Cordillera Autonomous Region

Isneg lived in the northwesterly end of northern Luzon, in the upper half of Cordillera Province known as Kalinga-Apayao. Isneg oral tradition is rich with folk riddles. Many of these are structurally simple but elegant. One of the most popular literary works of the Isneg was the story of “The Judge and the Fly”. Some characteristic of the Isneg reflected in this story. It shows that Isneg were kind, hospitable and generous, possessed with the spirit of self-reliance and courage and clearly artistic in their temperament. The story is humorous and entertaining which explains relationship of people and their surroundings.

Abra occupies the western portion of the Cordillera Region in northerh Luzon. The early inhabitants were the Tingguian, or Itneg, as they are also known. One of their literary works was entitled, “The Great Tingguian Flood Myth”. It shows how Abrans believe in ancient and supernatural spirits.

Ifugao refers to the group of people living in Ifugao Province located in the central Cordillera mountains of Northern Luzon.The Ifugao have riddles which serve to entertain at the same time to educate the young. The Hudhud was recognized as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. The story “Hudhud Hi Aliguyon” shows the braveness of the Ifugaos. As Aliguyon and Pumbakhayon end their battle, it shows how they appreciate and respect each other, and how they admire each other’s talent.

Bontoc refers to the people of the Mountain Province. It is derived from two morphemes, “bun” (heap) and “tuk” (top). Together it means mountain. Bontoc social literature aims to communicate ideas or attitudes to others at certain social occasions. “Lumawig: Bontoc’s God and Culture Hero” was one of their literary work. It shows how adventurous Lumawig was, and it also reflects some religious practices, social history and morals of the Bontocs.

Kankanays are the third largest cultural community in the Mountain Province. “Kankanay”, also “Kankanai”, “Kankana-I” or “Kankana-ey” has no different etymological derivation. The Kankanay have a rich collection of riddles and epics. They have the Sudsud (short talks) which are recounted in gathering of adults or when they are working in the field. One of the short tales of Kankanay was the “Origin of Thunder and Lightning”. The main content of this story refers to marriage and family life. Another short tale was the “Origin of Human Race”. It shows the social custom, traditions, religious values, beliefs and practices.

Kalinga comes from the common noun “kalinga”, which means “enemy”, “fighter” or “head hunter” in the Ibanag and Gaddang languages. Kalinga literature also consists of riddles, legends, chanted or sung myths, epics or ballads. “Adventures of Banna” was one of the literary works from Kalinga. This story reflects the bravery and pride of Kalinga people, and the heroic exploits of their heroes.

BIAG NI LAMANG

(Life of Lam-ang)

Setting of the story:

• Nalbuan- somewhere in the Valley of Naguilan River in La Union where Lam-ang and his parents lived.
  

Characters of the story:

• Lam-ang- the main character of the story, the only son of Namongan and Don Juan Panganiban. He had the unusual power of speech and physical form.
• Ines Kannoyan- a beautiful maiden, daughter of the richest man of the town of Kalanutian, and a lady who loved and married by Lam-ang.
• Namongan- mother of Lam-ang who help her to match the wealth of the Kannoyans.
• Don Juan Panganiban- father of Lam-ang who go to the mountains to fight an Igorot band
• Sarindang- she tried to seduced Lam-ang.
• White rooster- acted as a spokeperson of Lam-ang.
• Parents of Ines Kannoyan- they dared Lam-ang to bring gold more than match of their wealth.
• Marcos- diver who rewarded by Lam-ang for collecting all his bones.
  Sumarang- Lam-ang’s rival.
  
  

Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang) is a traditional story that embodies popular beliefs having a person or thing having fictitious existence. It is an imaginative fiction or drama characterized by strange and unrealistic elements.

As Namongan gave birth with Lam-ang, it is not possible for a baby boy to ask his mother about the name he wanted to. And, how can a nine-month old baby look for his father who goes to fight the Igorots. (It was not discussed why did his father fight them and how Don Juan Panganiban killed by the Igorots.)

Upon returning home, why is it so that there were ninety-nine maidens during his bath, and how can he burned so much straw that the communities near the river were alarmed by the smoke. Aside from that, the water turned black and all the fish on the river died.

Lam-ang heared about a beautiful maiden, Ines Kannoyan, he decided to go to Kalanutian to court her. Reaching Kalanutian, he did something different to impressed everyone. He made his white rooster crow mightily and immediately the small house in the neighborhood collapsed. As Ines kannoyan, looked out of her window, Lam-ang made his dog growl and the house that collapsed erected again as if nothing had happened. Duly impressed, Ines and her parents came down and invited Lam-ang. Then, how can a rooster served as a spokeperson of Lam-ang.

The Parents of Ines told that they will bestow the hands of Ines ifLam-ang could equal their wealth consisting of lands and gold. But, how could he do that knowing that Ines was a daughter of the richest man in the town of Kannoyan. Then again, he made it simply amazing.

After sometime, Lam-ang complied with a tradition to catch rarang. Just as he dreamt so, He was swallowed by a giant fish. Ines became very sad and lonely but Lam-ang’s pet friend told that if his bones could be recovered, he might be revived. Surprisingly, with the help of Marcos, all the bones of Lam-ang were collected. Unbelievable… But that was what happened in the story. Then Lam-ang and Ines lived happily ever after with their pet friends.

The story of Lam-ang shows courage and determination. His love for Ines Kannoyan also shows that the true love can even move mountains. But the most important thing that Lam-ang implies to everyone was to have faith in God because He is always there to guide and save us.