This script is a retelling of Ibalong, a story of three mythical heroes in the pre-Hispanic Bikol peninsula in southern Luzon. The tale was said to have been told by a wandering bard to a Franciscan missionary. The extant manuscript consisted of 60 stanzas and was originally included in a treatise on the region as "un pequeño fragmento inedito en verso."
Because of its fragmentary nature, Ibalong's place among the Philippines famous epics such as Lam-ang and Labaw Donggon has been disputed by scholars. Nonetheless, it remains close to the Bikolano's heart and has been a source of pride to people in the Camarines and Albay provinces.
In presenting the tale, I have taken great liberties in making the Ibalong a bit Hollywood. The complete formatted script is also available in epub format and can be ordered upon request. The original Spanish text with English translation can be viewed here.
In presenting the tale, I have taken great liberties in making the Ibalong a bit Hollywood. The complete formatted script is also available in epub format and can be ordered upon request. The original Spanish text with English translation can be viewed here.
***
EXT. Tropical rainforest – ca. 1500 (pre-Hispanic Philippines)
MANTONG and his man Friday, GAPON, are slowly inching their way to a wookie hole, where the last of the Tandayags* sleeps. In their mouths are bone whistles that imitate bird sounds.
GAPON
What if the cursed beast is not sleeping? Taking a light nap? Or sharpening its tusks on some volcanic stone…
MANTONG
Ssssshhhhhhhh--
GAPON
Maybe there are two of them, po-on**? Or three…
MANTONG
Stop your yakking, you're sure going to wake the damned beast!
Mantong continues to move stealthily but stops and looks back at Gapon.
MANTONG (Cont'd)
It devoured all the linsa+ last night. It should be full and tired and sleeping at this time.
GAPON
(Whispering)
You think monsters need rest?
Mantong sighs like he regrets tagging along the rotund Gapon.
GAPON (Cont’d)
Alright…
The two creep closer to the cave, moving laboriously to avoid making any sound.
GAPON
You sure it’s asleep-
MANTONG
(Annoyed)
Gapon!
GAPON
What if it's just waiting for us and…
Mantong turns around and is about to smack him.
GAPON (Cont'd)
…free lunch!
(Shouting)
Watch out, Mantong!
A tandayag rushes out of the cave and heads directly to them. The two get up and clutch their weapons tightly. The boar stops about five meters in front of them, then with dazed eyes, it runs again toward the pair.
Mantong steps on the base of his spear and points the shaft to the rushing boar.
The tandayag continues to run towards them, then incredibly jumps over the hunters’ heads. It maintains a berserk pace away from them and into the heart of the forest.
MANTONG
You’re not plump enough Gapon!
Mantong throws down all his accoutrements, except for a knife and a spear.
MANTONG (Cont'd)
Follow me!
Mantong runs after the boar. Gapon tries hard to keep up as he gets slapped by branches and leaves that Mantong pushes thoughtlessly aside.
The boar heads to a clearing. Mantong stops at the forest’s edge and is surprised to see the boar trots obliviously in front of a waiting HANDYONG.
Gapon catches up a few seconds later.
GAPON
You ki…
Mantong pulls down Gapon behind the bushes. He raises a finger to his lips to silence Gapon, and points to the boar and Handyong.
The boar grunts at Handyong but seems hypnotized and unable to attack.
HANDYONG
Great swine, you are the last of your kind. You have lived long enough. Now I and Death have called you to join your hideous kin.
The boar snarls as if the fight has already begun. It twists and turns. It shivers and shudders wildly as if trying to shake off an invisible rope or net around its body.
HANDYONG
Do not fight it.
He goes to the pig’s side and heaves a massive spear thrust. He runs the spike through the pig’s ribs. Blood spurts to Handyong’s face and body but he doesn’t let go of the javelin until the pig snorts a last bubbly, bloody breath.
Handyong takes a few steps back and sighs. Mantong and Gapon step out of the shadow. Handyong was taken aback. But before he can speak, a horde of tattooed SIMARON warriors enters the clearing, whooping and heehawing.
SIMARON 1
Long live Handyong!
The Simarons repeat the cry, again and again.
A bewildered Mantong looks at Handyong. The latter meets his gaze, his stare unapologetic as he wipes the blood off his face.
The crowd gather around Handyong and lift him back to the village. Others pick up the pig and leave. The cheers never cease. Mantong and Gapon are left standing in the clearing.
MANTONG
Is it possible to command a beast to its death?
GAPON
Or bid Death to do a task not her own?
Mantong walks to where the boar fell. He touches the blood-moist earth.
GAPON (Cont'd)
Well , that's one less monster. Do not be troubled by such a spectacle, po-on. They say he carries his fearlessness like a talisman.
Mantong stares blankly at Gapon, trying to fathom what the latter has just said. At that very moment, they hear a faint woman’s laugh that sounded like a million suikinkutsu.++
MANTONG
Wise they call you Gapon, now tell me what kind of bird is that?
GAPON
Ahhh, they wouldn’t call me Cadungong if I do not know when to walk away from danger.
Beat.
GAPON (Cont'd)
(Grinning)
Come my po-on, for the lovely ILING waits for you.
* Tandayags are giant wild boars
** Lord, liege, father, forefather, source, etc. The term is traditionally used as a polite word. It is commonly used in talking with an elder or to an authority figure. Po and opo originated probably from such use.
+ Yam
++ A buried jar that creates tinkiling echoes of water droplet sounds.
