Here is a beautiful folktale about creation from the Philippines islands:
Before Time began, the dwelling of God was a vast empty universe. He became lonely for there was nothing to hear or see. The sun rose in all its golden glory and the blue sky was made beautiful by soft, cotton clouds. A full moon was peeking from the distance; along with it, a multitude of dancing stars.
God lifted His hand, and with one swift gesture, the earth was created. Green forests emerged. Rolling fields of grass sprouted. Fragrant flowers blossomed. The oceans surged and the rivers flowed. Birds flew high in the sky, singing their sweet melodies.
God made the world, and it is a magnificent and wondrous paradise.
One day, the king of birds was exploring the wild blue yonder. He was proud of his majestic wings and beat them ferociously as he roamed the clear sky. He then flew into the forest, where he saw a tall, gigantic bamboo swaying to whispers of the gentle breeze. He alighted on the bamboo and decided to rest there when he heard a sound.
Tok! Tok! Tok!
He felt as much as heard the resounding knock coming from inside the massive tree. His heart pounded as he heard a voice. “Set me free, O powerful king of birds,” it pleaded. “Strike the bamboo and free me from this confinement. I can hardly breathe!”
“A trap! It must be a trap!” thought the bird. Right then, a lizard crawled near him and before he realised it, he struck the bamboo tree with his mighty beak as he tried to peck on the fleeing lizard. He struck the bamboo tree once more and the bamboo tree was cut in half.
A strapping man gallantly stepped out of the tree.
“Thank you, o, great king of birds. My name is Malakas. I humbly ask that you please strike this other bamboo with your powerful beak and release my companion”.
The majestic bird was still astounded with what he just saw but was eager to see how this will unfold and so he did as this strange creature requested. He struck the other bamboo and alas, another creature came out of the tree that he just cut in half. This time it was a modest beautiful creature with dainty features.
“She is Maganda, my wife. You have freed us, O great bird, and we will forever be grateful. Live with us and be our companion for the rest of our lives.”
“Thank you, but that cannot be,” replied the bird. “I am a bird and I belong in the sky. My wings were made for flying and I am destined to cruise the wind. However, I shall grace you with my melodies and so shall my offsprings when I am gone.”
“Come! Ride upon my pinions. I shall show you this world where you now belong. I will bring you to the blessed lands where you shall live.”
Malakas and Maganda were bought to a land of abundant islands, where the golden sun gloriously shines. The many islands were like precious pearls strung together. A vast string of glistening treasure in the East. There, Malakas and Maganda lived together – the parents of the Filipino Race.
Courtesy https://steemit.com/steemph/@dandalion/the-philipppine-bamboo-or-from-folklore-to-livelihood
Image: A 2015 postage stamp from the Philippines depicts Malakas and Maganda (literally, the Strong One and the Beautiful One), who are Filipino versions of Adam and Eve. They are said to have sprung from a large bamboo tree pecked by a mythical bird. Image courtesy https://www.stampcommunity.org/