Bernardo Carpio

                                                    

                                         My first impression with Bernardo Carpio is that he is living a simple life.

                                          Bernardo Carpio is a legendary figure in the Philippine Mythology who said to be the cause of earthquakes. There are numerous versions of this tale. Some versions say Bernardo Carpio is a giant, as supported by the enormous footsteps he has reputedly left behind in the mountains of Montalban.Others say he was the size of an ordinary man, all versions agree he had a strength that was similar to that of Hercules.

                                              The tale of Bernardo Carpio can be considered an ethological myth which explains the occurence of  earthquakes. Interestingly, the area which hosts the legend of Bernardo Carpio is also home to the West Valley Fault System ( formerly called the Marikina Valley Fault System).

                                                   The basic form of the legend is that Bernardo Carpio, a being of great strength, is trapped in between two great rocks in the Mountains of Montalban.

                                                   According to one version of the tale, Bernardo Carpio was a son of infante Jimena and Don Sancho Diaz.The infante was cloistered by her brother King Alfonso, who was at that time was very powerful, because of her forbidden love with Don Sancho. Don Sancho was incarcerated, and his eyes were to be plucked out.Bernardo was left to the care of Don Rubio, wgo divulged the love affair.

By: Mary Maxxine Escueta

7- Courage