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FROM BEHIND
a wall the
barong
appears, its mouth fixed in
a perpetual grin, its beady eyes staring at us with curiosity.
The creature walks slowly, with stylized steps and sudden
movements that are hypnotic to behold. Frenetic gamelan
music fills the air; we are in a crowded ampitheatre, watching
this revered, four-legged deity relive one of Bali’s most
beloved tales. Facing the barong is evil personified, the
demon-witch
rangda
.
A young prince plays the protagonist,
while a mischievous monkey provides comic relief. The
climax arrives in spectacular fashion with a group of
entranced warriors brandishing razor-sharp daggers. There
is plenty of screaming and stabbing as the men attempt to
pierce themselves. There is plenty of magic too, because the
blades do not draw blood. The barong, with its benevolent
powers, has protected its allies from the rangda’s spell.
The newest destination in the
Cebu Pacific network has long
been a favorite island paradise.
Lester V. Ledesma shares
what makes Bali tick
PHOTO
BRIAN OTTO POERNIAWAN
Enjoy close
encounters of the
cultural kind in Bali
The Balineseway
