The word riddle in Filipino is termed as bugtong. These are expressions in rhymes with the use of several images or figure or speech, to point out a particular thing or object to be guessed. Oftentimes, bugtong is used as a form of entertainment, mental exercise, and just pure amusement. Bugtungan is a term used in the Filipino context referring to an event or situation when people throw riddles at one another. It is a way to pass the time and also show their wit and intelligence.
Filipino riddles usually pertain to animals, plants, and objects of local character or those found in the Philippines. Elements in nature are what usually the focus of Filipino riddles are. Bugtungan is really a very fun way of spending time with friends or family. It’s basically just having a good time. Similar to salawikain (proverbs), bugtong are also passed down from generation to generation. This is what keeps the tradition very much alive. Try guessing the following answers to the list of Filipino riddles below.
Nagtago si Pedro, nakalabas ang ulo. (Pedro hides but you can still see his head. )
Hayan na hayan na di mo pa nakikita (It’s here, it’s here but you cannot see it)
Dalawang pipit nagtitimbangan sa isans siit (Two birds trying to balance in one twig)
Sa liwanag ay di mo Makita, sa dilim ay maliwanag sila (I can’t see it in the light, but I can see it in the dark)
Palda ni Sta. Maria ang kulay ay iba-iba (Maria’s skirt in different colors)
Bibingka ng hari, hindi mo mahati (The King’s rice cake, you cannot slice)
The translations in English, however, must not be taken as being the same as its original Tagalog text. The translations do no justice to the original language of the riddles. The ones in the original language are very appropriate to the Filipino context, and putting it in English makes the meaning lost in translation. Nevertheless, it is a good start in learning about Filipino if you are not adept in the language. It should be remembered though that even for Tagalog natives, answering these riddles are not really very easy.
The answers to the riddles above are: nail, wind, earrings, star, rainbow, and water respectively.
Filipino riddles are a mark of Filipino culture and it should be proliferated and passed on to the younger generation. It is a very significant part of the Filipino culture, illustrating some aspects of life of a typical Filipino.
