Malakas at Maganda

Malakas at Maganda is a Philippine creation myth explaining human origins. In the story, a divine bamboo stalk produces two people: Malakas (meaning "strong") is the male, and Maganda ("beautiful") is the female. They emerge from the stalk as the first humans, symbolizing strength and beauty. The myth reflects themes of harmony, fertility, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, serving as an allegory for the Filipino understanding of their ancestral roots and cultural values.