Alamat ng Ilang-Ilang

On a cool December morning, a narrator and a few friends depart Manila for a hunting expedition in Mindoro’s thick forest, eager for a festive escape beneath the gentle breeze. The trail quickly becomes a fragrant labyrinth of towering trees and blooming ilang‑ilang, where sunlight pierces the canopy in fleeting shafts and the dogs' excited barks echo through the stillness.

Lost in a maze of vines, the party’s confidence wanes as distant rustlings suggest not only deer but perhaps the elusive tamaraw, heightening a growing sense of unease. From the shadows an aged stranger appears, speaking in riddles that blend ancient folklore, Catholic teachings, and a haunting song, urging the narrator to question his fears and faith. The listener is drawn into a tense, sensory journey where the jungle is both sanctuary and puzzle, setting the stage for deeper encounters with myth and survival.