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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Si Juan Tamad at ang mga Alimango


       Isang araw ay inutusan ni Aling Petra ang anak na si Juan. Pinabili niya ito ng alimango sa palengke. May darating silang bisita na manggaling pa sa Maynila. Gusto niyang Hainan ng masarap na ulam ang bisista para masiyahan ito.
       “ Sabihin mo sa tinder na matataba at malalaki ang ibibigay sa iyo, “ bilin pa niya sa papaalis na anak.
       “ Opo, inang,” sagot naman ni Juan.
       Nang makarating ng palengke ay hinanap ni Juan si Aling Bebang. Si Aling Bebang na mag-aalimango ay suki ng kanyang inang. Madali naman niyang nakita ang pwesto nito.
       “ O, Juan, bibili ka ba ng alimango?” tanong agad sa kanya ni Aling Bebang.
       “ Opo. Sabi po ng inang, “ yung malalaki daw po at matataba ang ibigay ninyo sa akin.”
       Agad  naming namili ng malalki at matatabang alimango si Aling Bebang. Lima ang kanyang napili. Pinagsama-sama niya ang lima sa isang tangkas at ibinigay kay Juan . Matapos magbayad ay nagpaalam na si Juan para umuwi.
       Nang malayu-layo na ang nalalakad ni Juan ay sinumpong na naman siya ng katamaran. Mabigat kasi ang limang alimango dahil malalaki at matataba. Naisip niyang kalagan na lamang ang mga alimango at palakarin hanggang sa kanila. Isa-isa niyang inalis ang pagkakatali ng mga alimango at saka pinalakad ang mga ito. Tamang-tama naman na tabing ilog ang kanilang dinadaanan. Mabilis na nagsikalad ang mga alimango kaya natuwa si Juan hindi na siya mahihirapan. Ngunit sa ilog lahat nagsituloy ang limang alimango.

Herbal Medicines


Herbal medicine is defined as the use of natural herbs and plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders and for the promotion of good health. 
·        Guava
Bayabas or guava is a tropical plant, which is locally known for its edible fruit. In the backyards of Filipino homes in the country, this plant is commonly seen, and grown because of its many uses as fruit and as traditional remedy to treat various ailments. As shown by many research studies, almost all of the parts of this plant have medicinal qualities and value, and thus, making it as one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines. Bayabas is a small tree that can grow up to 3 meters tall with greenish-brownish smooth bark. The round globular bayabas fruit starts as a flower and is usually harvested and eaten while still green. The fruit turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe.

The bayabas fruit bark and leaves are used as herbal medicine. Its leaves decoction is recognized for its effectiveness to cure several ailments, including the treatment of uterine hemorrhage, swollenness of the legs and other parts of the body, of chronic diarrhea, and gastroenteritis, among others. The most common use of the leaves is for cleaning and disinfecting wounds by rinsing the afflicted area with a decoction of the leaves. In the same way, such leaves are being used to aid in the treatment of dysentery and the inflammation of the kidneys. The bark and leaves can be used as astringent. It can also be used as a wash for uterine and vaginal problems, and is good for ulcers. The medicinal uses of Bayabas appear infinite, as it is also a suggested natural cure for fevers, diabetes, epilepsy, worms, and spasms. The fruit, aside from being delicious, contains nutritional values with a very high concentration of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Uses of Bayabas :

• Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic 
• Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba
• Used to treat diarrhea, nosebleeding
• For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma
• Promotes menstruation

The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts. A decoction (boiling in water) or infusion of fresh leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent infection. Bayabas is also effective for toothaches. Note: Bayabas can cause constipation when consumed in excess.

Preparation:

• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool. 
• Use decoction as mouthwash, gargle.
• Use as wound disinfectant - wash affected areas with the decoction of leaves 2 to 3 times a day. Fresh leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster healing.
• For toothaches, chew the leaves in your mouth.
• For diarrhea, boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes in water, and strain. Let cool, and drink a cup every three to four hours.
• To stop nosebleed, densely roll Bayabas leaves, then place in the nostril cavities.

·        Avocado
Avocado Nutrition Information
Avocado is a fruit and a tree. It often said to be the most nutritious fruit in the world - and it is. Avocado provides more than 25 essential nutrients such as protein, potassium, vitamin E, C, B-vitamins, folic acid, iron, copper, phosphorus and magnesium, just to name a few. Avocado also provides calories for energy and beneficial phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione and lutein.

Avocado contains fat, that is why it is a good source of energy, but the fat in avocado is mostly monounsaturated. What should be avoided or reduced is saturated fat that is present in most dairy and animal products. In fact, avocado helps in the absorption of nutrients that are fat-soluble such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, when food containing this nutrients are eaten with avocado. Avocado is also high in fiber that is good for the digestive system and the heart.

Overall, avocado is considered a complete food. With vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, calories and fiber with no cholesterol and is sodium free. Avocado is ideal for growing up children, adults and even for babies, especially when blended with other fruits. For athletes, avocado is a nutritious energy booster to rev up the body's strength.

Avocado can be eaten as is, mixed with other fruits, as salad, a shake, baked in breads and even made into a dip. In the Philippines, ripe avocado is often eaten as a snack by scooping from flesh from the skin then mixed with a some sugar and milk or cream. It is simply delicious! 


·        Lagundi
Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a shrub that grows in the Philippines. It is one of the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with proven therapeutic value. Commonly known in the Ilocos region as dangla, lagundi has been clinically tested to be effective in the treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pharyngitis. Studies have shown that Lagundi can prevent the body's production of leukotrienes, which are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine and muscle relaxant properties. Even in Japan, lagundi is becoming recognized as an effective herbal medicine, especially since researches have shown that it contains properties that make it an expectorant and it has been reported to function as a tonic as well. More than that, most of the parts of the lagundi plant have medicinal value.

The roots of this shrub are also used as treatment for rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and leprosy. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and root of Lagundi can all be used as herbal medicine. A decoction is made by boiling the parts of the plant and taken orally. Today, Lagundi is available in capsule form and syrup for cough. For its part, the flowers are recommended as a cardiac tonic, as cure for liver diseases, and other internal disorders such as diarrhea and cholera. The lagundi plant also has anti-inflammatory functions, and its cooling effects are ideal as treatment for skin diseases such as leprosy.

Plant Description: The Lagundi plant can grow up to five meters tall. It can be described as a cross between a shrub and a tree with a single woody stem (trunk). One of Lagundi's distinctive features is its pointed leaves with five leaflets set like a hand.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half cup three times a day.
• For skin diseases or disorders, apply the decoction of leaves and roots directly on skin.
• The root is specially good for treating dyspepsia, worms, boils, colic and rheumatism.
Herbal Benefits of Lagundi:

• Relief of asthma & pharyngitis
• Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea 
• Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders
• Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox 
• Removal of worms, and boils

A decoction (boiling in water) of the roots and leaves of Lagundi are applied to wounds, and used as aromatic baths for skin diseases. Boiled seeds are eaten in order to prevent the spreading of toxins and venom from bites of poisonous animals. Juice extracted from the flowers of Lagundi plant is taken in as an aid for disorders like fever, diarrhea, liver disorders, and even cholera. While a decoction of the plant leaves is suggested to be taken by individuals to help increase the flow and production of milk, as well as to induce menstruation.

·        Sambong

Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) is an amazing medicinal plant. Coming from the family of Compositae, it goes by several names locally. It is known in the Visayas as bukadkad and as subsob in Ilocos. The plant is a strongly aromatic herb that grows tall and erect. Its height ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters, with stems that grow for up to 2.5 centimeters. It is an anti-urolithiasis and work as a diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. The Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, this herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body.

Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders. This plant possesses a multitude of properties that make it worthy of the DOH approval. It functions as an astringent and as an expectorant, and has been found to be anti-diarrhea and anti-spasm. As an astringent, preparations made of sambong leaves may be used for wounds and cuts. It is also suggested to be incorporated to post-partum baths, as well as considerable immersion of particular body areas that are afflicted with pains caused by rheumatism. Its expectorant properties make it as a popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat colds

Health Benefits of Sambong:

• Good as a diuretic agent
• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic properties
• Anti-gastralgic properties
• Helps remove worms, boils
• Relief of stomach pains
• Treats dysentery, sore throat



·        Physic Nut

The Tuba-tuba Plant (Jatropha curcas) also known as Tubang Bakod in Tagalog, Physic Nut in English or interchangeably tuba-tuba or Jatropha. The latest craze to hit the agri-business in the Philippines. Cultivated primarily for its oil to produce biodiesel. The Tuba-tuba has been planted in the Philippines for quite some time but it was used mainly as fencing since it animals do not eat the leaves -even the insatiable goat would not eat the leaves. The ever increasing price of petroleum prices has triggered interest on the Tuba-tuba or Jatropha.

Jatropha is a drought resistant perennial shrub or small tree that produces seeds up to 35 years but can live up to 50 years. Jatropha grows fast with little or no maintenance and reaches the average height of about 3 meters but it can grow up to 8 meters. 
Tuba-tuba is one of the most promising sources of bio-fuel today. About 30% of the Tuba-tuba nut is composed of oil. 3 kilos of Jatropha seeds can produce about 1 liter of crude Jatropha oil that can then be processed into biodiesel fuel. This oil can be easily be processed into fuel that can replace or mixed with petroleum based diesel to save on imported oil and most importantly increase local employment and help the economy to grow.

Since the Jatropha plant's average height is about three meters, harvesting is easy and the plant can be grown practically anywhere (ordinary soil, sandy, gravely or rocky soil) and adapts easily to different climates. Jatropha is resistant to droughts -it can stand up to two years without rainfall. The tree also has a short gestation period, it will bear a several fruits starting at about 6 months old and be fully fruit bearing between one to two years.

 

 

 

Other Benefits of Planting Tuba-tuba/Jatropha:

- Aside from using the seed oil as biodiesel, the extracted oil can also be used in making soap. 
- The Jatropha/Tuba-tuba leaves can be used for fumigating houses to expel bugs. 
- The root extract of Jatropha plant can be used as yellow die while the bark extract as blue dye. While the seeds when pounded can be used for tanning. 
- The roots, flowers and latex of the Jatropha plant are said to have medicinal properties. 
- Planting Jatropha reduces soil degradation, erosion and deforestation of the countryside.

Planting the Tuba-Tuba:

Irrigated land can be planted with up to 2,500 Jatropha plants per hectare - a spacing or two meters by two meters. But on poor soil, and land dependent only on rainfall, the plants should be spaced further apart. A month or two before the start of rainy season is a good time to plant. Jatropha seeds can directly be planted or 2 to 3 month old seedlings from nurseries can be used. Jatropha seedling or cutting is planted then covered on an up-hill manner to avoid erosion. The plants are watered for two weeks after transplanting. Seeds can usually be harvested 1 year after planting. Potential yield ranges from 1.25 to 12.5 tons of seeds per hectare.

Process of Oil Extraction:

·        Oil is easily extracted from the Tuba-tuba nut by the use of a presser-expeller. This engine driven machine is simple enough to be operated in provinces by village folks. The yield is about 1 liter of oil for every 3 kilos of seeds. The oil is then refined to produce biodiesel.

It has been estimated that for a processing plant (presser-expeller) to be economically viable and have continuous supply of the Jatropha nut, 5,000 hectares of land have to be planted with Jatropha trees. The trees can also be planted on coconut plantations - intercropping the Tuba-tuba/ Jatropha under the coconut trees. With proper weeding, pruning, ploughing and fertilization, up to 20 kilos of seeds can be harvested per tree - up to 0.40 metric tons per hectare for non-irrigated land and up to 2.5 metric tons of seed per year if the land is irrigated. This is a boost for coconut farmers and land owners alike.

In the Philippines, planting of Jatropha or Tuba-tuba is on high gear, more so in Visayas & Mindanao but it can be planted anywhere. The 
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is actively promoting its planting to coconut farmers.

With the ever increasing interest in biodiesel fuels, we may one day get used to the idea that fuel for our vehicles was harvested from local plantations instead of using imported oil from the Middle East.

·     Atis

Atis Fruit Information

Atis is the Philippine name for Sweet Sop and Sugar Apple. Atis is a relative to custard apple and belongs to the Annona family. Atis is native to Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. Atis was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish times.

Atis is a small tree that grows between 10 to 20 feet high when fully matured with oblong leaves and green heart-shaped fruits with polygonal tubercles. The atis fruit has a white, sweet flesh and black seeds.

The Atis tree is easy to grow. Just plant a seed on almost any soil and atis will grow. However, it requires tropical or near tropical weather. When planted, Atis will begin to bear fruit in about a year's time. It will bear fruit about 3 times a year and the sweetest fruits are those borne during the summer months.

Atis Use as Herbal Medicine

 

• A decoction (boiling in water) of the leaves induces or hastens menstrual flow and used to treat dysentery, colds and fever. The decoction is also used for bathing to alleviate rheumatic pain.
• Crushed leaves are inhaled for dizziness and fainting. 
• The bark of the atis tree is used as a decoction for diarrhoea.
• The root is a strong purgative and used to treat dysentery.
• Infected insect bites can be cured by applying the juice from an unripe atis fruit.

·           Oregano

Oregano (Scientific name: Origanum vulgare) is also known as Wild Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Origanum, Wintersweet and Winter Marjoram. This erectly spreading plant has strong aromatic characteristics, with leaves and stems that are fleshy. The leaves of oregano are heart-shaped, with toothed edges, and which, grow for up to 9 meters in length. In other countries, the plant is primarily used as a culinary ingredient. However, in countries like the Philippines, Oregano is a known herbal medicine for its strong anti-oxidant properties. Oregano contains a rosmarinic acid compound, thymol, and carvacrol that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Oregano also contains flavinoids, triterpenoids, sterols, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Its anti-bacterial properties have been proven by recent studies to treat infections of the reproductive tracts, and which make it ideal to be given to women who have just given birth.

The volatile oils in oregano and its properties are believed to be responsible for slowing the process of spoilage of food and thus minimizing the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria, parasites and fungi.

The anti-oxidant properties of oregano helps fight free radicals in the body that cause cellular damage and accelerate ageing. Free radicals are believed to be involved with many degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis and heart diseases, to name a few.

The most useful parts of this plant are its leaves. The extracts and juices of such are used for asthma, dyspepsia, chronic coughs, bronchitis, and rheumatism. Ear aches have also been proven to be cured by the infusion prepared from its leaves. The leaves relieve painful swellings, boils, and sprains, when their poultices are applied directly to the affected area

Health Benefits of Oregano:

• Good for cough and cold relief
• Helps prevent degenerative arthritis
• Has Anti-aging properties
• Helps relieve rheumatism and osteoarthritis
• Bronchitis herbal remedy
• Ease asthma attacks
• Relieves upset stomach
• Treatment of urinary tract problems
• Relief for dyspepsia or indigestion
• Healing wounds, insect bites & stings
• Cure for sore throat
• Avoid infections caused by childbirth by taking decoctions of the leaves by the recent mother.
• For general good health

Preparation of Oregano Leaves:

• Boil one cup of fresh leaves in 3 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half a cup 3 times a day for common colds.
• For a concentrate, juice the oregano leaves and take 1 tablespoon every hour to relieve chronic coughs, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, and dyspepsia.
• For Insect bites, wounds and stings, apply the leaves as a poultice directly on the afflicted area.
• For sore throat, boil 2 tablespoonfuls of dried oregano leaves in a pint of water, take 2 hours before or after meals.
• To prevent degenerative arthritis & for general good health drink oregano decoction daily.

America Via Erica: Coxsackie-Athens Valedictorian Speech 2010

America Via Erica: Coxsackie-Athens Valedictorian Speech 2010

Naging Sultan Si Pilandok

Pamagat:                               Naging Sultan si Pilandok

May-Akda:                            Di Binanggit

Mga Tauhan:                        Pilandok
                                                Sultan
                                                Ester
                                                Ina

Pinangyarihan:                    Sa bahay at sa Maynila

Buod:

            Ang kinagigiliwang Juan ng katagalugan ay may katumbas sa mga Maranaw - si Pilandok. Si Pilandok ay nahatulang ikulong sa isang kulungang bakal at itapon sa dagat dahil sa isang pagkakasalang kanyang ginawa.

            Pagklipas ng ilang araw, ang sultan ay nanggilalas nang makita si Pilandok sa kanyang harap na nakasuot ng magarang kasuotan ng sultan. Nakasukbit sa kanyang baywang ang isang kumikislap na ginituang tabak.

            Nagtataka ang Sultan kung paanong nakabalik si Pilandok gayong ipinatapon na niya ito sa gitna ng dagat habang nakakulong sa isang hawla, at ngayon nga ay nakasuot pa ng magara.  Sinabi ni Pilandok na siya ay iniligtas ng kanyang mga ninunong naninirahan sa isang kahariang nasa ilalim ng dagat.  Ayaw maniwala ng Sultan sa mga kwento ni Pilandok.  Ngunit siya ay nakumbinsi ni Pilandok na mayroon ngang kaharian sa ilalim ng dagat.  Ang Sultan ay naghangad makarating sa ilalim ng dagat at inutusan si Pilandok na ipasok siya sa hawla at dalhin sa ilalim ng dagat dahil gusto niyang makita ang kayamanan.  Sinabi ni Pilandok na papaano na ang pamumuno sa kaharian.  Mag-iiwan ng kautusan ang Sultan na siya ay gagawing pansamantalang kahalili ngunit sinabi ni Pilandok na dapat ay walang makakaalam tungkol sa kaharian sa ilalim ng dagat.  Kaya dapat ay ibigay na lamang ng Sultan ang korona at lahat ng katunayan ng pagiging sultan kay Pilandok.  Pumayag naman ang sultan. Ibinigay na lahat kay Pilandok ang hinihingi at isinakay sa isang bangka. Pagdating sa gitna ng dagat ay inihagis ang hawlang kinalululanan ng sultan. Kaagad lumubog ang hawla at namatay ang sultan. Mula noon si Pilandok na ang naging sultan.

Aral na napulot:

            Walang buting maidudulot sa kahit kanino man ang paghahangad ng labis.  Gaya ng Sultan sa kwento.  Sa paghahangad niya ng mas higit pang kapangyarihan at kayamanan ay nalinlang siya ni Pilandok at ang naging kapalit ay ang kayang buhay.

            Si Pilandok naman ay tuso.  Nilinlang niya ang Sultan sa pagsasabing mayroong kayamanan sa ilalim ng dagat.

            Sa panahon natin ngayon, naglipana ang mga taong mapanlinlang.  Nangangako ng biglang-yaman o kaya ay biglaang malakihang kita o tubo mula sa kung anu-anong trabaho o negosyo.  Sa hirap ng buhay, maraming nagiging biktima nito.  Sabi nga, sa paghahangad ng kagitna, isang salop ang nawala.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Hinamon Ako ng Aking Ama

Pamagat:                               Hinamon Ako ng Aking Ama

May-Akda:                            Di Binanggit

Mga Tauhan:                        Arturo
                                                Tatang
                                                Ester
                                                Ina

Pinangyarihan:                    Sa bahay at sa Maynila

Buod:

            Bata pa lang si Arturo ay nakaranas na ng matinding disiplina sa ama.  Dahil sa pagiging disciplinarian ng ama ay maagang nagsipag-asawa ang mga kapatid ni Arturo.  Ngayon, siya na lamang ang naiwan sa magkakapatid dahil may kanya-kanyang pamilya na ang mga ito.  Maraming ipinagbabawal ang kanyang ama.  Isa na rito ang panliligaw.  Inilihim niya sa kanyang ama na naging nobya niya si Ester.

            Isang araw, habang naglalaro ng bilyar ay naabutan siya ng kanyang ama.  Dahil sa matinding galit, pinadapa siya sa mesa ng bilyaran at saka pinalo ng tako sa harap ni Ester.  Matinding hinanakit ang namahay sa kanyang puso.  Kaya naglayas siya at nagtungo sa Maynila.  Gusto niyang ipakita sa ama na kaya niyang mabuhay nang wala ang kanyang ama.

            Pinagsabay niya ang pag-aaral at pagtatrabaho.  Nagtagumpay naman siya.   Dahil sa ang natapos niya ay Commerce, napalago niya ang kanyang hardware.  Nagpapadala naman siya ng pera sa kanyang ina.  Ngunit nabigla siya nang minsan lumuwas ang kanyang ina at sinabing may sakit ang kanyang ama.  Lihim siyang natuwa dito.  Ngunit nang nakaharap na niya ang kanyang ama ay nalaman niya kung bakit mahigpit noon ang kanyang ama.  Nagtagumpay daw si Arturo sa hamon niya.  Nawala lahat ang hinanakit ni Arturo.  Gumaling ang kanyang ama na parang nagdahilan lang ito.  Nalaman din niyang dalaga pa rin si Ester at hinihintay nito si Arturo.

            Isa na ngayong matagumpay na negosyante si Arturo at si Ester naman ay guro sa pampublikong paaralan.  Sila ay may tatlong anak na nag-aaral sa kolehiyo.

Aral na Napulot:

            Minsan, may mga pamamaraan ang ating mga magulang na mahirap unawain lalo na kung tayo ay bata pa.  Madalas, nagrerebelde ang mga kabataan kapag napaghihigpitan.  Ang ama ni Arturo ay mahigpit dahil ayaw niyang mapariwara ang kanyang anak gaya ng nangyari sa mga nakatatanda niyang kapatid.  Hindi man alam ni Arturo ang tunay na intensyon ng kanyang ama, siya’y nagtagumpay sa kabila ng paglalayas.  Nagsikap siya upang may mapatunayan sa kanyang ama. 

            Hindi naging maganda ang paghihiwalay ng mag-ama ngunit sa bandang huli ay nagkapatawaran pa rin sila.  At nagkaroon ng magandang kalutasan ang pagtatapos ng kwento.

Ang Tatlong Kuting

Pamagat:                               Ang Tatlong Kuting

May-Akda:                            Zenaida Padilla Villanueva at Rachel C. San Miguel

Mga Tauhan:                        Tatlong Kuting
                                                Inahing Pusa

Pinangyarihan:                    Sa isang nayon malapit sa gubat

Buod:

            Mayroong inahing pusa na may tatlong maliliit na anak.  Mahal na mahal ng inahing pusa ang tatlong anak.  Pinapabayaan niya ang tatlo na maglaro sa bukid at makasagap ng sariwang hangin.  Ang tatlong kuting ay masaya namang nagkakasundo sa paglalaro, hindi lamang sa paglalaro gayundin sa pag-uugali.  Mababait ang tatlong kuting lalo na sa kanilang ina.  Masasabing isa silang masayang pamilya.

            Isang araw, binigyan ng inahing pusa ang tatlo ng karne para sa kanilang pananghalian.  Sa bukid sila nagpunta para kainin ang karneng bigay ng ina, subalit habang nasa daan patungong bukid, umihip ang malakas na hangin at nawala ang karneng bigay ng ina para sa pananghalian.  Bumalik sa bahay ang tatlong kuting at sinabi ang nangyari sa inahing pusa.  Nagalit ang inahing pusa at sinabi “Bumalik kayo sa bukid at hanapin ang nawalang karne at kung hindi ay wala kayong kakainin para sa inyong pananghalian.”  At nagbalik ang tatlong kuting sa bukid at hinanap ang nawawalang karne.  At dahil sa kanilang pagtitiyaga ay kanilang nakita ang nawawalang karne.  Masaya silang umuwi sa kanilang tahanan na dala ang karne.  Masaya silang sinalubong ng kanilang mahal na inahing pusa, at sinabi na ngayong nakita na nila ang karne ay mayroon na silang makakain para sa pananghalian.  At noon ay masayang nagsalo ang mag-anak.

Aral na Napulot:

            Ang ating pamilya ang una nating takbuhan sa mga panahong tayo’y nakakaranas ng mga suliranin gaya ng inilalarawan ng tatlong kuting na bumalik ng bahay upang sabihin sa kanilang inahing pusa ang nangyari.  Ang inahing pusa, gaya ng sinumang mabuting magulang, ay sinabihan ang mga kuting na bumalik at hanapin ang nawawalang karne.  Sa buhay ng tao, sa kabila ng pagkakaroon natin ng pamilyang matatakbuhan, nangangailangang lutasin natin ang ating mga problema sa sarili nating pamamaraan.  Doon masusukat ang ating pagpupursige at tiwala sa sarili.  Anumang suliranin ay malulutas kung tayo’y hindi susuko at hindi bibitaw.

Si Mariang Makiling

Pamagat:                               Si Mariang Makiling

May-Akda:                            Rosella N. Golloso at Bernadette G. Malinab

Mga Tauhan:                        Mariang Makiling
                                                Mga Taganayon

Pinangyarihan:                    Sa pagitan ng Quezon at Laguna ay makikita ang                                                               bundok ng Makiling kung saan nangyari ang kwento.

Buod:
           
            Sa bundok ng Makiling na makikita sa pagitan ng Quezon at Laguna, ay may nakatirang babaeng nagngangalang Maria, isang magandang dilag at may napakagandang kalooban na sadyang walang kapantay.  Kakaiba ang kanyang mga katangian dahil siya ay mabait, mapagbigay, matulungin, at magalang.

            Ang mga katangian niyang ito ay maipapakita sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong at pagbibigay ng mga pangangailangan ng mga tao lalo na sa mga dukha.

            Mahilig siyang makisalamuha sa mga taong nasa paligid niya.  Sa kanyang pag-alis at pagbisita sa nayon ay nagbibigay ng mga damit at alahas.  Subalit sa kabila ng lahat, nangingibabaw pa rin ang kasamaan ng taganayon.  Pag-iimbot ang isinukli nila sa kabutihan ni Maria at pagmamalabis.  Lubhang nasaktan si Maria sa mga asal ng mga taganayon at pagdaan ng mga araw, hindi na siya bumisita at nakikita pa.

            At kalaunan, at unti-unti nang humina ang ani ng mga tao at laging binabagyo, kasabay nito naririnig ng mga taganayon ang mapaghiganting halakhak ni Mariang Makiling.

Aral na Napulot:

            Ibahagi natin ang lahat ng pagpapala sa higit na nangangailangan.  Sabi nga, mas pinagpapala ang sinumang nagbibigay.  At sa ating pagbibigay, huwag tayong maghangad ng kabayaran.  Ito’y dapat na bukal sa ating kalooban.  Sapat na ang sinserong pasasalamat mula sa mga natulungan.

                May mga taong hindi marunong makuntento.  Kadalasan sila’y naghahangad pa ng higit sa kung ano ang natanggap nila at umaabuso na.  Suklian natin ang lahat ng kabutihang natatanggap natin mula sa ating kapwa.  Hindi rin naman material na bagay lamang ang maaaring ibahagi sa ating kapwa.  Ang mga talento at bukal na pagtulong ay ilan lamang sa mga ito.  Matuto tayong magpasalamat at matuto rin tayong makuntento at huwag maghangad ng labis.