A Little Book of Filipino Riddles

Furniture.

144

Con adlao naga uba, pero con gabi naga saya.

(Bis.) Catre; mosquitero

During the day she is naked, but at night she puts on her skirt.

Bed; mosquito bar

Games.

145

Aso co sa pantalan, lumucso nang pitong balon, umuli nang pitong gubat, bago nag tanao dagat.

(Tag.) Sungkahan

My dog from the wharf jumped over seven wells, jumped again over seven forests, before it saw the sea.

Mancala

This well-known game is played upon a Page 59board in which a number of round pits are scooped out; two lines of seven of these are placed side by side.

Greeting.

146

Bumile ako nang bigas, bigas din ang ibinayad.

(Tag.) Ang pagbibigay nang magandang arao o gabi sa kanino man.

I bought rice with rice.

The exchange of greeting—good morning or good night.

Hammock.

147

Taray nga taray di met macaalis.

(Iloc.) Indayon

Running and running, but it cannot go away.

Hammock

148

Adda caballoc a labang agsinanpontol panalian.

(Iloc.) Indayon

I have a gray horse; I can halter him at both ends.

Hammock

Heavenly bodies.

149

Kabac na niog magdamag na kinayod.

(Tag.) Buan Page 60

Half-a-cocoanut, retreating slowly all night.

Moon

150

Kabiac na niog, magdamag na ipod nang ipod.

(Tag.) Buan

A half-cocoanut, scraped the whole night.

Moon

The moon keeps freshly white, like cocoanut meat just scraped.

151

Sancagalip a rabong sila oanna amin a lobong.

(Iloc.) Bulan

A half section of a bambu shoot illuminates the whole world.

Moon

152

Adda pisi a dalayap nga incalic; tal-lo a papadi dina macali.

(Iloc.) Bulan

I planted a half-lemon; three priests cannot dig it up.

Moon

153

Letrang C a maging O, O maging C.

(Pamp.,—also Tag.) Bulan

The letter C becomes O, O becomes C.

The Moon Page 61

154

Sim-migpatac ti tanobong silaoco a nagodong; sim-migpatac ti alodig, silaoco nga nagaoid.

(Iloc.) Bulan quen bituen

I chop a tanobong for light when I go to town; I chop an alodig for light when I go home.

Moon and stars

A tanobong is a sort of bambu; alodig is a small bush.

155

Adda maysa nga dalayap imporoac co idiay tayac no may bagam cucuanac.

(Iloc.) Bulan

There was a lemon which I threw out into the wide plain. Guess it and I shall be yours.

Moon

156

Ako ay naghasik nang mais, pagka umaga ay palis.

(Tag.) Bituin

I sowed maize grains; in the morning they were swept away.

Stars

The stars, grains of maize, disappear with the dawn. Page 62

157

Sangaplato nga busi maoarasanna amin ti inilinili.

(Iloc.) Bituen

A plate of roasted rice can be spread all over the town.

Stars

158

Mayaquit alila nung ing sumbu macaslag ya, dapot nung capilan milaco ya carin la paquit.

(Pamp.) Batuin at aldo

When the lamp is shining they can scarcely be seen, but when it is taken away they become visible.

Stars and sun

159

Abong nen Don Juan agnalocasan.

(Pang.) Aguco

Don Juan's house, you cannot open.

Sun

160

Caoayan queling agnataquiling.

(Pang.) Agueo

You cannot look directly at caoayan queling.

Sun

A sort of bambu, of great diameter.

161

Isbu ti andidit di masirip.

(Iloc.) Ynit

Andidit's urine cannot be looked at.

Sun

The andidit is a cricket. Page 63

162

Kung ako ay iyong pakatitigan pagkita sa akiy di mapapalaran.

(Tag.) Arao

If you look at me, you cannot see me.

Sun

163

Nagmulaac iti saba idiay daya saan a nagbunga ta naabac ti cuenta, nagmulaac iti niog idiay laud saan a nagugut ta naabac iti panonotna.

(Iloc.) Ynit quen bulan

I planted a banana in the east and it did not fruit for it lost the count and I planted a cocoanut in the west and it did not sprout because it lost its mind.

Sun and moon

Hole.

164

Tapat nga guindadugangan tapat nga nagamag-an.

(Bis.) Buho

The larger it grows, the lighter it becomes.

A hole

House: and parts.

165

Dinan yan penalsay Dios ya say quenantoit maengal?

(Pang.) Abong

What creature of God, having eaten makes a noise?

House Page 64

166

Ama iti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga agtagtagari ti quin nanna?

(Iloc.) Balay

What creature of Lord God has talking its food?

House

167

Ama iti parsua ni Apo Dios nga umona nga agsilia sa agap-ap.

(Iloc.) Balay

What creature of Lord God puts the saddle first and then the blanket?

House

The roof of a house is built before the walls.

168

Naligo ang Kapitan hindi binasa ang tiyan.

(Tag.) Sahig

The Captain took a bath, but did not wet his belly.

Floor

When being scrubbed with water, the bambu is as promptly dry as a duck's back.

168

Hindi hayop, hindi tao nag ngangalan nang Tranquilino.

(Tag.) Trangk'a nang pinto

Not animal, not man; its name is Tranquilino.

Lock of door

Mere resemblance in sound between Page 65Tranquilino, a personal name, and Trangka—a lock.

169

Kung sino ang naunang umakiat siyang nahuli sa lahat.

(Tag.) Pagaatip

He who climbed first became the last.

Nipa thatching

In roofing the work begins at the lower part and ends at the ridge.

170

Adda ay ayatec nga gayyem (amigo) ngem saanco a cayat a casango.

(Iloc.) Adigi

I have a loving friend but I do not wish to face him.

Post

A post in the house construction. Mothers punish naughty children by standing them in the corner facing the post.

171

Quimmali siramari quimmagat.

(Iloc.) Adigi

Set into the ground, breaks through, and bites.

Post

A post in house construction meets the requirement. It is firmly planted, penetrates flooring, and clutches and holds a rafter or other pole. Page 66

172

Atin cung metung a caballero pabanua yang makakabayo, dapot eya mamako.

(Pamp.) Pakabayu ning bubungan

I have a horseman who has been riding for a year but has not gone a bit.

Rider of bambu, over the ridge to keep the nipa from being blown away.

173

Balubog nang ama mo, pina arawan co.

(Tag.) Palupo nang babay

I let the sunshine on your father's back; i.e. the sun shines on your father's back.

The long poles at the roof crest of the house.

These poles are the “father's back;” they are directly exposed to the sun's rays.

174

No omoli baro, no omolog balo.

(Iloc.) Atep

When it ascends it is new (young); When it goes down it is a widow.

Roof Page 67

175

Minalemae nga agtacop binigatac met nga agpiguis.

(Iloc.) Tandoc

I mend it every evening, I tear it every morning.

Window

176

Na labi mansacabac; no agueo manpilatae.

(Pang.) Ventana

At night closed; in day open.

Window

177

Abosta kippit, Comalcalipkip.

(Iloc.) Riquep

Although thin, it can slide.

Window shutter

Implements.

178

Ypacapetco toy colisipeo dita bocotmo maimbagan ta nasaquitmo.

(Iloc.) Tandec

I place my colisipco upon your back and it cures your illness.

Cupping-horn

Colisipco is a slender bambu sucking tube. Tandoc is a piece of horn for blood-letting. Page 68

179

Adda maysa nga amigoc no icaraed cod toy olic, maornos datoy booc.

(Iloc.) Sagaysay

I have a friend and when I arrange my head, my hair is in order.

Comb

180

Aniat ina ni saba?

(Iloc.) Ni daga

Quet ania met ti amana?

Barrita

What is the mother of the banana?

The earth

And what its father?

Digging-stick

181

Tombong con tombong manpilicay gustum.

(Pang.) Agniob

Intestine (gut) choose what you want.

Fire-blower

It is a simple tube of bambu.

182

Magdala ya laman mete, mamita yang laman mabie.

(Pamp.) Mamaduas ing apana ating asan a dumamit.

He carries the flesh of the dead, but seeks the flesh of the living.

Fishline Page 69

183

Banga sadi Sinait, naapinan ti nangisit.

(Iloc.) Tintiroan

A pot from Sinait, lined with black.

Ink bottle

184

Adda bassit nga quita nga casla tisa ngem mabalinna nga ayoanan ti maysa nga balasang nga casla mangayoan a cas maysa nga leon.

(Iloc.) Tulbec

There is a little thing like a piece of crayon, but it can guard a lady like a lion.

Key

185

Hindi madangkal, hindi madipa, pinag-tutuangan nang lima.

(Tag.) Carayom

You can not span it, you cannot measure it by your outstretched arms, and it is being carried by five.

Needle

186

Begut nc ing andang tinuki ya ing ubingan.

(Pamp.) Carayum ampong sinulad.

He pulled out a stick and it was followed by a snake.

Needle and thread Page 70

187

Na una ang trozo sa manghihila.

(Tag.,—also Bis., Pang.) Carayom

The log comes first, then the hauling cable.

Needle (and thread)

188

Tinoduc ni ampalocneng ti obet ni ampatang quen.

(Iloc.) Dagum

The soft one is thrust through the anus of the hard one.

Needle and thread

189

Ania nga abut iti tacopan iti iapadana nga abut?

(Iloc.) Iquet

What hole do you mend with holes?

Net

190

Magmagnaac mangibatbatiac ti magnaac agbalbalicas.

(Iloc.) Pluma

I am walking leaving tracks where I walk.

Pen

191

Mangipatacderac ti adigi madomadoma a corte.

(Iloc.) Pluma

I set up a post variously cut (fashioned).

Pen Page 71

The pen of this riddle is the old-time quill pen.

192

Con uyatan naga lacat; con buhi-an naga liguid.

(Bis.) Pluma

When held it goes; When let loose it lies down.

Pen

193

Bolong na unas mancancanioas.

(Pang.) Catli

Sugarcane leaves moving crisscross.

Scissors

194

Pukeng payat nangangagat.

(Tag.) Gunteng

A narrow vagina bites.

Scissors

195

Maysa nga colibangbang tinaoentaoen nga mangan.

(Iloc.) Raquem

There is a butterfly which is eating every year.

Rice knife

The small knife used to cut rice. Its shape suggests that of a butterfly.

196

Diac maquita nacamolagatac; no abbongac maquitac.

(Iloc.) Anteojos

I cannot see although my eyes are Page 72wide open; if I cover, I can see.

Spectacles

Insects: and other invertebrates.

197

Diotay pa si compare cahibalo na mag saca sa lubu.

(Bis.) Subay

My compadre is tiny, yet he knows how to climb up a cocoanut tree.

Ant

198

Bahay ni Man Tute haligue ay bali-bali.

(Tag.) Alimango

House of Mr. Tute, whose rafters are twisted.

Crab

199

Nano nga pispis nga ua-ay pag lupad, may pac-pac cag may bala-hibu, cag naga butu.

(Bis.) Ulang

What bird is it, having wings cannot fly, which makes its nest and hatches its young under its wings?

Crayfish

200

No umolog maturog; no umoli tomacqui.

(Iloc.—also Pang.) Alinta

When it goes down, it sleeps; when Page 73it goes up it drops waste matter.

Earthworm

201

Magmagna mamingpingqui.

(Iloc.) Colalanti

Walking, it strikes fire. Makes a spark.

Fireflies

202

Con sa latagon palanacal; con sa balay magansal; pero con sa mesa in a ugdang.

(Bis.) Lango

Out in the field she talks too much; In the house she makes much noise; But when at table she is quiet.

Fly

203

Ang patay nag bata sing buhi, ang buhi nag bata cag ang iya bata iya guin bilin sa patay, cag ang patay amo ang nag buhi sang bata sang buhi.

(Bis.) Langao, uhid, carne

A living thing left its young to a dead thing; this dead thing gave nourishment to the young of the living thing.

Fly, maggots, meat

204

Siasino iti parsua ni apotayo nga Dios nga casla agropropa a caballo Page 74quet iti payacna casla bulong iti caoayan?

(Iloc.) Dudon

What creature of our Lord God has a face like a horse and wings like bambu leaves?

Grasshopper

205

Adda maysa nga tumatayal yanna amin nga lugar uray no tayac quen cabaquiran, quet iti rupana rupa iti baca, iti tengnguedna tengngued iti caballo, iti barocongna barocong iti tao, iti payacna casla bolong iti caoayan iti ipusna casla uleg, iti sacana casla saca iti tocling.

(Iloc.) Oasay-oasay

There is a flying thing, which stays anywhere,—even in the forest and tayac; its face is the face of a cow, its neck the neck of a horse, the breast the breast of a man, the wing is like the leaf of a bambu, his tail resembles a snake, and his feet look like the feet of a bird.

Grasshopper Page 75

206

Madilim na bundoc hayop na walan buto.

(Tag.) Cutu

Dark mountain—boneless animal.

Louse

207

Atimon sa cagulangan ua-ay alipopo-an.

(Bis.) Lusa

Melon of the wilderness without a stem.

Nit

208

Ating metung a cacanan ing queang pengan marayu ya qung atian.

(Pamp.) Paro

There is a certain thing to eat; its fleshiness is far from its belly.

Shrimp

209

Ing labuad nang quebaitan yang ena na buring balicad, uling ing hie na carin mipalamang.

(Pamp.) Yamuc

He does not like to return to the land where he was born for there he will meet his fate.

Mosquito

Born of water; he drowns in water. Page 76

210

Aling hayop dito sa mundo, ang inilalakad ay ulo?

(Tag.) Suso

What animal in this world walks with his head?

Snail

211

Maysa a naparato ti catayna pagsilona.

(Iloc.) Laoalaoa

A joker uses his spittle for a snare.

Spider

212

Ating palacio mitmu yang cuartu, balang metung a cuartu maqui metung yang curatu.

(Pamp.) Calaba ning tainumu, o panilan.

There is a palace full of rooms, each containing a priest.

Honeycomb

213

Aroi Dom Pedro, hindi macolabas sa carcel?

(Tag.) Tinik

Oh! Don Pedro, why don't you get out of prison?

Sting

Tinik means either a sting of an insect or the thorn of a plant. It is the sting or thorn which here is considered in prison and exhorted to escape. Page 77

Lamp.

214

Metung a butil a pale kitmu ne ing bale.

(Pamp.) Sumbu

A single grain of rice, filled the whole house.

A lamp

215

Memala ya ing labak meto ya ing tugak.

(Pamp.) Sumbu

The swamp dried up and the frog died.

An oil lamp

216

Adda lognac quen adda met agtaytayab daytoy nga agtaytayab aggiyan ditoy nga lognac quet no mamamagaan daytoy nga lognaquen matay met datoy agtaytayaben.

(Iloc.) Lamparaan

There is a pond and a bird; this bird lives in the pond. When the pond dries up, the bird dies.

Lamp

Love.

217

Aniat casam itan ti nasamit?

(Iloc.) Ayat

What is the sweetest of the sweet?

Love Page 78

218

Ania ti ayat nga agmalmalem?

(Iloc.) Ti apagcascasar

What love lasts all day?

Of those just married

219

Ramaycot panagaladco luac ti panagsibugco.

(Iloc.) Panangasaoa

I fence with my fingers; I water with my tears.

To marry

220

Nag molaac iti masetas ditoy locong iti dacolapco iti pinag si bogco toy loac quet iti pinamorosco toy matac.

(Iloc.) Nagayanayat

I planted a plant in the midst of the palm of my hand, I watered it with my tears, I gathered it with my eyes.

Loving each other

221

Acoi nag tanim nang dayap sa gitna nang dagat marami ang nahanap, iisa ang naka palad.

(Tag.,—also Iloc.) Dalaga

I planted a lemon tree in the middle of the sea many sought it only one found it.

Girl Page 79

222

Oalay saquey ya dalayap temmobod puegley na dayat amayamay ya manped peraod sac sacquey so acagaoat.

(Pang.) Panangasasa

There is a lemon-tree growing in the middle of the sea; many people desire to take it, but cannot; only one person can succeed.

Your sister

To be married.

Mat.

223

Mig quera cu babo ebus, lalam sasa cu me tudtud.

(Pamp.) Dase

I lay down upon the buri, under the nipa I slept.

Petate

The sleeping mat is laid down upon the floor (of buri); the roof is of nipa.

224

Sa gabey dagat sa arao ay bumbong.

(Tag.) Baneg

At night it is a sea, in the day it is the bambu carry-tube.

Petate

The petate is the sleeping mat of rushes; in the day-time it is rolled up and set away; at night it is unrolled and spread Page 80upon the floor. The word sea is often used for any extended or flat surface.

225

No aldao tubong no rabii dadali.

(Iloc.) Icamen

If day a tube; if night a flounder.

Sleeping mat=petate

Mirror.

226

Quitquitaec quet quitaennac; no cataoaac cataoaan nac.

(Iloc.) Espejo

I am looking at it, and it looks at me; if I laugh, it laughs.

Mirror

Musical Instruments.

227

Guerret nga agpucpuc-cao, agpucpuc-cao a guerret.

(Iloc.) Tambor

Guerret crying, crying guerret.

Drum

Guerret is a section cut transversely from a fish. It has somewhat the shape of a drum.

228

Ania ti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga iti ngioat na adda ti tian-na maymaysa taequiag na, quen ti ramay na adda ti bocot ti dacolapna, quen naquinruar ti baguisna.

(Iloc.) Guitarra Page 81

There is a creature made by Lord God whose mouth is in his belly; he has one arm and his fingers are in his back; and his intestines are outside.

Guitar

229

Secal que batal legari que atian, ginulisac yang masican.

(Pamp.) Dibil

I choked him, I sawed him across the belly, he screamed furiously.

Violin

Nature Elements.

230

Bibingca nang hari, hindi mo mahati.

(Tag.) Tubig

The king's cake, you cannot divide it.

Water

231

No tinagbat, nagpiglat.

(Iloc.) Danom

If you chop it, it heals at once.

Water

232

Ing inda maging anak ya, ing anak maging inda ya.

(Pamp.) Yelo

The mother becomes the daughter and the daughter becomes the mother.

Water, ice Page 82

233

Siac nacaquitaac iti siam abilit quet pinaltogac iti lima mano iti natedda?

(Iloc.) Lima

I saw nine birds; I shot five of them; how many were left?

Five

The dead ones: the rest flew away.