What Filipino folk tale creature would you least want to encounter in real life?
- A mischievous Patianac leading me astray
- A terrifying Pugut lurking in the shadows
- A seductive Sirena tempting me with promises
- I’d befriend them all!
You discover a magic amulet. What Filipino “Just-So” story explains its origin?
- It’s a tear from a Diwata, granting wishes
- It holds the strength of the Tikbalang, granting power
- It’s a scale from a Bakunawa, granting protection
- It’s just a rock, but I make my own magic
You’re caught in a rainstorm and see a hut. A Kapre invites you in. Do you?
- Nope. I’m polite, but cautious. I’ll brave the rain.
- I’m desperate for shelter! Maybe we can share stories.
- Only if the Kapre promises not to play tricks on me.
- I’d rather build my own shelter, thanks.
What Filipino value resonates with you most, based on the tales?
- Bayanihan (Community): We help each other, no matter what.
- Diskarte (Resourcefulness): I can find a way out of any situation.
- Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude): I remember those who’ve helped me.
- Lakas ng Loob (Courage): I face my fears head-on.
If you could ask a Mankukulam for one thing, what would it be?
- A love potion to find my soulmate (love conquers all!)
- A charm for good fortune and prosperity (cha-ching!)
- A potion to understand the language of animals (knowledge is power)
- I wouldn’t. Their magic is dangerous and unpredictable.
You’re Juan, facing a seemingly impossible task. What’s your first move?
- Look for a clever solution, maybe a riddle or a loophole.
- Seek help from my animal friends or a wise old hermit.
- Trust my instincts and face the challenge head-on.
- Complain about how unfair life is.
Which Filipino mythical creature best reflects your personality?
- Tikbalang: Strong, powerful, but sometimes mischievous
- Diwata: Graceful, kind, and connected to nature
- Sirena: Enchanting, mysterious, and a little bit dangerous
- I’m more of a down-to-earth human, thank you very much.
What common theme in Filipino folk tales resonates most with your own life experiences?
- The underdog’s triumph: I’ve overcome obstacles to achieve success.
- The power of kindness: I believe in helping others and spreading joy.
- The importance of family and community: I value my loved ones above all else.
- The dangers of greed: I’ve learned that material possessions don’t bring happiness.
You’re tasked with writing a new Filipino folk tale. What’s the moral of your story?
- Be true to yourself, even when others doubt you.
- Kindness is a language everyone understands.
- The greatest treasures are often hidden in plain sight.
- It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
A Manananggal is terrorizing your barrio! How do you help defeat it?
- Research its weaknesses and find a way to exploit them.
- Rally the community and fight back together.
- Consult a local healer or shaman for guidance and protection.
- Hide under the covers and hope it goes away.
Which recurring Filipino folk tale character archetype do you identify with most?
- The Trickster: I’m clever and resourceful, always finding a way.
- The Hero: I’m brave and selfless, always standing up for what’s right.
- The Wise One: I’m insightful and knowledgeable, often offering guidance.
- The Everyman: I’m relatable and down-to-earth, just trying to navigate life’s challenges.
If you were to receive a magical gift from a Diwata, what would you ask for?
- The ability to heal any illness or injury
- The power to control the weather
- The gift of understanding any language
- A bottomless bag of gold
You overhear villagers gossiping about a mysterious creature. Are you…?
- Immediately intrigued and eager to learn more
- Skeptical but curious, needing to see it to believe it
- Dismissive, assuming it’s just superstition
- Ready to pack my bags and get as far away as possible
If your life were a Filipino folk tale, what object would hold a magical significance?
- A simple wooden comb, passed down through generations
- A hand-woven blanket, imbued with the love of my Lola (grandmother)
- A worn-out book of stories, filled with wisdom and adventure
- My smartphone, because it holds all my secrets (and cat videos).
What’s your go-to Filipino comfort food after a long day of adventures?
- Sinigang: It’s sour and savory, perfect for any mood.
- Adobo: It’s classic comfort food, full of flavor and history.
- Pancit: It’s festive and celebratory, reminding me of good times.
- Halo-Halo: It’s sweet and refreshing, the perfect end to a hot day.
What aspect of Filipino culture are you most passionate about, inspired by these tales?
- The strong sense of community and family
- The rich history and mythology
- The delicious food and vibrant traditions
- The resilience and optimism of the people
Imagine yourself as a character in a Filipino folk tale. What’s your signature look?
- A simple Barong Tagalog, but with enchanted embroidery that shimmers
- Flowing Maria Clara gown, but with hidden pockets for my trusty bolo
- Practical peasant garb, but with a magical anting-anting for protection
- My everyday clothes, because true magic comes from within
What Filipino folk tale would you recommend to someone new to the genre?
- “The Story of the Turtle and the Monkey”: It’s a classic tale about wit and greed.
- “Maria Makiling”: It’s a beautiful story about a nature spirit and a human man.
- “The Legend of Mayon Volcano”: It’s a tragic love story that explains a natural wonder.
- “Juan Tamad”: It’s a humorous tale about a lazy but lovable character.
What life lesson from Filipino folk tales do you try to live by?
- Treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their social standing.
- Be resourceful and never give up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles.
- Remember your roots and the importance of family and community.
- Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself and find joy in the simple things.
If you could have dinner with any character from Filipino folk tales, who would it be?
- Maria Makiling: I’d love to learn about her wisdom and connection to nature.
- Suan: I admire his wit and cunning, and I’m sure he’d have some entertaining stories.
- Carancal: I’d feel safe and protected with him by my side, plus he seems like a good listener.
- The Bakunawa: I have so many questions about the cosmos and Filipino mythology.
What’s your favorite memory related to Filipino folk tales?
- Hearing my Lola tell stories as a child, bringing the characters to life with her voice.
- Learning about Philippine mythology in school and realizing how much richer our history is.
- Visiting a local festival and seeing the tales come to life through dance and music.
- Sharing my love of Filipino folklore with others and seeing their eyes light up.
What Filipino folk tale creature would you want as your sidekick?
- A loyal Tikbalang to help me overcome any physical challenge.
- A mischievous Patianac to lead my enemies astray with their pranks.
- A wise old Babaylan to offer guidance and support with their knowledge.
- A fluffy cloud sheep from “The Story of the Sky” for cuddling and moral support.
If you could step into the world of any Filipino folk tale, which one would you choose?
- “The Enchanted Lake”: A world of magic and romance, where anything is possible.
- “The Kingdom of Tondo”: A world of history and adventure, where I could be a brave warrior.
- “The Island of the Tikbalang”: A world of mystery and danger, where I could test my limits.
- “Juan’s Humble Home”: A world of simple pleasures and strong family ties, where I could find peace.
How would your friends and family describe your knowledge of Filipino folk tales?
- A walking encyclopedia: They come to me with all their folklore questions.
- Passionate storyteller: I captivate them with my animated retellings.
- Curious explorer: I’m always eager to learn and share new tales.
- Proud Filipino: I believe these stories are an important part of our heritage.
You’re hosting a Filipino fiesta. What folk tale-inspired activity do you include?
- A “Pinoy Henyo” game with characters and creatures from the tales
- A storytelling competition where guests can share their favorite stories
- A “Pinoy Mythical Creature” costume contest with prizes for creativity
- A delicious boodle fight feast, inspired by the communal meals in the stories
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “Filipino folk tales”?
- Nostalgia for childhood and my Lola’s stories
- Pride in my culture and heritage
- A sense of wonder and possibility
- A reminder of the importance of family, community, and kindness
What Filipino value, often reflected in the tales, do you find most important today?
- Resilience: We face challenges head-on and never give up hope.
- Community: We support each other, especially in times of need.
- Resourcefulness: We find creative solutions to overcome obstacles.
- Respect: We value our elders and traditions, while embracing the future.
What is your idea of a modern-day Filipino folk tale hero?
- A young activist fighting for social justice and environmental protection
- A talented artist using their platform to share Filipino culture with the world
- A compassionate healthcare worker dedicated to serving their community
- An ordinary person doing extraordinary things to make a difference
What is your strongest personal connection to Filipino folk tales?
- They offer a window into my family history and cultural heritage.
- They spark my imagination and transport me to magical worlds.
- They teach valuable life lessons about kindness, courage, and resilience.
- They make me proud to be Filipino and share my culture with others.
How familiar are you with the creatures and characters in Filipino folk tales?
- I could name them all in my sleep.
- I know the most popular ones.
- I’m familiar with a few.
- I’m just starting to learn about them.
What do you think is the most important message conveyed through Filipino folk tales?
- The importance of preserving cultural heritage
- The power of storytelling to teach life lessons
- The relevance of traditional values in modern society
- All of the above
How often do you read or engage with Filipino folk tales or mythology?
- Regularly: It’s a part of my life.
- Occasionally: When I come across something interesting.
- Rarely: I need to make more time for it.
- Never: But I’m open to exploring it.
How confident are you in your ability to retell a Filipino folk tale accurately and engagingly?
- Very confident: I could captivate an audience!
- Somewhat confident: With a little preparation, I could do it.
- Not very confident: I’d need some practice first.
- Not at all confident: Maybe I should stick to reading them.
How do you think Filipino folk tales can be used to educate and inspire future generations?
- Incorporate them into school curriculums
- Create engaging multimedia adaptations
- Organize storytelling events and workshops
- Support artists and storytellers who are keeping the tradition alive
How well do you think you could identify the moral lesson or theme within a Filipino folk tale?
- Very well: I’m always looking for the deeper meaning.
- Fairly well: I can usually pick up on the main message.
- Not very well: I sometimes miss the subtler points.
- Not well at all: I’m more interested in the plot and characters.
What is your current biggest challenge in understanding or appreciating Filipino folk tales?
- Lack of access to resources and translations
- Difficulty in understanding the cultural context
- Finding the time to dedicate to learning more
- None: I find them easy to understand and enjoy.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the challenges faced by characters in Filipino folk tales?
- Overcoming supernatural obstacles and creatures
- Navigating complex social hierarchies and injustices
- Dealing with human flaws like greed, envy, and jealousy
- Finding their place in the world and fulfilling their destiny
How would you describe your relationship to Filipino folk tales?
- Deeply connected: They’re part of my identity.
- Interested and appreciative: I enjoy learning about them.
- Somewhat distant: I need to reconnect with my heritage.
- Unfamiliar: But I’m open to discovering more.
Are you stuck in thinking that Filipino folk tales are only for children?
- Not at all: I recognize their depth and relevance for all ages.
- Maybe a little: I need to explore more mature themes in the tales.
- Yes, somewhat: It’s how I was raised, but I’m willing to learn more.
- Definitely: I need to see them from a new perspective.
What would you say are your top struggles right now in engaging more deeply with Filipino folk tales?
- Finding authentic and accessible resources
- Overcoming language barriers and unfamiliar vocabulary
- Relating ancient stories to modern-day life and issues
- None: I’m fully immersed and eager to learn more.
What is your Filipino folk tale learning goal?
- To become well-versed in the most popular tales
- To understand the cultural context and historical significance
- To connect with my heritage and share it with others
- To use the lessons and values in my own life
What do you think is missing in your quest to better understand Filipino folk tales?
- More time and dedication to reading and research
- A deeper understanding of Philippine history and culture
- Opportunities to discuss and share these stories with others
- Nothing: I’m on the right track!
What is your current level of expertise in identifying common themes and motifs in Filipino folk tales?
- Expert: I can easily spot recurring patterns and symbolism.
- Intermediate: I’m familiar with some common themes, but still learning.
- Beginner: I need help recognizing the deeper meanings and connections.
- Novice: I’m just starting to explore these stories and their complexities.
A friend asks you to recommend a Filipino folk tale based on their interest in romance. How do you respond?
- I have the perfect one! Have you heard of “Maria Makiling?” It’s a beautiful love story…
- Let me think… there are many tales with romantic elements. What kind of love story are you interested in?
- Hmm, I’m not sure how many focus solely on romance. Maybe try a different culture’s folklore?
- Romance isn’t really a central theme in Filipino folk tales, more about family and adventure.
What word do you experience most when reading Filipino folk tales?
- Wonder
- Intrigue
- Nostalgia
- Confusion
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about when trying to understand the context of Filipino folk tales?
- Misinterpreting cultural nuances or symbolism
- Not fully grasping the historical and social background
- Overlooking the deeper meaning or intended message
- None: I trust my instincts and interpretation.
How confident and prepared do you feel in discussing Filipino folk tales with others?
- Very confident and prepared: I’m eager to share my knowledge!
- Somewhat confident and prepared: I can hold my own in a conversation.
- Not very confident or prepared: I need more knowledge before I feel comfortable.
- Not at all confident or prepared: I’d rather listen and learn from others for now.
How well do you connect emotionally to the characters and their journeys in Filipino folk tales?
- Very well: I empathize with their struggles and celebrate their triumphs.
- Fairly well: I’m invested in their stories, but sometimes maintain a level of detachment.
- Not very well: I find it challenging to relate to characters from a different time and culture.
- Not well at all: I view them as fictional beings, separate from my own reality.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you when reading Filipino folk tales?
- Unclear translations or lack of context
- Stories that seem too simplistic or moralistic
- Characters making decisions I don’t agree with
- None: I appreciate them for what they are.
What is the trickiest part about understanding the cultural context behind certain Filipino folk tales?
- Separating historical fact from mythological embellishment
- Recognizing the influence of colonization on storytelling traditions
- Interpreting symbolism and metaphors through a contemporary lens
- I don’t find it tricky; I appreciate the cultural richness.
Do you find yourself more drawn to the supernatural elements or the human elements of Filipino folk tales?
- Supernatural: I love the magic and mythology.
- Human: I connect with the characters’ emotions and experiences.
- A balance of both: It’s the combination that makes them so compelling.
Do you have a go-to resource for learning more about Filipino folk tales, such as a specific book, website, or storyteller?
- Yes, I have a few trusted sources I rely on.
- I’m currently looking for more comprehensive resources.
- I’m open to suggestions!
How do you determine which Filipino folk tale to read next, considering your current interests and knowledge gaps?
- I choose based on themes or creatures that intrigue me.
- I look for stories that fill specific gaps in my knowledge.
- I ask for recommendations from friends or experts.
- I let serendipity guide me and stumble upon new tales.
Are you satisfied with your current level of understanding and appreciation for Filipino folk tales?
- Yes, I feel connected and knowledgeable.
- I’m on a journey of continuous learning and discovery.
- I have a lot more to learn and experience.