Malasiqui : "mala", "si", "yqui"

Malasiqui was once upon a time a mere settlement. Several families grouped together for mutual protection from wild beasts and lawless elements. As the settlement progressed the Spanish authorities were quick to take advantage of the situation. They sent missionary priests to spread the gospel.

According to legend three missionary priests were sent first to the settlement. Upon reaching the place they found out that the settlement was located in the middle of thick woods and very tall grasses inhabited by dangerous beasts. The settlement was surrounded by creeks. On the bank of the north creek lived a man whose brother became a historical figure. This man was popularly known as Balolong. He is the brother of the famous Juan de la Cruz Palaris who led the revolt against the Spaniards in 1763.

Balolong planted a tree near his house and the tree grew big within the neighborhood. The tree is called "Bengal." The north creek was identified by the tree usually referred to as "Bengal nen Balolong." Later on, creek was known as "Bengalbalolong" and now it is popularly known as Binalbalolong. These creeks that surrounded the settlement were dangerous during rainy days because of the swift current. Now the south and west creeks are dormant.

As the missionary priest surveyed the area they found out that small paths penetrating the thick woods and tall grasses were the only road existing that connected the houses in the settlement. Ferocious wild pigs locally known as "animoloc" were abundant in the area. Having surveyed the settlement, two of the priest did not seem to admire the place. One of them was heard to have remarked in Spanish "Mala" meaning "No good." The other readily nodded in agreement and was heard to have replied in Spanish "Si" meaning "Yes." But the third priest was determined to settle with the natives than the other two so he was heard to have protested in Spanish saying "Yqui?" meaning "So what?".

The natives who heard the short dialogue but did not understand the language thought all along that the priest gave a name to the settlement. They heard the priests uttered the following words in succession "Mala-si-y qui." From that time the settlement has been known as Malasiqui. #