The Love of Lam-ang

Filipino children's book in English only. One of the Philippine folk-epics that has survived to the present day deals with the life and adventures of Lam-ang, a hero with supernatural powers. According to an extant version, he was born to Don Juan and Namongan of the town of Nalbuan. When he was still a child, his father was captured by a headhunting tribe. Lam-ang journeyed to the mountains to search for his father but found him dead. In his rage he killed the whole tribe single-handedly. The legendary tales about Lam-ang are popular in the Ilocos region. The oldest written story in verse is said to have been written by the blind poet Pedro Bukaneg, who lived in the late 16th centruy. The following story tells of how Lam-ang wins the love of Ines Kannoyan. This story is recommended for children three to ten years old.