Read the summary of the story of the “Ibalon” then, answer the questions that

follow. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Forthwith Kadunong described the ancient land and spoke of its first hero,

Baltog, a white Aryan, who had come from Boltavara (Bharata-varsha or India). He

planted a linsa patch in Tondol (now in Kamalig) which, one night, was foraged by a

giant wild boar (Tandayag). The furious Baltog chased the Tandayag, killed with his

bare hands, and hung its enormous jawbones on a talisay tree in front of his house in

Tondol. For this marvelous feat, he was acknowledged chief of the local hunters. The

clans of Panicuason and Asog came over to marvel at the monstrous wild boar in

Ibalong.

Next to come was Handyong. With his followers, he fought the monsters of the

land. But Oryol, a wily serpent who appeared as a beautiful maiden with a seductive

voice, was one whom Handyong could not destroy. Meanwhile, Oryol admired

Handyong’s bravery and gallantry. Because of this, Oryol helped Handyong clear the

region of ferocious beasts until peace came to the land.

With Ibalong rid of wild creatures, Handyong turned to making wise laws and

planting the land with linsa and rice. A period of the invention followed: boat, farming

tools, weaving looms, clay wares, kitchen utensils, tree houses, and even a syllabary.

Together, the people built a society with culture. It was a golden period in Ibalong

when even slaves were respected under the laws of Handyong.

Then came a great flood, freed by Unos, that changed the features of the land.

Three volcanoes, named Hantik, Kulasi and Isarog erupted simultaneously.

Inundations caused lands to sink, from which Lake Buhi came about, or rise, as in the

strip of seacoast in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, and wiped out many settlements,

especially the Dagatnong settlement in the Kalabanga Gulf. The Malbogong Islet

mountain sank in Bato, forming a lake.

Despite the calamities, Ibalong grew powerful under Old Chief Handyong, whose

constant companion and good friend, by then, was the young Bantong.

Although given a thousand men to destroy the half man and half beast Rabot,

who could change enemies into rocks, Bantong slew it single-handedly – to the loudcheers of these thousand warriors that reverberated throughout the forests and

mangrove swamps. Brought Ligmanan, the corpse of Rabot was horrible to behold

that the Great Handyong himself was shocked at the sight.

1. What is the selection about?

2. What places in the selection are you familiar with?

3. What traits of the characters in the selection symbolize the Bicolanos?

4. What cultures and traditions are found in the selection?

5. What other factors influenced the development of the selection?

6. How is the selection affected by the culture, history and environment?​