Federico Caballero preserved his community's oral tradition by tediously documenting epics of his ancestors that are in near danger of disappearance. Below are the 10 Panay-Bukidnon epics in an extinct language with close ties to Kinaray-a.
Tikum Kadlum
Book I
It tells about the hunting spree of Datu Paiburong, the cutting of the priced buriraw nga kawayan (a yellow-colored variety of bamboo), and the heavy payment demanded by the man-eating monster, Makabagting, from Datu Paiburong for the crashing of his priced burugsak (gold bell).
Amburukay
Book II
It centers on the hilarious character of the old ugly Amburukay who demands payment from Datu Labaw Donggon for the theft of her gold pubic hair. The allusion of a sexual innuendo brings to light the value of keeping a tuos, a customary law on a verbal promise which is sealed with a precious object.
Derikaryong Pada
Book III
It tells about the most beautiful maiden of her time blooms to full maturity and waits for the fulfillment of the tuos (the promise of having one’s daughter married to someone’s son), which is the hungaw—the traditional wedding. She is given the glittering derikaryong pada, a most expensive bride gift whose value is unequaled in the epic world. A most beautiful celebration is expected for such a lovely bride. But as the groom remains unprepared, the bride is given in marriage to another man. The maiden suffers through many episodes of anguish and turmoil until a difficult conflict is finally resolved.
Book IV
The story tells about Pahagunong, a deity from the upper world, who gazes down the pagtung-an (middle world) to the wide-open sea. There he sees Matan-ayon, an irresistible ravishing long-haired beauty bathing by the sea coast. But he has to contend with the brave Paubari, the maiden’s guardian watching nearby. A long single fight ensues until Laonsina, a deity-arbiter from the sky world, devises a scheme to end it.
Pahagunong
Kalampay Sugidanon
Book V
Beauty, a joy forever and the contest of men. Imagine an alluring maiden bathing by the seaside and watched from afar by a handsome envious man from the underworld. Read the Kalampay and the thrilling long sea journeys to Lim-awun, the paradise underworld to rescue Matan-ayon. Feel the dangerous experience of diving down through the Panibyungan, the great waterfall. Read how two powerful men, Labaw Donggon and Masangladon came face-to-face to vie for the beautiful woman. Who will finally win Matan-ayon’s hand?
Meet the various characters of the Sinagnayan epic: Sarandihon, a skillful fighter who can wrap his enemies with blazing fire; Laonsina, archdeity from the upper world who settles conflicts in the pagtung-an (middle world); Labaw Donggon (Abaw) who is tasked by his strong-willed wife with the difficult mission of defeating Sinagnayan; and the golden lion of Minayunmon which conceals the life of Sinagnayan in an egg kept inside its heart. Can the fierce lion be killed?
Book VI
Sinagnayan
Book VII
Balanakon
Book VII, imagine a breathtaking fight between two brave men by the river mouth—Sarandihon who guards the Bangga-an gibwangan (river mouth) and Balanakon who is intent on passing through that river route. The intruder, Balanakon, wants to snatch away the beauteous Matan-ayon from Labaw Donggon. From the land-fight, both fighters armed with long-bladed knives soar to the sky, engaging in an aerial display of prowess. But Balanakon’s eyes are drawn toward the long-haired maiden, Kamaging, whom he spies among the fair maidens witnessing the fight; he becomes smitten with her. He decides to woo Kamaging by asking her for a quid (betel nut preparation). Who will win the fight once Balanakon has fallen in love and gotten distracted?
Humadapnon sa Tarangban is the first title on the stories of Humadapnon, which has four volumes. This epic story tells about Humadapnon who goes on a sea journey to woo the beautiful Malitong Yawa but was lured by wicked maidens along the way and was trapped in a tarangban (magical cave).
Humadapnon
Book VIII
Nagbuhis
Book IX
It portrays Matan-ayon as thin and sickly. An obligatory rite is needed to make her well. Matan-ayon wants her daughter to be initiated as a Dalagangan (a person with innate supernatural powers) so someone can possess her magical powers. On the day of the ritual on the beach, Mali, her daughter, cries bitterly as Humadapnon does not allow her to go. She finds out Humadapnon is courting other women. Mali’s bitter revenge is still to be revealed in the epic.
Alayaw
Book X
The Epic tells how Humadapnon is advised by Laon Sina to plant an Alayaw tree in the yard of Malis’ parents. When the tree bears sweet-smelling flowers Mali will be enticed to come down from the burukutan (enclosed structure for a well-kept maiden) to pick fallen flowers from the yard, thus Humadapnon could have a glimpse of a woman he loves. As to how the beauteous Mali will come down from the burukutan is the most exciting part of the story.
