Kumusta Kaibigan

"Malakas na parang lupa, banayad na parang ulan."

“Strong as the land, gentle as the rain.”

Name:

 Laki

Name Meaning: “Laki” is short for Malaki, which means “big” in Tagalog

Species:  

Kalabaw - carabao 

(Bubalus bubalis)

Gender:

Male

Hometown: 

Banaue rice terraces, Philippines

Personality Traits:

• Hardworking: Laki is always ready to help with farming, hauling, or any big task.
• Gentle: Though large in size, Laki has a calm and caring heart.
• Loyal: A true companion who stands by friends through thick and thin.
• Wise: Knows the rhythm of nature and teaches the value of patience.

💚 Likes:

• Mud baths in the afternoon
• Watching the sunrise over the rice fields
• Sharing stories with elders
• Helping younger animals learn responsibility

🚫 Dislikes:

• Loud noises that scare the smaller animals
• Seeing others struggle without offering to help
• Wastefulness

Role:

In the Philippines, the kalabaw is the national animal—seen every day in the rice fields, plowing the land with steady determination. For Filipinos living overseas, Laki represents the hardworking spirit of their parents and grandparents who toiled—whether in the fields back home or in new lands abroad—to give their children a better future.

Fun Fact:

Laki wears a woven kandit (loincloth) made of inabel fabric and has a carabao horn engraved with Baybayin script tied to his belt—a gift from his grandfather.

Cultural Connection:

Laki often shows up when heavy lifting is needed—whether it’s building a bahay kubo, clearing storm debris, or carrying harvests. He teaches young characters the bayanihan spirit and is the gentle guardian of the land and its traditions.

Symbolism:

• Strength
• Humility
• Reliability

“Sa taas ng lipad, mas malinaw ang landas.”

“The higher the flight, the clearer the path.”

Name: 

Lang-Lang 

Name Meaning: Derived from the word ilang, meaning “to soar” in Filipino

Species:

Philippine Eagle

(Pithecophaga jefferyi)

Gender:

Female

Hometown:

Mount Apo, Mindanao

Personality Traits:

• Majestic & Brave – Soars boldly through the skies with confidence and grace.
• Wise & Observant – Notices everything from the tiniest rustle in the leaves to the shifts in the wind.
• Protective – Acts as a guardian of the forest and her feathered and furry friends.
• Independent but Loyal – Values her freedom, but always returns to help her friends when they need her.

• Soaring Above the Forest Canopy – She feels most alive when gliding over the mountains and trees.
• Cool Mountain Breezes – Especially those from Mount Apo, her favorite place to perch.
• Telling Ancestral Stories – She shares ancient tales passed down from eagle elders to younger forest creatures.
• Rainshowers After Sunshine – She loves the misty air and the smell of damp earth afterward.
• Watching Over Her Friends – Especially when they’re in need of guidance or protection.
• Peaceful Forest Mornings – When the world is quiet, and the sunlight filters through the leaves like golden threads.

• Deforestation – Nothing upsets Lang-Lang more than seeing her beloved trees cut down.
• Loud Noises – She prefers calm and quiet to sudden shouts or machines.
• Pollution – Especially when rivers or skies are clouded by human activity.
• Disrespect for Nature – She believes every creature and plant deserves care and respect.
• Poachers
• Storms That Block Her View – Though she’s brave, she doesn’t enjoy flying when the sky is angry.

Role:

The Philippine Eagle also became an icon for environmental awareness in the 1970s when it was named the national bird. The work of the Philippine Eagle Foundation has turned it into a symbol of hope in saving endangered species and protecting ancestral forests—values Lang-Lang passes on in the Kumusta Pusa universe.

Fun Fact:

Lang-Lang can see great distances and guide others with her sky-high perspective. Her feathers shimmer with golden streaks in the sunlight—some say she’s blessed by the ancestors of the sky.

Haribon – Haring Ibon, 

“King of Birds”

Cultural Connection:

Lang-Lang is a mentor figure who shares tales of the forest, helps characters find their courage, and teaches the importance of protecting the environment. She often appears in stories where mataas na pananaw o mahinahong karunungan high perspective or calm wisdom is needed.

Favorite Activity:

Gliding through the clouds at sunrise and keeping watch over the rainforest canopy.

Age: ~10 years old (young adult in eagle years)

Language:

Fluent in Tagalog, Bisaya and the whispers of the wind

Symbolism:

• National pride
• Strength
• Freedom

“Tahimik lang ako, pero andito ako para tumulong!”
"I'm quiet, but I'm here to help!"

Name:

 Masi

Name Meaning: Short for Masigla, meaning “agile” or “lively”

Species:

Visayan Spotted Cat 

(Prionailurus bengalensis rabori)

Gender:

Female

Hometown: 

Negros and Panay Islands, Philippines

Personality Traits:

• Agile: Masi is quick and graceful, able to weave through dense forests and leap across tree branches with ease.
• Alert: With keen night vision and sharp hearing, she’s the first to sense when something is out of place.
• Quietly Brave: Though small, she’s not afraid to stand up for what’s right—especially when her forest friends need help.
• Loyal: Once you earn Masi’s trust, she’ll always have your back.

• Moonlit nights – She loves prowling when the forest is quiet and bathed in soft light.
• Cool forest breezes – Especially after a warm tropical day.
• Banana leaves – Her favorite spot to nap under.
• Listening to forest sounds – Crickets, owls, and rustling leaves help her stay alert.
• Quiet time with friends – She prefers calm companionship over loud crowds.
• Riddles and brain teasers – Masi loves solving puzzles and helping others think things through.
• Climbing high branches – The higher the perch, the better the view.

• Loud noises – Thunderstorms or shouting make her retreat to the treetops.
• Bright lights – Her eyes are sensitive, so she avoids sudden flashes or flashlights.
• Pollution in her forest – Litter, smoke, and tree-cutting deeply upset her.
• Being rushed – Masi likes to think before she acts.
• Disrespect to nature – She can’t stand when someone steps on flowers or frightens animals for fun.
• Losing her tail’s rhythm – It twitches when she’s stressed or overwhelmed.

Role:

Masi is the stealthy scout of the group. Whenever the Puspin Pals need to navigate tricky terrain or solve nature-based puzzles, she’s the one they turn to. She often teaches the others about the importance of protecting endangered species and respecting the balance of nature. Masi is also the group’s unofficial cartographer, drawing maps of their adventures and making art inspired by the natural world.

Fun Fact:

Her name, “Masigla,” embodies the spirit of resilience and agility found in both the wild and Filipino communities working to protect their natural heritage.

Cultural Connection:

Katapatang-loob - Loyalty.

Masi represents the endangered Visayan leopard cat, native to the Philippines. 

Skills & Abilities:

• Expert tree climber and jungle navigator
• Knowledgeable about herbal plants and forest sounds
• Can communicate with other nocturnal animals
• Uses stealth and speed to avoid danger

Appearance:

Masi is a sleek, petite wildcat with bold dark spots on a golden-brown coat. Her eyes are large and glimmer like moonlight, perfect for night patrol. She has tufted ears and a nimble, striped tail that flicks with curiosity.

“I might be muddy, but my heart is clean!”

Name:

Boy

Nickname: 

“The Gentle Forager”

Species: 

Palawan Bearded Pig 

(Sus ahoenobarbus)

Hometown:

Baboyan, Palawan

Personality:

• Calm
• Curious
• Kind-hearted.
• Adventurous, exploring the forests of Palawan 
• Bit shy at first, but once he warms up
• Full of funny stories and clever ideas.

💚 Likes:

• Rolling in the mud (it keeps him cool!)
• Digging up tasty root vegetables
• Listening to birdsong and forest sounds
• Telling kuwentos (stories) around the fire
• Collecting fallen leaves and forest treasures

🚫 Dislikes:

• Loud noises
• Litter in the forest
• Getting his beard tangled in vines

Role: 

Nature Explorer and Storyteller

Fun Fact:

Despite his wild appearance, Boy is very tidy! He always washes his snout in a stream after every meal.

Cultural Connection:

• The wisdom of the forest and ancestral knowledge
• A gentle reminder that caring for nature is part of our heritage
• The idea that even the "uncut" or "wild-looking" have dignity and heart, celebrating Filipino beauty beyond the polished

Educational Themes:

Boy teaches children about biodiversity, forest ecosystems, and caring for the environment, especially highlighting the unique wildlife of the Philippines.

Tagalog Phrase:

“Ingat sa kalikasan!” (Take care of nature!)

Signature Look:

Tufted beard, muddy hooves, leaf satchel, and a wide curious smile

"Tara na!"

"Let's go!"

Name: 

Tara

Nickname:

"Tara"

Nickname Meaning: “Tara” – short for Tara na! (“Let’s go!” in Tagalog)

Species: 

Philippine Tarsier 

(Tarsius syrichta)

Hometown:

Corella Bohol, Philippines – known for the Tarsier Sanctuary and Chocolate Hills

Personality Traits:

• Curious and enthusiastic
• Quick and agile
• Loves exploring new places and ideas
• Adventurous
• Always encouraging friends to join her on little adventures
• Energetic

💚 Likes:

• Stargazing at night with her big eyes
• Climbing trees and balancing on bamboo
• Storytelling and learning folk tales
• Snacking on tiny fruits and insects
• Indoor voices outdoors

🚫 Dislikes:

• Bright lights
• Loud noises

Role:

Tara is the spark that gets the group moving. She often suggests fun activities, parables, or new places to explore. With her sensitive hearing and reflective wisdom, she also helps friends understand emotions and mindfulness—even though she can barely sit still!

Fun Fact:

Did you know Tara is based on a real animal from the Philippines? The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world—and it’s only found in a few places in the Philippines, like Bohol and parts of Mindanao.

Tarsiers are quiet, shy, and love to jump from tree to tree at night. In some old stories, people believed they were forest guardians with magical eyes that could see even in the dark!

Because tarsiers are very sensitive to noise and light, many Filipinos see them as a symbol of gentleness, mindfulness, and care for nature. They remind us to be kind to animals and protect the forests we all share.

Though she’s tiny and quiet, Tara can leap over 10 feet in a single bound!

Cultural Connection:

Symbol of the Visayas (especially Bohol):
The tarsier is closely associated with Bohol, where it is celebrated as a local icon. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is both a tourist attraction and a conservation site, reflecting the province’s pride in its unique wildlife.

Representation of Filipino gentleness and sensitivity:
Because of its tiny size, large expressive eyes, and quiet nature, the tarsier is often seen as a symbol of delicateness, mindfulness, and emotional sensitivity—traits valued in traditional Filipino culture.

 Spiritual and mythical beliefs:
In some indigenous folklore, tarsiers were believed to be spirit watchers or forest guardians. Their large eyes were thought to help them see beyond the physical world, watching over nature and its secrets.

Ecological guardian:
As one of the world’s smallest primates, the tarsier is considered an indicator species—meaning its presence signifies a healthy, balanced forest ecosystem. Its survival reflects how well humans are caring for the natural environment, a value deeply embedded in Filipino bayanihan and pakikipagkapwa-tao (kinship with all beings).

National pride and conservation:
Though small, the tarsier is a national treasure and has become a symbol for conservation education. It reflects the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and the ongoing struggle to protect endemic species from extinction.

“Tilaok with purpose, Stand with Pride!”

Name:

Reynoldo

Nickname:

"King Ran"

Species:

Red Jungle Fowl-Manok

(Gallus gallus bankiva)

Hometown:

Cordilleras

Personality Traits: 

• Wise
• Proud
• Dutiful
• Traditional

💚 Likes:

• Sunrise meditations
• Storytelling by the dap-ay (gathering place)
• Practicing traditional dances with feathered fan moves
• Eating tinola (with extra malunggay leaves!)
• Protecting the harmony of the barangay

🚫 Dislikes:

• Disrespect for elders
• Loud interruptions during harana
• Littering in the terraces

Role: 

The Regal Rooster of the Rice Terraces

Fun Fact:

Related to the chickens throughout Oceania.  Travelled with the expert maritime Austronesian voyagers.

Cultural Connection:

The native chicken in Filipino culture is a living symbol of everyday resilience, spiritual grounding, and culinary tradition. It represents survival, ancestral memory, and the richness of rural life, from the simplicity of tinola to the rhythmic call of the rooster at dawn.

Character Summary:

King Ran is a majestic, Red Jungle Fowl rooster-native chicken with a bright red comb that stands tall like a crown. He rules with kindness and conviction over his vibrant corner of the Cordillera rice terraces. Deeply rooted in Filipino traditions, King Ran greets the sun every morning with a meaningful tilaok (crow) that echoes across the valleys like a call to honor one’s roots.

He teaches the value of responsibility, discipline, and ancestral wisdom. His feathers shimmer with patterns inspired by traditional Ifugao weaving, and his talons are strong from climbing the steep stone steps of the terraces. Although regal, King Ran is never too proud to help a chick find its way or share a tale over kape barako with his feathered friends.

Tagalog Words in His Story:

• Manok – Chicken/Rooster
• Tilaok – Crowing sound of a rooster
• Dap-ay – Traditional Cordillera meeting place
• Barangay – Village
• Kape – Coffee
• Tinola – Filipino chicken soup dish

Moral Lessons:

• Honor tradition while guiding the future.
• Wake up with purpose, lead with heart.
• Even the proudest crown must bow to kindness.

“May solusyon lagi sa bawat sitwasyon!”

“There’s always a solution for every situation!”
Corollary 

“It’s a matter of perspective”

Name: 

Tiki

Nickname: 

"Boba"

Species:

Butiki 

(Bronchocela cristatella)

Hometown:

Dingdingan, Isabela 

(from dingding = wall)

Personality Traits:

• Clever
• Sneaky (but sweet)
• Calm under pressure
• Thinks upside-down

💚 Likes:

• Mosquitoes
• Boba tea
• Warm sunspots
• Listening to stories from the ceiling
• Quick getaways

🚫 Dislikes:

• Vacuums
• Rainy days
• People screaming when they see him

Role:

Tiki is the sneaky scout and silent thinker of the crew. He’s always one step ahead—especially when everyone else forgets

Fun Fact:

Tiki says, “In the Philippines, butiki are seen as quiet guardians of the home. I might be small, but I’m always watching out for my friends!”

Tiki’s Motto:

“Sometimes the best view is from the wall!”

Cultural Connection

• Tuko vs. Butiki: The larger tuko (gecko) is known for its loud “tuko!” call and is associated with stronger omens. But the small butiki also holds meaning.
• Omen Beliefs: If a butiki makes a clicking sound during a conversation, some say it's confirming the truth of what was just said—“Totoo yan, sabi ng butiki!” ("It must be true, the lizard agreed!").
• Bad Luck or Warning: In older beliefs, if a butiki falls on you or drops from the ceiling, it might be a warning or sign of bad luck, especially if it lands on your head.

Best Skill:

Wall-walking wisdom

“Ang tunay na kabutihan ay tahimik, ngunit makapangyarihan.”
True kindness is quiet, but powerful.

“Listen closely, night has stories too.”

Name: 

Maritess

Nickname: 

"Gabi "

Name Meaning: Tagalog word for night and taro

Species:

Musang-Philippine Palm Civet

(Paradoxurus philippensis)

Hometown:

Palawan

Personality Traits:

• Quiet. 
• Curious. 
• Gentle. 
• Wise.

💚 Likes:

• Ripe forest fruits (especially sweet coffee cherries, mangoes, and bananas)
• Acai bowls
• Taro fields (gabi, her namesake!)
• Quiet moonlit walks
• Listening to the sounds of nature
• Cool breezes and rustling leaves
• Sharing silent moments with friends
• Herbal tea and forest scents
• Finding beauty in small things

🚫 Dislikes:

• Loud noises or sudden movements
• Bright lights and busy crowds
• Litter in the forest
• Being rushed or pressured
• Greedy picking of fruit from trees
• When others don’t listen to nature’s signs
• Getting her tail wet in the rain!

Role:

Gabi is the gentle night guardian of the forest, watching over her friends when the moon is high. She teaches the value of respecting wildlife and the delicate balance of nature. When the group needs a moment of reflection or a quiet path forward, Gabi leads with grace.

Fun Fact:

I help the forest grow by spreading seeds from the fruits I eat! My favorite time of day? Gabi—of course!

Cultural Connection

• Forest Spirits’ Companion:
  In some indigenous beliefs, musangs are seen as spirit messengers or quiet companions of forest engkanto (elemental spirits). Their silent, elusive nature makes them seem otherworldly, slipping between shadows and trees unnoticed—an animal that “knows” more than it shows.
• Signs of a Visitor or Change:
  In a few Visayan and Mindanaoan stories, if a musang is seen or heard near a home, it’s believed to be a sign of an incoming visitor or an important change—especially when spotted at night. People are taught to respect its presence and never harm it.
• The Coffee Guardian:
  In areas where kape alamid (civet coffee) is harvested, elders share stories about musangs as “keepers of the sweetest berries.” Folklore suggests that only civets with the kindest hearts can find the best coffee cherries. Some even say the musang chooses its berries based on energy or aura—a mythical explanation for their famously selective eating habits.
• Tied to the Moon and Night:
  Because it’s nocturnal, the musang is sometimes linked to the moon in folk beliefs. Children are told bedtime tales about a quiet musang that guards dreams or watches over sleeping villages. Its watchful eyes are a symbol of nighttime safety.