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Bugtong is a Tagalog riddle (palaisipan) that showcases the Pilipino
wit, literary talent, and keen observation of surroundings. It involves
references to one or two images that symbolize the characteristics
of a unknown object that is to be guessed. Bugtungan is the playing
of bugtong.

The mental game of bugtong started generations ago and it has been
passed from one generation to another. With the passage of time new
ones are being created but to be considered a true Filipino bugtong the
riddle should meet all the elements of a Tagalog bugtong . These
elements are:

A Pilipino bugtong, or Tagalog riddle, is a short, one-liner, statement.

The statement is consist of two phrases. Each phrase refers to an
image, or characteristic of an image, that symbolizes another object
that is to be identified.

The two phrases end in words that rhyme.

The object to be identified must relate to our daily lives, personal
experience, and observation of common things around us.

Let us study some examples:

Example 1: Balong malalim, puno ng patalim

In this example the first phrase is: balong malalim (deep well). The
second phrase is: puno ng patalim (full of knives.) These phrases
are distinct of each other. Both phrases end in words that rhymes:
malalim and patalim.

Although it literally refers to a deep well full of knives, the bugtong
uses this symbolism to refer to a different object and challenges us
to use our wit and imagination to identify that object as it relates to
our daily lives, personal experience, and observations. The word
balong (or balon) symbolizes cavity and patalim symbolizes a sharp
cutting object. In other words the riddle is referring to a cavity filled
with cutting objects. The answer is mouth.

Example 2: Mataas kung nakaupo, mababa kung nakatayo

In this example the first phrase is: mataas kung nakaupo (tall when
seated.) The second phrase is: mababa kung nakatayo (short when
standing up.) Both phrases end in words that rhymes: nakaupo and
nakatayo.

Think of something that is tall when seated but short when standing
up. The answer is dog. One can think of other animals, cat for
example, as an answer that also fits the description but the best
answer is the one most people will usually relate to in their daily
lives. This is what makes bugtong, or bugtungan, an inherently
Pilipino riddle.

Example 3: Nagtago si Pedro, nakalabas ang ulo.

In this example the first phrase is: nagtago si Pedro (Pedro hides.)
The second phrase is: nakalabas ang ulo (his head is exposed.)
Both phrases end in words that rhyme: Pedro and ulo. The bugtong
uses a masculine name to symbolize physical strength. The name
Pedro, being a very common name, represents just about anything
and it also rhymes with ulo. The bugtong uses the symbolism to
refer to a common object that is strong and if hidden out of sight
would still have its head exposed. The answer is pako, or nail.

src:http://www.government.ph/bugtong.html

Riddles About Fruits

1. May isang prinsesa, nakaupo sa tasa.
2. Ate mo, ate ko, Ate ng lahat ng tao.
3. Hiyas na puso, kulay ginto, mabango kung amuyin, masarap kung kainin.
4. Butong binalot ng bakal, bakal na binalot ng kristal.
5. Nag tapis nang nag tapis nakalitaw ang bulbolis.
6. Aling pagkain sa mundo, ang nakalabas ang buto?
7. Heto na si Ingkong, nakaupo sa lusong.
8. Nakatalikod na ang prinsesa, mukha niya’y nakaharap pa
9. Balat niya’y berde, buto niya’y itim,laman niya’y pula, sino siya?
10. Kung tawagin nila’y santo, hindi naman milagroso.
11. Bahay ni Mang Pedro, punung-puno ng bato.
12. Baboy sa pulo, ang balahibo ay pako.
13. Nanganak ang birhen, itinapon ang lampin.
14. Nakayuko ang reyna di nalalaglag ang korona.
15. May langit, may lupa, May tubig, walang isda.
16. Kumpul-kumpol na uling, hayon at bibitin-bitin.
17. Bunga na ay namumunga pa.
18. Tiningnan nang tiningnan. Bago ito nginitian.
19. Hindi prinsesa, hindi reyna. Bakit may korona?
20. Isang magandang dalaga.‘Di mabilang ang mata.

Answers to the Riddles

1. Kasoy (Cashew)
2. Atis (Sugar Apple)
3. Mangga (Mango)
4. Lansones (Lanzones)
5. Mais (Corn)
6. Kasoy (Cashew)
7. Kasoy (Cashew)
8. Balimbing (Star Apple)
9. Pakwan (Watermelon)
10. Santol
11. Papaya (Pawpaw)
12. Langka (Jackfruit)
13. Saging (Banana)
14. Bayabas (Guava)
15. Niyog (Coconut)
16. Duhat (Black Plum)
17. Bunga
18. Mais (Corn)
19. Bayabas (Guava)
20. Pinya (Pineapple)

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Bugtungan Tayo!

1. Nagtago si Pedro, labas ang ulo.
2. Hindi pari, hindi hari, nagdadamit ng sari-sari.
3. Bugtong-pala-bugtong, kadenang umuugong.
4. Heto na si Kaka, bubuka-bukaka.
5. Buhok ni Adan, hindi mabilang.
6. Bibingka ng hari, hindi mo mahati.
7. Sa araw ay bungbong, sa gabi ay dahon.
8. Iisa ang pasukan, tatlo ang labasan.
9. Malaking supot ni Mang Jacob, kung sisidlan ay pataob.
10. Dalawang pipit nag titimbangan sa isang siit.
11. Hayan na, hayan na di mo pa makita.
12. Baka ko sa Maynila, hanggang dito, dinig ang unga.
13. Nagdaan si Kabo Negro, namatay na lahat ang tao.
14. Ako ay may kaibigan, kasama ko kahit saan.
15. Ang alaga kong hugis bilog, barya-barya ang laman-loob.
16. Sa liwanag ay hindi mo makita. Sa dilim ay maliwanag sila.
17. Palda ni Santa Maria. Ang kulay ay iba-iba.
18. Kaisa-isang plato, kita sa buong Mundo.
19. Nagsaing si Hudas, kinuha ang tubig itinapon ang bigas.
20. Bahay ni Tinyente nag-iisa ang poste.

Answers to the Riddles

1. Pako – (Nails)
2. Sampayan – (Clothesline)
3. Tren – (Train)
4. Gunting – (Scissors)
5. Ulan – (Rain)
6. Tubig – (Water)
7. Banig – (Mat)
8. Damit/Baro – (Dress)
9. Kulambo – (Mosquito Net)
10. Hikaw – (Earrings)
11. Hangin – (Wind)
12. Kulog – (Thunder)
13. Gabi – (Night)
14. Anino – (Shadow)
15. Alkansiya – (Money Box)
16. Bituin – (Star)
17. Bahaghari – (Rainbow)
18. Buwan – (Moon)
19. Gata ng Niyog – (Coconut Milk)
20. Payong – (Umbrella)