Sandaang Salaysay

Why Cocks have Combs on their Head

One does not usually associate chickens with vanity. This tale tells us the self-conscious origins of the flightless bird's appearance. Today’s story comes from the book entitled Philippine Popular Tales by Dean S. Fansler, and will be read aloud by Paul T. Gamboa.

Listen to the story here or on Spotify.

Today’s podcast story is called “Why Cocks have Combs on their Head”, obtained from the book, from Filipino Popular Tales by Dean S. Fansler, and read by Paul Tio Gamboa.

Learning Guide
Prepared by Kristine Anne P. Valdellon and Paul Marvin T. Gamboa.

A. Discussion Points:

Juan’s vanity took up most of his time and eventually prevented him from doing what was most necessary, such as chores assigned by his father.

Why do you think he was so obsessed with the way that he looked?
Could he have had a positive or negative experience that made him so conscious of his physical appearance?

B. Learning Activity

Most of the youth nowadays are obsessed with how they are perceived by their peers. This addiction has led to insecurities caused by comparing themselves with the public personalities that they see primarily through social media. Write a letter to a member of the youth who may be going through these episodes of self-doubt and insecurity.

What would you tell them to keep their spirits up and to prevent them from falling into this modern-day trap of self- obsession?

Source: Dean S. Fansler, Filipino Popular Tales. Lancaster, PA. and New York: American Folklore Society and G. E. Stechert and Co., 1921. Available from Project Gutenberg.

Current Stories in the Series

English

The Monkey and The Turtle

Sun and Moon

Sagacious Marcela

The Story of Our Fingers

Why the Cow’s Skin is Loose on the Neck

The Lost Necklace

Filipino

Ang Pagong at ang Matsing

Ang mga Paglalakbay ni Juan

Ang Pinagmulan ng Daigdig (Si Malakas at si Maganda)