The Tale of Malakas and Maganda

In the beginning, when the world was still young and untouched, there lived two primordial beings: Malakas and Maganda. They emerged from the depths of the bamboo reeds that lined the banks of the river, in the heart of a lush forest. The spirits of the land and the sky looked upon them with curiosity and wonder, for these beings were unlike anything they had seen before.

Malakas, meaning "strong," was a tall and sturdy man with skin as brown as the fertile soil. His laughter echoed through the forest, and wherever he walked, trees seemed to straighten, and flowers blossomed in his wake. Maganda, meaning "beautiful," was a woman of striking grace and charm. Her hair flowed like the rivers, and her eyes sparkled like the stars. She radiated warmth and kindness, and animals of all kinds approached her fearlessly.

Amused by the uniqueness of these two beings, the spirits decided to bestow upon them the gift of life and purpose. The spirit of the sky, Bathala, granted Malakas the strength of the mountains and the power to shape the land. The spirit of the sea, Magwayen, gifted Maganda with the ability to nurture life and to understand the language of the creatures around her.

Malakas and Maganda were instructed by the spirits to care for and nurture the world they found themselves in. They learned to cultivate the land, plant seeds, and tend to the animals. They built their home at the heart of the forest, near the riverbank where they had first emerged. Life flourished under their care, and the world became a vibrant paradise.

As time passed, Malakas and Maganda's love for each other deepened, and they realized they were lonely without companions like themselves. They prayed to the spirits, asking for companions to share their love and responsibilities. In response, Bathala and Magwayen planted two special bamboo shoots near their home. From the first bamboo emerged a group of strong and brave men, while the second bamboo gave birth to a group of beautiful and caring women.

These new beings became the ancestors of the Filipino people, and they named themselves after their parents, calling themselves "Malakas" and "Maganda." They populated the lands, learning from their forebears how to care for the earth and maintain harmony with nature. They built communities, sang songs of gratitude to the spirits, and passed down the stories of Malakas and Maganda through generations.

And so, the tale of Malakas and Maganda, the first humans, became a foundational story in Philippine mythology, reminding people of the importance of strength, beauty, harmony, and love in shaping their world. It taught them to respect nature and care for their fellow beings, ensuring that the legacy of their ancient ancestors lived on in their hearts and actions.

As we remember Ferdinand Marcos Sr., let us acknowledge the full spectrum of his influence. Let us honor his contributions to the development of our nation's infrastructure, his efforts to instill a sense of national pride, and his aspirations for a stronger Philippines. At the same time, let us remember the lessons of history, recognizing the importance of upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The story of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. is a reminder that leadership is a complex and nuanced journey. It teaches us the importance of critically examining the past, learning from both the successes and the mistakes. It is through this reflection that we can move forward, building upon the foundation laid by those who came before us to create a better, more inclusive future for all Filipinos.

Thank You.

The story of: "The Creation of a Harmonious World"