Philippine Culture, Specialty — By Maricar on November 30, 2009 at 11:30 pm

Filipino Riddles (Bugtong) Part 3

After the long weekend here in the U.S. (and the copious amounts of turkey that have been consumed), I think it’s time for a wake-me-up with another set of riddles. Answers are below, but make your best guess first before you peek!

1. Ito ay napagsasalaminan, huwag lang kayong maggagalawan. (Your reflection can be seen here, as long as you’re not moving.)

2. Balahibong binalot ng balat, balahibong bumalot sa balat, lamang binalot ng balat. (Fur that is wrapped by shell, fur that wraps a shell, and flesh that is wrapped by shell).

3. Wala sa langit, wala sa lupa, kung tumakbo ay patihaya. (It’s not in the sky, it’s not on earth, when it runs, it’s on its back.)

4. Heto na si kuya, may sunong nang baga. (Here it is now, carrying embers on its head).

5. Alin kayang insekto, malaki ang mata kaysa ulo? (Which insect has eyes bigger than its head?)

6. Paro-paro noong bata, naging ahas nang tumanda. (It was a butterfly when young, and became a snake when it got older.)

7. Kung di lamang sa bibig ko, ay nagutom ang barbero. (If not for my mouth, the barber would go hungry.)

8. Hindi naman bulag, di makakita sa liwanag. (It is not blind, yet it cannot see in the light.)

9. Kinain ko ang isa, itinapon ko ang dalawa. (I ate one, and threw away two.)

10. Ang paa’y apat, hindi makalakad. (It has four feet, but cannot walk.)

ANSWERS:

1. tubig (water)

2. niyog (mature coconut)

3. barko (boat)