WHY THE GOLD IS HIDDEN UNDERGROUND : BAKIT ANG GINTO AY NASA ILALIM NG LUPA (Original Translation of Filipino Fictional Story)

PHILIPPINES : Lead me to the country rich in folklore and I will show you the country rich in culture.

Once upon a time, the indigenous people of highlands were not yet baptized. They praised and thank their deity for all the graces that they have received. They call on their God when they won the war. They thank upon their God for the good harvest of fruits and vegetables. The people altogether call and praise their God under the leadership of their chief Yaw-yawen.

“We are thankful and grateful oh great God for the serenity and joy that we have received. We also thank you for the abundant harvest that you have given. We are so grateful for the health that cannot be exchanged for any treasures. May the strength of our bodies and intellect that you have given be forever ours,” the strong prayers of Yaw-yawen and all his tribesmen.

The indigenous people were inherently industrious. Even before the break of dawn they were already at the field cultivating. Some of them were in the sea fishing. They would only meet up at the middle of the day.

One day, while everyone was busy on their daily work a very strong wind came blowing. It almost wept away the people. Everyone was frightened.

“Do you think a storm is coming?” one old woman asked. “Hopefully not, oh God,” Yaw-yawen uttered. “Let us all kneel down and pray. I know that God will not forsake us.”

While they were praying, darkness suddenly came. Everyone was so terrified. Some prepared themselves to die while most of them were crying and strengthened their faith in God. “Oh God, we will lift all our lives up to you,” as they all continued to pray.

Suddenly, the once dim and dark surroundings became bright. When the people looked up they saw a ball of fire. It kept spinning and when it disappeared they saw a clear white shadow.

“Do not be afraid. I am the one whom you called God,” said by the white shadow. I am not here to frighten you but to give you a gift.”

“Gift, my Lord?,” the people asked. “Yes a gift,” affirmed by God.

“Thank you so much my Lord. But don’t you think that peace, happiness, health, and abundance are enough?” Yaw-yawen asked. “You have shown your innate diligence and good fellowship,” as God replied.

“I will send someone to bring the seeds of gold. I expect you to plant these seeds till they bear and produce fruits of gold. A huge and overabundance of wealth these fruits from the trees will bring unto you. But on one condition I asked of you,” God said. “What is it my Lord?” Yaw-yawen asked. “Never should you cut these trees,” as God commanded.

Time came when God’s seeds bearer arrived, the people started planting the seeds. Few days later the plants were sprouting. After many years the plants grew and became tall trees.

“Where are the fruits? Why until now the trees have not bear any gold yet?” as the people became impatient. “Let us cut the trees. Certainly, the gold are inside in these big trunks of these trees,” as suggested by one tribesman.

“Okay go ahead, let us cut these trees,” as Yaw-yawen ordered his men. “Cut them off! Cut them off!” as they all cried simultaneously.

And there they were cutting off the trunks of the trees. But what a mistake! A ferocious wind suddenly appeared. Darkness came around and once again the white shadow appeared.

“It is God! He is here again!” everyone shouted. “My Lord, why the trees have not bore fruit yet?” Yaw-yawen asked. “You disobeyed my order. I strictly forbid you to cut the trees. From now on, the gold that supposed to be yours shall remain under the ground. You will not find them until you suffered and labored for their extraction,” said the God.

The people regretted. The gold reward that supposed to be theirs through the trees suddenly disappeared. From then until now, gold can only be found under the ground.

THE END.

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