Ibalon (Three Heroes of the Bicol Epic)

16JUL
When the hero Baltog came to the rich land of Ibalon, many monsters still roamed around in its very dark
forest. Baltog, born in Baltavara to the brave clan of Lipod, was the first to cultivate the fields in the rich
land of Ibalon.
2 Then the Tandayag attacked and destroyed Baltogs fields and crops. The Tandayag was a monstrous
wild boar but the hero Baltog was not afraid. One night, he waited for the Tandayag and wrestled with it
with all his might. The Tandayag had very long fangs. The earth shook at the Tandayags step. But Baltog
was strong and brave. He was able to pin down the monstrous wild boar and tear out its mouth.
3 Baltog carried the Tandayag and hung it on a talisay tree in front of his house in Tondol. The people
celebrated when they learned of the victory of their king Baltog. The clans of Panicuason and Asog came
over to marvel at the monstrous wild boar in Ibalon.
4 At that time the hero Handiong came with a band of warriors to the land of Ibalon. Handiong and his
men had to fight thousands of battles, and face many dangers to defeat the monsters. They first fought
the one-eyed giants in the land of Ponon. They fought without rest for ten months until all the one-eyed
giants were killed.
5 They went to the lair of the giant flying fishes called Tiburon which had slimy, scaly, and hardy flesh and
sawlike teeth that could crush rocks. Handiong and his men did not stop until they vanquished every
Tiburon.
6 They tamed the fierce tamaraws. They drove away the giant Sarimaw which was larger than an
elephant and very fierce. They used their spears and arrows to kill all the crocodiles which were bigger
than boats. The savage monkeys were frightened and hid when they
saw the rivers and swamps of Ibalon turn red with blood.
7 Oriol was the hardest to kill. A serpent with a beautiful voice, Oriol could change its image to deceive
enemies. Oriol had escaped every trap and disappeared.
8 All by himself, Handiong looked for Oriol in the heart of the forest. He followed the beautiful voice and
was almost enchanted by it in his pursuit. It is said that Oriol admired Handiongs bravery and gallantry.
Thus, the serpent taught the hero how to conquer the monsters until peace came to the whole Ibalon.
9 Handiong built a town in Isarog and a season of progress followed. Under Handiongs leadership, the
people planted rice which they named after him. He built the first boat to ride the waves of Ibalon seas.
Because of his good example, inventors came forth from his people. Ginantong made the plow, harrow,
and other farming tools. Hablom invented the first loom for weaving abaca clothes. Dinahon, an Aeta,
created the stove, cooking pot, earthen jar, and other kitchen utensils. The brilliant Sural thought of the
alphabet and started to write on white rock. It was a golden period in Ibalon when even slaves were
respected under the laws of Handiong.
10 But there came the big flood freed by Unos, with earthquakes and the eruption of the volcanoes of
Hantik, Kolasi, and Isarog. Rivers dried up and the seas receded. The earth parted, mountains sank, and
many towns in Ibalon were destroyed.
11 Then appeared the giant Rabot, half-man half-beast, with terrible powers.

Bantong, Handiongs good friend, was ordered to kill the new monster in Ibalon. He took with him a
thousand warriors to attack Rabots den. Bantong used his wisdom against Rabot. He did not attack the
giants den right away but instead observed Rabots ways. He saw many rocks around the den. They
were people turned into rock by Rabot.
13 He also learned that Rabot loved to sleep. When Rabot slept very soundly, Bantong was able to go
near him. The giant died with a single stab by the brave and wise Bantong. Ibalon was at peace once
more.