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Title: A Little Book of Filipino Riddles

Editor: Frederick Starr

Release date: December 15, 2004 [eBook #14358]

Most recently updated: December 18, 2020

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the PG Distributed Proofreaders

Team, from scans kindly made available by the University of Michigan.

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE BOOK OF FILIPINO RIDDLES ***

Page 1

Philippine Studies

I

A Little Book of Filipino Riddles

Collected and Edited

by Frederick Starr

World Book Co.

Yonkers, New York

1909

Page 2

Copyrighted 1909 by Frederick Starr

The Torch Press Cedar Rapids, Iowa Page 3

THIS LITTLE BOOK OF

FILIPINO RIDDLES

IS DEDICATED TO

GELACIO CABURIAN

CASIMIRO VERCELES

RUFINO DUNGAN

OF

AGOO, UNION PROVINCE Page 4

Introduction

Although I had already inquired for them from Ilocano boys, my first actual knowledge of Filipino riddles was due to Mr. George T. Shoens, American teacher among the Bisayans. He had made a collection of some fifty Bisayan riddles and presented a brief paper regarding them at the Anthropological Conference held at Baguio, under my direction, on May 12–14, 1908. My own collection was begun among Ilocano of Union Province from whom about two hundred examples were secured. Others were later secured from Pangasinan, Gaddang, Pampangan, Bisayan and Tagal sources. My informants have chiefly been school-boys, who spoke a little English; they wrote the text of riddle and answer in their native tongue and then we went over them carefully together to make an English translation and to get at the meaning. Many Filipinos know how to read and write their native language, although few have had actual instruction in doing so. There is no question that errors and inconsistencies Page 5exist in the spelling of these riddles, due to this lack of instruction and to the fact that the texts have been written by many different persons. I am myself not acquainted with any Malay language. I have tried to secure uniformity in spelling within the limits of each language but have no doubt overlooked many inconsistencies. The indulgence of competent critics is asked. It has been our intention throughout to adhere to the old orthography. Thus the initial qu and the final ao have been preferred.

The word for riddle varies with the population. In Ilocano it is burburtia, in Pangasinan boniqueo, in Tagal bugtong, in Gaddang ———, in Pampangan bugtong, in Bisayan tugmahanon.

Riddles are common to all mankind. They delighted the old Aryans and the ancient Greeks as they do the modern Hindu and the Bantu peoples of darkest Africa. Many writers have defined the riddle. Friedreich in his Geschichte des Räthsels, says: “The riddle is an indirect presentation of an unknown object, in order that the ingenuity of the hearer or reader may be exercised in finding it out.... Wolf has given the following definition: the riddle is a play of wit, which endeavors to so present Page 6an object, by stating its characteristic features and peculiarities, as to adequately call it before the mind, without, however, actually naming it.”

The riddles of various Oriental peoples have already been collected and more or less adequately discussed by authors. Hebrew riddles occur in the Bible, the best known certainly being Samson's:

“Out of the eater came forth meat,

And out of the strong came forth sweetness.”

Arabic riddles are many and have been considerably studied; Persian riddles are well known; of Indian riddles at least one collection has been printed separately under the name Lakshminatha upasaru, a series of Kolarian riddles from Chota Nagpur has been printed as, also, an interesting article upon Behar riddles; Sanskrit riddles are numerous and have called for some attention from scholars; a few Gypsy riddles are known; two recent papers deal with Corean riddles. We know of but two references to Malayan riddles; one is Rizal, Specimens of Tagal Folk-Lore, the other is Sibree's paper upon the Oratory, Songs, Legends, and Folk-Tales of the Malagasy. This is no doubt an incomplete bibliography but the field has been sadly neglected and even to secure Page 7this list has demanded much labor. It suffices to show how deeply the riddle is rooted in Oriental thought and indicates the probability that riddles were used in Malaysia long before European contact.

To what degree Filipino riddles are indigenous and original is an interesting but difficult question. So far as they are of European origin or influenced by European thought, they have come from or been influenced by Spain. Whatever comparison is made should chiefly, and primarily, be with Spanish riddles. But our available sources of information regarding Spanish riddles are not numerous. We have only Demofilo's Collecion de enigmas y adivinanzas, printed at Seville in 1880, and a series of five chap-books from Mexico, entitled Del Pegueño Adivinadorcito, and containing a total of three hundred and seven riddles. Filipino riddles deal largely with animals, plants and objects of local character; such must have been made in the Islands even if influenced by Spanish models and ideas. Some depend upon purely local customs and conditions—thus numbers 170, 237, etc., could only originate locally. Some, to which the answers are such words as egg, needle and thread, etc., (answers Page 8common to riddles in all European lands), may be due to outside influence and may still have some local or native touch or flavor, in their metaphors; thus No. 102 is actually our “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;” the Mexican form runs:

“Una arquita muy chiquita

tan blanca como la cal

todo lo saben abrir

pero ninguno cerrar.”

But the metaphor “the King's limebox” could only occur in a district of betel-chewing and is a native touch. Many of the Filipino riddles introduce the names of saints and, to that degree, evidence foreign influence; but even in such cases there may be local coloring; thus, calling rain-drops falling “rods,” “St. Joseph's rods cannot be counted,” could hardly be found outside of the tropics. Religious riddles, relating to beads, bells, church, crucifixes, are common enough and are necessarily due to outside influence, but even such sometimes show a non-European attitude of mind, metaphorical expression or form of thought.

Everywhere riddles vary in quality and value. Many are stupid things, crudely conceived and badly expressed. Only the exceptional is fine. Examine any page of one of our own riddle books Page 9and you may criticize almost every riddle upon it for view-point, or form, or flavor. We must not demand more from Filipino riddles than from our own. Some knowledge of local products, customs, conditions, is necessary for the understanding of their meaning; when understood, they are fully equal to ours in shrewdness, wit and expression. Krauss emphasizes the fact that everywhere riddles tend to coarseness and even to obscenity and discusses the reasons. What is true elsewhere is true here; a considerable number of Filipino riddles are coarse; we have introduced them but emphasize the fact that any scientifically formed collection of German or English riddles would contain some quite as bad.

Probably few of our readers have considered the taxonomy of riddles. Friedreich offers a loose and unscientific classification as follows:

- I. The Question Riddle.

- II. The Simple Word Riddle (with seven sub-divisions).

- III. The Syllable Riddle or Charade.

- IV. The Letter Riddle.

- 1. With reference to sound.

- 2. With reference to form.

- V. Punctuation Riddles.

- VI. The Rebus.

- VII. Complex Riddles; combination of two or more simple types.

- VIII. Number Riddles.

Page 10

Several of these forms occur in our collection.

More scientific than Friedreich's work is Petsch's Studien über das Volksrätsel. His analysis and dissection of riddle forms best enable us to test the indigenous content of our Filipino riddles. He recognizes two fundamental riddle types. He says: “Two groups of riddles have long been distinguished in the collections, the true rhymed riddles and the short ‘catch-questions’ expressed in prose. The difference is not only in form but in content. ‘True riddles’ have as purpose the describing of an object in veiled, thought-arousing, perhaps misleading, poetical clothing, which, from this presentation of its appearance, its source, its utility, etc., shall be recognized by the intelligence, i.e., can and shall be guessed. ‘Catch-questions,’ on the contrary, are not to be guessed, the questioner intending himself to give the solution; at their best they are intended to trick the hearer, and since their solution is impossible to the uninitiated are not ‘true riddles’ but false ones. Since I propose to divide the total riddle material of each single nation between these Page 11two great chief groups, may I not somewhat extend the scope of the latter, including some things which are rejected from most collections as having little to do with actual riddles—those questions which are generally insoluble and such tests of wisdom as appeal not to wit and understanding, but to knowledge—which are certainly not true riddles. Thus, in the group here characterized as ‘false’ different classes of things are brought together, the characteristics of which I shall investigate later.” It would be interesting to quote the author's discussion further. We can, however, only state that he recognizes three classes of “false riddles,” to which he gives the names “wisdom tests,” “life-ransoming riddles,” and “catch-questions.”

Of “true riddles” there is a vast variety of form and content. Most typical is the descriptive riddle of a single object to be guessed. In its complete and normal form Petsch claims that such a riddle consists of five elements or parts. 1 Introduction; 2 denominative; 3 descriptive; 4 restraint or contrast; 5 conclusion. 1 and 5 are merely formal, trimmings; 2 and 3 are inherent and essential; 4 is common and adds vigor and interest. Such complete and “normal” Page 12riddles are rare in any language. Usually one or more of the five elements are lacking. It is only by such an analysis of riddle forms that a comparative study of riddles can be made. Any single riddle is best understood, by the constant holding before the mind this pattern framework and noting the degree of development of the case in hand.

The Filipinos themselves recognize several classes of riddles. An old Tagal lady told us there were three kinds:

- 1. Alo-divino: concerning God and divine things

- 2. Alo-humano: concerning persons

- 3. Parabula: all others

There is no science in this classification, which embodies considerable corrupted Spanish. Another informant recognizes six classes:

- 1. Alo-divino

- 2. Historia-vino: history of God and saints

- 3. Alo-humano

- 4. Historia-mano: history of persons.

- 5. Karle-mano: God and saints and persons together.

- 6. Parabula or biniyabas.

These names call for little comment and the classification they embody is of the loosest. The word parabula is Page 13Spanish in source and equivalent to our parable; biniyabas is Tagal.

Some features of our riddles call for comment. Filipino riddles, in whatever language, are likely to be in poetical form. The commonest type is in two well-balanced, rhyming lines. Filipino versification is less exacting in its demand in rhyme than our own; it is sufficient if the final syllables contain the same vowel; thus Rizal says—ayup and pagud, aval and alam, rhyme. The commonest riddle verse contains five or seven, or six, syllables, thus:

Daluang balon

hindi malingon

or

Bahay ni San Gabriel

punong puno nang barel.

Just as in European riddles certain set phrases or sentences are found frequently at the beginning or end of the riddle. In Ilocano and Pangasinan a common introductory form is “What creature of God” or “What thing made by Lord God,” the expression in reality being equivalent to a simple “what.” These pious forms do not at all necessarily refer either to animals or natural objects; thus, a boat or a house is just as good a “creature of God” as a fowl is. A common form of ending Page 14is “Tell it and I am yours,” “Guess it and I am your man.”

Quite analogous to calling inanimate or artificial things “creatures of God” is the personification of all sorts of things, animate and inanimate; thus, a rat is “an old man,” a dipper is “a boy.” Not infrequently the object or idea thus personified is given a title of respect; thus, “Corporal Black” is the night. Akin to personification is bold metaphor and association. In this there may or may not be some evident analogy; thus a crawfish is “a bird,” the banca or canoe is “rung” (like a bell.) Not uncommonly the word “house” is used of anything thought of as containing something; thus “Santa Ana's house,” “San Gabriel's house;” this use is particularly used in speaking of fruits. “Santa Ana's house is full of bullets” is rather pretty description for the papaya. The word “work” is often used for a thing made, or a manufactured article.

Saints' names are constantly introduced, generally in the possessive case; examples are “Santa Ana's house,” “Santa Maria's umbrella,” “San Jose's canes.” Less commonly the names of other Bible worthies occur; thus “Adam's hair.” There is not always any Page 15evident fitness in the selection of the Saint in the connection established. San Jose's connection with rain is suitable enough. One would need to know a good deal regarding local and popular hagiography in order to see to what degree the selections are appropriate.

Sometimes words without meaning, or with no significance in the connection where they occur are used. These may serve merely to fill out a line or to meet the demands of metre. Such often appear to be names of the style of “Humpty Dumpty;” these may be phonetically happy, as similar ones often are in European riddles, fitting well with the word or idea to be called up. Marabotania is probably meaningless, merely for euphony. Place names with no real connection with the thought are frequently introduced, as Pantaleon, Mariveles. “Guering-guering” and “Minimin” are merely for sound.

Particularly interesting and curious are the historia-vino given in numbers 312–317. No doubt there are many such. Those here given were secured from one boy at Malolos. When first examined, I believed the boy had not understood what I was after. He assured me that they were bugtong and bugtong of the best and finest class. The idea in these Page 16is to propound a statement in a paradoxical form, which calls for some reference to a bible story or teaching; the answer is not immediately clear and demands a commentary which is quite often subtle and ingenious. Friedreich gives examples of similar expository religious riddles from Europe.

A curious group are the relationship riddles, numbers 286–289, which closely resemble trick questions among ourselves. The evidence of outside influence is here conclusive in the fact that the ideas and terms of relationship in them are purely European, in nowise reflecting the characteristic Malayan system and nomenclature.

Some of the riddles are distinctly stupid. “I let the sun shine on your father's back” seems to mean no more than that the house roof is exposed to the solar rays. It is doubtful whether this means much even in the original Tagal. Of course many of the riddles demand for their adequate understanding a knowledge of native customs, which the outsider rarely has. Thus, until one knows a common method of punishing naughty children, the riddle “I have a friend; I do not like to face him” means nothing. Perhaps the most difficult to adequately present are some plays Page 17on words. These frequently need a considerable explanation. In some of these the parts of the word to guess are concealed in or are suggested by the form of the statement and one must extract them and combine them; such are “iscopidor” and “sampaloc.” In others the play depends upon homophony, the same sound or word have different meanings. In yet a third class the answer is a smart Aleck sort of an affair, “How do you take a deer without net, dogs, spear, or other things for catching?” “Cooked.” Most inane of all, but with plenty of analogues among ourselves, are those where the answer itself is introduced into the question with the intention to mislead; “Its skin is green and its flesh is red like a watermelon.” “Watermelon.”

Filipino riddles are mostly given out by young people. When several are gathered together they will question and answer; they are much in vogue when a young gentleman calls upon his sweetheart; among Tagals and Pampangans at least the chief occasion for giving bugtong is when a little group are watching at night beside a corpse. In propounding a riddle it is not uncommon to challenge attention by repeating as witty a rhyme, which is quite as often Page 18coarse as witty. One Tagal example runs:

Bugtong co ka Piro!

Turan mo ka Baldo!

Pag hindi mo naturan

Hindi ca nang iwang;

Pag maturan mo

May tae ang puit mo.

I have a bugtong compadre P!

Guess it compadre B!

If you cannot guess it

You have not cleaned yourself;

If you do not guess it

You are dirty.

We have mentioned two references to Malay riddles. Of the eight given in Rizal's paper five have been given us by our informants. As Rizal's entire paper will be reprinted in another volume of this series we have not copied the other three. Sibree's paper is important for comparison, since it presents matter drawn from the uttermost point of Malaysia, Madagascar, which has been unaffected by Spanish influence. Sibree's article is translated from a little book by another missionary, the Rev. Louis Dahle. Dahle's book is entitled Specimens of Malayasy Folklore and its material is presented in Malagasy Page 19only. Mr. Sibree translates twenty of his riddles. They are in character and flavor like many of the Filipino riddles. As Sibree does not give the native text and I have not seen Dahle's book, I cannot know whether they are rhymed. They are all of the type of true riddles to be guessed, descriptions wherein one or two characteristics or striking features are presented, either directly or figuratively. Examination of this little series deepens an impression already made by study of our own collection, namely, that the true riddles in our series are largely original Filipino while the insoluble riddles, the catches, the plays on words, are those where foreign influence is most evident. Although Sibree's article is easily accessible, we quote a few of these Malagasy examples for comparison.

“Cut and no wound seen?” “Water,” is our number 231.

“The mother says let us stand up, but the children say let us lie across?” “A ladder.” and “At night they come without being fetched and by day they are lost, without being stolen?” “The stars.” are quite in the style and spirit of Filipino riddles. Compare “Coarse rafia cloth outside and white robe inside?” “Manioc root” with the “Poor Page 20outside; rich within,” “Langca” of the Ilocano.

The order of presentation of these riddles has been a considerable problem. To arrange them rigidly in Petsch's order of development might have been fairly satisfactory but would have rendered the finding of any desired riddle difficult. We have struck out a crude arrangement in alphabetical order of the English answers, with subdivisions under some general headings. The arrangement is not scientific nor completely developed, but it will perhaps work fairly well in practice. The original text is first given for riddle and answer; the English translation of both follows; then are given such explanation and comment as are necessary. When a riddle occurs in different languages, the text of the question is given in one, but the fact of its occurrence in others is indicated.

We are indebted to many for assistance. The list is too long for individual acknowledgment. To our original Ilocano helpers this little book is dedicated. To Messrs. George T. Shoens, Francisco A. Santos (Calumpit), Rufino Santos (Arayat) and Conrado Benitez (Pagsanghan), we are so deeply indebted that their names must be mentioned. To Page 21school boys in Agoo, San Fernando (Union), Malolos, Manila and Tayug, we owe many thanks. Would that the publication of this imperfect collection might lead to their greater interest in a neglected section of their folklore. Some Malay worker ought to perfect and complete the work here begun.

This volume is the first number of a series of little books which the undersigned plans to bring out under the general title of PHILIPPINE STUDIES. Each number will treat of a distinct and separate subject; each will be independent. The extent to which the series will be developed, will depend upon the reception given to it and the degree in which it appears to respond to a real need. Two numbers at any rate are already arranged and the second should appear within a year.

FREDERICK STARR.

September, 1909. Page 22

Bibliography of Works Mentioned in the Introduction

Bernheisel, K. Korean Conundrums. Korean Review. 1905, pp. 81–86.

Bloomfield, M. Religion of the Veda, pp. 215–218. (Sanskrit Riddles.) Journal American Oriental Society, Vol. X, p. 172.

Dahle, L. Specimens of Malagasy Folk-Lore. Atananarivo, 1877, 8vo, pp. 457.

Del pequeno Adivinadorcito. Mexico. Five chap-books, 16mo each, 16 pp.

Demofilo. Colleccion de enigmas y adivinanzas. Sevilla, 1880. 8vo, pp. 495.

Friedreich, J. B. Geschichte des Rätsels. Dresden, 1860. 8vo, pp. viii, 248.

Führer, A. Sanskritische Rätsel. Zeitschrift der Deutsch. Morganländer Gesel. 1885. pp. 99–102.

Haug. Vedische Rätselfragen und Rätselspruche. Trans. Munich Academy, 1875.

Krauss, F. S. Allegemeine Methodik d. Volkskunde 1891–97, p. 112. Page 23

Korean Conundrums. Korean Review. Seoul; 1906. pp. 59–60.

Lakshminatha upasaru. Collection of Riddles. Patna, 1888. 32mo, pp. 32.

Ludwig. Der Rig Veda. iii. pp. 390.

Mitra. Sarat Chandra. Riddles current in Bihar. Journal Asiatic Society, 1901, 8vo, pp. 33–58.

Petsch, R. Studien über das Volksrätsel. Berlin. 1898, 8vo, pp. 139.

Phillott, D. C. Persian Riddles. Calcutta, 1906. Journal Asiatic Society of Bengal, pp. 86–94.

Rizal, J. Specimens of Tagal Folk-Lore. London, 1889, Trubner's Record, pp. 45–46.

Sibree, Jr., J. The Oratory, Songs, Legends and Folk-Tales of the Malagasy. London, 1883, Folk-Lore Journal, pp. 38–40.

Two Gypsy Riddles. Journal Gypsy Folk-Lore Society, 1907, pp. 92.

Wagner, P. Some Kolarian Riddles. Calcutta, 1904. Journal Asiatic Society of Bengal, pp. 62–79.

Page 24

Filipino Riddles

Animals: mammals.

1

Ania iti pinarsua iti Dios a balin suec a maturog?

(Iloc.) Panniqui

What thing that God made sleeps with its head down?

Bat

2

Pantas ca man, at marunong bumasa at sumulat, aling ibon dito sa mundo ang lumilipad ay sumususo ang anak?

(Tag.) Kabag

Although you are wise and know how to read and write, which bird in this world flies and yet suckles its young?

Bat

3

Uppat iti adiguina, maysa iti baotna, dua iti paypayna, dua iti boneng.

(Iloc.) Carabao

Four posts, one whip, two fans, and two bolos.

Carabao Page 25

4

Apat na tukod langit at isang pang hagupit.

(Tag.) Kalabao

Four earth posts, two air posts and whip.

Carabao

5

Saquey so torutoro duaray quepay-quepay a patiray mansobsoblay.

(Pang.) Dueg

One pointing, two moving, four changing.

Carabao

The head points, the ears move, the legs change position.

6

Nu mat-tut-lud ay atanang udde; nu mat-tadag ay ibbafa.

(Gad.) Atu

If he sits down he is high; if he stands up he is low.

Dog

7

Adda maysa nga parsua ni Apo Dios nga adda uppat a sacana, ipusna quen maysa nga ulona nga aoan ti imana.

(Iloc.) Caballo

There is one creature of our Lord God which has four legs and a tail and one head; but it has no arms.

Horse Page 26

8

Carga nang carga ay ualang upa.

(Tag.) Babuy

Always working and no pay.

The pig

He is ever eating garbage and waste.

9

Eto na si “Nuno,” may sunong na guinto.

(Tag.) Babuy

Here comes “Nuno” with gold on his head.

Pig

The pig is a constant scavenger and frequents the space below latrines and privies; it is a common thing that his snout is yellow as result of his search.

10

Magmagna ni inam sangsangitam.

(Iloc.) Burias

While the mother is walking the child is crying.

A little pig

11

Adda maysa nga lacay gomogoyod ti oay.

(Iloc.) Bao

There is an old man, who always drags rattan.

Rat

i.e. his tail. Page 27

12

Kahoy cong Marigundong, na sangay ualang dahon.

(Tag.) Sungay

My tree in Marigundong (town in Cavite) has branches but no leaves.

Horn

The branching horn of a deer.

13

Maco ca quian, yacu naman ing quian.

(Pamp.) Ding bitis daring animal a tiapat a bitis nung lalacad ya.

Away! let me have your place.

The forward legs of an animal

The hind feet tread in the prints of the forefeet.

Bell.

14

Nang hataken co ang baging nagkagulo ang matsing.

(Tag.) Batingao

When I pulled the vine the monkeys came around.

Bell

15

Tinugtog co ang bangca nagsilapit ang isda.

(Tag.) Campana sa misa Page 28

I rang the banca and the fishes came.

Bell

Banca is the canoe or boat; to strike it as with the pole is to ring it. People called to mass by the ringing bell are likened to fishes.

16

Togtoquec ti teppang agarayat ti bagsang

(Iloc.) Campana

I strike upon the washout and the bagsang come for help.

Bell

The curved side of the bell is compared to a washed out slope or curve of the bank; the bagsang are small fishes; the bell is the church bell—the little fishes are the people.

17

Otin nen laquic Tapal ni baleuet ed corral manaquis, ya agnaecal.

(Pang.) Campana

Tapal's ——— hanging within the corral is crying to get out.

Bell

Tapal is a nickname for an old man.

Betel.

18

Adda tallo nga babbalasang quet no mapanda maquimisa; iti caoes ti maysa ata berde, quet dadiay maysa Page 29ata porao, quen dadiay maysa ata lomabaga; quet norommuardan ata malabaga amin iti caoesdan.

(Iloc.) Mamabuyo

There are three ladies who went to mass; the dress of one was green, of another white, of the other red; when they came out together the dresses of all were red.

Betel

19

Nasatiyan pa nang kanyang ina, kinuha at pinapagasawa.

(Tag.) Ang bungang isinasama sa itso

Still in his mother's body was taken and made to marry.

Betel

The areca nut is first taken out of its covering before being united with the betel leaf and lime.

20

Bulong tiptipparo; puso balasang baro.

(Iloc.) Mama

A tiptipparo leaf; the heart, a young man and a young woman.

Betel

21

Papel a berde sinoratac ti purao Page 30quet intedco iti sangaili dina insubli.

(Iloc.) Gaoed

I wrote a green paper with white: I gave it to my visitor and he did not return it.

Betel-leaf

White lime is smeared upon the green leaf, which is then used to enwrap a bit of areca nut for chewing.

Birds.

22

Nagcapa dimet nagpadi; Nagcorona dimet nagari.

(Iloc.) Manoc

Gown but not priest; crown but not king.

Cock

23

Nancorona agimiet ari; nan capa agmuet pari.

(Pang.) Manoc

The king's crown but not king; the priest's cope, but not priest.

Cock

24

Ania ti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga ag-gungon ti maquimbaba quet agpidot ti maquin ngato?

(Iloc.) Manoc

What thing that Lord God made Page 31sifts below and picks up above?

Fowl

25

Dinay pinalsay Dios ya managtay carne?

(Pang.) Manoc

What creature of God is with meat on its head?

Cock

26

Ania a parsuo ni Apo Dios ti nagsusoon ti carne nga aoan ti imana?

(Iloc.) Tapingar

What creature of our Lord God carries meat but has no hands?

Cock

The meat is the cock's comb.

27

Uyana-uyana mamuntuk yang baya!

(Pamp.) Manuc

Here he comes with glowing charcoal on his head!

A cock

28

No umayac idiay balayo agtuptupuaccayo.

(Iloc.) Manoc

If I come to your house you will jump away.

Fowl

Boats.

29

Ania ti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga Page 32ipagnana ti bocotna?

(Iloc.) Baloto

What creature made by Lord God walks on its back?

Boat

30

Oalay asoc ya quisquis no onbatic tirakiang.

(Pang.) Baloto

I have a hairless dog, who goes belly upward.

Boat

31

Naligo ang capitan hindi nabasa ang tian.

(Tag.) Banca

The captain took a bath without his belly getting wet.

Banca

32

Adda impatacderco a caoayan no agbolong intan.

(Iloc.) Parao

I set up a bambu; if it leafs out we shall go.

Prao

The bambu set up is the mast; the leaf is the sail.

33

Nano nga cahoy nga con may dahon may gamut, pero eon ua-ay gani dahon ua-ay man sing gamut?

(Bis.) Parao

What tree is it, that when it has Page 33leaves it also has roots, but when it has no leaves it also has no roots?

Parao

Sail, rudder and oars.

34

Nagalacat nagahayang.

(Bis.) Sacayan

He walks with his back.

A ship

35

Manica maco tana,

tipa ca queti tana.

(Pamp.) Ancla

Come up and let us go, go down and here we stay.

Anchor

Body: parts.

36

Ania ti pinarsua ti Dios a masicog ti licudan?

(Iloc.) Botoy

What thing created by God has the fullness of pregnancy (masicog) behind?

The calf of the leg

Masicog is the swollen abdomen of the pregnant woman.

37

Bulong ti cappa-cappa nagtalicud nagpada.

(Iloc.) Lapayag

Cappa-cappa leaves placed back to back.

Ears Page 34

38

Daluang balon hindi malingon.

(Tag.) Tainga

Two wells, of which you cannot catch sight.

(Your) ears

39

Pito iti taoana; taltallo iti requepna.

(Iloc.) Lapayag, agong, mata, ngioat

There are seven windows; only three shut.

Ears, nostrils, eyes, mouth

40

Sipac nga sipac, saan nga mangeg ti caaroba.

(Iloc.) Mata

Claps and claps, but the neighbors do not hear.

Eyes

41

Tepac cac tan tepac agnereguel na ybac.

(Pang.) Mata

Clapping and clapping but my companions cannot hear me.

Eyes

42

Dalaua cong cahon bucsan ualang ugong.

(Tag.) Mata

I open my two boxes noiselessly.

Eyes Page 35

43

Dalawang batong maitim malayo ang dinarating.

(Tag.) Mata

Two black stones which reach far.

Eyes

44

Dalawang tindahan sabay na binubucsan.

(Tag.) Mata

Two stores are open at the same time.

Eyes

45

Adda dua nga Princesas quet nagseng nga tan da iti dua nga bantay; no agsangit iti maysa agsangit danga dua.

(Iloc.) Mata

There are two princesses, who live on the two sides of a mountain; when one cries both cry.

The eyes

46

Adda dua nga pisi agtongpal idiay langit.

(Iloc.) Mata

There are two halves; they go toward the sky.

Eyes

47

Malaon nang patay hindi maibaon at buhay ang capit bahay.

(Tag.) Bulag ang isang mata Page 36

It is a long time since it died, yet it can not be buried for its neighbor is still alive.

One blind eye

48

Señora a samsamping addai ti uneg ti sarming.

(Iloc.) Taotao ti mata

A samsamping is in the middle of the mirror.

The pupil of the eye

49

Daluang balahibuhen masarap pag daiten.

(Tag.) Mata at kilay

Two hairy things, it's pleasant to have them meet.

Eyelids

50

Adda dua nga Princesa quet nagbaetanda ti maysa nga bantay quet daytoy a bantay adda met dua nga oaig quet no agsangit daguitoy a Princesa agayos met daytoy nga oaig ngem no saanda nga agsangit mamagaan daguitoy nga oaig.

(Iloc.) Mata quen agung

There are two princesses with a mountain between them. In this mountain are two brooks and when the princesses cry these brooks Page 37flow and when the princesses do not cry the brooks dry up.

Eyes and nose

51

Isang biyabas pito ang butas.

(Tag.) Mukha

One guava with seven holes.

Face

52

Limang puno nang niog; isay matayog.

(Tag.) Dalire

Five cocoanut palms; one is higher.

Fingers

53

Adda lima nga Principes nagcallogongda amin ti pisi.

(Iloc.) Ramay

There are five princes and their hat is one half.

Fingers

The nails are the hats.

54

Adda maysa nga ealapati nga nagna ti tinga ti ili manocayo cona ti ari no adda mainayon nga pisi justo nga dua polo cami.

(Iloc.) Ramay

There is a dove that walked in the middle of the town. How many are you said the king. If there is a Page 38half added we shall be twenty.

Fingers

55

Ni ni conconana aoan ti matana

(Iloc.) Tammodo

Here, here, he says, but has no eyes.

Forefinger

It points here and there, touching the things in question, but it cannot see.

56

Tata baculud ay ain-mena maita na ut-tunna si catanang-nga.

(Gad.) Quiray

A mountain the summit of which cannot be seen, being very high.

Forehead

57

Tubo sa punso, ualang buko.

(Tag.) Buhoc

Sugar-cane on clay, with no joints (knots).

Hair

58

Cahoy nga tambalisa, tapson indi malaya.

(Bis.) Buhoc

A plant which does not fade when cut down.

Hair

59

Iclog iti calao bolig iti lima.

(Iloc.) Ima Page 39

The calao's egg is five-parted.

Hand

The calao is the hornbill; the egg here in question is perhaps his strange head-excrescence.

60

Isang bayabas peto ang butas.

(Tag.) Ulo

One guava with seven holes.

Head

61

Isa ca bungsud nga pito ang iya buho.

(Bis.) Olo

A small hill having seven holes.

Head

62

Sica a tao ti yan ti minuterum.

(Iloc.) Puso

You are the man who has the minute-beater.

Heart

Minuterum the pendulum beating.

63

No agtacderac ania ngata ti omona a ipagnae?

(Iloc.) Mocod

If I stand, what will be the first that steps?

Heel

64

Daluang bangiasan nag hahagaran.

(Tag.) Binte Page 40

Two fence stakes chasing each other.

Legs

65

Atian na ing gulut; ing gulut na ya ing atian.

(Pamp.) Bitis

Its front is the back, and its back is the front.

The lower leg (below the knee)

66

Adda oaig a bassit napnut bucbucaig.

(Iloc.) Ngioat

There is a small brook filled with shells.

Mouth

67

Isang balong malalem, punong puno nang patalem.

(Tag.) Bibig

A deep well is filled with chisels.

Mouth

68

Isa ca cahon-cahon nga punu sang tiguib.

(Bis.) Baba

A box full of chisels.

Mouth

69

Dua nga bobon napnot allid quen dagum.

(Iloc.) Agung Page 41

Two wells filled with wax and needles.

Nose

70

Baston ti Ygorot dica maparot

(Iloc.) Bato

The cane of the Igorot, you cannot pull up.

Penis

71

Mapatar ya dalin tinoboay garing.

(Pang.) Ngipuen

Plain earth has grown ivory.

Teeth

72

Umona nga aglaguis sa agdareedec.

(Iloc.) Ngipen

First place the bars and then the posts.

The teeth

The comparison is with fence-building. Here the posts are first set, and then the cross-pieces. The babe has first smooth, horizontal gums; then the upright teeth appear.

73

Nagapanilong apang basa.

(Bis.) Dila

He is under the shed but is always wet.

Tongue Page 42

74

Enlongon empantion onbangon mansermon.

(Pang.) Dila

Coffin in graveyard wakes up sermon.

Tongue

75

Na manantang ay maccatua udde na mannam ay malussao.

(Gad.) Attut

He who loses it rejoices, but he who finds it gets mad at it.

Bad odor; breaking wind

76

Iti nacapocao agayayat quet iti nacabiroc agong onget

(Iloc.) ottot

Who loses it is glad; who finds it is mad.

Bad odor; Breaking of wind

77

Magna sirirquep no nacalucat madi met.

(Iloc.) Mucat

It walks while it is shut; when it is open it does not care to walk.

Secretion from eye corner

78

Aso cong pute inutusan co, ay hindi na umue.

(Tag.) Lura Page 43

I sent out my white dog and he did not return.

Spittle

The practice of spitting, even unrelated to betel-chewing or tobacco-chewing, is far commoner among the Filipinos than among ourselves.

Book.

79

Tinadtad a root insenpen a panonot.

(Iloc.) Libro

Chopped grass hidden in the mind.

Book

Fodder or “food for thought.”

80

Nagbulong nagbunga nanganac diay nangala.

(Iloc.) Pagbasan

It has leaves and fruits, Godfather took it.

Book

Candle.

81

Ania iti anac a pooranna iti baguis ni inana?

(Iloc.) Candela

What son burns his mother's intestines?

Candle

82

Tite nang pare, mapute.

(Tag.) Candela Page 44

The priest's ——— is white.

Candle

83

Kung babayaan mong ako ay mabuhay yaong kamatayay dagli kong kakamtan, ngungit kung akoy pataing paminsan ay lalong lalawig ang ingat kong buhay.

(Tag.) Kandilang may sindi

If you let me live I shall soon die; if you kill me I shall live long.

A lighted candle

84

Masondug a cayu talaque na donna.

(Gad.) Candela

A slender tree which bears only one leaf.

Lighted candle

85

Isang butel na palay punong puno ang bahay.

(Tag.) Ilao

A grain of rice fills the whole house.

Light

The flame of a candle is a little thing, comparable to a rice grain; yet it gives light to the whole house.

Cardinal Points.

86

Adda uppat a nga amigos; idi naparsua toy lubong inda naisigud.

(Iloc.) Uppat aturong Page 45

There are four friends; they have existed since the beginning.

The four directions

Clock: Watch.

87

Aldao rabii agririaoac.

(Iloc.) Reloj

Day and night I cry.

Clock

88

Amanu na mararamdam, dapot masaquit yang intindian, nung ing lupa na ing quecang lauan a usta mu ing qucang sasabian.

(Pang.) Relos

His words are audible but difficult to understand; when you look at his face you will understand what he says.

Clock

89

Ania ti parsua ni apo Dios nga aoan ti imana nga aoan ti sacana quet ammona ti agsao?

(Iloc.) Leros = reloj

What creature of God has no arms and legs, but can talk?

Clock

Coffin.

90

Ang nagapahimo nagahibi; ang nagahimo indi iya; ang tag-iya uala Page 46sing calibutan.

(Bis.) Longon

The one who orders it made is crying; the one who has it, it is not his to give; the one who owns it does not care anything about it.

Coffin

Disease.

91

Taong buhay inaanay.

(Tag.) Bulutong

A living person being eaten up by “anay.”

Smallpox

Anay, termites or white ants.

92

Ania ti pagayatan na a mabalud.

(Iloc.) Ti masaquit

Why does he wish to be in prison?

Pain

Dress.

93

Dadiay adalem agassiquet; dadiay ababao agatengngned.

(Iloc.—also Pang., Bis.) Calzon; bado

What is deep reaches only to the waist; what is shallow comes to the neck.

Drawers; jacket Page 47

94

Daluang pipit nag titimbangan sa isang siit.

(Tag.) Hicao

Two pipits balancing on a bambu stick.

Earrings

The pipit is a small bird.

95

Bumili ako nang alipin mataas pa sa akin.

(Tag.) Sambalilo

I bought a slave, taller than myself.

Hat

96

Aniat aramid a canennaca,

(Iloc.) Bado

What work devours you.

Camisa

The word work is used in several of these riddles with the meaning of a thing made, a manufactured article. The camisa is a shirt.

97

Nacaquitaac iti dua a sasacayan; maymaysat naglugan.

(Iloc.) Zapatos

I saw two boats; only one person was on board.

Shoes

98

Dala mo siya, dala ca niya.

(Tag.) Bakia Page 48

You carry it it carries you.

Shoe

09

Dalan mucu, dalan da ca, mipa quinabang cata.

(Pamp.) Sapin

Carry me, I will carry you; let us share alike.

Shoes

Drinks.

100

Con aga naga lapta, pero con hapon naga tipon.

(Bis.) Tuba

In the morning it is scattered in many places, but in the evening it is united into one place.

Tuba

An intoxicating drink made from cocoapalm sap; it is gathered daily. In the morning it is at the trees which yield; at evening it is brought in and stored.

101

Adda maysa a balasang conana toy maysa a baro no ayatennac dacquel ti pagdacsam.

(Iloc.) Arac

There was a lady said to a gentleman “If you love me it will harm you.”

Wine

Egg.

102

Yti pagapugan ti Ari; Page 49no maluctan saan nga maisubli.

(Iloc.) Itlog

The limebox of the king; if you open it you cannot restore it.

An egg

103

Adda bayabasco idiay Manila aoan ti pamorosanna.

(Iloc.) Itlog

I have a guava in Manila that has no stem.

Egg

104

Ang balay sang encantadora ua-ay ventana ua-ay puerta.

(Bis.) Itlog

The house of an enchantress which has neither window nor door.

Egg

Fishes.

105

Lindus ne enetiran, dapot king asbuk ya milulan.

(Pamp.) Balulingi

Harpooning at it he missed it, but it went into his mouth.

Balulungi

The shovel-nosed shark. In aiming at food, if it really enters his mouth which Page 50is below the long and projecting snout, he must seem to miss it.

106

Adda maysa nga lacay; puqiiis nga oacray.

(Iloc.) Corita

There is an old man; his hair cut short, the hair hangs.

Corita

It is a fish, with slender, pendent, feelers.

107

Asino ti nabiag a togtogaoanna ti ngeoatna?

(Iloc.) Corita

What living thing sits on its mouth?

Corita

108

Ania iti parsua ni Apo Dios nga pispisi iti baguina?

(Iloc.) Dadali

What creature of our Lord God is but a half-body?

Flounder

109

Nag saeng si pusong, sa ibabao ang gatong.

(Tag.) Bibingca

The clown cooked rice with the fire above.

Cake

110

Tignan, tignan, bago ngiuitan.

(Tag.) Mais Page 51

Look at it first, before making a face at it.

Corn

Refers to eating it from the cob.

111

Piña piña marabotinia

no aoan dayta matayca.

(Iloc.) Bagas

Piña piña marabotinia,

If there is none you will die.

Rice

112

Siasino ngata ti nagbuniag a daga?

(Iloc.) Asin

What earth has been baptised?

Salt

113

Aniat cangatoan a recado?

(Iloc.) Asin

What is the best spice?

Salt

114

Perlas yang maningning a ibat qung mina, nung mibalic ya qung penibatana matda ing ningning na.

(Pamp.) Asin

A sparkling pearl that came from the mine, in going to its source loses its brilliancy.

Salt

The original source was the sea; but in water salt dissolves. Page 52

Fruit.

115

Matebtibonec malimtimbocol bagobagooay tapuco anbalbalangay dalem.

(Pang.) Atsuete

Round, plump; hairy outside; red inside.

Atsuete

A red fruit used for seasoning fish.

116

Ulo ng principe tinadtad ng ispile.

(Tag.) Bunga ng bangcol

Head of a prince stuck full of pins.

Bangcol

It is like a round ball stuck with pins.

117

Dinan yan penalsay Dios ya loab tod tabla it say paoay toel equet.

(Pang.) Cabatite

What creature of God is smooth inside but like a net outside?

A fruit. Cabatite

118

Agbibitin a sinanlagangan.

(Iloc.) Damortis

Hanging like a pot-rest.

Camachilis (fruit)

119

Balay ni Santa Ana nalicmut ti caramba.

(Iloc.) Niog Page 53

Santa Ana's house is surrounded by a jar.

Cocoanut

120

Langit ngato, langit baba, danom ti tengana.

(Iloc.—also Pang., Tag.) Niog

Sky above, sky below, water in the middle.

Cocoanut

121

Danum sadi Minimin, di mastrec ti angin.

(Iloc.) Niog

The water of Minimin, the wind cannot reach it.

Cocoanut

122

Sang bata pa maniuang, anay sang tigulang na matamboc.

(Bis.) Lubi

When young he is lean, but when he becomes old he is fat.

Cocoanut

The meat of the cocoanut grows in thickness.

123

Tatlong bundok ang tinibag bago dumating nang dagat.

(Tag.) Niog

Three mountains were blown down before they reached the sea.

Cocoanut Page 54

The husk, the shell, and the meat are passed to reach the water within.

124

Pispisi a dalayap nagcatlo nagcapat.

(Iloc.) Buquel ti capas

A half-lemon divides into three or four.

Fruit of cotton

125

Adda maysa nga banga nga bassit; Napno ti bato nga babassit.

(Iloc.—also Pang.) Bayabas

Here is a little pot; it is full of small stones.

Guava

126

Aling cacania dito sa mundo ang nacalabas ang buto?

(Tag.) Kasoy

Which of his brothers in this world has his bones outside?

Kasoy

A fruit, the hard seed of which projects entirely beyond its outer surface.

127

Isang ungoy nakaupo sa lusong.

(Tag.) Kasoy

One monkey sitting on a mortar.

Kasoy

The seed of the balubad or Kasoy suggests the figure. Page 55

128

Babuy sa pulo, ang balahibu ay paco.

(Tag.) Langca

Wild hog, whose hairs are nails.

Langca

129

Pobre ti rabaona mayaman ti onegna.

(Iloc.) Langca

Poor outside, rich within.

Langca

130

Tinadtad ti rabaona, lauya ti onegna.

(Iloc.,—also Pang.) Langca

Minced outside; lauya within.

Langca

Lauya; meat on bones, thoroughly cooked in water with vinegar and spices. Langca is a large sort of breadfruit.

131

Agbibitin nga oging.

(Iloc.,—also Pang.) Longboy

Charcoal hanging.

Longboy

A plum-like fruit.

132

Adda inbitin co nga langdet tangtangaden ti baboaquet.

(Iloc.) Longboy

I hang up a chopping-block: the old women look up at it.

Longboy Page 56

133

Hindi hayop, hindi tao,

Nag dadamit ng de pano.

(Tag.) Mabalo

Not an animal, not a man,

Yet it is clad in velvet.

Mabalo

A fruit somewhat like a peach.

134

Agbibiten a puso.

(Iloc.) Manga

A heart hanging.

Mango

135

Isang cabang señorito, pulus may sombrero.

(Tag.) Bunga

A group of little gentlemen, all with their hats.

Palmnuts

136

Bahay ni Santa Ana punong puno nang bala.

(Tag.) Papaya

Santa Ana's house is full of bullets.

Papaya

The papaya contains abundance of round, shining, black seeds the size of buckshot or larger.

137

Metung a bulsa mitmu yang paminta.

(Pamp.) Kapaya Page 57

A pocket full of peppercorns.

Papaya

The round black seeds of the papaya are the peppercorns.

138

Abongnin Doña Maria alictob na botilla.

(Pang.) Apayas

Doña Maria's house is surrounded by a bottle.

Papaya

139

Balay ni Santa Maria nalicmut ti espada.

(Iloc.,—also Pang., Gad., Bis.) Piña

Santa Maria's house is surrounded by swords.

Pineapple

140

Señora a nasam-sam-it addat oneg ti siit.

(Iloc.) Piña

A sweet lady among the thorns.

Pineapple

141

Isang dalagang may corona at caloob saan ay may mata.

(Tag.) Piña

The lady with a crown has eyes everywhere.

Pineapple Page 58

142

Agbibiten a danog.

(Iloc.) Santol

A fist hanging.

Santol

143

Bahay ni Sang Gabriel, punong puno nang barel.

(Tag.) Lucban

San Gabriel's house is full of guns.

Shaddock

Furniture.

144

Con adlao naga uba, pero con gabi naga saya.

(Bis.) Catre; mosquitero

During the day she is naked, but at night she puts on her skirt.

Bed; mosquito bar

Games.

145

Aso co sa pantalan, lumucso nang pitong balon, umuli nang pitong gubat, bago nag tanao dagat.

(Tag.) Sungkahan

My dog from the wharf jumped over seven wells, jumped again over seven forests, before it saw the sea.

Mancala

This well-known game is played upon a Page 59board in which a number of round pits are scooped out; two lines of seven of these are placed side by side.

Greeting.

146

Bumile ako nang bigas, bigas din ang ibinayad.

(Tag.) Ang pagbibigay nang magandang arao o gabi sa kanino man.

I bought rice with rice.

The exchange of greeting—good morning or good night.

Hammock.

147

Taray nga taray di met macaalis.

(Iloc.) Indayon

Running and running, but it cannot go away.

Hammock

148

Adda caballoc a labang agsinanpontol panalian.

(Iloc.) Indayon

I have a gray horse; I can halter him at both ends.

Hammock

Heavenly bodies.

149

Kabac na niog magdamag na kinayod.

(Tag.) Buan Page 60

Half-a-cocoanut, retreating slowly all night.

Moon

150

Kabiac na niog, magdamag na ipod nang ipod.

(Tag.) Buan

A half-cocoanut, scraped the whole night.

Moon

The moon keeps freshly white, like cocoanut meat just scraped.

151

Sancagalip a rabong sila oanna amin a lobong.

(Iloc.) Bulan

A half section of a bambu shoot illuminates the whole world.

Moon

152

Adda pisi a dalayap nga incalic; tal-lo a papadi dina macali.

(Iloc.) Bulan

I planted a half-lemon; three priests cannot dig it up.

Moon

153

Letrang C a maging O, O maging C.

(Pamp.,—also Tag.) Bulan

The letter C becomes O, O becomes C.

The Moon Page 61

154

Sim-migpatac ti tanobong silaoco a nagodong; sim-migpatac ti alodig, silaoco nga nagaoid.

(Iloc.) Bulan quen bituen

I chop a tanobong for light when I go to town; I chop an alodig for light when I go home.

Moon and stars

A tanobong is a sort of bambu; alodig is a small bush.

155

Adda maysa nga dalayap imporoac co idiay tayac no may bagam cucuanac.

(Iloc.) Bulan

There was a lemon which I threw out into the wide plain. Guess it and I shall be yours.

Moon

156

Ako ay naghasik nang mais, pagka umaga ay palis.

(Tag.) Bituin

I sowed maize grains; in the morning they were swept away.

Stars

The stars, grains of maize, disappear with the dawn. Page 62

157

Sangaplato nga busi maoarasanna amin ti inilinili.

(Iloc.) Bituen

A plate of roasted rice can be spread all over the town.

Stars

158

Mayaquit alila nung ing sumbu macaslag ya, dapot nung capilan milaco ya carin la paquit.

(Pamp.) Batuin at aldo

When the lamp is shining they can scarcely be seen, but when it is taken away they become visible.

Stars and sun

159

Abong nen Don Juan agnalocasan.

(Pang.) Aguco

Don Juan's house, you cannot open.

Sun

160

Caoayan queling agnataquiling.

(Pang.) Agueo

You cannot look directly at caoayan queling.

Sun

A sort of bambu, of great diameter.

161

Isbu ti andidit di masirip.

(Iloc.) Ynit

Andidit's urine cannot be looked at.

Sun

The andidit is a cricket. Page 63

162

Kung ako ay iyong pakatitigan pagkita sa akiy di mapapalaran.

(Tag.) Arao

If you look at me, you cannot see me.

Sun

163

Nagmulaac iti saba idiay daya saan a nagbunga ta naabac ti cuenta, nagmulaac iti niog idiay laud saan a nagugut ta naabac iti panonotna.

(Iloc.) Ynit quen bulan

I planted a banana in the east and it did not fruit for it lost the count and I planted a cocoanut in the west and it did not sprout because it lost its mind.

Sun and moon

Hole.

164

Tapat nga guindadugangan tapat nga nagamag-an.

(Bis.) Buho

The larger it grows, the lighter it becomes.

A hole

House: and parts.

165

Dinan yan penalsay Dios ya say quenantoit maengal?

(Pang.) Abong

What creature of God, having eaten makes a noise?

House Page 64

166

Ama iti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga agtagtagari ti quin nanna?

(Iloc.) Balay

What creature of Lord God has talking its food?

House

167

Ama iti parsua ni Apo Dios nga umona nga agsilia sa agap-ap.

(Iloc.) Balay

What creature of Lord God puts the saddle first and then the blanket?

House

The roof of a house is built before the walls.

168

Naligo ang Kapitan hindi binasa ang tiyan.

(Tag.) Sahig

The Captain took a bath, but did not wet his belly.

Floor

When being scrubbed with water, the bambu is as promptly dry as a duck's back.

168

Hindi hayop, hindi tao nag ngangalan nang Tranquilino.

(Tag.) Trangk'a nang pinto

Not animal, not man; its name is Tranquilino.

Lock of door

Mere resemblance in sound between Page 65Tranquilino, a personal name, and Trangka—a lock.

169

Kung sino ang naunang umakiat siyang nahuli sa lahat.

(Tag.) Pagaatip

He who climbed first became the last.

Nipa thatching

In roofing the work begins at the lower part and ends at the ridge.

170

Adda ay ayatec nga gayyem (amigo) ngem saanco a cayat a casango.

(Iloc.) Adigi

I have a loving friend but I do not wish to face him.

Post

A post in the house construction. Mothers punish naughty children by standing them in the corner facing the post.

171

Quimmali siramari quimmagat.

(Iloc.) Adigi

Set into the ground, breaks through, and bites.

Post

A post in house construction meets the requirement. It is firmly planted, penetrates flooring, and clutches and holds a rafter or other pole. Page 66

172

Atin cung metung a caballero pabanua yang makakabayo, dapot eya mamako.

(Pamp.) Pakabayu ning bubungan

I have a horseman who has been riding for a year but has not gone a bit.

Rider of bambu, over the ridge to keep the nipa from being blown away.

173

Balubog nang ama mo, pina arawan co.

(Tag.) Palupo nang babay

I let the sunshine on your father's back; i.e. the sun shines on your father's back.

The long poles at the roof crest of the house.

These poles are the “father's back;” they are directly exposed to the sun's rays.

174

No omoli baro, no omolog balo.

(Iloc.) Atep

When it ascends it is new (young); When it goes down it is a widow.

Roof Page 67

175

Minalemae nga agtacop binigatac met nga agpiguis.

(Iloc.) Tandoc

I mend it every evening, I tear it every morning.

Window

176

Na labi mansacabac; no agueo manpilatae.

(Pang.) Ventana

At night closed; in day open.

Window

177

Abosta kippit, Comalcalipkip.

(Iloc.) Riquep

Although thin, it can slide.

Window shutter

Implements.

178

Ypacapetco toy colisipeo dita bocotmo maimbagan ta nasaquitmo.

(Iloc.) Tandec

I place my colisipco upon your back and it cures your illness.

Cupping-horn

Colisipco is a slender bambu sucking tube. Tandoc is a piece of horn for blood-letting. Page 68

179

Adda maysa nga amigoc no icaraed cod toy olic, maornos datoy booc.

(Iloc.) Sagaysay

I have a friend and when I arrange my head, my hair is in order.

Comb

180

Aniat ina ni saba?

(Iloc.) Ni daga

Quet ania met ti amana?

Barrita

What is the mother of the banana?

The earth

And what its father?

Digging-stick

181

Tombong con tombong manpilicay gustum.

(Pang.) Agniob

Intestine (gut) choose what you want.

Fire-blower

It is a simple tube of bambu.

182

Magdala ya laman mete, mamita yang laman mabie.

(Pamp.) Mamaduas ing apana ating asan a dumamit.

He carries the flesh of the dead, but seeks the flesh of the living.

Fishline Page 69

183

Banga sadi Sinait, naapinan ti nangisit.

(Iloc.) Tintiroan

A pot from Sinait, lined with black.

Ink bottle

184

Adda bassit nga quita nga casla tisa ngem mabalinna nga ayoanan ti maysa nga balasang nga casla mangayoan a cas maysa nga leon.

(Iloc.) Tulbec

There is a little thing like a piece of crayon, but it can guard a lady like a lion.

Key

185

Hindi madangkal, hindi madipa, pinag-tutuangan nang lima.

(Tag.) Carayom

You can not span it, you cannot measure it by your outstretched arms, and it is being carried by five.

Needle

186

Begut nc ing andang tinuki ya ing ubingan.

(Pamp.) Carayum ampong sinulad.

He pulled out a stick and it was followed by a snake.

Needle and thread Page 70

187

Na una ang trozo sa manghihila.

(Tag.,—also Bis., Pang.) Carayom

The log comes first, then the hauling cable.

Needle (and thread)

188

Tinoduc ni ampalocneng ti obet ni ampatang quen.

(Iloc.) Dagum

The soft one is thrust through the anus of the hard one.

Needle and thread

189

Ania nga abut iti tacopan iti iapadana nga abut?

(Iloc.) Iquet

What hole do you mend with holes?

Net

190

Magmagnaac mangibatbatiac ti magnaac agbalbalicas.

(Iloc.) Pluma

I am walking leaving tracks where I walk.

Pen

191

Mangipatacderac ti adigi madomadoma a corte.

(Iloc.) Pluma

I set up a post variously cut (fashioned).

Pen Page 71

The pen of this riddle is the old-time quill pen.

192

Con uyatan naga lacat; con buhi-an naga liguid.

(Bis.) Pluma

When held it goes; When let loose it lies down.

Pen

193

Bolong na unas mancancanioas.

(Pang.) Catli

Sugarcane leaves moving crisscross.

Scissors

194

Pukeng payat nangangagat.

(Tag.) Gunteng

A narrow vagina bites.

Scissors

195

Maysa nga colibangbang tinaoentaoen nga mangan.

(Iloc.) Raquem

There is a butterfly which is eating every year.

Rice knife

The small knife used to cut rice. Its shape suggests that of a butterfly.

196

Diac maquita nacamolagatac; no abbongac maquitac.

(Iloc.) Anteojos

I cannot see although my eyes are Page 72wide open; if I cover, I can see.

Spectacles

Insects: and other invertebrates.

197

Diotay pa si compare cahibalo na mag saca sa lubu.

(Bis.) Subay

My compadre is tiny, yet he knows how to climb up a cocoanut tree.

Ant

198

Bahay ni Man Tute haligue ay bali-bali.

(Tag.) Alimango

House of Mr. Tute, whose rafters are twisted.

Crab

199

Nano nga pispis nga ua-ay pag lupad, may pac-pac cag may bala-hibu, cag naga butu.

(Bis.) Ulang

What bird is it, having wings cannot fly, which makes its nest and hatches its young under its wings?

Crayfish

200

No umolog maturog; no umoli tomacqui.

(Iloc.—also Pang.) Alinta

When it goes down, it sleeps; when Page 73it goes up it drops waste matter.

Earthworm

201

Magmagna mamingpingqui.

(Iloc.) Colalanti

Walking, it strikes fire. Makes a spark.

Fireflies

202

Con sa latagon palanacal; con sa balay magansal; pero con sa mesa in a ugdang.

(Bis.) Lango

Out in the field she talks too much; In the house she makes much noise; But when at table she is quiet.

Fly

203

Ang patay nag bata sing buhi, ang buhi nag bata cag ang iya bata iya guin bilin sa patay, cag ang patay amo ang nag buhi sang bata sang buhi.

(Bis.) Langao, uhid, carne

A living thing left its young to a dead thing; this dead thing gave nourishment to the young of the living thing.

Fly, maggots, meat

204

Siasino iti parsua ni apotayo nga Dios nga casla agropropa a caballo Page 74quet iti payacna casla bulong iti caoayan?

(Iloc.) Dudon

What creature of our Lord God has a face like a horse and wings like bambu leaves?

Grasshopper

205

Adda maysa nga tumatayal yanna amin nga lugar uray no tayac quen cabaquiran, quet iti rupana rupa iti baca, iti tengnguedna tengngued iti caballo, iti barocongna barocong iti tao, iti payacna casla bolong iti caoayan iti ipusna casla uleg, iti sacana casla saca iti tocling.

(Iloc.) Oasay-oasay

There is a flying thing, which stays anywhere,—even in the forest and tayac; its face is the face of a cow, its neck the neck of a horse, the breast the breast of a man, the wing is like the leaf of a bambu, his tail resembles a snake, and his feet look like the feet of a bird.

Grasshopper Page 75

206

Madilim na bundoc hayop na walan buto.

(Tag.) Cutu

Dark mountain—boneless animal.

Louse

207

Atimon sa cagulangan ua-ay alipopo-an.

(Bis.) Lusa

Melon of the wilderness without a stem.

Nit

208

Ating metung a cacanan ing queang pengan marayu ya qung atian.

(Pamp.) Paro

There is a certain thing to eat; its fleshiness is far from its belly.

Shrimp

209

Ing labuad nang quebaitan yang ena na buring balicad, uling ing hie na carin mipalamang.

(Pamp.) Yamuc

He does not like to return to the land where he was born for there he will meet his fate.

Mosquito

Born of water; he drowns in water. Page 76

210

Aling hayop dito sa mundo, ang inilalakad ay ulo?

(Tag.) Suso

What animal in this world walks with his head?

Snail

211

Maysa a naparato ti catayna pagsilona.

(Iloc.) Laoalaoa

A joker uses his spittle for a snare.

Spider

212

Ating palacio mitmu yang cuartu, balang metung a cuartu maqui metung yang curatu.

(Pamp.) Calaba ning tainumu, o panilan.

There is a palace full of rooms, each containing a priest.

Honeycomb

213

Aroi Dom Pedro, hindi macolabas sa carcel?

(Tag.) Tinik

Oh! Don Pedro, why don't you get out of prison?

Sting

Tinik means either a sting of an insect or the thorn of a plant. It is the sting or thorn which here is considered in prison and exhorted to escape. Page 77

Lamp.

214

Metung a butil a pale kitmu ne ing bale.

(Pamp.) Sumbu

A single grain of rice, filled the whole house.

A lamp

215

Memala ya ing labak meto ya ing tugak.

(Pamp.) Sumbu

The swamp dried up and the frog died.

An oil lamp

216

Adda lognac quen adda met agtaytayab daytoy nga agtaytayab aggiyan ditoy nga lognac quet no mamamagaan daytoy nga lognaquen matay met datoy agtaytayaben.

(Iloc.) Lamparaan

There is a pond and a bird; this bird lives in the pond. When the pond dries up, the bird dies.

Lamp

Love.

217

Aniat casam itan ti nasamit?

(Iloc.) Ayat

What is the sweetest of the sweet?

Love Page 78

218

Ania ti ayat nga agmalmalem?

(Iloc.) Ti apagcascasar

What love lasts all day?

Of those just married

219

Ramaycot panagaladco luac ti panagsibugco.

(Iloc.) Panangasaoa

I fence with my fingers; I water with my tears.

To marry

220

Nag molaac iti masetas ditoy locong iti dacolapco iti pinag si bogco toy loac quet iti pinamorosco toy matac.

(Iloc.) Nagayanayat

I planted a plant in the midst of the palm of my hand, I watered it with my tears, I gathered it with my eyes.

Loving each other

221

Acoi nag tanim nang dayap sa gitna nang dagat marami ang nahanap, iisa ang naka palad.

(Tag.,—also Iloc.) Dalaga

I planted a lemon tree in the middle of the sea many sought it only one found it.

Girl Page 79

222

Oalay saquey ya dalayap temmobod puegley na dayat amayamay ya manped peraod sac sacquey so acagaoat.

(Pang.) Panangasasa

There is a lemon-tree growing in the middle of the sea; many people desire to take it, but cannot; only one person can succeed.

Your sister

To be married.

Mat.

223

Mig quera cu babo ebus, lalam sasa cu me tudtud.

(Pamp.) Dase

I lay down upon the buri, under the nipa I slept.

Petate

The sleeping mat is laid down upon the floor (of buri); the roof is of nipa.

224

Sa gabey dagat sa arao ay bumbong.

(Tag.) Baneg

At night it is a sea, in the day it is the bambu carry-tube.

Petate

The petate is the sleeping mat of rushes; in the day-time it is rolled up and set away; at night it is unrolled and spread Page 80upon the floor. The word sea is often used for any extended or flat surface.

225

No aldao tubong no rabii dadali.

(Iloc.) Icamen

If day a tube; if night a flounder.

Sleeping mat=petate

Mirror.

226

Quitquitaec quet quitaennac; no cataoaac cataoaan nac.

(Iloc.) Espejo

I am looking at it, and it looks at me; if I laugh, it laughs.

Mirror

Musical Instruments.

227

Guerret nga agpucpuc-cao, agpucpuc-cao a guerret.

(Iloc.) Tambor

Guerret crying, crying guerret.

Drum

Guerret is a section cut transversely from a fish. It has somewhat the shape of a drum.

228

Ania ti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga iti ngioat na adda ti tian-na maymaysa taequiag na, quen ti ramay na adda ti bocot ti dacolapna, quen naquinruar ti baguisna.

(Iloc.) Guitarra Page 81

There is a creature made by Lord God whose mouth is in his belly; he has one arm and his fingers are in his back; and his intestines are outside.

Guitar

229

Secal que batal legari que atian, ginulisac yang masican.

(Pamp.) Dibil

I choked him, I sawed him across the belly, he screamed furiously.

Violin

Nature Elements.

230

Bibingca nang hari, hindi mo mahati.

(Tag.) Tubig

The king's cake, you cannot divide it.

Water

231

No tinagbat, nagpiglat.

(Iloc.) Danom

If you chop it, it heals at once.

Water

232

Ing inda maging anak ya, ing anak maging inda ya.

(Pamp.) Yelo

The mother becomes the daughter and the daughter becomes the mother.

Water, ice Page 82

233

Siac nacaquitaac iti siam abilit quet pinaltogac iti lima mano iti natedda?

(Iloc.) Lima

I saw nine birds; I shot five of them; how many were left?

Five

The dead ones: the rest flew away.

Occupations.

234

Ang madamu guina dugangan, pero ang diotay guina buhinan.

(Bis.) Ang pag limas sang tubi sa sulod sang sacayan.

The greater is increased, the smaller is diminished.

When water is pumped out of a boat.

235

Ang iya olo sapat, ang iya lanao cahoy cag ang iya icog tauo.

(Bis.) Carabao arado cog tauo.

His head is an animal, his body is wood and his tail is man.

Plowing

236

Adda tallo nga caquita; dadiay immona magmagna nga aoan tagarina; Page 83dadiay maicadua mangmangan quet; dadiay maicatlo magmagna nga tomanagari.

(Iloc.) Agarado

There are three things; the first is walking without talking; the second is eating; the third is walking and talking.

Plowing

The carabao, the plow, and the man.

237

Manoc cong pute, nag talon sa pusale.

(Tag.) Hugas bigas

My white chicken jumped into the puddle.

Rice-washing

The water that runs from rice washing is white; it falls from the kitchen down into the accumulated water under the house.

238

Ania ti aramid ti babay a dina malpas?

(Iloc.) Abel

What woman's work is never finished?

Weaving

There is always a lower edge which cannot be woven. Page 84

Persons.

239

Acoi nag tanem nang sile sa tabe nang catre, ang idinileg coi, puro ang ibinungay diamante.

(Tag.) Bata

I planted a pepper near a bed, I watered it with honor, it yielded a precious jewel.

Baby

240

Con mag atubang si tatay; apang con mag talicud si nanay.

(Bis.) Insik

If it faces you it is your father; but if it turns its back it is your mother.

Chinaman

Seen from before the general appearance is that of a man; from behind, a woman.

241

Taung inucul dang loco, dapot ing dapat na mibulalag quing yatu.

(Pamp.) Cristobal Colon

One whom they thought a fool, his work beeame world-known.

Columbus

242

Nag habla ang may sala nag tago ang justicia.

(Tag.) Nagevemupisal Page 85

The culprit appears in court, the justice is hidden.

The Confessional

The person confessing is plainly seen; the priest receiving the confession is out of sight.

243

Nagmolaac iti pipino idiay arisadsad ti convento dimet nagbunga ti pipino no di Sto. Cristo.

(Iloc.) Natay

I planted a pip near the convent but it did not produce a squash but Sto. Cristo.

A dead person

244

Ania ti ringgor nga saan nga agtaud ti dila?

(Iloc.) Umel

What quarrel is not made with the tongue?

A dumb man's

245

Sin-o ang napatay nga guin lubung sa tiyan sang iya nanay?

(Bis.) Pari

Who died, who was buried in his mother's bosom?

Friar

He was buried in the church.

246

Duro co nga dalagan pero ua-ay aco dinalaganan?

(Bis.) Naga sacay sa duyan Page 86

Who was running fast but did not move from where he started?

One in a hammock

247

Ing makalub makalual ya, ing makalual makalub ya.

(Pamp.) Ing inda ampo ing anak.

What was exposed is inside, what was inside is exposed.

Mother and babe, when the latter is baptized.

The mother stays at home in the house.

248

Pinonggosco a pinongos bino caycayan iti Dios.

(Iloc.) Masicog

I grasped and grasped and God loosed it.

Pregnant woman

249

Ania ti anac a mangisquis quen mana.

(Iloc.) Ti mangrarit ti piracna.

What child shaves his mother?

Who spends her money

250

Aniat baybay a di aglippias?

(Iloc.) Ti Quinaquirmet

What sea does not overflow?

The stingy man Page 87

Though he has abundance he gives out none.

251

Con tulcon nimo uala sia pag pahuay sang lacat apang uala man sing limacatan.

(Bis.) Manoghabol

She appears to be always walking, but after all is still in her place as before.

A weaver

Plants.

252

Deli queenteng kaballero rianu mang tiknang an nang palacio, agad yanag malaso.

(Pamp.) Balite

A gallant horseman causes any castle in which he is to crumble to pieces.

The Balite

This is the great parasitic fig, which encloses other trees in its embrace.

253

Adda maysa nga cayo nga bulong nga bulong di met agsabong; sanga nga sanga dimet agbunga.

(Iloc.) Caoayan

There is a plant that produces leaves after leaves, but no flowers; branches after branches, but no fruit.

Bambu Page 88

254

Siroc iti balay ti bacnang di macaycayan.

(Iloc.) Bulong ti caoayan

Under the bacnang's house it cannot be clean.

Bambu leaves

255

Nab-barnasi sin accab-bing-nga udde sicuana.

(Gad.,—also Iloc., Pang., Bis.) Ufud.

When newly-born, well dressed, but when he gets old he is naked.

Bambu shoot

The bud is covered with a down, which disappears.

256

Nang munte ay may tapis, nang lumaki ay bulisles.

(Tag.) Caoayan

When young she wore a tapis; when grown she is unclad

Bambu shoot

The tapis is the most characteristic part of the woman's dress. It is a wide band of dark cloth (black or brown) worn over the other clothing, around the whole middle part of the body. Page 89

257

Nanganak ang virgen itinapon ang lampen.

(Tag.) Sagueng

The virgin gave birth to a child and threw away the blanket.

Banana

258

Nanganak ang asuang sa tuktok nagdaan.

(Tag.) Sagueng

An asuang gave birth to a child from the top.

Banana

259

Naguit-log ni cannaoay inocopan ni teg-gaac idi cuan guiaoen ni oac ti nagtaraquen.

(Iloc.) Saba

A stork laid an egg; the crane hatched a lark from it; the crow took care of the young.

Banana

260

Sancadaoa sangalabba.

(Iloc.) Sangcabulig a saba

A seed-bearing stem; one fills a basket.

Bunch of bananas

261

Macagto sa simbahan si Mary, pito o ualo ang iya saya.

(Tag.) Puso

Mary is going to church having seven or eight shirts.

Banana bud Page 90

The bud is wrapped or folded within a number of bracts.

262

Adda puso a maysa dagat nag apuanna alupasit naglasatanna.

(Iloc.) Puso ti saba

There is a heart that came from the earth and pushed up through alupasit.

The heart of the banana

Alupasit is banana fibre.

263

Caballo moreno umosoc idiay ngato.

(Iloc.) Sabonganay ti saba

The red horse comes out upward.

Banana flowers

264

Isda co sa Sapa-sapa sapin-sapin ang taba.

(Tag.) Saha nang saguing

My fish in Sapa-sapa has manifold layers of fat.

Stem of banana

The stem of a banana cut through shows in wrapping layers, not unlike fat.

265

Dasug ca kaka, libutad ya y inda.

(Pamp.) Saging ampo ding sui na

Move on my brother, let mother be in the middle.

A banana plant and its suckers Page 91

The new ones displace the older ones, pushing them outward.

268

Ang puno lubi; ang dahon espada; ang bunga bala.

(Bis.) Cahoy ngaburi

The trunk cocoanut; the leaves swords; the fruit bullets.

Buri palm

267

Angibitinac na liquen tangtanga yey mamasiquen.

(Pang.) Camantilis

I was hung by a potring; the old men looked up at me.

Camachili

The pendent fruit suggests the riddle.

268

Nano nga sapat nga ang iya palod hayang pero ang iya tudlo culub?

(Bis.) Packing sang lubi

What animal is it which has its palm upside up but its fingers upside down?

Cocoanut leaves

269

Payung y Santa Maria amena mabata.

(Gad.) Tafal

Saint Mary's umbrella cannot be wetted.

Gabi Page 92

This is the cultivated plant commonly known as taro. Its great leaf sheds water perfectly.

270

No malipatam maca-alaca; quet no malaguipmo dica maca-ala.

(Iloc.) Poriquet=amorsico

If you do not remember, you get; but if you do remember, you do not get.

Grass-burs

271

Agsabong dina met bonga agsanga isut bongana.

(Iloc.) Mais

It produces a flower but it is not its fruit; it produces branches which are its fruit.

Maize

272

Nag tapis nang nag tapis nacalitao ang bulbolis.

(Tag.) Mais

She wore and wore her tapis yet her pubic hair was displayed.

Maize

The green husks are considered the tapis, or wrap about the mid-body; the silk appearing from the husk wrapping is the pubic hair. Page 93

273

Alo-divino de gracia malayo ang bulaklak sa bunga.

(Tag.) Mais

Of all divine gifts it is the only plant whose flower is far from the fruit.

Maize

274

Tite nang Ingles, puno nang gales.

(Tag.) Mais

The Englishman's ——— is full of pustules.

Maize; ear

275

Siasino iti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga umuna nga matay santo agbonga?

(Iloc.—also Pang.) Sarguelas

What thing our Lord God made dies first and then fruits?

Plum tree

276

Uala sa langit, uala sa lupa, ang dahon ay sariwa?

(Tag.) Quiapo

It is not in heaven, it is not on earth, its leaves are fresh.

Quiapo

The water-lettuce; it covers the surface of quiet spots in rivers. Page 94

277

Cung hindi lamang si tagabundok si tagalati ay mahuhulog.

(Tag.) Iyantok at parvid

But for the one living in the mountain the one living in the swamp would fall.

Nipa and rattan

The rattan (growing in the mountain) is used to lash on the nipa (growing in the swamp) to the house framework.

278

No colditenca matayea quet no adayoanca mabiagea.

(Iloc.) Bainbain

If I touch you you will die; but if I get away from you you will live.

Sensitive plant

279

Adda maysa a cayo idiay toctoc adda bobonco.

(Iloc.) Silag

There is a tree up there and I have a well on it.

Silag

A sort of palm, the bud is cut out and a sweet sap secured.

280

Tagbatec ta sacam: inomec ta daram.

(Iloc.) Unas

I chop your feet; I drink your blood.

Sugarcane Page 95

281

Lalabas cu, tindus dacn.

(Pamp.) Sulput

I was going out into the field, they pierced me.

A grass with slender and sharp seeds.

282

Pinagsakitan kong aking matuklasan ang bagay na isang ninais makamtan at nang sa pagkita ay hindi mapalaran tinaglay-taglay ko hangang kamatayan.

(Tag.) Tinik

I sought a thing I wished to get, and as I could not find it I kept it until my death.

Spine

283

Adda tal-lo a Princesas sag-gaysa ti coartoda ngem saan da nga agquiquita.

(Iloc.) Tagunbao

There are three princesses; each has a separate room and they cannot see each other.

Tagunboa

A shrub used for hedges, with a tripartite pod or capsule.

284

Ania iti mula a uray bolding mailasinna?

(Iloc.) Siit Page 96

What thing is blind but can select?

Thorn

Qualities.

285

Aniat cala-adan ti bomaro atao?

(Iloc.) Ti quinasuquer

What is the worst disfigurement for a young man?

Disobedience

Relationship.

286

Ano ang itatawag mo sa biyenang babayi nang asawa nang kapatid mo?

(Tag.) Ina

What will you call the mother-in-law of your sister's husband?

Mother

287

Ang amain kong buo ay may isang kapatid na babayi, ngunit siyai hindi ko naman ali. Sino siya?

(Tag.) Aking ina

My uncle has a sister but she is not my aunt. Who is she?

My mother

288

Ang mga babaying A at B ay nakasalubong sa daan ng dalawang lalaki; at nagwika si A; naito na ang ating mga ama, mga Page 97ama nang ating mga anak; at mga tunay nating.

(Tag.) Ang ama ni A ay napakasal kay B at ang ama ni B ay napakasal kay A at nagkaroon sila nang tigisang anak.

Ladies A and B met two men and said, “There come our fathers, fathers of our sons and our own husbands.”

A's father married with B and B's father with A, and each of them had a child.

289

Nang malapos nang madalao nang isang lalaki ang isang bilango ay tinanong nang bantay; ano mo ba ang tawong iyon? Kapatid mo ba o ano? Ang sagot nang bilango ay ito; akoy ualang kapatid, ni pamangkin ni amain, ni nuno, ni apo, ni kahit kaibigan; ngungit ang ama nang tawong iyan, ay anak nang anak nang aking ama. Ano nang bilango ang tawong iyon.

(Tag.) Anak

After a man visited a prisoner, Page 98the guard asked him—“is that man your brother, or what?” The prisoner's answer was, “I have no brother, no uncle, no nephew, no grandfather, neither grandson nor friend; but that man's father is my father's son. “Who was that man?

Son

Religious.

290

Oalayan pinalsay Dios ya amayamay iran sanaagui et sacsaquey so pait da.

(Pang.—also Bis.) Colintas

Many of them, brothers—but they have only one bodytube.

Beads

291

Adda tal-lo gasut a bacac maymaysat nanglidingac.

(Iloc.) Cuentas

I have three hundred cattle, with a single nose cord.

Beads

292

Nacno agapaldua.

(Pang.) Simbaan

Only half full.

Church

293

Napuno pero ua-ay mag tunga.

(Bis.) Simbahan

They said it was full but it was half-full.

Church Page 99

294

Idi nagcasar ni Ina quen ni Ama avanac pay a dara ngem idi nagbuniag ni Apo siac ti namadrino.

(Iloc.) Cristo

When my father and mother were married I was not yet in the womb, but when my grandfather was baptized I was his godfather.

Christ

296

Dua ti taquiagna, maysat sacana, adda olo aoan matana.

(Iloc.) Cruz

Two arms, one leg and a head, but no eyes.

Cross

297

Tatlo ang botones, apat ang ohales.

(Tag.,—also Bis.) Cristo

Three buttons, four holes.

Crucifix

298

May isang batang lalaque, umakyat sa camachile nang hindi ma ca puede, likod ang idinale.

(Tag.) Si Cristo

There is a boy climbed up a camachili tree; when he could not stand it he climbed on his back.

Crucifix Page 100

299

Maysa a cayo nagango idiay poona nabasa idiay tingana, nagango met ti ngodona.

(Iloc.) Sto Cristo

A tree dry at the foot, wet in the middle, dry also above.

Christ, i.e, crucifix

300

Aramid ti masirib canen ti nalaing. amin a macaquita pasig amin a logpi.

(Iloc.) Ostia

Work of a wise man, eaten by a wise man; all who see are lame.

The host

301

Akoi nag tanim nang sicolo sa gitna nang convento, ibinunga ay si Cristo.

(Tag.) Hostia

I planted a sicolo in the midst of the convent; it bore Christ for fruit.

The host

A sicolo is a small piece of money; it here relates to the contribution made at communion service.

302

Isang tubong sinanduyon, abut sa langit ang dahon.

(Tag.) Panalangin Page 101

A sugarcane without joints, whose leaves reach heaven.

Prayer

303

Nang maitayo na yaong hangang baywang nagbitiu ng pawang kalunkut lunkutan.

(Tag.) Ang pitong wikang iniaaral nang pari sa Viernes Santo.

After he hid from his feet to his waist he gave very sad things.

The preaching in the pulpit by a priest about the seven utterances of Christ on Good Friday.

304

Aquinngatot cadsaaran, aquinbabat bobengan.

(Iloc.) Polpito

The floor is higher, the roof lower.

Pulpit

i.e. than that of the building in which it stands.

305

Sag magkakapatid na pitong sin liyag ako ang naunang nagkitang liwanag. At ako rin naman yaong nagkapalad na tawaging bunso sa kanilang lahat.

(Tag.) Ang pitong linggo nang Cuaresma. Page 102

Seven brothers are we; the firstborn was I but I am the youngest of all.

The seven weeks of Quaresma.

306

Asin ti yanti espiritu iti bagui?

(Iloc.) Aquincatiquid nga abaga.

Where is the spirit in the body?

In the left shoulder

In making the sign of the cross the word spirit comes when the left shoulder is pointed to.

307

Adda pitu a botonisco; maymaysat pinat pategco.

(Iloc.) Domingo

I have seven buttons; I like one best.

Sunday

308

Pitu casiglot maymaysat nairut.

(Iloc.) Domingo

Seven twined (“twisted”), only one tight.

Sunday

309

Contirad contibong; bandera ti lobong.

(Iloc.) Torre

Sharp and long; flag of the world.

Tower Page 103

310

Caoayan bayog ag nayogayog.

(Pang.) Torre

Caoayan bayog[1] you cannot shake it.

Tower

311

Mayroon akong pitong bunga nang kohol ibinigay co sa iyo ang anim at ang isang natira sa akin ay ibig mo pang kunin.

(Tag.) Ang pitong arao nang isang linggo.

I have seven oranges. I gave you six and you want to take the remaining one.

The seven days of the week

312

Minagaling pa ang basag cay sa baong ualang lamat.

(Tag.) Ang sabi sa evangelio ni Cristo ay ganito. Hindi rao sia naparito o nanoag dito sa lupa para sacupin ang mga banal cung di ang macasalanan.

Better the broken piece than the whole without crack.

In the gospel Christ said that he did not Page 104come upon earth for the righteous but for the sinner.

313

Cung uala cay magbigay ca at cung meroon ay huagna.

(Tag.) Nung ang nga fariseo ay nacahuli nang mangangaluniang babae ay i ni habla cay Cristo, at ang canilang sabi, Hindi po ba maestro na sabi sa ley ni Moises na sino mang mahuli sa pangangalunia ay pupuculin nang bato hangan sa mamatay. Ang isinagot ni Cristo; sino mang ualang sala ay cumuha nang bato at puclin na.

Give if you have none; if you have don't give.

When the Pharisees caught a woman in adultery, they took her before Christ. They said, “what sentence do you give to those taken in adultery, since in the law of Moses it is commanded that the woman taken in adultery shall be stoned until she die.” Christ answered, “Let him which is without sin among you cast the first stone.” Page 105

314

Humiling ang hari sa canyang alagad nang uala sa kanyat di pa natatangap, ang hiningan naman ay dagling nag-gaoad nang sa boong yatu'y di pa natutuklas.

(Tag.) Ang pagbibinyag ni San Juan Bautista cay Cristo.

The King asked from his soldier what he had not, and the soldier gave him what was not in the world.

The Baptism by St. John Baptist of Christ.

315

Nang mabasag ang bote lalong na paka buti.

(Tag.) Mahal na Virgen

The bottle became better when broken.

The Virgin Mary

“When Mary was yet unmarried and Christ had not yet been born she was not considered very sacred; we say the bottle was not yet broken. When she was married to Joseph and Christ was born she became very sacred; so we say that when the bottle was broken the better it became.” Page 106

316

Nang pitasin ang hinog hilas ang siang nahulog.

(Tag.) Noong magpapugot si Herodes nang mga bata dahilan sa gusto niang mapatay si Cristo. Napatay ang meroon 1000 bata data puat si Cristo hinde napatay. Sa macatuid napitas nia ang hilao at ang hinog ay hindi. Si Cristo sapagcat puno nang carunungan ay ipinalagay na hinog at ang mga bata ay hilao sapagcat sila ualapang carunungan.

When he plucked the ripe, the unripe fell.

When King Herod wanted to kill Christ, he ordered to kill all children; he thought that if all the children in his country were killed, Christ could not escape. But he did not know how powerful Christ was. So the children who knew nothing (were unripe) fell and Christ (ripe) because he knows everything escaped.

317

Ipinalit ang guinto sa bibinga.

(Tag.) Page 107Ito i nauucol sa pagsacop ni Cristo sa ating casalanan na hindi cailangan sia mamatay masacop lamang ang ating casalanan na siang catulad ng bibinga at ang caniang pagca Dios na catulad ang guinto.

Sand is changed to gold.

This applies to Christ, when he redeemed our sins. He did not value his life but gave it that we might be saved from our sins. His life is gold because he was full of knowledge; he died on account of our sins which are like sand.

Reptiles, etc.

318

Nang munti ay may buntot nang lumakiy napugot.

(Tag.) Palaca

When he was little he had a tail but when he was grown he had none.

Frog

319

Adda maysa nga ubing nga adda idiay danum ngem di met uminom.

(Iloc.) Tocak

There is a boy living in the water who does not drink.

Frog Page 108

320

Baston ti bacnang saan mo nga maiganan.

(Iloc.,—also Pang.) Uleg

The bacnang's cane, you cannot hold it.

Snake

Bacnang, a man of wealth.

321

No nacariing nacamulagat; no nacaturog nacamuldagat.

(Iloc.) Uleg

If awake, his eyes wide open; if asleep, his eyes wide open.

Snake

322

Anano nga sapat nga con maglacat, dala nia ang iya balay?

(Bis.,—also Pang.) Ba-o

What animal carries his house wherever he goes?

Turtle

323

Tata a tolay icacangcalinna na balena.

(Gad.) Dagga

A man who always carries his house along with him.

Turtle

324

Magmagna itugtogotnat balayna.

(Iloc.) Pag-ong

Walking and walking and carrying his own house.

Turtle Page 109

325

Eto na si caca may sunong na dampa.

(Tag.) Pagong

Here comes brother with a house over his head.

Turtle

326

Magma nagcal-logong no maibagam pag-ong.

(Iloc.) Pag-ong

Walking, wearing his hat.

Turtle

Road.

327

Bulong ti saba umac-acaba; bulong ti niog umat-atid-dog.

(Iloc.) Calzada

Leaf of a banana become wider; leaf of a cocoanut become longer.

Road

328

Nagmolaac iti carabosa iti santac na macada non idiay Manila.

(Iloc.) Calzada

I planted a calabash; its branches can reach to Manila.

Road

Also has for answer, telegraph line.

329

Nan ta ne mac na laver ed Dagupan angad diay lanioto.

(Pang.) Calzada Page 110

I have planted a betel-tree in Dagupan but its roots reach to here.

Road

Shade, Shadow, etc.

330

No aoan sapolsapolen ngem no adda saan mo met nga alaen.

(Iloc.) Linong

Tf there is none you are seeking it; if there is some you do not take it.

Shade

331

Ania ti umona nga aramiden diay vaca no lumgac ti in it?

(Iloc.) Quitaenna diay anninioanna

What is the first thing the cow does when the sun rises?

Looks at its shadow

332

No magnaac iti nasipnget aoan caduac quet no magnaac iti nalaoag adda caduac.

(Iloc.) Anninioan

If I walk in the dark I have no companion; if I walk in the light I have one.

Shadow

333

No tilioec tilioennac; no itarayac camatennac.

(Iloc.) Aninioan Page 111

If I catch, it catches; if I run away it chases me.

Shadow

334

Diad ogtoy agueo oalay mapalit con anapuen no na anap co agco alaen.

(Pang.) Serom

At noon I must depart to find; if I can find it, I will not take.

Shadow

335

Milub yang alang liban, linual yang alang liualan.

(Pamp.) Anina tamu a mayayaquit quing salamin.

He came in through no door and went out through no door.

Reflection in a mirror

Smoking.

336

San Fernando at Bakulod sabay na nasunog.

(Tag.) Cigarillo

San Fernando and Bacolor were burned at the same time.

Cigarette

The paper and the tobacco are consumed together. Page 112

Storm, Sky, etc.

337

Daluang dahon nang pinda-pinda, sing lalapad sing gaganda.

(Tag.) Langit at lupa

Two leaves of pinda-pinda equal in width and beauty.

Sky and earth

338

Quinosicus a barraas; no maib-agam cucuanac.

(Iloc.) Quimat

Twisted like a barraas; tell it and I am yours.

Lightning

The word barraas is local. Perhaps the name of some vine.

339

Baston ni San Josep indi ma isip.

(Bis.) Ulan

Saint Joseph's canes cannot be counted.

Rain

Drops of rain in a tropical storm may well suggest rods or staves.

340

Buhoc ni Adan, hindi mabilang.

(Tag.) Ulan

Adam's hair cannot be counted.

Rain Page 113

341

Isbu ti guelang-guelang di mabilang.

(Iloc.) Todo

Guelang-guelang's piss, you cannot count.

Rain

342

Vaca co sa Maynila, hangang ditoi, dinig ang unga.

(Tag.) Culog

My cow in Manila, whose mooing is heard here.

Thunder

343

Aniat magna a saan a maquita?

(Iloc.) Angin

What walks that cannot be seen?

Wind

344

Etuna-etuna hindi mo pa naqui-quita.

(Tag.) Hangin

Here it comes, yet you do not see it.

Wind

345

Picabaluan de ding malda alang maca ibic uaga.

(Pamp.) Angin

He is known everywhere but no one can explain what he is.

Wind

Stove.

346

Tal-lo a pugot natured ti pudut.

(Iloc.) Dalican Page 114

Three ghosts endure much heat.

Stove

The three supports for the pot are meant. It seems that the pugot (ghost) is black.

347

Tatlong magkakapatid nagtitiis sa init.

(Tag.) Tungko nang calang

Three brothers suffering from the heat.

Pot rests

348

Tatlong mag kakapitid sing pupute nang dibdib.

(Tag.) Calan

Three sisters with equally white breasts.

Stove

They are equally white—i.e. they are all three black from the fire.

349

Nagcal-logong nag pica nagcaballo tallot sacana.

(Iloc.) Dalican

It has a hat and a spear, a horse and three feet.

Stove

350

Malaki ang namahay cay sa bahay.

(Tag.) Calang at ang bahay nang Calang.

The inhabitant is larger than the Page 115house.

Stove and its lower part (called its house.)

351

Na upo si ca Item, sinulot nica Pula.

(Tag.) Pallot at apoy

Compadre “Item” (black) sat down, Compadre “Pula” (red) poked him.

Pot and flame

352

Ing caballero cung negro makasake yang attung cabayu dapat kikiak yang anting loco.

(Pamp.) Balanga ampong nasi.

My black horseman rides three horses but he is crying like a fool.

A pot of cooking rice

The three horses are the firestones or the three supports of the pot in the pottery stove; the bubbling is the crying.

Time.

353

Ania nga aldao ti caatid-dagan?

(Iloc.) Ti aldao a saan a panangan.

What day is the longest?

The day on which you do not eat Page 116

354

Nag daan si Cabo negro, namatay na lahat ang tao.

(Tag.) Gabi

The black Corporal passed, all the people died.

Night

Died, here, is slept.

Tools.

355

Nung eminuna ing malati, ing maragul emituqui.

(Pamp.) Barrenang espiral

If not preceded by the smaller the larger one will not go.

Auger

356

Adda pinarsua iti Dios natanquen ti pammaguina madi a mangan no di matoen ti olona.

(Iloc.) Paet

There is a creature of God whose body is hard; it does not wish to eat unless you strike its head.

Chisel

357

Adda babay a labang di mangan no diai paculan.

(Iloc.) Paet

There is a woman who does not eat unless you strike her.

Chisel Page 117

358

Ing damulag cung dapa, quing gulut ya ta tacla.

(Pamp.) Catam

My crawling carabao excretes its feces upward.

Plane

359

Taot ngato, taot baba, cayot tingana.

(Iloc.) Ragadi

Man above, man below, wood in middle.

Saw

Below the horizontally placed timber to be sawed a pit is dug; one sawyer is below in the pit, the other above, each holds a handle of the great saw, which works up and down.

Toy.

360

Enbontayog coy ecnol quinmocaoc ya tampol.

(Pang.) Bibintarol

I throw the eggs; they crow immediately.

Firecracker

361

Adda abalbalayco a sinam granada rineppetco a binastabasta imbarsacco diay daga nasay sayaat ti cancionna,

(Iloc.) SunayPage 118

I have a toy like a granada; I tied it around and around and threw it on the ground and it sang sweetly.

Top

Trunk.

362

Pusipusec ta pusegmo ta iruarco ta quinnanmo.

(Iloc.) Lacaza

I turn your navel to take out what you have eaten.

Trunk

363

Adda pay maysa nga quita diay balay a naaramid iti cayo quet adda met uppat nga sacana nga babasit quet adda met innem nga acaba quencuana rupano quet agngiao saan nga magna.

(Iloc.) Baol

I have something in my house made of wood; it has four short legs and six flat faces; it squeaks, but cannot walk.

Trunk

Umbrella.

364

No umulog ti señora augucrad ti sampaga.

(Iloc.) Payong Page 119

When the lady comes down the sampaga[2] opens.

Umbrella

365

Con butongon pasoc; con induso payog.

(Bis.) Payong

When pulled it is a cane; when pushed a tent.

Umbrella

Utensils, etc.

366

Hindi tayop, hindi tao, apat ang suso.

(Tag.,—also Pang.) Buslo

Not animal, not man. She has four breasts.

Basket

367

Hindi hare, hinde pare, nag dadamet nang sari-sari.

(Tag.) Sampayan

Not king, not padre, it wears many kinds of clothes.

Clothes-line

368

Adda maysa nga ubing a natured ti lammin.

(Iloc.) Sudo

There is a boy, who does not shiver with the cold.

Dipper

This dipper is made from the half of a polished cocoanut shell. Page 120

369

Nang isoot coi, tuyo, nang bunuten coi natulo.

(Tag.) Tabo

When I plunged it in it was dry; when I drew it out it was dripping.

Dipper

370

Sacay sino balay ina nga puno sang ventana?

(Bis.) Puluguan

Whose house is that, which is full of windows?

The hen house

371

No adda ti lenong agcalcal logong.

(Iloc.) Caramba

If it is in the shade it wears its hat.

A jar full of water

372

Aniat aramid a nagbaticuling ti sabut.

(Iloc.) Pagbagasan

What work has a gizzard like a sabut?

Storage jar for rice

The sabut is the cocoanut cup or bowl: in the pagbagasan, there is always a ganta for measuring rice. This ganta is the gizzard here meant. Page 121

373

Pusepusec ti bato tumbog carayan Veto.

(Iloc.) Gilingan

I turn the stone and there flows out like the Veto river.

Mill

374

Hiniguit co ang yantok, nag bibiling ang bundoc.

(Tag.) Guilingan

I pulled the rope and the mountain turned.

Mill

375

Hiniguit co ang Caguin, nag kakara ang maching.

(Tag.) Guilingan

I pulled the rope and the monkey began to howl.

Mill

Refers to the creaking of the mill, when grinding.

376

Isang malaking babai, sa likuran tumatae.

(Tag.) Guilingan

A big woman, who excretes at the back.

Mill

The meal is here considered as excreted.

377

Dinalas nang dinalas mapute ang lumabas.

(Tag.) Guilingan Page 122

Somebody got busy and something white appeared.

Mill

The ground rice pours out from the mill as a white meal.

378

Aldo at bengi macanganga ya, manena ya yang parusa.

(Pamp.) Asung

It gapes day and night awaiting punishment.

Mortar

379

Isa lamang ang sapin, duha ang batiis apat ang pa-a, isa ang lauas, isa ang baba apang uala sing olo.

(Bis.) Luzong

He has but one shoe, two shins, four legs, one body, one mouth, but no head.

Mortar

380

No igamac ta siquet mo lagtoca a lagto.

(Iloc.) Al-o

If I hold your waist you jump and jump.

Pestle

In pounding rice, the great wooden pestle is taken by the middle, which is more slender than the pounding ends.

381

No magna ni arodoc agparintomeng amin a root.

(Iloc.) Arado Page 123

When the creeper passes all the grass kneels.

Plow

382

Cobbo ni amam quiad ni inam sica nga anacda daramodum ca.

(Iloc.) Arado

The father is bent over, the mother is bent back and the son is bent forward.

Plow

This has reference to the different sticks, or pieces, of which the plow is composed.

383

Sa palacol nabuhay

at sa untog namatay.

(Tag.) Palayoc

Produced by hammering but destroyed by a jar.

Pot

Clay for pottery is prepared by pounding it with a light hammer; it is also beaten into shape in the process of giving it form.

384

Pegarenco abot pegarenco abot.

(Pang.) Liquen

I turn over completely, I turn over completely.

Pot ring support

385

Adda abal-balayco a pusipusac a pusipus mabalbal-cut.

(Iloc.) PudonanPage 124

I have a thing, which I twine and twine and it is covered.

Weaving spool

386

Nano nga sapat nga baba ang naga caon, mata ang nga pamus-on?

(Bis.) Ayagan

What animal is it, which takes its food through its mouth and excretes it through its eyes?

Sieve

387

Bahay ni Guiring-guiring butas-butas ang sinding.

(Tag.) Bithay

“Guiring-guiring's” house is full of holes.

Sieve

388

Adda maysa a caballo; tal-lot sacana; no dica sacayan di magna.

(Iloc.) Egad

There is a horse; he has three legs; if you do not ride on him, he never walks.

Copra shredder

389

Limma ac ed Dagupan dugduaray bacatco.

(Pang.) Sali

I went to Dagupan but I left only two footprints.

Sled

390

Aniat aramid a duduat tugaona Page 125inganat panacaparsuana?

(Iloc.) Pasagad

What work has two seats since its creation?

Sled

391

Ania ti uppat ti sacana dudua ti tugotna?

(Iloc.) Pasagad

What has four feet but only two foot-prints?

Rice-sled

The sled for hauling rice has four supports or legs, which end in two runners.

392

Pusepusec ti pengan tum-bog carayan Vigan.

(Iloc.) Dadapilan

I turn the plate and water flows out like the Vigan River.

Sugarmill

393

Oalay baboy con baleg son laben nga libngaleb.

(Pang.) Darapitan

I have a large pig; during the night he grunts.

Sugarmill

Vegetables.

394

Tite nang ama mo, isinubsob co sa abo.

(Tag.) Camote

Your father's ——— I place in the ashes.

Camote Page 126

The camote is a sort of sweet potato; it may be baked in the ashes.

395

Nagsabong ti sinan malucong nagbunga uneg ti daga.

(Iloc.) Camote

It produces a flower like a cup; fruit underground.

Camote

396

Sirad mirabilis oalad dalem so sicsic.

(Pang.) Cete

The mirabilis (fish) has his scales inside.

Cete

The cete (“piquante”) is the pepper.

397

Otin nen laquic Duardo batil ya anga ed ngoro.

(Pang.) Palia

My grandfather Eduardo's ——— is covered with pimples.

Cucumber

398

Oquis nan bagasnan.

(Iloc.) Lasona

Its bark is its seed.

Onion

399

Binili ang isang minithi kong bagay at ang hinahangad ay pakina-bangan, pagdating sa amin ang pinangyarihan, nang gagamitin luha koy bumakal.

(Tag.) Sibuyas Page 127

I bought a thing I wished to use; when I tried to use it my tears fell.

Onion

400

Isda co sa Mariveles sapin-sapin ang caliskis.

(Tag.) Sile

My fish in Mariveles has manifold scales.

Pepper

Scales laid upon one another; the seeds of the pepper are flat and stacked against one another.

401

Mahanghang hindi naman paminta; maputi hindi naman papel; verde hindi naman suha; turang mong bigla.

(Tag.) Rabanos

It is sharp but not pepper; white but not paper; green but not shaddock; guess what that is.

Radish

402

Ang iloy naga camang ang bata naga pungco.

(Bis.) Calabaza

The mother creeps, and the son sits.

Squash

The mother is the vine; the child is the fruit. The riddle gains point, by suggesting Page 128a reversal of the natural conditions.

403

Ania iti parsua ni Apo Dios nga aoan ti matana aoan ti ngioatna quen aoan ti obetna quet mangan ti ladoc-ladoc?

(Iloc.) Tabungao

What creature of Lord God has no eyes, no mouth, no anus—and eats ladoc-ladoc?

A white squash

Ladoc-ladoc is rice flattened in the mortar by the blows of the pounder. The seeds of the tabungao resemble it.

404

Berdi ya balat, malutu ya laman anti mo ing pacuan.

(Pamp.) Pacuan

Its skin is green and its flesh is like a watermelon.

Watermelon

The riddle is poor, in that it introduces the answer as a term of comparison, in a way to mislead. Similar cases occur in other lands.

405

Verde ang balat pula ang laman espectorante cung turan.

(Tag.) Pacuan

Green skin, red meat, espectorante they call it.

Watermelon Page 129

Vision.

406

Limocsoac alabasco agco asabi.

(Pang.) Pacanengneng

I jumped further but I did not reach.

To see

Waves.

407

Naga dalagan nga ua-ay sing ti-il cog naga ngurub nga ua-ay sing baba.

(Bis.) Balod

It runs having no feet and it roars having no mouth.

Waves

Word plays.

408

Ania iti mainaganan ari ditoy bagui?

(Iloc.) Aripoyot

What king (ari) do you name in your body?

Aripoyot

This is the great inner muscle of the upper leg.

409

Cung hindi lamang ang tatlong letra t, o, at s ay kinakain sana siya.

(Tag.) Asintos

But for the letters t o s we would be eating it.

(String)

The word asintos means string; dropping Page 130the letters tos we have asin left, meaning salt.

410

Bugtong pasmiasa, puno at duloi may bunga.

(Tag.) Calamias

Bugtong pas“mias”a, whose trunk and branches have fruit.

Calamias

Bugtong is a riddle: the word pas“mias”a has no meaning. There is here a mere play on the sound of words. “Pas“mias”a suggests the answer.

411

Casano iti panangtiliu iti ugsa a di masapul iti silo, aso, gayang, oen no a aniaman a paniliu?

(Iloc.) Urayec a maloto

How do you take a deer without net, dogs, spear, or other things for catching?

Cooked

412

Laguiung tao, laguiung manuc, delana ning me tung a yayup.

(Pamp.) Culassisi

The name of a man, the name of a chicken, were carried by a bird.

Culas is a man's name; sisi the name of a chicken. Combined they make a bird's name. Page 131

413

Indi sapat indi man tano apang, ang ngalan nia si “esco.”

(Bis.,—also Tag.) Escopidor, Escopeta.

Neither animal nor man but its name is “esco.”

Escopidor, Escopeta

A mere play on the words. Esco is a nickname for Francisco. The escupidor is a cuspidor, the escopeta a broom. The meaning of the words goes for nothing. The words are both of Spanish origin.

414

Macatu ti poonna, rugac iti ngo-duna.

(Iloc.) Macaturugac

Macatu = cloth

Rugac = old, rotten clothing

Cloth is the beginning; tatters the ending.

i.e. Macatu is the beginning, rugac the ending. The whole word means I am sleeping.

415

Salapi iti poona; ngao ti ngodona.

(Iloc.) Salapingao

(Fifty cents) Salapi is the beginning; (     ) ngao the end. Page 132

The Salapingao is a bird “like a swallow.”

416

Sinampal co bago inaloc.

(Tag.) Sampaloc

I slapped before I offered.

Sampaloc

There is simple word play here; the beginning and end of the riddle give the word S(in)ampal-oc. The Sampaloc is a fruit tree.

[1] A species of bambu; firm, slender and high.

[2] a flower.

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Table of Contents

A Little Book of Filipino Riddles

Collected and Edited by Frederick Starr World Book Co. Yonkers, New York 1909

Introduction

Bibliography of Works Mentioned in the Introduction

Filipino Riddles

Animals: mammals.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Bell.

14

15

16

17

Betel.

18

19

20

21

Birds.

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Boats.

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

Body: parts.

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

Book.

79

80

Candle.

81

82

83

84

85

Cardinal Points.

86

Clock: Watch.

87

88

89

Coffin.

90

Disease.

91

92

Dress.

93

94

95

96

97

98

09

Drinks.

100

101

Egg.

102

103

104

Fishes.

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

Fruit.

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

Furniture.

144

Games.

145

Greeting.

146

Hammock.

147

148

Heavenly bodies.

149

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158

159

160

161

162

163

Hole.

164

House: and parts.

165

166

167

168

168

169

170

171

172

173

174

175

176

177

Implements.

178

179

180

181

182

183

184

185

186

187

188

189

190

191

192

193

194

195

196

Insects: and other invertebrates.

197

198

199

200

201

202

203

204

205

206

207

208

209

210

211

212

213

Lamp.

214

215

216

Love.

217

218

219

220

221

222

Mat.

223

224

225

Mirror.

226

Musical Instruments.

227

228

229

Nature Elements.

230

231

232

233

Occupations.

234

235

236

237

238

Persons.

239

240

241

242

243

244

245

246

247

248

249

250

251

Plants.

252

253

254

255

256

257

258

259

260

261

262

263

264

265

268

267

268

269

270

271

272

273

274

275

276

277

278

279

280

281

282

283

284

Qualities.

285

Relationship.

286

287

288

289

Religious.

290

291

292

293

294

296

297

298

299

300

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

309

310

311

312

313

314

315

316

317

Reptiles, etc.

318

319

320

321

322

323

324

325

326

Road.

327

328

329

Shade, Shadow, etc.

330

331

332

333

334

335

Smoking.

336

Storm, Sky, etc.

337

338

339

340

341

342

343

344

345

Stove.

346

347

348

349

350

351

352

Time.

353

354

Tools.

355

356

357

358

359

Toy.

360

361

Trunk.

362

363

Umbrella.

364

365

Utensils, etc.

366

367

368

369

370

371

372

373

374

375

376

377

378

379

380

381

382

383

384

385

386

387

388

389

390

391

392

393

Vegetables.

394

395

396

397

398

399

400

401

402

403

404

405

Vision.

406

Waves.

407

Word plays.

408

409

410

411

412

413

414

415

416

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE