259 Cebuano folklore and the embedded Filipino values Regina Plaza-Galigao College of Arts and Sciences University of the Visayas reginpgaligao@yahoo.com Date Submitted: April 26, 2014 Date Accepted: June 6, 2014 ABSTRACT This study intends to analyze the content of the selected Cebuano folklore which primarily depicts the original values of the Filipinos. This study used the interpretative- appreciative-analytical method in examining the values delineated in Cebuano Folklore. This method involves the identification of the Filipino values embedded in the Cebuano folklore. The tools used for interpretation and analysis were gathered from selected areas in Cebu. This study identified the common Filipino values which reflect the ideal way on how Filipinos value family, community, and profession. These original values are strongly intuited and expectedly gleaned from the four categories of folklore being studied such as: folktales, folksongs, riddles, and sayings. Keywords: Folkore, folktales, folksongs, riddles, sayings I. INTRODUCTION This study intends to analyze the content of the selected Cebuano folklores which primarily depict the original values of the Filipinos. These original values are strongly intuited and expectedly gleaned from the four categories of folklore being studied such as: folktales, folksongs, riddles, and sayings. The essence of folklore is something that cannot be contained in a definition but that grows upon folklore experiences shown in liking indigenous songs, stories, sayings, beliefs, customs, and practices (Sanburg, 1944). Folklore is an excellent instructional device which will be unforgettable to the young because they are given facts in an emotional setting (Pajo, 1954). Furthermore, it can also be used as an instrument for the appreciation of personalities of beauty of what is right and duty (Pajo, 1954). Identification of ancient Filipino values in Cebuano folktales, folksongs, and saying as materials of instruction are justified in the sense that “the value of creative literature is the principal treat to the creative imagination which is an attempt to control man’s thoughts” (Cornolly, 1955). A value is a powerful emotional commitment, a strong liking for something that influences an individual’s action or behavior (Ambo, 1993). Values are things whether as object, person, or idea, which considerably influence the behavior of an individual and determine that behavior as worthwhile (Hollnsteiner, 1975). Similarly, it is recognized as one of the most important means of transmitting values, these being the most culturally acceptable sustaining elements in a given society (Francisco, 1984). One of the major problems of education today is the degeneration of the moral and spiritual values of the youth. Religiosity, respect for elders, self-preservation, helpfulness, industriousness, UV Journal of Research 2014 The study analyzes the content of the selected Cebuano folklore which primarily depicts the original values of the Filipinos. The study used the interpretative- appreciative-analytical method in examining the values delineated in Cebuano Folklore. The tools used for interpretation and analysis were gathered from selected areas in Cebu. The study identified the common Filipino values that reflect the ideal way on how Filipinos value family, community, and profession. These original values are strongly intuited and expectedly gleaned in the four categories of folklore being studied such as: (a) folktales; (b) folksongs; (c) riddles; and (d) sayings/proverbs. The essence of folklore is something that cannot be contained in a definition but that grows upon folklore experiences shown in liking indigenous songs, stories, sayings, beliefs, customs, and practices (Sanburg, 1944). Folklore is an excellent instructional device because it provides facts in an emotional setting (Pajo, 1954). Furthermore, it can also be used as an instrument for the appreciation of personalities of beauty of what is right and duty (Pajo, 1954). Identification of ancient Filipino values in Cebuano folktales, folksongs, and sayings as materials for instruction are justified in the sense that “the value of creative literature is the principal treat to the creative imagination which is an attempt to control man’s thoughts” (Cornolly, 1955). A value is a powerful emotional commitment, a strong liking for something that influences an individual’s action or behavior (Ambo, 1993). Values are things whether as object, person, or idea, that considerably influence the behavior of an individual and determine that behavior as worthwhile (Hollnsteiner, 1975). Similarly, folklore is recognized as one of the most important means of transmitting values, (Francisco, 1984). One of the major problems of education today is the degeneration of the moral and spiritual values among the youth. Religiosity, respect for elders, self-preservation, helpfulness, industriousness, and moral sensitivity are gradually eroded by their exposure to the kind of materials they view and they read. An increasing number of young people are influenced by the corrupting impact