Ang Ibong Adarna: The E-Book on a Mythical, Operatic-like Singing Bird

Ibong Adarna (large Print Edition): Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan nang tatlong Principeng Magcacapatid na Anac nang Haring Fernando at nang Reina Valeriana sa Cahariang Berbania by Anonymous

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
You can actually download a copy of this book from Project Gutenberg. Here's the link if you'd like to start reading the book online: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16157/161...

The title translates to: The Adarna Bird: Songs and the Entangled Lives of the Three Princes and Sons of King Fernando and Queen Valeriana in the Kingdom of Berbania

I got the opportunity to read this book while doing volunteer proofreading works for Project Gutenberg's Distributed Proofreaders (PGDP). Written in lyrical poetical metered tradition, it easily reads like a very florid, ancient text of a manuscript that contains formulaic passages denoting magic, charms, and of old kingdoms that we see in movies and in our dreams. Its authorship is primarily unknown, as with the case with old stories that have been passed through many generations. It can be a difficult read, even, because of its use of old Tagalog words that are usually not much in use these days. But it can be very helpful to prop up one's Tagalog vocabulary.

Those who have seen the movie made in the 70s by the great comedian Dolphy, that included his side-kicks (but who are esteemed comedian-artists in their own right) Panchito and Babalu as well as the sexy star Rosanna Ortiz from the Philippines would be surprised that the movie veered away from the storyline of the book.

This e-book is all about morals, primarily about giving respect to one's parents even in their old age when they're sick and out of their wits, of the value of good friendships especially during bad times, of having sustained courage as one goes to life's challenges, of being loyal to one's life purpose amidst all imaginable hardships, among other themes. It can very well be a good tome for a children's book to be done in several volumes, if only drawings and other pictures have been included in many of its pages.

Ironically, I'm sharing my thoughts on this Tagalog e-book in English, as I have a feeling that only those who read primarily in English and who understand Tagalog will read this book. Plus I have a feeling that those who will read this are those who are required to read the text as part of their curriculum in school, as well as those interested in Philippine literature and culture.

Unless I get some feedback from this posting from readers who read primarily in Tagalog, then I will continue believing that Tagalog e-books, like this one, will be just be awaiting for at least 50 more years of time for more and wider readership to set in place, to take hold. It takes a lot for a culture of reading to take place, considering the presence of all kinds of distractions (internet, TV, movies, music, dance, food, shopping, etc). But I'm delighted that books like this one has been made available again, and easily accessible to all interested, curious readers out there.

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