The story dates
its origin during the pre-Spanish period of the Philipines. It is one of the greatest
Ilocano
epic of the pre-colonial literature of the country. It is originally
written in the Ilocano language but as time goes it has been translated to
different languages. The story is set in the Northern
Provinces of the Philippines.
The story is a mix of adventure and romance with exciting and unpredictable
outcomes.
The story
revolves around Lam-ang who is a very extraordinary guy. He started to talk at
a very young age and was the one who choose his own name. His adventure began
when his father, Don Juan,
went to a battle but never came back. At the age of
barely nine months he went to search for his father in the highlands where his
father was said to go. Knowing that he is blessed with extraordinary well
being, her mother, Namongan, allowed her to go. Lam-ang then went of to search
for his father leaving his grieving mother.
When Lam-ang reached
the place, he was enraged upon seeing his father’s head on top of a bamboo pole
that was stuck in the ground which was a scene that he had dreamed before
reaching the place. Lam-ang then demanded to know the reason why did that
happen to his father but he did not receive an answer, instead he was demanded
by the chieftain of the village to go or else he would receive the same faith
like his father. Instead of running Lam-ang bravely fought with the chieftain
and its tribesmen. Lam-ang won the fight with less effort that serves as his
revenge for his father.
The epic poem
also presented some humorous points. As Lam-ang was on his way home he passed
by a river and then decided to have a dip. The dirt from his body caused the
death of fishes, crabs, shrimps in the river. She was gladly attended by some
of the women who saw him.
Lam-ang upon
reaching home decided to court his love interest, Ines. Despite his mother’s
disapproval he followed his heart and set again another journey for her love. His
adventures had never been that easy. He faced one of Ines’ suitor and monsters.
But he won the battles with ease.
Upon reaching
the place, Lam-ang drew the attention of many and impressed Ines. He was helped
by his magical pets: a rooster, a hen and a dog. Lam-ang’s
rooster flapped its
wings and a house toppled. This amazed everybody, especially Ines. Then,
Lam-ang’s
dog barked and the house aroused. Being invited in the lunch of the
family of Ines, Lam-ang impressed Ines’ parents with his wealth and upon
returning he gave to the family two golden ships. Their wedding was held with a
lot of feastings.
However Lam-ang’s
story never ended there. He was sent to catch a gigantic shell but
unfortunately she was swallowed by a shark, which he had earlier premonitioned.
Her bones were recovered and Lam-ang was resurrected with the help of his
magical pet.
ines was ordered by the rooster to wrap the bones with her tapis
while the hen flaps its wings and the dog growling. In an instant Lam-ang
happily rejoined his wife.
The epic poem showed
some of the earlier customs, culture, tradition and belief of the Ilocano
people of the Philippines The story presented some of the qualities of the
people of the Ilocos region- adventurous, hardy, and brave as strongly portrayed
by Lam-ang. The epic poem presented the fact that life is full of trials and
problems. One must be strong and just accept the reality that it is already
part of life.
More reviews about the Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang)