Along long time ago in the place called Tinigbasan, there was a datu (Village Chief) named Datu Oyong who has a daughter named Anini. Anini is always lonely because of her predicament that her parents, by tradition, are the ones who choose someone she would marry. She is troubled that her parents' choice would not be her liking.
Anini is a beautiful lass that she has many admirers. One of them was a handsome ordinary man named Nogas. Commoners were not allowed to court her according to their custom.
The fated lovers were however brought together one day while Anini was strolling along the beach alone. The two instantly took an instant liking of each other. After that day, Nogas and Anini secretly met at the beach whenever they had the opportunity but Datu Oyong eventually discovered their relationship.
Datu Oyong was against their relationship. He does not want Anini to marry Nogas, a mere simpleton...unless... unless Nogas gives him whatever he would ask for. He asked for a spring on the rocky shoreline of Tinagbasan that could cure skin diseases.
Nogas walked towards the sea with his boggling mind until he reached the rocky shoreline. He has no power to let the water flow from the rocks. Out of the water a giant emerged. Touched by Nogas love for Anini the gaint helped Nogas fulfill the Datu's wish. The giant said, "Only your sincere love for Anini would surely let the water flow. The water will continue to flow for as long as you love Anini."
Nogas felt warm water flowing at his feet. His joy was immeasurable when he saw the water sprouting from the rocks where he stands. When he turned to thank the giant, the giant was already gone.
Datu Oyong was still not satisfied, and to be able to avert the marriage of his daughter to Nogas he thought of another impossible thing for Nogas to accomplish. He asked for an island that he could see from the window of his house that could prevent the waves from destroying the houses near the shoreline.
Nogas immediately left, boarded his boat and sailed out to the sea without knowing where to go. He hopelessly hit the water with his paddle. The wind suddenly picked up and waves harshly bellowed. From a big wave a mermaid appeared before him. The mermaid helped him but with conditions. She made him promise that he would invite her to his wedding and that he would take care of the island, the trees, animals and the waters around. Nogas agreed and the earth shook and and the waves swelled again. When the sea calmed, an island with white beaches, teeming with green tress and birds was in front of him.
Nogas has fulfilled the datu's wish. Now the datu has no other choice but be true to his words and to prepare for the wedding of Nogas and Anini.
On the wedding day held on the island , Nogas forgot about his promise to the mermaid that he would invite her. The mermaid was insulted and was very angry. In the midst of the revelry the whole island suddenly shook. The sea receded from the shoreline and the waves swell. Atop the wave appeared the mermaid. Nogas asked for forgiveness for breaking his promise. The mermaid said, "For the sake of Anini, I will not punish you because her love for you knows no bound. for the second time, promise me that you would take care of this island, the animals, the birds, the mangroves and the trees."
As years passed by, Nogas became a changed man. He became greedy. He wanted to amass more wealth and become more powerful. He started to cut trees at Tinigbasan and the mangroves on the island and sold them off. All that could be turned to wealth he exchanged for gold.
The mermaid got angry because Nogas did not keep his promise again.. Nogas asked for forgiveness but the mermaid did not heed him . She said, " I have done everything to help you because I have seen goodness in you. The giant on the rocks and I are one and the same. I did not remiss in reminding. Because of your disobedience, I will separate you and Anini. I will give her back to the lands of her father. You, Nogas, will remian in this island. you are no longer worthy to be with her. But if you really love her, you will have to build a bridge of rocks, in order that the island and the mainland meet. When this shall be done, then you shall cross this bridge to reclaim Anini - that is, if she will wait for you."
The winds howled and the waves swelled and swept the lovers apart.
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