Aguingay

Mampak Bird

The people of Bulusan believed that a giant bird called Mampak attacked the town during Aguingay's time, killing hundreds of tribesmen. Just before Bulusan and Aguingay were formally married, the bird attacked tribes north of the town. As it drew nearer, the tribe from the west, led by Casiguran, helped kill it.

They mobbed the bird, killed it, and threw it into the sea. Villages' names are said to originate from the bird's landing, struggles, and death. Bulusan Lake is believed to be its blood when it was fatally wounded, and San Bernardino island is thought to be its burial site.

Tragedy

Dayang Buhang, a village princess, fell for Bulusan and plotted to take him from Aguingay right before their wedding. The alarmed pair fled into the forest to escape her anger. The princess commanded her soldiers to bring back Bulusan, even if it meant killing Aguingay.

When the soldiers found them, the couple fought and perished. Grieving, the princess ordered a grand burial high enough that townspeople could see the tombs from below. This is how the story of two mountains began.

Reynaldo T. Jamoralin's Version

In this version, the brave and handsome Bulusan and the beautiful Agingay are recently united in marriage and live happily under the shadow of the volcano. Evil lurks in the person of Casiguran, son of Apu Juban, the respected village chieftain. Casiguran, who already has a faithful wife named Irosin, jealously watches the couple. When Apu Juban dies of natural causes, Casiguran falsely accuses Bulusan of killing his father.

He threatens and convinces Putiao, the village soothsayer, to give false testimony. Bulusan is brought before the village elders—Gurang Donsol, Gurang Matnog, and Gurang Bacon—and after Putiao's false testimony, Bulusan is sentenced to be fed to the fearsome, man-eating giant Mampak bird. Despite Agingay's pleadings, Casiguran remains unmoved, and Bulusan dies after the bird feasts on his carcass on top of the volcano. Casiguran then orders the grief-stricken Agingay to throw their first-born son into the mouth of the fiery volcano.

Meanwhile, Irosin realizes Casiguran's treachery and confronts him, but he sneers at her. The conscience-stricken Putiao confesses to the village elders, and Irosin rushes to tell them, meeting them on their way, incensed after learning the truth.

Did You Know?

• Aguingay is believed to be the daughter of Bulusan's neighboring tribe head, born with a fair complexion.
• The Si Bulusan nan Si Aguingay Festival includes a contest to render the epic story through interpretative dance.