Crimson Nemesis (Mitolohiya Series #3)

Ikalawang Kabanata

And according to the legends, she was believed to be responsible for the occurrence of "ambon," a gentle rain vital for the agricultural prosperity of the land.

Anitun Tabu, often depicted as a ethereal and breathtakingly beautiful deity, holds a special connection with the natural elements of wind and water. Her origins lie within the Panay-Bukidnon community in the Philippines, where she was initially worshiped and celebrated.

As the goddess of wind and rain, she played a crucial role in the lives of farmers who depended on these natural forces for their livelihood.

The mythology surrounding Anitun Tabu reveals her authority over the elements and how her emotions are believed to reflect in the patterns of weather. Farmers hold immense respect for her as they understand that their lives and crops are directly impacted by her powers.

She  is not only revered for her ability to influence climatic patterns but also considered a healer, often called upon to alleviate droughts and diseases. Her presence is a testament to the profound connection between the Filipino people and the natural world they inhabit.

The ancient traditions and rituals dedicated to Anitun Tabu are profound expressions of gratitude and reverence. In natural settings, ceremonies and rituals are performed, accompanied by offerings of fruits, flowers, and symbolic objects.

These acts aim to honor and appease the goddess, seeking her blessing and protection. One notable ritual, known as "Pag-ipatan," involves beseeching Anitun Tabu to halt the rain during a storm, showcasing her power over weather phenomena."

"I want to know more about them! So I am going to be a Historian." Sabi ko naman

I got along with them a lot. 

Lagi ako laman ng museum kasama sina Lolo Antonio at ang apo niya. Not unti—Dad found out. 

After that, Dad pays them money para di na kami magkita. Sobrang sakit para sa'kin noon. Sila lang yung ka-close ko and I can't believe that he did those terrible things. At ang sabi sa'kin ni Dad noon tinanggap nila yung pera dahil dahil they are just using me. 

I was heartbroken. 

Matapos noon..

Hindi na ako nagtiwala ulit. 

And of course, Dad isn't so fond of me becoming a Gallery Curator.

"Gallery Curator? No. Mag-aabogado ka! Kaya kita nilagay sa HUMMS para mag-abogado ka!You're going to take law school in the US."

"But I don't want that, Dad. I want to explore museums, gusto ko magturo. About our Philippine History. Ito na yung gusto kong gawin."Pilit ko

"Why? Dahil ba sa matanda na yon!? He lied to you, Serissa!"

"Kung di niyo lang sana ginamitan ng pera!"Sigaw ko pabalik sa kanya.

Dad slammed the table.

Napahawak na lang ako sa dibdib ko at napayuko na lang ako.

Wala naman akong masama na sinabi, ha? If I say something even more, he would get furious even more. Kaya naman tumayo na lang ako at agad-agad ko siyang tinalikuran. Dahil ayoko makasama isang halimaw katulad niya.

Because that's the truth, though.

Dad has always been abusive. He's once a criminal. At nakakasuka siya!

Someone like him... who has power in politics, isang diktador, ni hindi ko alam kung paano niya nalulunok lahat ng kasamaang ginagawa niya. I'm not a fool. Alam kong tiwali siya sa gobyerno. 

And I ended up going into the woods para magtago. Dahil sa tuwing magwawala si Dad, sinisiguro ko na hindi niya ako makikita. At ito yung lugar kung saan ako nakakapagtago.