Folktales

Timeless stories passed from one generation to the next, filled with humor, wit, and moral lessons. The Folktales section celebrates the everyday wisdom of the Filipino people — from clever animals and enchanted forests to tales of kindness, courage, and the triumph of good over mischief.

An elderly Filipino woman, Aling Maria, kneels in her garden as she gently touches a newly grown banana plant under soft sunlight, with a nipa hut behind her.

Folktales

The First Banana

Discover how a proud son’s arrogance led to the creation of the banana—a fruit that forever bows in humility and respect.

A young Filipino woman named Liwayway stands in a moonlit forest surrounded by glowing fireflies, her white blouse and red skirt softly lit by their golden light.

Folktales

The Legend of the Firefly: A Filipino Tale of Light and Kindness

Discover how Liwayway’s kindness and sacrifice gave rise to the glowing fireflies that light the forest at night.

A Filipino woman named Aling Rosa kneels in her garden, tenderly holding a pineapple with many eyes, sunlight filtering through the trees and a nipa hut in the background.

Folktales

Why the Pineapple Has Many Eyes

Discover the Filipino folktale of Pina, the lazy girl transformed into a pineapple with many eyes—a timeless story about love, regret, and awareness.

A digital painting depicting Banag kneeling as she receives a glowing golden grain from a radiant celestial messenger of Bathala beneath a golden sky.

Folktales

The Origin of Rice

Discover the Filipino legend of how rice came to the world — a divine gift from Bathala teaching gratitude, humility, and the blessing of hard work.

Folktales

The Monkey and the Turtle

Discover “The Monkey and the Turtle,” a beloved Filipino folktale that celebrates cleverness, patience, and justice through the timeless rivalry of two unlikely friends.