By James Jimenez

Apropos of nothing I’m sure, I decided to try my hand at writing a children’s story. Let me know how I did.

On day in the land of Aninipay…

Once upon a time, in the land of Aninipay, there lived a kind ruler named Raha Mabu-ot. Raha Mabu-ot loved his people very much, and always tried to run the land in ways that would be beneficial to all. One day, as he sat pondering the demands of leadership underneath the shade of the mango tree, one of his advisors came running up to him, out of breath. His steps were quick, and his expression was eager, as if he carried news too heavy to bear alone.

“Raha Mabu-ot,” Ugtas began, bowing low before the ruler, “I come to you with grave tidings. There is word that Datu Bron, your trusted friend, has spoken ill of you in secret. The slander he spreads threatens to tarnish your name and sow discord among the datus.”

The ruler, a man of deep thought and calm demeanor, listened carefully. He did not react with anger or surprise but instead studied Datu Ugtas with kind but discerning eyes. After a moment of silence, the Raha spoke, his voice steady and measured.

“Datu Ugtas,” Mabu-ot began, “before we give weight to these words, let me share with you the story of the god Pagginawi and his four birds, whose wisdom guides me in times such as this.”

Pagginawi

The courtier, taken aback by the Raha’s unexpected response, nodded and listened intently.

“A long time ago, when the world was much greener and gentler, there was Pagginawi, the god of harmony, who watched over the land. Pagginawi was a god who valued truth, fairness, and the well-being of all creatures. To aid him in his divine duty, he created four birds, each embodying a principle that would ensure justice and harmony.”

The Dove of Truth

First, he created the dove Kamatuoran, the bird that always spoke truth. Whenever anyone came to Pagginawi with news, Kamatuoran would ask, ‘Is it true?’ For only the truth should be carried on the winds of conversation.”

Raha Mabu-ot paused and looked at Datu Ugtas. “In the same way, my lord Ugtas, I ask you: Are you certain of the truth of what you bring? Have you seen or heard this with your own eyes and ears?”

Datu Ugtas hesitated, looking down at his feet, for he had only been told the rumor. He had not himself witnessed the slander himself. But before he could respond, Raha Mabu-ot continued.

The maya of fairness

“The second bird was the brown maya, Matinagustuhan, who asks, “Is it fair to everyone involved?” This bird ensured that even true words did not spread if they would bring unnecessary harm or injustice.”

“Now, Datu Ugtas, ask yourself—if what you say is true, would it be fair to Datu Bron, who has been a loyal friend, for his name to be tarnished in this way when he cannot defend himself? Would you smear a man’s reputation based only on hearsay?” Datu Ugtas shifted uncomfortably, beginning to realize the weight of his words. Still, the Raha did not stop.

The hawk who protects

According to the Raha, the third bird, the hawk Pagbinuligay, seeks to protect the bonds between people, and would always inquire, “Will it strengthen friendships?”

“I urger you to consider, Datu Ugtas – if we act on these words, will it strengthen the camaraderie of the people of Aninipay? Will it preserve the unity of our people, or will it simply turn one against the other, sowing division among us?”

Ugtas, now deeply reflective, could not meet the Raha’s gaze. He knew that his eagerness to share the news had blinded him to the broader consequences.

The crow

“Finally,” Raha Mabu-ot said, his voice softening, “the fourth bird, the crow Kaayohan, asks, “Will this news be good for all?’ This was the most important question of all, for it ensured that only words that would bring about good and well-being were allowed to fly from the lips of the people.”

“Tell me, Datu Ugtas,” the Raha asked gently, “even if the news were true, even if it were fair—would it benefit our people to know this? Would it bring peace and harmony, or would it only cause pain?” By now, Datu Ugtas was humbled. He realized that his haste to share the news had bypassed these vital questions. He bowed deeply before Raha Mabu-ot, his voice filled with remorse.

“Raha Mabu-ot, your wisdom has shown me the error of my ways. I cannot say for certain that the news I bear is true, nor can I claim that it would be fair or beneficial to share it. I apologize for bringing this to you without first weighing it against the wisdom of Pagginawi’s birds.”

Raha Mabu-ot smiled kindly and placed a hand on Datu Ugtas’s shoulder. “It is not too late, my lord Ugtas. Let us strive always to speak with truth, with fairness, and concern for the well-being of all in mind. This is how we honor the wisdom of Pagginawi and ensure that Aninipay remains a land of peace and harmony.”

With that, Raha Mabu-ot dismissed the matter, and Datu Ugtas left the hall, carrying with him a lesson he would not soon forget. The words of the four birds, Kamatuoran, Matinagustuhan, Pagbinuligay, and Kaayohan, would guide him—and all who served under Raha Mabu-ot—in the days to come, ensuring that Aninipay remained a beacon of justice and virtue in the land.