his biday nga inagta (black boat) on which he sailed across the seas for
many months, went across the region of the clouds, and passed the land of stones until finally he
reached the shores of Tulogmatian which was the seaside fortress of Saragnayan. The moment he set
foot on the ground Saragnayan asked him, Who are you and why are you here?

To which he answered, I am Labaw Donggon, son of Datu Paubari and goddess Alunsina of Halawod. I
came for the beautiful Malitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata.
Saragnayan laughed. He told Labaw Donggon that what he wished for was impossible to grant because
she was his wife. Labaw Donggon then challenged Saragnayan to a duel saying that whoever wins will
have her.

The challenge was accepted and they started fighting. Labaw Donggon submerged Saragnayan under
water for seven years, but when he let go of him, Saragnayan was still alive. The latter uprooted a
coconut tree and started beating Labaw Donggon with it. He survived the beating but was not able to
surpass the powers of Saragnayans pamlang (amulet) and eventually he gave up and was imprisoned by
Saragnayan beneath his house.

Back home Angoy Ginbitinan and Abyang Durunuun both delivered sons. Angoy Ginbitinans child was
named Aso Mangga and Abyang Durunuuns son was called Abyang Baranugon.

Only a few days after they were born, Aso Mangga and Abyang Baranugon embarked to look for their
father. They rode their sailboats through the region of eternal darkness, passed the region of the clouds
and the land of stones, finally reaching Saragnayans home. Saragnayan noticed that Abyang
Baranugons umbilical cord have not yet been removed, he laughed and told the child to go home to his
mother.

Abyang Baranugon was slighted by the remarks and immediately challenged Saragnayan to a duel. They
fought and Abyang Baranugon defeated Saragnayan and won his fathers freedom.

Labaw Donggons defeat and subsequent imprisonment by the Lord of Darkness also angered his
brothers. Humadapnon was so enraged that he swore to the gods of Madya-as that he would wreak
revenge on all of Saragnayans kinsmen and followers.

Humadapnon prepared to go to Saragnayans domain. He employed the aid of Buyong Matanayon of

Mount Matiula who was well-known for his skill in swordsmanship. For their journey they rode on a
sailboat called biday nga rumba-rumba. They travelled through the region of the clouds, passed by the
region of eternal darkness and ended up at a place called Tarambang Buriraw. In this place was a ridge
called Talagas Kuting-tang where a seductive sorceress named Piganun lived.

Piganun changed herself to a beautiful maiden and captured the heart of Humadapnon. Buyong
Matanayon begged with Humadapnon to leave the place with him but the latter refused. After seven
months passed, Buyong Matanayon remembered that they have brought with them some ginger. One
evening at dinner time Buyong Matanayon threw seven slices of ginger into the fire. When Pinganun
smelled the odor of burning ginger she left the dinner table because sorcerers hated the odor of ginger.
Immediately Buyong Matanayon struck Humadapnon, who became unconscious. He dragged his friend
with him and they were able to escape.

They continued with their trek and everywhere they went they exacted revenge on all of Saragnayans
people and relatives. One day they reached a place called Piniling Tubig who was ruled by Datu Umbaw
Pinaumbaw. There was a big gathering in the village and when they asked what was going on they were
told that the datu was giving his daughter for marriage to whoever could remove the huge boulder that
rolled from a mountain into the center of the village. Many men tried their luck but no one so far was
able to even move the stone.

Humadapnon took off his magic cape and used it to lift the stone and threw it back into the mountain.
The datu kept his word and Humadapnon married his daughter. During the wedding feast Humadapnon
heared about the beauty of the goddess of greed Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan from a guest
minstrel who sang at the celebration.

After the wedding Humadapnon went to seek the hand of the goddess in marriage. Along the way he
encountered Buyong Makabagting, son of the mighty Datu Balahidyong of Paling Bukid who was also
travelling with the same purpose in mind. Upon learning of Humadapnons intent, Buyong Makabagting
challenged him to a duel. They fought and Buyong Makabagting was no match to Humadapnons
strength and skill. The fight ended when Buyong Makabagting surrendered and even promised to aid
Humadapnon in his quest. Humadapnon married the goddess and brought her home.

Meanwhile, right after Humadapnon left to seek Saragnayans followers and relatives his brother
Dumalapdap left for Burutlakan-ka-adlaw where the maiden Lubay-Lubyok Hanginun si
Mahuyokhuyokon lived. For the trip he brought along Dumasig, the most powerful wrestler in Madya-as.

Several months later they came to a place called Tarambuan-ka-banwa where they encountered the
two-headed monster Balanakon who guarded a narrow ridge leading to the place where the maiden
lived.

With the aid of Dumasig, Dumalapdap killed Balanakon. However, upon approaching the gate of the
palace where the maiden lived he was confronted by Uyutang, a bat-like monster with sharp poisonous
claws. There ensued a bloody battle between the Dumalapdap and the monster. They fought for seven
months and their skill and prowess seemed to be equal. But on the seventh month, Dumalapdap was
able to grab on to Uyutangs ankle and broke it. Then he took his iwang daniwan (magic dagger) and
stabbed Uyutang under the armpit. Uyutang cried out so loud that the ridge where they were fighting
broke into two and there was an earthquake. Half of the ridge became the island of Buglas (Negros) and
the other became the island of Panay.

Dumalapdap married Lubay-Lubyok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokan and then took her home. Datu
Paubari was very happy when he was reunited with his three sons and he prepared a feast in their
honor. After the celebration, the three brothers left for different parts of the world. Labaw Donggon
went to the north, Humadapnon went south, Dumalapdap to the west and Datu Paubari remained in the
east.
Hinilawod Characters
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Alunsina

Goddess of the eastern sky also known as Laun Sina "The Unmarried One"

Kaptan

King of Gods

Datu Paubari

The mighty ruler of Halawod. Who alunsina chose to marry

Maklium-sa-t'wan

God of the plains who called a meeting of the council of gods

Suklang Malayon

Goddess and guardian of happy homes and sister of alunsina

Bungot-Banwa
High priest who performed the rites of the gods of mount Madya-as

Mount Madya-as

The mountain abode of the gods

Labaw Dongon

Eldest of the triplets

Handug

Place where a beautiful maiden named Angoy Ginbitinan

Angoy Ginbitinan

Beautiful maiden

Manalintad

The monster that is part of the dowry

Anyang Durunuun

Sister of sumpoy

Sumpoy

The lord of the underworld and whose beauty was legendary

Sikay Padalogdog

Giant guard of a ridge who has a hundred arms

Malitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata

Young bride of saragnayan, the lord of darkness

Biday nga inagta

Black boat

Tulogmatian

Seaside fortress of Saragnayan

Pamlang

Amulet
Aso Mangga

Angoy Ginbitinan son

Abyang Baranugon

Anyang Durunuun's son

Buyong Matanayon

Well known for his skill in Swordsmanship

Piganun

Seductive sorceress

Tarambang buriraw

Where humadapnon and buyong Matanayon ended up

Piniling Tubig

Place ruled by Datu Umbaw Pinaumbaw

Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan

Goddess of greed

Buyong Makabagting

Son of the mighty Datu Balahidyong of Paling Bukid

Dumasig

The most powerful wrestler in Madya-as

Balanakon

Two-headed monster

Uyutang

A bat-like monster with sharp poisonous claws.

Iwang Daniwan

Magic dagger

Buglas
Negros

Lubay-Lubyok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyolan

Dumalapdap's wife

Labaw Donggon

Went to the north

Humadapnon

Went to the south

Dumalapdap

Went to the west

Datu Paubari

Remained in the east

Necklace

Turned into stars

Comb

Turned into moon

Crown

Turned into sun

The Characters of Hinilawod

Humadapnon
The hero of the epic. A strong fellow with a handsome build and beautiful golden locks. His
dilemma is that he is an old bachelor. He longs to settle down with a woman of his status.

Dumalapdap
With a ceremonial plate, a golden rim, and drops of blood from each kin came the one they call
Dumalapdap. He was created to be the assistant of Humadapnon in his search the perfect
maiden.
 Labing Anyag
The younger sister of Humadapnon and daughter of Burulakaw and Ginbitinan. She is a
babaylan who is highly skilled in charms work.

The Parents
The respected overseers who are parents to Humadapnon, Dumalapdap, and Labing Anyag. All
were to go to them for consultation and approval.

All artworks are Originals by the writer, Franny Cheska.

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The Anatomy of the Characters of Hinilawod
Posted on September 17, 2013
Hinilawod (Adventures of Humadapnon Tarangban I) is an epic poem that is part of a series of Sulod epic poetry. It is the first of three in the Tarangban
episode comprising the Humadapnon adventures. It is about the heros search for the beautiful woman Nagmalitong Yawa. She was revealed to him in a
dream by his spirit friends Taghuy and Duwindi. (Source: Preface of F. Landa Jocans Hinilawod Adventures of Humadapnon Tarangban I Chanted by
Hugan-an)

Buyong Humadapnon clearly exemplifies the typical Epic Hero. On the first few verses, he is already described as a bachelor a great leader and a
renowned counselor. This knowledge on Humadapnon shows the reader that he possess certain leadership skills in the society he resides in. He is also
known for his nobility, wealth, and strength, which in totality, increase his pogi points/desirability and rank. (Based on the lecture of the
characteristics/elements of an epic)
*Images used in the slides are from http://images.google.com
 Hinilawod
Save

Hinilawod is an epic poem orally transmitted from early inhabitants of a place called Sulod in central Panay, Philippines. The term "Hinilawod" generally translates to "Tales
From The Mouth of The Halawod River". The epic must have been commonly known to the Visayans of Panay before the conquest, since its main protagonists, like Labaw
Donggon, were noted in the accounts of the Islanders' beliefs and recorded by early Spanish colonizers. [1] One of these Westerners' accounts says that the adventures of this
ancient hero of Panay were recalled during weddings and in songs.[2] It was noted that there were still native Mondos of Dingle, Iloilo who worshipped Labaw Donggon even until
the last years of the Spanish rule in the Philippines. These worshippers would stealthily enter a certain cave in Dingle in the evening of a certain day of the year, in order to
render homage and to offer chickens, doves, rice, bananas, and pigs to the ancient Visayan god. [3]
Significance
Hinilawod is a 29,000-verse epic that takes about three days to chant in its original form, making it one of the longest epics known, alongside that of Tibet's Epic of King Gesar.
Hinilawod is one of the many pieces of oral literature passed from one generation to the next, changed and morphed by the chanter to one degree or another as he told it to his
audience. The Hinilawod is not just a literary piece but also a source of information about culture, religion and rituals of the ancient people of Sulod; showing us that ancient
Filipinos believed in the "sacred," in the importance of family honour and in personal courage and dignity.
Hinilawod was first discovered "by accident" in 1955, when Filipino anthropologist F. Landa Jocano became interested in native folklore. He travelled the hinterlands of his home
island of Panay with two colleagues collecting folk songs, stories, and riddles. It was during one of those trips to the upland barrios of Lambunao, Maasin, Janiuay, and Calinog
in Iloilo that his attention was called to a long and popular tale called Hinilawod. Portions of the story were sung to him and his colleague by an old man called Ulang Udig.
Returning the following year with a radio technician from Central Philippine University, he then recorded a portion of the story on tape in 1956. However, when he returned, in
1957 to make a recording of the complete story, Ulang Udig refused to cooperate. Weeks later, he was introduced to a mountain singer named Hugan-an, who, after much
cajoling, allowed herself to be taped recounting both her story and the Hinilawod. It took three weeks to complete the recording of the 30-hour epic poem.
A concise version of the story of Hinilawod can be found in the book Philippine Mythology authored by Jocano.
Plot
Hinilawod,[4] recounts the story of the exploits of three Suludnon demigod brothers: Labaw Donggon, Humadapnon and Dumalapdap of ancient Panay.
The Story Alunsina and Datu Paubari
Kaptan, the king of the Gods, decreed that the beautiful Alunsina (also called Laun Sina, "the Unmarried One") marry upon reaching her maidenhood. Though all the unmarried
gods from every corner of the universe tried to win her hand in marriage, she chose to marry a mortal, Datu Paubari, ruler of the Halawod.
Angered by Alunsina's decision, her suitors conspired to harm the newlywed couple. Maklium-sa-t'wan, the God of the Plains, called a council meeting of the gods. The deities
decided to destroy the couple's home, Halawod, by flood.
Fortunately for Alunsina and her husband, her sister, Suklang Malayon (Goddess and Guardian of Happy Homes) discovered the evil plot and warned them of it. Before the
flood, the new couple sought refuge on a higher ground and escaped the gods' wrath undetected. They returned to the plains and settled near the mouth of the Halawod River
after the flood has subsided and lived in secrecy.
After several months, Alunsina became pregnant with triplets. The couple was ecstatic and Datu Paubari prepared the things needed for childbirth including the siklot. When the
triplets were born, the couple called them Labaw Dongon, Humadapnon and Dumalapdap.
Immediately after giving birth, Alunsina summoned the high priest Bungot-Banwa to perform the rites of the gods of the Mount Madya-as to ensure that the triplets will have
good health. During the ritual, Bungot-Banwa burned some alanghiran fronds and a pinch of kamangyan (incense) in an altar that he made himself. He opened the windows of
the north side of the room after the ceremony, and in came a cold wind that transformed the infants into strong, mighty and handsome young men.
The adventures of Labaw Donggon
When he reached adulthood, Labaw Donggon, the eldest of the triplets, decided to go on a quest to find himself a wife. He heard of the beauty of Angoy Ginbitinan of Handug
and wanted her for a wife. He asked his mother to prepare the things he will need for the journeya magic cape, hat, belt, and kampilan (a large, two-handed sword).
The journey to Handug took several days. Labaw Donggon had to pass by plains, valleys and mountains to get there. When he finally arrived, he asked for an audience with
Angoy Ginbitinan's father and asked for her hand in marriage. The father agreed in one condition: Labaw Donggon must kill the monster Manalintad as part of his dowry.
Labaw Donggon agreed and went away to confront the monster. With the help of his magic belt, he was able to kill the Manalintad. He cut off the tail of the monster and brought
it back to Handug as a proof of his victory. Angoy Gibintinan's father was satisfied with the proof and allowed Labaw Donggon to marry his daughter.
After the wedding, Labaw Donggon and his new bride started their journey back to his home. Along the way, they met a group of young men who were on their way to
Tarambang Burok to win the hand of Abyang Durunuun, sister of Sumpoy, the lord of the underworld. According to these young men, Abyang Durunuun has beauty that equals
no other. Labaw Donggon and Angoy Gibintinan continued on their journey. Upon reaching home, Labaw Donggon asked his mother to take care of his new wife and told her
that he will be going on another quest. This time he will be going to Tarambang Burok and vie for the hand of the beautiful Abyang Durunuun.
On his way to Tarambang Burok, Labaw Donggon had an encounter with the giant Sikay Padalogdog. This giant had a hundred arms and he won't let the young demi god pass
without a fight. And fight they did. In the end, the hundred-armed giant admitted defeat and allowed the Labaw Donggon to pass the ridge.
Labaw Donggon won the hand of the legendary Abyang Durunuun and also took her home to his mother. Thereafter, the demigod went on third quest to Gadlum. This time the
object of his desire is Malitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata, the young bride of the Lord of Darkness, Saragnayan.
Aboard his biday nga inagta (black boat), Labaw Donggon sailed across many seas on his way to Gadlum. He also traveled across the region of the clouds and the Land of
Stones before he found himself at the shores of Tulogmatian, the seaside fortress of Saragnayan, the Lord of Darkness. Upon setting foot on the shore, Saragnayan asked who
he was and what was his business. When Labaw Donggon expressed his desire to have Saragnayan's young wife, Malitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata, the Lord of Darkness
just laughed and told him it was impossible. The young demigod then challenged Saragnayan to a duel.
The duel lasted for years. Labaw Donggon held Saragnayan's head underwater for seven years but Saragnayan still lived. With the help of his pamlang (amulet), Saragnayan
defeated Labaw Donggon and imprisoned him beneath his house.
Meanwhile, Labaw Donggon's two wives gave birth to a son each. Angoy Ginbitinan called her child Aso Mangga, while Abyang Durunuun called her son Abyang Baranugon.
Both sons went in search of their father a few days after they were born. They arrived in Tulogmatian and asked Saragnayan to free their father. Saragnayan told Abyang
 Baranugon to go home to his mother when he noticed that the young lad still has an umbilical cord. The young lad took offense and challenged the lord of the darkness to a
duel.
Saragnayan accepted the challenge and fought with Abyang Baranugon. The Lord of Darkness was no match for the strength of Abyang Baranugon and was defeated in the
process. Abyang Baranugon earned the freedom of his father and took him home.
The adventures of Humadapnon
Meanwhile, the defeat of Labaw Donggon in the hands of Saragnayan and his subsequent imprisonment angered his brothers Humadapnon and Dumalapdap. Humadapnon
swore to the gods of Madya-as and vowed that he would seek revenge on all of Saragnayan's kinsmen and followers. He then embarked on a journey to Saragnayan's land. He
took with him a man known for his exceptional swordsmanship, Buyong Matanayon of Mount Matiula. Together they traveled the same path that Labaw Donggon took.
After seven months of staying in Tarambang Buriraw, Buyong Matanayon remembered that they brought some ginger with them. He thought of a plan to break Piganun's spell
over his friend. One evening, at dinner, Buyong Matanayon threw seven slices of ginger into the fire. Upon smelling the burning ginger, Piganun ran away from the room.
Buyong Matanayon struck Humadapnon in the head, which rendered the latter unconscious. He then dragged his body away from the place and managed to escape.
Humadapnon rose to the challenge and took off his magic cape. He then used it to lift the huge boulder off the center of the village and hurled it back to the mountain. Datu
Umbaw Pinaumbaw honored his word and gave his daughter's hand in marriage to Humadapnon. The two were married and a big feast was held. During the wedding feast, a
guest minstrel sang and paid tribute to the beauty of Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan, the Goddess of Wealth and Greed. Enchanted with the story, Humadapnon started
on a quest to seek the goddess' hand in marriage.
He met Buyong Makabagting, son of the Datu Balahidyong of Paling Bukid, who was also hoping to win the hand of Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan. The two fought in a
duel and Humadapnon emerged victorious. The defeated Buyong Makabagting helped Humadapnon in his quest. Humadapnon eventually married the goddess of greed and
brought her home to his mother.
Below are verses from the first two stanzas of the second part of Sugidanun I (First Narration) of the Sulodnon epic Hinilawod: Adventures of Humadapnon chanted by
Hugan-an and recorded by Dr. F. Landa Jocano. The epic is in the original Sulodnon language. [5]

Sugidanun I: Pangayaw
o 2. Himos

Alimbu pa duyamig
Nagparibung domdom
Hangop abi sa domdom.
Ni Buyong Humadapnon:
"Ti, Taghuy, ku magsalakay
Abi ako magmamkaw
Ku magliali ako sa lawdon
Maglibot sa layagon
Bungayong ako sa sarakyan
Waay ako't panimbang,
Waay it panibin-sibin."
Mahinay tumimbayug
'I ginuong harangdon.
Kambay dato agtunan
Lubayon kamasuswon
Uwa si Labing Anyag
Sanglit may babaylan
Sanglit hay singday.

English translation by Dr. F. Landa Jocanon

The morning breeze was cold

There he sat wondering
Till and idea came to his mind.
Said Buying Humadapnon:
"Well, Taghuy, were I to travel
Supposing I do embark
If I scour and cross the seas
Travel around, spread my sails
I would be alone in my vessel
I have no assistant
I have no companion."
Meditating he took to his feet
The respected master.
He went and approached
His younger sister
Uwa Labing Anyag
Because she was a babaylan.
An skilled in charms.
The adventures of Dumalapdap
Shortly after Humadapnon left their home to seek revenge on Saragnayan's family and followers, Dumalapdap
embarked on a quest of his own. He decided go to Burutlakan-ka-adlaw and marry the maiden Lubay-Lubyok
Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokon. With him was Dumasig, the most powerful wrestler in Madya-as.
After several months of traveling, the two warriors came face to face with a two-headed monster called
Balanakon. The monster guarded the ridge that led to the place where the maiden lived. They managed to kill the
monster but were confronted with another kind of monster when they reached the gate of the palace where the
maiden lived. Called Uyutang, the monster was similar to a bat with sharp, poisonous claws.
Dumalapdap fought with the Uyutang for seven months. He was able to defeat the monster when he grabbed its
ankle and broke it. Then he took his twang daniwan (magic dagger) and struck Uyutang under the armpit. The
monster howled in pain, causing an earthquake that broke the ridge they were fighting in into two. Half of the
ridge became an island that is known today as Negros, while the other half became Panay.
 With the monster Uyutang dead, Lubay-Lubyok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokan was free to marry Dumalapdap.
He brought her home and was reunited with his family. Datu Paubari celebrated the return of his three sons with a
very big feast. His sons left for different parts of the world after the feast. Labaw Donggon ventured north,
Humadapnon went south, and Dumalapdap embarked to the west. Datu Parubari was left to rule in the east.
The quest of Humadapnon continues
Humdapnon was visited by his spirit friends Taghoy and Duwindi in his dream and told him of lovely maiden who
lived in a village by the mouth of the Halawod River. The demigod left his dominion to look for the maiden named
Nagmalitong Yawa. He brought with him a boatful of crew.
Humadapnon and his men safely traversed a blood-coloured sea with the help of his spirit friends. They landed
on an island that was inhabited by beautiful women and headed by the sorceress, Ginmayunan. For seven years,
Humadapnon and his crew were imprisoned in the island until Nagmalitong Yawa helped them escape by
disguising as a boy. Humadapnon and Nagmalitong Yawa were married soon after in Halawod.
During the wedding feast, Humadapnon's brother, Dumalapdap fell in love with Huyung Adlaw and asked his
brother to help him talk to the parents of the maiden. Humadapnon left his new wife and accompanied his brother
to the Upperworld where Huyung Adlaw lived.
It took the brothers seven years to come back from their journey to the Upperworld. They arrived just in time for
the ceremony that will have Nagmalitong Yawa married to Buyung Sumagulung, an island fortress ruler, in a
ceremony. The brothers were enraged and killed all the guests and the groom. Humadapnon also stabbed his
wife because the treachery only to feel remorse later on. He asked his spirit friends and found out that his wife
only agreed to marry Buyung Sumagulung because her mother, Matan-ayon, convinced her that Humadapnon is
not coming back.
Upon learning of this, Humadapnon asked his sister, Labing Anyag, to use her powers to bring Nagmalitong
Yawa back to life. Seeing how remorseful he is, Labing Anyag agreed. However, Nagmalitong Yawa was so
ashamed of agreeing to marry Buyung Sumagulung that she ran away to the underworld and sought the
protection of her uncle Panlinugun, who is lord of the earthquake.
Humadapnon had to kill an eight-headed serpent in his pursuit of Nagmalitong Yawa. Then he had to duel with a
young man who spirited his wife away. The duel ended when Alunsina intervened and revealed that the young
man is also her son, Amarotha. This son died during childbirth and was brought back from the dead to keep
Alunsina company. Alunsina decided that both Humadapnon and Amarotha deserved a piece of Nagmalitong
Yawa so she cut the girl in half and gave a piece each to her sons. Each half turned into a whole live person.
Humadapnon brought his wife back to Panay.
In theatre
An abridged version was the first stage performance of the epic during the inauguration of the Cultural Center of
Western Visayas on the campus of West Visayas State University in Iloilo City, Philippines in March 1983 under
the patronage of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda
Marcos. The cultural group, Panayana performed the epic before the representatives of the First Lady and the
high officials of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Art Geroche, a local Ilonggo artist and Staff of the West Visayas State College (now a State University), provided
a mural painting (oil on canvas) depicting the epic, for the lobby of the Cultural Center. The painting captures the
important scenes in the adventures of the heroes of Hinilawod, in one panoramic view within a six by twelve feet
opus of Geroche.
This epic, which is orally transmitted from one generation to another, is still very much a part of the culture of the
Sulod Nation in the mountains of Jamindan, Capiz. In April 1999, Alejo Zata recorded the epic as it was chanted
by the natives of Sulod.[6]
University of San Agustin Little Theater (USALT) has staged its version of the Humadapnon fragment of the
Hinilawod titled "Tarangban" ("Cave"). It first staged the play in 2004.
The production was revised to include the participation of then 17-year-old Manilyn "Tata" Glemer, a member of
the Panay Bukidnon tribe in Tapaz, Capiz. Glemer knows how to chant the epic. Research was conducted with
Glemer's mother, Gemma, the chieftain of their tribe and her grandmother, Lola Gamak, a binukot and chanter of
the tribe.
Since 2006, the late-January Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of the town of Calinog in Central Panay (which
started in 1988 as an adaptation of the Dinagyang Festival where it was then known as the Sirinayaw, then
Hirinugyaw Festival) has used segments and tales of the Hinilawod as performance themes of its competing
tribes.[7] Each performance's authenticity is enhanced through the use of authentic Panay Bukidnon (Sulod)
costumes, known as Panubok, and the performing tribes' employment of Panay-Bukidnon Manunuguids
(Chanters, hence the 'Suguidanonay' in the festival's name) from the Balay Tulun-an Cultural Preservation School
in the Panay-Bukidnon settlement in Brgy. Garangan in Calinog's mountainous areas. Of note is the fact that the
town itself sits squarely beside the river Jalaur the ancient name of which was Halawud, the river that gave the
epic its name.[8]
It had subsequent stagings of excerpts in 2010 for the "Tanghal 4: The National University and Colleges Theater
Festival and Conference" [9] [10] on Feb. 2 at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and for "Pasinaya Festival" at
Tanghalang Huseng Batute of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Feb. 7.
There was also a performance on March 1, 2010 at the USALT auditorium. [11] [12]
In 2010, Hiyas Kayumanggi staged their version of the Hinilawod at Luce Auditorium of Silliman University.
In 2011, the group staged their production at Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the
Philippines on September 3 and 4.[13]
In 2013, Ateneo Entablado staged Nicanor Tiongson's play Labaw Donggon: Ang Banog ng Sanlibutan in Cervini
Field, Ateneo de Manila University. The production was directed by Jerry Respeto with composers Jema
Pamintuan and Teresa Barrozo, costume and set designer Gino Gonzales, lighting designer Voltaire de Jesus,
and choreographers Gio Gahol and Elena Laniog. [14] [15]
Further reading

Hinilawod: Adventures of Humadapnon, chanted by Hugan-an and recorded by Dr. F. Landa Jocano, Metro
Manila: 2000, Punlad Research House, ISBN 9716220103, 9789716220100.
HINILAWOD... the discovery in Hiyas Kayumanggi, Hesed Adriel, 6 August 2011.

References
1. Felix Laureano,Recuerdos de Filipinas, Barcelona: 1895, A. Lopez Robert, impresor, Calle Conde de Asalto
(currently called "Carrer Nou de la Rambla"), 63, p. 106.
2. Isabelo de los Reyes y Florentino, Las Islas Visayas en la poca de la Conquista (Segunda edicin), Manila:
1889, Tipo-Litografa de Chofk y C.a, p. 42.
3. Felix Laureano,Recuerdos de Filipinas, Barcelona: 1895, A. Lopez Robert, impresor, Calle Conde de Asalto
(currently called "Carrer Nou de la Rambla"), 63, p. 106.
4. http://nasadulongdila.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_nasadulongdila_archive.html
5. Hinilawod: Adventures of Humadapnon, chanted by Hugan-an and recorded by Dr. F. Landa Jocano, Metro
Manila: 2000, Punlad Research House, ISBN 9716220103, 9789716220100.
6. Hinilawod, The Epic of the Hiligaynon Nation
7. http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-great-literary-show-through.html
8. http://mybeautifuliloilo.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-great-literary-show-through.html
9. "Tanghal 4 Facebook page".
10. Ang, Walter. "Arts Month features campus theater groups by Walter Ang". Walter Ang blog.
11. "Old Panay epic poem becomes dance drama".
12. Ang, Walter. "Theater of the young, the here and now by Walter Ang". Walter Ang blog.
13. "Hinilawod: unearthing a Pinoy epic".
14. "July kicks off Ateneo theater groups' 2012-2013 line-ups".
15. "Filipino epic comes to life".