Myth and Legends

The Guava

Once lived in a little village overlooking the sea, a poor wife and a farmer. The couple had a daughter named Bayabas whose main task was to take good care of their three fat cows. Each morning, she drove the cows to the meadows to graze. At noon, after they had drunk from the nearby brook, she brought them under the shade of big trees in the forest. While the cows were resting, Bayabas would climb the trees for edible fruits like wild rambutan, jackfruit and santol.

But there was one fruit she dared not touch, much less eat, because nobody ever minded it and it was believed to be poisonous. The fruit looked delicious and tasty as they hang on low hanging branches. One noontime, Bayabas lay resting under her tree, she suddenly exclaimed, “if only these fruits can be eaten, I shall be the happiest girl in the world.” As soon as she had spoken these words, there was a deafening clap of thunder and then a beautiful lady attired in a sky blue gown.

With a tiara on her head and a wand in her hand, stood before her. She was surrounded with a dazzling light that made Bayabas cover her eyes. The lady had spoken an appeared to be very kind. "I am the diwata of the forests,” said she. “I overheard your wish and I am willing to grant it provided you sprinkle the trunk of this tree with the blood of a white dog. The fruit were once edible but due to a curse given to women for their wickedness, the fruits became poisonous.” Then the lady vanished.

Bayabas went home that evening heavy-hearted for no one, she thought would ever give her a white dog for the sacrifice. She had a white puppy but she loved it very much and to part with it would be very painful. After giving the matter a second thought, she decided to sacrifice her white puppy for the sake of thousand of other children and all people in the world who would benefit from her unselfish gesture. She knew for sure they would welcome the fruit to stave off hunger.

The next morning, Bayabas brought with her, her white puppy and a newly sharpened bolo to obey the diwata’s command. She was all set to sacrifice her white puppy when, all of a sudden, the diwata appeared before her and said. “Hold it, Bayabas! I am happy to find an unselfish and self-denying girl like you. You need not to sacrifice your pet.” The diwata touched the fruit then said, “From this time on, this fruit will be edible.” She picked a fruit and gave it to Bayabas for her to taste. It was really delicious!

Then she disappeared. That afternoon, Bayabas brought home some of the fruits. To convince others of the wholesomeness of the fruit, she ate one in front of them. Soon everyone was eating the fruit and finding it delicious. Since then, the fruit has come to be known as bayabas in honour of the unselfish girl who was willing to make sacrifice for the benefit of others.