IBALON

Bikolano myths paint the Magindara in extremes; they are either said to be guardian deities of Bikolano fishermen, or “aswang ng dagat” who will eat adult humans but do not harm children (a sharp difference from Tagalog sirena myths that show children as their preferred sacrifices). They are briefly mentioned in the Ibalon.

Beautiful but vicious creatures of the sea, they have colorful sharp scales, and enchanting voices that can lure fishermen to their deaths, or draw them to their rescue. Some believe that the Magindara can summon aswang at will.

Here are the Ibalon stanzas containing mention of the Magindara. (translated to Bikolano and English from the Spanish text)

22.
Manga kahalasan na tingog kabagay
Kan sa magindarang kinawiwilihan,
Sa dakulang lungib, Hamtik na kabuldan
Gabos rinolobong na dai nin hanggan.

{The serpents whose voice did enthrall
Like the siren’s tempting call,
In Hantic’s wide cavernous hall
Forever they were buried all.}

27.
Sa daing hingalo na pasunod-sunod
Saiyang pagsusog kadlagan linakop,
Huling sa paghuna magindarang tingog
Si duman na iyong saiyang nadangog.

{How many times without a rest,
He searched her into the woods,
He thought that what had lured him on
Believing the voice of a siren there!}

images: https://www.grokpost.com/tag/ibalon