The Escape of Juanita
A village listens for a girl inside an old tree
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The Escape of Juanita
Juanita Calaon lived in Santa Cruz with her mother and father. A great balete tree stood near the path she used.
People said a tikbalang spirit lived in the tree. Juanita usually called “Tabi,” asking leave to pass, whenever she went by.
The Escape of Juanita
One morning Juanita went to collect firewood for her family. She passed the balete tree and searched farther along the path for fallen branches.
She tied the wood into a bundle. Then she turned toward home.
The Escape of Juanita
Juanita sang as she carried the firewood home. Thinking of her song, she passed the balete without calling “Tabi.”
The tikbalang spirit came from the tree and drew her inside. Her bundle fell beside the path.
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Explore this illustrated story at four reading levels. Each level follows the same essential events.
Collection: Southeast Asian tales
Retelling: Philippines · after Philippine Folklore Stories
For parents: Keeps the balete-tree spirit, the two-day search, and the mother’s rescue with a cross, music and candles in the recorded tale.
Public-domain source: View the recorded source edition