Mangyan Heritage Center

Mangyan Ambahan: Wisdom for Our Filipino Soul

Centuries before the influence of Western civilization, the Mangyans of Mindoro thrived in peaceful unity, preserving their rich indigenous languages, vibrant cultures, and distinct identities. Embrace and celebrate their invaluable cultural legacy.

Discover the Ambahan About the Center

The ambahan, an indigenous Hanunuo Mangyan poem, inscribed in Surat Mangyan script on living bamboo

"AMANG" — Rev. Fr. Ewald H. Dinter, SVD

Featured Mangyan Treasure

Ambahan

The ambahan, a form of indigenous poetry of the Hanunuo Mangyans, is traditionally inscribed on bamboo using the Surat Mangyan script — chosen from Antoon Postma's collection, organized here by the Mangyan life cycle.

Birth and Childhood

Ambahan 3

A cradle song about a wildcat that threatens from the forest and the baby's cry may awaken it. The best protection is for the baby to stay silent lest he attract unwanted attention.

Filipino

Tahan na, aking anak Hala! 'ayan na'ng pusa laog s'yang galing gubat umingaw, ngumawngaw wala kitang pambugaw naputol, yaring sibat nabingaw, ating tabak!

English

Little one, please cry no more Watch out now or you might wake the fearsome forest wildcat It will growl, oh, it will roar! and we have no weapons near Our old spear has been destroyed Our bolo has long been blunt.

Ambahan 7

Mangyan parents believe in hands-on learning for their children, even if it involves risks. Early tool use teaches skills and builds character.

Filipino

Ay tabak kung baguhan ikiskis sa hasaan itaga sa kahuyanan talim ay subukan sa tigas ng kawayan!

English

The bolo you have in hand grind it hard on a whetstone hack and test it on some wood that's the only way to see how it cuts on a bamboo plant

Ambahan 16

Children's quarrels are fleeting and they do not hold resentments. Crying is brief; former rivals will play again.

Filipino

Pag umulan tag-araw ula'y 'di magtatagal Kugo'y dadami lamang.

English

When it rains in summertime the downpour does not last long just enough for grass to grow.

Adolescence

Ambahan 27

How will a young man face the challenge of his journey? Will he not look back to the wonderful memory of his childhood?

Filipino

inakalong ni Nanay kinakandong ni Tatay sadya pang kamusmusan tunay akong paslit lang hanggang sa kaingin man 'Sinasama ni Tatay kahit pa utal-utal sanggol na walang muwang ngunit nang magka-minsan lumaki't magkagulang akin namang nalaman kay Tatay, kawikaan kay Nanay, kasabihan malayo mang lakaran saan man ang abutan kung kasam-an ang datnan sila lang ang uwian!

English

Mother used to carry me Father never left my side when I was but an infant I used to be a tiny tot who could hardly speak a word Walking to the field to work he would take me by the hand telling me his old stories from a deep well of wisdom Many things are different now now this boy understands what it is my father said what it is my mother said. Even when I'm walking far traveling for many miles my mind reaches back to them with these problems I must solve.

Ambahan 35

Then the day comes when adolescence ends. The parents know now that there is not much hope that the young people will do things the way the parents want them to do. The young man goes his way, and nobody can direct him anymore.

Filipino

Talagang ganyan naman dampa kung kasikipan walang halos mahigan manapa'y pagtiisan!

English

I see what's happening now this hut is too small for me it's become too hard to sleep for a boy who's all grown up.

Courtship

Ambahan 46

It is also unavoidable to have a teenager who will go here and there after every girl. This is the usual advice to such a lad.

Filipino

Hoy ube kong Guhayan H'wag maraming kabagan Kapitan mo'y isa lang!

English

You, my yam, named Guhayan Don't dare climb too many vines! You should cling to only one.

Ambahan 51

Most of the courting boys have made their choice already. They know whom they don't fancy, and they even have a faint notion why. But above all, they know the object of their love and have their solid motives for it.

Filipino

Sa Damo po'y ayaw ko dahong pampahilo pampasakit ng ulo Daliot itong gusto nagluluwag ang puso hanggang sa pagkatuyo!

English

I don't like these blades of grass they just make me so dizzy they make my head hurt so much! I prefer the Daliot it unites my soul and heart 'til the hour it falls apart.

Ambahan 96

The man, even if spurned by the woman he desires, will treasure this love forever.

Filipino

Magwika ka't bahala sa gunita'y iwala Ako nama'y may wika sa isip nakataga magpahanggang kabila!

English

It's your honest right to say if you'll keep me in your heart But if I may speak up too my thoughts are engraved with you until my very last day!

Home and Domestic Life

Ambahan 117

Some people react so emotionally that they allow anger to take over their temper. Would you not advise your friend to stay calm to help deal with his problems more effectively?

Filipino

Ay bakit ka ba ganyan init-ulo'y sukdulan Taklob ba ng langitan anaki'y ginuhuan? Pagtila niring ulan ang galit mong saglitan bugsong walang nuknukan hanging walang yupyupan Tampulan mang tao lang 'di ba't may uuwian panatag na tahanan!

English

What is happening to you? Why are you so hot-headed? Could the heavens be falling? Is everything collapsing? There's an end to every rain Like this, your anger will pass every typhoon has an end and can claim no lasting place You are human, after all with a home to return to and peace awaiting you there!

Ambahan 122

It is not always good to harbour ill feelings against another family member. Grudges grow and hurt the relationship. They must be dealt with at the earliest time before being buried in deep recesses of the heart.

Filipino

Kung may hinanakit man h'wag nawang talikuran sabihin nang harapan 'pagkat aking dahilan Mahinahong papar'yan Sa tal'hibang Libangan sa mahabang Anuhan.

English

Something made you mad at me please don't talk behind my back let's settle this face-to-face You know why I tell you this? You can give me back my peace Like the grass of Libangan where the long Anuhan flows.

Food and Work

Ambahan 138

Rice is a food the Mangyans enjoy. After they have harvested their rice, it seems that there will never come an end to their supplies. But, before they realize it, gone is all their hope and happiness.

Filipino

Ang payo ko pa noon: Magtipon ka ng dunong sa Mangyan, sa Damuong sa Buhid, sa Ratagnon Magtanim walang pagod Para walang magutom!

English

My advice from long ago: Seek all the wisdom you can from the Mangyan, Damuong from the Buhid, Ratagnon Then plant without ceasing So you never go hungry!

Ambahan 153

Another source of sustenance can be found in the waters. The Mangyans of the past were experienced fishermen. They are fishermen to a much lesser extent now, as they have been driven away from their coastal lowland settlements towards the interior mountain areas.

Filipino

Hoy, isda kong Indagan, pagtirik niring buwan ako muna'y palabak palusong at dahilan baka nga may malambat 'yang lambat na matatag nakagapos sa tagdan may batong pabigat 'yan!

English

Indagan, my river fish: if the moon stands still bright I'll go to the flood tonight descending with my eyes peeled so I have something to catch with my special, sturdy net manacled to upright poles with large stones to weigh it down

Ambahan 160

In a home lies an extended family, and the young man who ventures forth to forage and hunt for the family's food wishes to make sure that his two loves —mother and betrothed — remain in harmony.

Filipino

Masamyo kong Butinggan Ay h'wag itapon, Inang 'suksok lang sa sulukan Sa 'taas ng higaan Pagdating mula parang sa malayong lakaran rikit kong pagmamasdan sa puso'y kagiliwan!

English

My sweet-scented Butinggan mother, please don't throw away better put it near my head where I lull myself to sleep When I return from the field or get home from a long trip her sight will please me no end delight for my weary heart

Travelling

Ambahan 162

As a relief from life's struggles, the Mangyan sometimes goes traveling: he cannot be kept tied any longer to his house and daily chores, whether it is opportune or not. However, the wife is unfortunately bound to her home, especially when their children are still small.

Filipino

Ikaw na nga'y pariyan sa isang paglalakbay Mata mo'y pinagyaman tanawing maraanan Narito nga't naiwan sa dampang liitan Walang mapag-isipan tingin lang sa bubungan tungo lang sa sahigan!

English

So you will be going now starting on a long journey where your sight will be enriched by the many lands you cross But I, who will stay behind here within this small abode: what thoughts could I entertain just looking up at the roof just looking down at the floor!

Ambahan 167

Would the young leave the house if there are signs of bad fate? Would he not heed his parents' advice not to travel? But if there are no such signs, would he not insist on going?

Filipino

Kanina nang lumisan pababa sa hagdanan galing sa may dingdingan may tukong minatyagan huning-ibon, anuman Datapwa't wala naman tuko't ibong siyapan langingit ni kawayan maging iyang buho man walang nahiwatigan tana'y katahimikan Taos kong naramdaman 'lagay na ang kalooban palad kong pupuntahan ay payapang batuhan!

English

When I left a while ago coming down the flight of stairs and staying close to the walls I was list'ning real hard for the bird's or gecko's call But then there was not a sound not a chirp nor throaty cluck not the creaking of bamboo not in the straight, swaying grove was there as much a squeaking Oh, it was perfectly still and so my heart was gladdened good and ready to travel there to find its destiny in that peaceful rocky place

Hospitality and Friendship

Ambahan 181

The Mangyan family welcomes visitors with openness. They share delight with their visiting friends and relatives through betel-chewing, taking meals and storytelling. How could a host resist the coming of a visitor who came from a far place?

Filipino

Katoto kong matalik, saan ka ba nanggaling? Sa baybayin bang gilid? Nanunson ba ng batis? Kung sa bukal ng tubig halina at magniig sa k'wentuhan mong ibig Di-kilala ma't batid makapiling ka'y lirip!

English

When I left a while ago My friend, make yourself welcome Where are you from, may I ask? From the seashore's ebbing flow or the banks of murm'ring stream? If from up the sparkling spring then without a doubt let's talk let me hear your happy tales stranger though you are to me you're welcome to stay right here

Ambahan 205

This is how a Mangyan describes missing a friend who lives too far away.

Filipino

Mahal kong kaibigan kung kita'y pag-isipan may ilog sa pagitan may gubat sa harapan Ngunit kung pagbulayan parang sa tabi lamang kapiling sa kandungan

English

You, my friend, dearest of all thinking of you makes me sad Rivers deep are in between forests vast keep us apart But thinking of you with love it's as if you were right here standing, sitting by my side!

Marriage

Ambahan 210

Marriage is a life-long bond. When difficulties arise, the Mangyans try to smooth them out themselves.

Filipino

Panali ma'y marupok uway mandin ay gapok ikaw itong 'susubok magpapatibay lubos!

English

If the tie that binds is weak If the rattan tends to break You should stretch and test it so It can be strong as ever!

Ambahan 231

Quarrels are bound to happen in any marriage but don't give up.

Filipino

Kahit may kaguluhan may tampuha't alitan di dapat talikuran unawain lang naman!

English

Even with all this chaos these petty grudges and fights there's no reason for good-byes let's both try and understand!

Ambahan 234

A marriage that has withstood destructive forces will remain strong as they grow old together.

Filipino

Kab'yak kong halimuyak, kita ma'y magkawalay ngayon at kalian man kung buklod ay matibay maayos ang samahan ikaw nga at ako man magkahawak ng kamay kaniig sa kandungan!

English

My sweet-scented cherished wife even if we are parted for now and forever more our union will thus endure: if our bonds are strong and pure though you're you and I am I our hands are clasped so tight joined together in one womb!

Old Age

Ambahan 235

The elders know that theirs is a setting sun. Change is happening day by day. Soon they will join their forefathers' graves.

Filipino

Hindi ba't katunayan katotohanan sa'n man — maka-tanghaling araw dapithapong hihimlay?

English

It's a fact that we all know A truth wherever we go: The sun in the afternoon Will be setting very soon.

Ambahan 237

Among themselves, the older generation talks about the time when they will no longer be together. Will there still come another day after this night?

Filipino

Sa Sandaling karimlan kahit kita magtipan sa banig na higaan Pagpusyaw niring araw tala kang malulusaw buklod itong bibigay May tagpo pang daratal sa iba nang pananaw bagong-anyo at Buhay!

English

At this hour of the dark night we two are together still on this woven sleeping-mat But soon when the sun rises and the stars will melt away our bond might break up too When we'll ever meet again it won't be with mortal eyes but the eyesight of the soul!

Ambahan 242

The thought of death is quietly accepted by a Mangyan. It is not the frightful and horrible event that is feared so much by the lowland Christians. For a Mangyan, death is part of the life cycle of every human being — a moment that will bring him back to his beloved who went ahead of him.

Filipino

Wika ng isang Mangyan isip ang kamatayan: Kung yayao't papanaw sipul akong hihiyaw sa babaw ng 'burulan Kung dumatal ang asam pagtagpo natin hirang usap nati'y puspusan hahayo na'ng lubusan!

English

So he said, the old Mangyan musing about life and death When I go, that will be nice I will yodel, hoot, and yell from the highest mountain peaks When it comes that longed-for time when I see my wife again catching up we have to do happy together again!

Sickness and Death

Ambahan 246

The moment of dying, this singular experience, is vividly remembered afterwards by the soul, especially if death came during an agonizing circumstance.

Filipino

Hinagpis ng kalul'wa: Kanina nang lumisan sa dampa kong yupyupan katawan ko'y hirapan sa banig na higaan Ayaw ko mang lumisan balisang nagpaalam Pa-biling-biling naman pakaliwa't pakanan Manapa'y kung ganyan ako na ay lilisan liligo sa hugasan sa tubig dalisayan Paro'n na sa hantungan sa himlayan ni Amang sa kandungan ni Inang!

English

Recalls the soul lamenting: A while ago as I left the hut I had called my home my body was suffering long laid down on its sick mat though not ready yet to go Thus in agony I left I was turning here and there back and forth and right and left so confused I was that time Then my body laid to rest I was ready for a bath in the waters for the soul I have started on my way to the place my father went where my mother joined him too.

Ambahan 260

The Mangyans have a steadfast belief in the afterlife, the vast chasm between the temporal and immortal world, and the serenity and permanence of the soul's final journey.

Filipino

Paalam ng kaluluwa: Di kayo susumbatan ni malulungkot man lang mula ngayon, kaylanman hayo'y walang balikan sapagkat katunayan nagsanga nang tuluyan ang Wasig na ilugan.

English

The soul bidding his farewell: I won't haunt or bother you I won't be filled with regrets from now on and for all time there is no returning here that's the way it has to be When a river's current parts, each stream follows its own course.

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