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 The legend of Daragang Magayon
                                         
 Long ago, there lived in Ibalong the tribal chief Makusog of Rawis who had an only daughter Daragang Magyon. Her mother Dawani died shortly after giving birth, who grew up to be so beautiful and endearingly sweet to all that lovestruck swains from far away tribes, including those outside the region, vied for her affection. Not one of the young men won the heart of the maiden, not even the handsome and haughty Pagtuga, the great hunter and powerful chief of Iriga, showering Magayon’s father with fabulous gifts, wild trophies from the hunt, pearls and gold.
Ulap was a softspoken but brave son of Chief Kaliraya of the Tagalog Region.Unlike the other suitors, Ulap simply stole admiring glances from afar at the celebrated beauty for so many days as Magayon bathed at the Yawa River.
One unusually rainy night Magayon went to Yawa to bathe as before, but a swift current dislodged her from a slippery rock, plunging her into the chilly waters of Yawa’s depth. Ulap rescued her and brought the trembling maided to safety. Magayon’s frightened women-in-waiting, agape, were stupified by the incident. Ulap won Magayon’s admiration, and not long enough, her heart.
Signifying his intentions to marry Daragang Magayon, Ulap thrust his spears at the stairs of Chief Makusog’s hut. The maiden could only blush and cast her eyes down. Sensing his daughter’s reaction and only wishing hapiness for her, the Chief made no objection. Ulap was overjoyed, but the wedding was to be in a month’s time for Ulap to be able to inform his people and gather a big feast!
The news of the maiden’s final choice for a
Pagtuga laid in wait for Chief Makusog’s next hunt and ambushed him. Taking the Chief as captive, he sent word to Magayon, that unless she weds him, her father must die and a war between their people will follow.
With a heavy heart, Magayon gave way. An early date was set for the nuptials. Informed of the unhappy turn of events, Ulap abandoned his Tribe’s preparations for his wedding and comandeered the bravest warriors back to Rawis.
Arriving just in time before the ceremonies, in the ensuing battle, Pagtuga was slain by Ulap. Rushing to embrace Ulap, Magyon was hit by a stray arrow. Holding the dying maiden in his arms, Linog, a burly henchman of Pagtuga hurled his spear at Ulap, piercing his heart from the back - killing him instanly. Makusog swung his mighty arm and struck Linog with his minasbad.
This aweful spectacle left the combatants speechless and remorseful, wailing arose instead of a wedding feast. Chief Makusog himself in tears dug a single grave for Ulap and Magayon. Tenderly laid them to rest in each other’s arms, just as they had died.
The days that followed saw the graves rising higher and higher, acompanied by muffled rumblings and earthquakes, and afterwards by red hot boulders bursting from a crater. When this occurs, it is believed that Pagtuga aided by Linog, agitates the volcano to get back his gifts, which according ancient custom, were buried together with Magayon.
On certain days, when clouds cover the volcano, it is said that Ulap is kissing Magayon. When rain trickles caressing down the gentle slopes of the mountain, it is Ulaps tears, the old folks insists.
Magayon has since been shortened to today’s Mayon, whose tragic story still casts a foreboding shadow, even on the brightes dayover the lovely countryside of Daragang Magayon. - BASED ON THE WORKS OF MERITO ESPINAS
husband spread across the land like wildfire, and infuriated Pagtuga.