BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE JUNE 3 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island has reignited interest in the legendary figure known as “Sota”.
Growing up in Barangay Cudangdang, EB Magalona, I recall the elders narrating tales of this “fictional” character who allegedly reigns over the majestic Kanlaon to this day.
Is there truth to these stories? For millennials, “Sota” might seem irrelevant.
However, it’s worth noting that the Department of Education in Negros features a storybook about “Sota” in the local dialect for third graders. This underscores that “Sota” is not just a myth but a part of Negros’ rich cultural heritage, deserving of being passed down through generations.
A ‘RICH MAN’
Ver Pacete, a retired tourism officer from Silay City and a recognized tourism expert in Negros Occidental, describes “Sota” as a mysterious entity, a “rich man” who claims Kanlaon as his own.
Pacete explains that “Sota” is depicted with a body that is either half black and half white or half black and half red.
As a “rich man”, he supposedly indulges in black rice and owns numerous luxury vehicles hidden within Kanlaon Volcano.
According to folklore, “Sota” can trigger eruptions when angered.
“It might sound amusing, but ‘Sota’ is no laughing matter,” Pacete cautions.
‘UNTOUCHABLE’
“Sota” is also deemed “untouchable” by cultural luminaries like Clem del Castello, former cultural officer of Bago City, and Rudy Reveche, director of the Kinaadman Center for Culture and Arts at Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod.
Del Castello attributes the inception and popularity of the Babaylan Festival in Bago to “Sota”. This festival emphasizes methods to heal injuries inflicted by “Sota” on those who inadvertently disturb him on Kanlaon.
“We cannot dismiss ‘Sota’ as he is a central figure in Negros mythology, frequently invoked by babaylanes (faith healers),” Del Castello notes.
Reveche adds that “Sota” is revered as a formidable protector of Kanlaon, yet he becomes a formidable adversary if provoked.
The now-defunct Mudpack Festival in Murcia town once celebrated “Sota’s” dominant reign.
HUMAN HISTORY
Ultimately, legends like “Sota” persist in Negros, captivating both the old and young. These tales form an integral part of our collective history, often believed by both the storyteller and their audience.
Do I believe in “Sota”?
My answer varies: sometimes yes, sometimes no./PN
