Vanessa L.

Pamittan FA 199-V

201000876 Prof. Mitzi Reyes

A. Indigenous Games of Cagayan Valley One of my chosen topics is about the indigenous sports of Cagayan Valley and its significance to the preservation of the culture of the Cagayanos. Such are the cadang-cadang, boca-boca, bin-nulayan, lin-numba, sipa, yoyo, and hampas palayok. The games, played by old and young people alike, make use of native instruments such as bamboo, coconuts, and stones. According to Provincial Administrator Engr. Tito A. Perlas Jr., the children of Cagayan Valley today have stopped playing these games because of the advent of Western games. In their 429th Aggao nac Cagayan festival which celebrates the Cagayan culture and pride, an activity to promote and preserve the indigenous games was included in the program. The event is called Gaggayam nac Cagayan, where several students from elementary and high school participated. Featured in the competition are the cadang-cadang race (bamboo stilt race), pag-buong ti banga (hampas palayok), tug-of-war, yoyo, and sipa. These were popular and regular pastimes of children and were mainly played in the streets. The Provincial Government of Cagayan gave its support to this activity and encouraged the youth to participate in the tournament as part of its cultural promotion campaigns. I would like to research on this because I find the indigenous sports of Cagayan interesting and it will be a great contribution to the arts and culture of my homeland. Other Filipino children from different provinces, and also Filipinos in general, are not very familiar with these games. The Cagayanos native sports are a manifestation of the richness of their cultural heritage and therefore must be preserved and made known to their countrymen. I plan to focus on the indigenous games that are not well-known, and document how each game is played the rules, participants, and equipment needed. I would also study on the games origins, their significance to culture, and the Filipino youths current awareness to them. For my creative proposal, I would like to use storytelling through motion graphics as the medium of communication to teach and promote Cagayans indigenous games to children around ages 7-10. Online Articles

Cagayan Celebrates 429th Aggao na Cagayan

The Province of Cagayan will celebrate its 429th founding anniversary from June 23-29, 2012. The event will be marked by exciting activities that will allow Cagayanos to join in the celebrations taking off from this years celebration theme, Fiesta nam Magili. On June 23, a motorcade around Tuguegarao City, the regional center of Region 2, will herald the start of the Aggao na Cagayan. It will be followed by the opening of the Trade Fair Booths at the Cagayan Sports Complex. The gaily decorated trade fair booths will offer visitors the chance to sample various one-townone-products that will be sold by some of the towns in the province.

Other highlights of the Aggao na Cagayan include Binibining Cagayan Competition, Ginoong Cagayan Competition, Mr. & Mrs. Agriyamanan Pageant for farmers and fisher folks, Ms. Pretty Peggy pageant for pregnant women competition, Inter-agency Sports Festival, Fun Run, 4th Annual Indigenous Peoples Visual Exhibition and Competition, Cagayan Read a- thon, Cagayan Quiz Bee, Gaggayam na Cagayan (featuring indigenous games), Kultura Cagayan (features Kiling-kingan and La Jota Enrile Folk Dance Competition), billiard and chess tournament and motocross competition, among many others. The Province of Cagayan is serviced daily by Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines landing at the Tuguegarao City Domestic Airport. When in Cagayan, visit the Penablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape (PPLS), home to the Callao Cave, the Pinacanauan River and watch the circadian flight of bats at dusk. Stay longer for a chance to visit and explore Spanish-built churches and structures along the Maharlika Highway from Tuguegarao to Aparri. Drive to Sta. Ana town and explore the Palaui Island, the centuries old Cape Engao Lighthouse, or swim at Nangaramuan Public Beach and Boacag Waterfalls. (Domingo, Fanibeth. RDC II Website. Regional Development Council. Web. 4 July 2013.)

Gaggayam nac Cagayan revives Cagayans indigenous games

Interesting and challenging games were played by students from elementary and secondary schools in the province in the 2012 Gaggayam nac Cagayan on June 26, 2012 at Cagayan Sports Complex. Gaggayam nac Cagayan featured Cagayans indigenous games commonly played by children with the use of native materials or instruments. Among these games are cadang-cadang race, hampas- palayok, sipa, yoyo, and tug-of-war. These traditional Filipino games were played in the streets and have been regular and popular pastimes of children. Provincial Administrator Engr. Tito A. Perlas Jr. said that playing the actual game was one of the strategies to revive and promote indigenous games. The Provincial Government of Cagayan supports these kinds of activities in its effort to preserve and impart to the Cagayano children the importance of indigenous games. Children of today stopped playing these games because of the western sports activities. Let us encourage them to play Pinoy games to help preserve arts and culture in the province, Perlas added. Meanwhile, participants were clustered into two divisions Cagayan Division and Tuguegarao City Division. Cagayan division was composed of Alcala East Elementary School, Lasam East, Solana North, Solana West, Licerio Antiporda National High School, Allacapan Vocational High School, Penablanca National High School, Don Severino National High School Solana. Tuguegarao City division was composed of Libag Elementary School, Cataggamman Elementary School, Annafunan Elementary School, Carig Elementary School, Pallua Elementary School, Capatan Elementary School, Linao Elementary School, Cagayan National High School, Cataggamman National High School, Gosi National High School. Winners from the said competition were the following: Cadang-cadang race (male) 1st place Alcala East Central School; 2nd place Solana; 3rd place- Lasam East District. Cadang-cadang race (female) 1st place Alcala East Central School; 2nd place -Lasam District; 3rd place

 Cataggamman Elementary School. Hampas-palayok 1st place John Lester Tamaray, Carig Elementary School; 2nd place Jensen Gera, Annafunan Elementary School; 3rd place Alexander Lazaro, Alcala East Central School. Sipa 1st place Jake Paul Macaraniag, Capatan Elementary School; 2nd place Cristopher Pacion, Pallua Elementary School; 3rd place Jesus Barcilliano, Pinupok Elementary School, Alcala. Yoyo 1st place Rejoice Maggay, Penablanca National High School; Angelica Pagandot, Licerio Antiporda National High School. Tug-of-War (male) 1st place Licerio Antiporda National High School; 2nd place Don Severino National High School, Solana. Tug-of-War (female) 1st place Cataggamman National High School; Licerio Antiporda National High School; Cagayan National High School; Penablanca National High School. (Ramos, Vanessa B. Gobyerno Ti Umili: Official Newsletter of the Provincial Government of Cagayan. Provincial Government of Cagayan, 18 July 2012. Web. 4 July 2013.)

Aggao nac Cagayan Activities 2013 This year marks another exciting Aggao Nac Cagayan with line-up of colorful activities. Local folks and visitors will surely enjoy a variety of events from June 26-30, 2013.

(Lacambra, Angelyn S. Gobyerno Ti Umili: Official Newsletter of the Provincial Government of Cagayan. Provincial Government of Cagayan, 25 June 2013. Web. 4 July 2013.)

B. Biuag at Malana, a Cagayan Epic

Another topic I would like to work on is about the Cagayan epic known as Biuag at Malana. The epic narrates the heroic deeds of the Biuag and Malana, the two brave and powerful heroes of the Ybanags, who at first were in bad terms with each other. It is said that the battle between the two heroes took place in Rizal, Cagayan. The epic has been handed down from generation to generation by oral tradition and was often sung during important occasions such as weddings. Today, the epic is not well-known among Filipinos outside of Cagayan, although a few may recognize it. There are also many different versions that it has become difficult to determine which one is the original version of the epic. These are the reasons why I would like to work on this topic. Biuag at Malana depicts the regions folk literature and shows the Ybanags beliefs and values. It is an essential part of their identity and heritage, and should not therefore be lost. Other researchers have included the epic in their compilations of Philippine folk literature and legends. These include Edna Bangans Ibanag Folk Literature and Damiana Eugenios Philippine Folk Literature: An Anthology. Theatrical shows and dances that use this epic as the theme were also performed in many different occasions. I plan to research more about the epic of Biuag at Malana by documenting the different versions of the epic and interviewing Cagayanos in order to know the original story. For the creative project, I would like to use the epic as an increment in teaching history or literature to elementary school children in the form of animation. I would like to recreate and tell the story of the epic in a visually-compelling way in order to enhance the learning experience of the young children. Other forms of literature that particularly interest me are the Cagayans folk myths such as Y Naggafuanan na Aruguk, Kilakila, Kunam Anna Uran (The Origin of Thunder, Lightning, Clouds, and Rain) and Y Paggafuanan na Lunig (What Causes Earthquakes). Another is the Ilocanos Legend of Lakay-Lakay which explains the origin of the two peculiar-shaped rocks in the town of Claveria.

Online Articles:

Cagayan Epic: Biuag and Malana

Biuag was from Enrile, the southern most part of Cagayan. When he was born, his mother was visited by an exceptionally beautiful woman who silently admired the baby. When it dawned on the child's mother that her visitor was a goddess, she knelt and implored her child with long life. The goddess made no reply. Instead, she placed three small stones around the neck of the baby where one stone protected him from any bodily harm. When he was big enough to swim across the wide river, the crocodiles created a path for him. The other two stones gave him supernatural powers and prowess. He could go faster than the wind. He could throw easily a carabao across the hills when he was only at the age of twelve. He could uproot a big beetle nut as if it were a wood. On account of this display of extraordinary strength, people from far and wide places came to see him. Despite all these powers, Biuag seemed troubled and unhappy. In the town of Tuao, he fell in love with a young lady with unsurpassed beauty. No one could tell where this lady came from nor could anyone say who

this lady was. Biuag wanted to find her. His waking hours were thoughts of her. There was another young man from Malaueg, called Malana who was gifted with powers similar to that of Biuag. When Malana was eighteen, a devastating typhoon destroyed all the crops of Malaueg. The people were in grip of appalling famine. Their only hope of starving off came from a very distant place, Sto. Nio. It was very difficult and dangerous to journey the place, because the river to cross was wide and full of crocodiles. Malana understood the hazards of the journey but finally volunteered to take the journey. He loaded cavans of palay to seven bamboo rafts. The people eagerly waited Malana's return. Prayers were offered for his safety. When they saw him back, everyone was overjoyed. He distributed the rice to the people and went home. Upon reaching his home, he found a bow and arrow on the bench. He presumed these were made for him by his father who knew how fond he was of them. Fitting the arrows, he found two tiny stones just like those around Biuag's neck. Meanwhile, Biuag was unmindful of the people's open admiration for Malana. The lovely lady occupied his thoughts. One day, he paid her a visit and found out that Malana was also there. Biuag became furious. He told the lady he will prove to her that Malana was unworthy of her love. He grabbed his famous spear and hurried to the window towards Malana. Malana recognized Biuag's spear and read it as a challenge. He hurled it back with the message that his powers were not meant for such feats. Biuag laughed decisively and interpreted Malana's message in a different manner. He said to the lady: "Your suitor is very strong but he is a coward." One afternoon, Biuag was taking lift of the young woman when he heard sounds of a thousand bamboo tubes. He saw approaching from a distance great number of people from Malaueg. Leading the group was Malana - tall, broad-shouldered, and handsome, Biuag quivered at the sight of Malana. The latter spoke first: "Now I know why you challenged me. You covet the woman I love." The gods forbid anyone from taking anything that belongs to the other, but I am ready to give you a chance. If the lady would allow us, we shall fight for her hand. The day of the duel was controversial. The news spread fast and by mid-afternoon, the two mountains and the outlaying hills were blanketed with men, women and children who had come to witness their heroes fight each other. Biuag arrived accompanied by the people of Enrile. He climbed the mountain on the eastern part of the river, carrying a big coconut tree and a sharp spear. Upon reaching the peak, he heard the natives cheering Malana. He felt like barking a command to his followers to kill Malana's people. Malana went up the opposite mountain. From their position, they saw some rafts being pulled up. As these drew near, Biuag and Malana saw the beautiful lady on one of the rafts. Sadness was clearly etched on her face but this only heightened her ethereal beauty. When she was near, Biuag shouted at Malana, "the woman we both cherish is before us. If you are as brave as you claim to be then, receive this gift of mine from Enrile." Without thinking, he hurled the coconut tree at Malana. Everyone held his breath. The river stood still. The coconut tree flew like an arrow into the air. Malana caught it and unlike Biuag, he hurled it at the direction of Yeluru. Today, thick coconut grooves abound in that place. Biuag became more insane. He plucked the spear from the ground where he thrust it. He aimed it at

Malana's heart. The people were troubled. They knew too well the accurate deadliness of this terrible spear. Malana's chest was hit but his heart was not pierced. Instead the spear broke into two when it reached the bottom of the river. Malana shouted: "There you are, Biuag, with no weapons whatsoever. It is now my turn!" Before Malana would finish uttering the warning, Biuag leaped into the river. Gigantic waves dashed against the rocks and shook the mountain where Malana stood. Biuag emerged with the biggest crocodile under his arm. The crocodile opened wide its jaws. Malana accepted the challenges as he leaped from the mountain. The hundreds of people watching the fight suddenly fell on their knees. They saw a dazzling light that sparkled. She rose into the air and checked Malana's fall upon meeting him in mid-air. The woman looked down at Biuag and said: "You have shown yourself a coward by getting the help of a crocodile. I am the daughter of the goddess who gave you your supernatural powers. You do not deserve the gift." With the magic wand, the beautiful woman gave her blessings to the people below and then flew with Malana in the kingdom of the air and the clouds where she reigned. (Province of Cagayan Website: Arts. Web. 4 July 2013.)

Literary Arts
Ibanag folk literature consists of the folk speech, namely, proverbs and riddles, and the folk narratives, composed of myths and legends. All are transmitted orally.Riddles which are called palavvuh can be classified as a form of social literature, as riddling often becomes a favorite pastime during work or leisure and provides entertainment at most social gatherings. Most of the riddles take the form of monorhyming couplets (Eugenio 1982:379, 388): Egga y tadday nga ulapa Funnuan na kanan y bagui na. (Kandela) There is a certain fool That eats up its own body. (Candle) Egga y babui ta Manila Maguinna toye y guni na. (Arugok) My pig in Manila Its squeal can be heard here. (Thunder) There are numerous proverbs known as unoni which reflect the life and the world of the Ibanag. These proverbs contain many of the basic tenets about life and human nature upheld by the people. Like the riddles, these proverbs are often expressed in monorhyming couplets of 5 to 12 syllables per line. Here are some examples (Eugenio 1982:353-354, 357): Y baruasi nga inikkaw, Nu ari atazzi, alawa nikao. One who wears something borrowed, Even in the street, will be stripped. Ariammu ibilang tu kukuwan Nu ari paga nakadde ta limam. Do not consider as certain that which you do not actually hold, For even the rice you carry to your mouth may still fall. Kitu nga nepallo y uvug na

Awan tu makaga na. Barking dogs Seldom bite. The myths are prose narratives that explain the origin of the world, people, animals, places, and other natural phenomena. Its characters are either humans or animals and deities with human attributes. The actions and adventures of these characters are set in the remote past and in another world, such as the sky or the underworld. Most of the recorded Ibanag myths deal with the origin of natural phenomena (Eugenio 1994:259-260). One such myth, Y Naggafuanan na Aruguk, Kilakila, Kunam Anna Uran (The Origin of Thunder, Lightning, Clouds, and Rain) attributes the cause of thunder, lightning, earthquake, and rain to the giant who is imprisoned by an enemy in a big cave under the world. Smoke from his pipe forms the clouds. When he lights his long pipe, lightning flashes across the sky. When he shouts at his enemy, thunder rolls. When he kicks the wall of his cave, the earth shakes. When he blows, he brings the clouds together and the rain falls . Still another myth, Y Paggafuanan na Lunig (What Causes Earthquakes) attributes the origin of earthquakes to the legendary Bernardo Carpio, who, as a child, already exhibits extraordinary strength. Bernardo Carpio is the only son of a very poor couple. Whenever the couple go out to work, they leave the baby in the house. Upon returning home, they find all the babys toys broken into pieces. When there are no mor e toys to break, the child breaks the walls and studs of the house. As he grows up, Bernardo Carpio is recognized as the strongest man not only in the village but in the whole country. This popularity makes him so proud that he challenges God himself. God gives him several trials, the last of which is for him to stop the quarrel between two big mountains. To prove his strength, he goes between the warring mountains, extends his arms to part them but gets crushed by them. He is buried alive and only his head is left sticking out of the mountains. Whenever Bernardo Carpio attempts to free himself from the two mountains, the earth shakes (Eugenio 1994:264-265). Compared to the myths, legends are generally set in a period considered less remote. A popular Ilocano legend entitled The Legend of Lakay-Lakay is actually Ibanag coopted by the Ilocano who inhabit the northeastern part of Cagayan (Cagayan Almanac 1970). About 3 kilometers from the town proper of Claveria, there are two rocks which take the features of a man and a woman. These rocks are called Lakay-lakay and Baketbaket, which in Ilocano means old man and old woman respectively. There is a legend behind these stones. Lakay-lakay together with Baket-baket and their child, Ubing-ubing, lived near the sea. They are fisherfolk. Everytime Lakay-lakay has a good catch, his wife offers fish to the gods. In return, the gods always give them a bountiful catch. Ironically, as they became more prosperous, they also became more proud. One morning, on his way home, Lakay-lakay meets a very old and sickly man. The old man asks for some fish but Lakay-lakay turns him down and walks on. In the afternoon, while the wife is pounding rice, a beggar comes and asks for some rice. The woman hastily turns her down and continues pounding. The next day, the man goes out very early to fish as usual. The woman is left to put the house in order and prepare breakfast in time for her husbands arrival. When the man does not arrive at the usual time, the worried wife takes her child with her to look for him. They proceed to the favorite fishing ground of the fisher. But there is no trace of him. As they are looking out into the sea, a rock resembling the features of a man slowly emerges from the sea. The mother, together with her child, takes a raft and rows towards the stone, only to discover that it bears a strong resemblance to her husband. She finds close to it the mans raft, fishing net, and fish basket. The woman clings to the stone figure and cries vehemently. The gods hear her sobs and also changes her to a rock. The child who is left on the raft drifts away and he too is changed to a stone. The gods feel sorry for the family so they give the man power over the sea and the winds in that area. Stories relate that during the Spanish period, a vessel sailed near the rocks. The sailors were alarmed at the sight of the figures. The captain, laughing at the sailors fears, ordered that a cannon be fired at Lakay -lakay.

As the bullet struck the brim of Lakay-lakays hat, a strong storm came. The violent waves broke the vessel into pieces and drowned the Spanish captain and the sailors. Since then, people have believed that Lakaylakay really has power over the sea and winds. For this reason, he and his family are feared by the fisherfolk. Those who pass the stone figure offer gifts in the form of money, food, cigars, and fruits. (http://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph:9000/shares/finders/CC01/NLP00VM052mcd/v1/v17.pdf)

Si Biuag anni Malana

In my previous blog, I wrote about Biuag and Malana, the Ybanags legendary heroes. I resolved to dig deeper into their histories to find out if they were indeed historical figures. My preliminary research told me they were. But the more I read into what people have said and wrote about them, the more I am confused. I googled both their names and came out with about thirty entries. The following is a summation of what I have: a. It was not just the northern Isabela Ybanags who revere them as legendary heroes. The southern Cagayan Ybanags believe them to have been born in one of their towns and have fought their great battle somewhere in Cagayan and not in San Pablo. Northern Cagayan Ybanags also regard them as their own. This is pretty understandable because much of the area had been Ybanag country, broken here and there by Itawis villages. There were no provinces, towns, Ilokanos and other peoples there then. b. There are two towns that claim to be Biuags birthplace. The first is Maquila (Cabaganwhich then included San Pablo and Sta Maria) and the second is Enrile. Before Cabagan was broken down into three towns, Cabagan and Enrile were neighboring towns. I personally believe that Biuag was born in the first because my source identified a specific barrio where he was bornTallag. Enriles claim only comes from a written epic that I am sure has utilized substantial literary license to weave its story. In the end, though, it does not really matter much. In my research, the early inhabitants of Enrile town have the same surnames as the families who are our neighbors and relatives in San PabloPagulayan, Palattao, Guzman, and others. c. Malana is said to have been a native of Malaueg, now Rizal town in Western Cagayan. I have found no other written source contradicting this, so I leave it at that. d. There are even two towns that claim to be the twos battlefield. One is Rizal (Malaueg) and the other is Enrile. Reportedly, there are two sites along the Cagayan River where there were many coconut trees on both banks. The stories say that the two Supermen hurled coco trees against each other. e. Nobody knew the name of the lady Biuag and Malana fought over. A source says she was a river goddess, another says she was the daughter of one. Still another says that she was a lady from Tuao who possessed unsurpassed beauty. A newspaper account says that she had lips like those of the Pacific Salmon, or lurung in Ybanagour most prized fish from the river, now endangered. f. The epic of Biuag and Malana were first written on barks of trees and bamboo, depicting the twos heroic deeds. These tales were used as songs by bards during victories in wars, on weddings and other important events and were therefore handed down from generation to generation. I found a written epic of the two heroes in the internet. I am not sure if this is really the popular version among Ybanags. For one, it had Malana winning over Biuag. When I get to visit San Pablo again, I will ask

the old folks if they have other versions. But, again, the most historical version Ive heard was that, and I quote: Biuag is believed to have been born in barrio Tallag. He protected the Christianized Cabagueos from the head hunting Kalingas by using amulets and his reputed superhuman strength. Malana succeeded Biuag following the death of the latter. It was Malana who initiated the first revolt in Cagayan Valley. But everyone loves a good yarn. So here they are, si Biuag anni Malana: Biuag was from Enrile, the southern most part of Cagayan. When he was born, his mother was visited by an exceptionally beautiful woman who silently admired the baby. When it dawned on the childs mother that her visitor was a goddess, she knelt and implored her child with long life. The goddess made no reply. Instead, she placed three small stones around the neck of the baby where one stone protected him from any bodily harm. When he was big enough to swim across the wide river, the crocodiles created a path for him. The other two stones gave him supernatural powers and prowess. He could go faster than the wind. He could throw easily a carabao across the hills when he was only at the age of twelve. He could uproot a big beetle nut as if it were a wood. On account of this display of extraordinary strength, people from far and wide places came to see him. Despite all these powers, Biuag seemed troubled and unhappy. In the town of Tuao, he fell in love with a young lady with unsurpassed beauty. No one could tell where this lady came from nor could anyone say who this lady was. Biuag wanted to find her. His waking hours were thoughts of her. There was another young man from Malaueg, called Malana who was gifted with powers similar to that of Biuag. When Malana was eighteen, a devastating typhoon destroyed all the crops of Malaueg. The people were in grip of appalling famine. Their only hope of starving off came from a very distant place, Sto. Nio. It was very difficult and dangerous to journey the place, because the river to cross was wide and full of crocodiles. Malana understood the hazards of the journey but finally volunteered to take the journey. He loaded cavans of palay to seven bamboo rafts. The people eagerly waited Malanas return. Prayers were offered for his safety. When they saw him back, everyone was overjoyed. He distributed the rice to the people and went home. Upon reaching his home, he found a bow and arrow on the bench. He presumed these were made for him by his father who knew how fond he was of them. Fitting the arrows, he found two tiny stones just like those around Biuags neck. Meanwhile, Biuag was unmindful of the peoples open admiration for Malana. The lovely lady occupied his thoughts. One day, he paid her a visit and found out that Malana was also there. Biuag became furious. He told the lady he will prove to her that Malana was unworthy of her love. He grabbed his famous spear and hurried to the window towards Malana. Malana recognized Biuags spear and read it as a cha llenge. He hurled it back with the message that his powers were not meant for such feats. Biuag laughed decisively and interpreted Malanas message in a different manner. He said to the lady: Your suitor is very strong but he is a coward. One afternoon, Biuag was taking lift of the young woman when he heard sounds of a thousand bamboo tubes. He saw approaching from a distance great number of people from Malaueg. Leading the group was Malana tall, broad-shouldered, and handsome, Biuag quivered at the sight of Malana. The latter spoke first: Now I know why you challenged me. You covet the woman I love.

The gods forbid anyone from taking anything that belongs to the other, but I am ready to give you a chance. If the lady would allow us, we shall fight for her hand. The day of the duel was controversial. The news spread fast and by mid-afternoon, the two mountains and the outlaying hills were blanketed with men, women and children who had come to witness their heroes fight each other. Biuag arrived accompanied by the people of Enrile. He climbed the mountain on the eastern part of the river, carrying a big coconut tree and a sharp spear. Upon reaching the peak, he heard the natives cheering Malana. He felt like barking a command to his followers to kill Malanas people. Malana went up the opposite mountain. From their position, they saw some rafts being pulled up. As these drew near, Biuag and Malana saw the beautiful lady on one of the rafts. Sadness was clearly etched on her face but this only heightened her ethereal beauty. When she was near, Biuag shouted at Malana, the woman we both cherish is before us. If you are as brave as you claim to be then, receive this gift of mine from Enrile. Without thinking, he hurled the coconut tree at Malana. Everyone held his breath. The river stood still. The coconut tree flew like an arrow into the air. Malana caught it and unlike Biuag, he hurled it at the direction of Yeluru. Today, thick coconut grooves abound in that place. Biuag became more insane. He plucked the spear from the ground where he thrust it. He aimed it at Malanas heart. The people were troubled. They knew too well the accurate deadliness of this terrible spear. Malanas chest was hit but his heart was not pierced. Instead the spear broke into two when it reached the bottom of the river. Malana shouted: There you are, Biuag, with no weapons whatsoever. It is now my turn! Before Malana would finish uttering the warning, Biuag leaped into the river. Gigantic waves dashed against the rocks and shook the mountain where Malana stood. Biuag emerged with the biggest crocodile under his arm. The crocodile opened wide its jaws. Malana accepted the challenges as he leaped from the mountain. The hundreds of people watching the fight suddenly fell on their knees. They saw a dazzling light that sparkled. She rose into the air and checked Malanas fall upon meeting him in mid-air. The woman looked down at Biuag and said: You have shown yourself a coward by getting the help of a crocodile. I am the daughter of the goddess who gave you your supernatural powers. You do not deserve the gift. With the magic wand, the beautiful woman gave her blessings to the people below and then flew with Malana in the kingdom of the air and the clouds where she reigned. (Ka-blog. Wordpress, 17 May 2008. Web. 4 July 2013.) Books: Philippine folk literature: the legends / compiled and edited by Damiana L. Eugenio. Quezon City: Office of Research Coordination University of the Philippines, c1996. Print. Eugenio, Damiana L. Philippine folk literature: the epics. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 2001. Cagayan almanac. [Tuguegarao : [s.n.], 1970. Print. Quinan, Pilar Alfonso. Mga kagamitang panturo na gumagamit ng apat na dimensyon ng pag-unawa sa pagbasa sa pagtuturo ng mga piling kuwentong-bayan ng Cagayan sa mga estudyanteng Ibanag sa ikaanim na grado. 1932. Print. Bangan, Edna M. Ibanag Folk Literature. s. l. : s. n., 1976. Print.