Folklore and Family: Passing Down Legends Through Generations

The crackle of a bonfire under a starry sky, the soft glow of a candle during a power outage, or the quiet hush of bedtime—these timeless moments have long been the stage for Filipino families to pass down their folklore, weaving themselves into the cultural fabric of the Philippines.

Despite the technological advancements that reshape how we live and communicate, the oral tradition of folklore remains evolving. Filipino families, whether in rural settings or bustling urban centers, prove that storytelling remains a cherished bridge between the past and the present.

The Living Tradition of Oral Storytelling

Stories once whispered by grandparents served dual purposes: to captivate young minds and to instill values. Take the story of Lola Baby, a 68-year-old grandmother, who grows up without electricity in their home. 

She fondly recalls her childhood during quiet evenings. She and her siblings would gather around their grandmother, who told stories about mythical creatures like the aswang, kapre, and tikbalang. But these were not just tales meant to scare them; they carried deeper lessons. 

As Lola Baby recalls, “Tinuturuan din kami noon na irespeto ang mga hindi nakikita at ang responsibilidad namin sa mga nabubuhay.”

As a child, Lola Baby was often frightened by the stories her grandmother told, but as she grew older, she began to understand their wisdom. Today, she faces the challenge of passing these stories on to her grandchildren.

She treasures most those rare moments when everyone is gathered together and there is nothing left to do but listen. “Minsan mahirap, kasi mas gusto nila maglaro sa gadget, pero kapag walang internet o brownout, naku, parang mga sisiw silang nakikinig. ‘Yun talaga ang oras ko para magkwento.”

Modern World, Modern Methods

In today’s fast-paced world, Filipino families are discovering innovative ways to integrate folklore into their routines. Parents use car rides or at the dinner tables to share stories, seizing fleeting moments of togetherness. Others turn to technology to make folklore engaging for tech-savvy children.

For instance, platforms like YouTube now offer animated versions of classic Filipino tales, such as Ibong Adarna and Alamat ni Maria Makiling, making them more accessible and engaging for younger generations.

While Lola Baby recognizes the convenience of these modern methods, she still values the intimacy of traditional oral storytelling.

"Para sa akin, iba pa rin ang kwento kapag [hindi] personal. Parang mas ramdam mo ‘yong pagmamahal kapag ikaw mismo ang nagsasabi," she shares.

Meanwhile, younger storytellers like Josela Mae Losañez, who looks after her nieces and nephews, use a mixture of traditional and modern methods. 

“Kapag walang internet, nagkukwento ako ng mga alamat. Pero aminin ko, mas mabilis silang naaaliw kapag may visual, kaya minsan nanonood kami ng animated versions sa YouTube.” she said.

She also added, “Kinukwento ko ‘yun sa kanila kasi it teaches lessons… We live in a modern world, pero yung lesson at values na tinuturo ng mga kwentong ‘yun, [those are] timeless.”

This blending of oral and digital storytelling ensures that folklore remains accessible and relevant in the modern world, even as it adapts to new formats and technologies.

Challenges And Hope For Folklore's Future

While storytelling remains a cherished tradition, it faces challenges in the digital age. Gadgets and global pop culture often compete for children's attention, leaving little room for oral storytelling.

However, families like Lola Baby and Josela Mae are taking intentional steps to preserve this tradition by introducing “unplugged” nights—moments without phones or TVs—where they can tell stories like their elders did before them.

For Lola Baby, what matters is not how these stories are told but how they continue to be shared. She sees them as an integral part of Filipino identity that must be passed on to younger generations. 

As she said, “Kung hindi natin ipapasa ito sa mga kabataan, sino ang gagawa?”

---

Layout by: Patricia Belmes