Minisode 59: NAME GAME | How the Cities of Metro Manila Got Their Names Ever wondered why Metro Manila’s cities are named the way they are? This episode dives deep into the curious, quirky, and fascinating origins behind the names of the 16 cities of Manila. From Caloocan’s hidden corners to Marikina’s poetic charm and Las Piñas’ sweet pineapple pa…

In celebration of our Singapore Writer's Festival Panel, Here Be Dragons: The Magical Beasts of Southeast Asia, we are re-airing our Dragonlore episode! Welcome, new friends! :) EPISODE 9: IMAGINE DRAGONS | Bakunawa (The Moon-Eating Dragon of Philippine Myth) You’ve seen them in blockbuster movies like Shang-Chi and epic fantasy TV shows like Game …

58: BEAUTY AND THE BLOUSE | Blusang Itim, the 80s Supernatural Makeover Classic Step into the wardrobe of wonders with "Blusang Itim," where fashion meets sorcery in the most unexpected twists. This isn't just any makeover episode—imagine trading your identity for a blouse that swings your life from blah to voila, but with a pinch of chaos. Revisit…

57: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND | The Majapahit Empire: Southeast Asia's Pre-colonial Superpower We do something a little different in this episode which is more history lesson than folklore storytelling. We transport you back to the days when the Majapahit Empire ruled the seas of Southeast Asia. From its mystical origins in 1293 to its dramatic decline …

56: GOLD RUSH | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 2 Not ALL the glitters is gold! This is the 2nd part of the Tallano Gold Myth story, which purported that the Philippines was ‘owned’ by the clan that ruled an ancestral Maharlika kingdom, and left hundreds of thousands of tons of gold hidden away for the Filipino people. In part 2, we cover how the stran…

55: FOOL’S GOLD | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 1 This gold rush is a WILD one! In this episode, we talk about one of the conspiracy theories that rocked the imagination of Filipinos for years–most especially in the last Presidential election. Have you heard of the myth of the Tallano Gold? Hundreds of thousands of metric tons of gold that are suppos…

EPISODE 54: ISANG TANONG, ISANG SAGOT (Answering the Top Questions about Philippine Mythology on Google) NOTE: A BONUS extended version of the ep (20 mins more!) going over top Philippine superstitions will be available to subscribers on Spotify and Patreon supporters. Watch out for it! Who is the most powerful god in Philippine Mythology? How was …

53: DOCTOR QUACK QUACK | Folk Medicine Part 1 In this episode, we're diving into the world of Philippine folk medicine, where the cure for your sniffles might just be under your kitchen sink—or in your backyard. Who needs a doctor when you've got chickens and vinegar at the ready? Join us as we explore remedies that range from the bizarre to the be…

52: GREAT BALLS OF FIRE | Santelmo - Part 1: Flaming Orbs of Death? Goodness, gracious! This week, we fire it up with a deep dive into the legend and lore behind the Santelmo, or St. Elmo’s Fire. Were these mystical balls of fire omens of death and destruction… or a sign pointing to hidden treasure? Buckle up as we go into tangents you never expect…

51: PAST LIVES | The Eternal Love Story of Maruja Buckle up, lovebirds and skeptics! This week, we're diving into the heart-stopping saga of Maruja, a love story so strong it just couldn't stay buried. From Mars Ravelo's comic genius to cinematic reboots, Maruja's undying romance with Gabriel has been making fans swoon for over a century. We're pee…

50: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? | Indarapatra & Sulayman, A Maguindanao Epic How many brothers does it take to kill five monsters & bring an entire civilization out from hiding? In our 50th episode, we cover the epic tale of Indarapatra and Sulayman, two gallant brothers whose heroics helped the people of Maguindanao (the precursor modern-day Mindan…

49: HE WILL ROCK YOU | Bernardo Carpio, the Lost Hero of the Tagalogs In this seismic episode, we're cracking open the legend of Bernardo Carpio, the mythical giant (or man-sized hero, depending on who you ask) whose shrugs supposedly cause earthquakes. From his tangled roots in forbidden love to his epic showdowns, Carpio's story is more than just…

48: CACAO ME MAYBE | Maria Cacao, the Golden Ship-bourne Goddess of Mount Lantoy In the last of our “Walang Kamatayan” Series, we take a delicious detour into the land of chocolate with Maria Cacao. Brace yourselves for a mystical ride with Maria Cacao, the goddess with a penchant for golden ships and chocolatey ventures. This episode sails through…

47: MARRY MY DEAD BODY | Ghost Marriage Practices Around the World We’ve all heard stories of love living on after death, but is it possible for love to BEGIN after death? In this episode, we veer slightly off the beaten path and explore the little-known practice of Ghost Marriage. Finding its roots in ancient China and India, you would be surprise…

46: UNDER THE SEA | Magwayen, the Hiligaynon Goddess of the Underworld and of the Sea Talk about a career shift! How does a Goddess who co-created humanity (the first ever collab) end up being a psychopomp and ruler of the underworld? What in pre-colonial Visayan belief would make you end up in the “good place,” and what do crocodiles have to do wi…

45: MY EYES ARE UP HERE | Mebuyan, Bagobo Goddess of Death & Chief of the UnderworldShe’s more than just a pretty face… and a body covered in breasts. In this episode, we make our first foray into the deep and rich mythology of the Bagobo people. In another installment of our Walang Kamatayang Mini-Season, we cover Mebuyan, the Goddess of Death, an…

KOZY KWENTO EP 2: My Son-in-Law, The Devil | Philippine Folktale Retelling What do you do when the devil himself wants your daughter’s hand for marriage? Enter a protective mother, a vagabond with gambling problems, a princess with the strongest migraine (but without any speaking lines), and hijinks ensue. In this Kozy Kwento episode, we cover the …

44: NOT TODAY, SITAN | Sitan, The Tagalog God of Death in Philippine Folklore At the moment of death, where did the pre-colonial Tagalogs think they would go, who would decide where they would go, what kind of reptilian psychopomp would ferry them there, and who will rule in their village of rest (or grief)? These and many other questions will be a…

43: KNOCK KNOCK | ANG KUMAKATOK, The Death Messengers of Philippine Folklore What do you do when there’s a mysterious set of knocks on your door in the middle of the night? Don’t answer it, for it may just be a portent of death. This October, we’re covering the different beings and entities representing Death in Philippine mythology, folklore, and …

As we gear up for the spooky season, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes. Here's one where we learn about the death & burial practices of our pre-colonial ancestors in Visayas and Mindanao, and how your social class could impact your fate after death. Enjoy! --- EPISODE 13: MUMMY MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN (PART 2) | Death, Burial and the Aft…

As we gear up for the spooky season, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes. Here's one where we learn about the Philippine's own 'The Mummy Returns', the beliefs behind the manunggul jars and why the hanging coffins of Sagada exist. Enjoy! --- In this episode (Part 1 of 2!) we jump back in time and learn about how our pre-colonial ancestor…

42: TRUE LIES | The Modern Myth of the Tasaday Tribe What happens when sinister forces try their hand at modern mythmaking? In this episode, we learn about the Tasaday tribe – the stone-age tribe that was “discovered” in the 70s that put the Philippines on the map as one of the last undiscovered ancient societies. Learn about what journalists, anth…

41: SIZE DOESN’T MATTER | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso - PART 2 (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins) We love our short kings. In this two-part feature, we finally get to cover the much-requested duwende and nuno sa punso, or the dwarfs & earth goblins of Philippine folklore. Known as guardians of the earth and its liminal spaces, their diminutive st…

40: TALKING TO THE MOON | Mayari, Goddess of the Moon (Tagalog and Kapampangan) Once in a blue moon, we post about our Filipino Gods and Goddesses. In this episode, we talk about Mayari, the most beautiful and fierce goddess of the moon, her origins, the legend of why the moon rules the night with a slightly dimmer glow, and why you really can’t tr…

39: SHORT KINGS | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins) We love our short kings. In this two-part feature, we finally get to cover the much-requested duwende and nuno sa punso, or the dwarfs & earth goblins of Philippine folklore. Known as guardians of the earth and its liminal spaces, their diminutive stature does not ta…

KOZY KWENTO EP 1: How the Crocodile Learned to Hunt | Philippine Folktale Retelling In this short but sweet first episode of our Kozy Kwento series, learn about how the crocodile learned to hunt (plus a bonus mini-story!). Note: As this is oral tradition, some details may not be consistent with all the different versions of the tale. If there’s a d…

38: TAAL TALES | The Legends and Stories of Taal, the World’s Smallest Active Volcano Did you know that the world’s smallest active volcano is found in the heart of the Philippines? Learn about the different myths of Taal Volcano, about its recent volcanic activity, and the many mystical reasons folks flock to view it over and over and over again. …

37: DARK HORSE | The Tikbalang: Half-Man, Half-Horse How did a country with no indigenous horses end up with a mythical half-man half-horse cryptid as a central character in its mythology? In this episode, we discuss the Tikbalang, one of the major characters in Filipino mythology and horror pop culture. Find out why it is essential to know how to …

36: TELENOVELA AS OLD AS TIME | Part 2 of 2 - The Adventures of Humadapnon (A Suludnon Epic) Beware the island of a thousand beautiful maidens! In this two-part episode, we follow the adventures of Humadapnon, another epic from the island of Panay. Who comes to Humadapnon’s rescue? None other than the beautiful Binukot - Nagmalitong Yawa. In the se…

35: DON’T THREATEN ME WITH A GOOD TIME | Part 1 of 2 - The Adventures of Humadapnon (A Suludnon Epic) Beware the island of a thousand beautiful maidens! In this two-part episode, we follow the adventures of Humadapnon, another epic from the island of Panay. Follow along as we recount Humadapnon’s Odyssey-like journey: from the travails of life as a…

34: KEEP IT IN YOUR BAHAG | The Hinilawod (The Three Brothers of Panay - Suludnon Epic)In this episode, we cover the longest recorded epic in the Philippines: the much-requested epic tale called the Hinilawod, which recounts the adventures of The Three Brothers of Panay.Join us as we recount the story of how the epic was discovered and recorded in …

33: I WHALE ALWAYS LOVE YOU | The Butanding (Philippine Whaleshark) In this episode, we learn about the ancestor of all sea life, the gentle giant, the largest fish in the whole world, and one of our very favorite animals – the whaleshark. A frequent visitor to the Philippines, the whaleshark has inspired legends from all around the world and we ta…

32: THE GODS MUST BE FIGHTING | Sinukuan & the Gods of Kapampangan Mythology, Part 2 In this episode, we learn about the creation myths of the early Kapampangans, the pantheon of Kapampangan gods, and dive into theories of who exactly Sinukuan could have been in Luzon’s pre-hispanic history. Find out how a conference of gods that couldn’t stick to …

31: NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP | Sinukuan & the Gods of Kapampangan Mythology, Part 1In this episode, we learn about Sinukuan, the Sun God of War and Death for the Kapampangan people and how the whims and follies of gods can (literally) move mountains.We also learn about the origins and legends surrounding Mount Arayat, a mystical mountain in the hear…

This CNY eve, we’re revisiting the super fun episode where we talked about Filipino-Chinese beliefs around the Lunar New Year.We hope you get rich!! 🤑—-EPISODE 17: I HOPE YOU GET RICH | Filipino-Chinese New Year Beliefs, Practices & SuperstitionsIn this (semi-cross-over) episode, we discuss the fascinating practices and beliefs of the huge Filipino…

30: THE ANTI-HERO | The Babaylan Part 3 of 3 Uncover the powerful history of the Babaylan, the ancient Filipino tribal figure who served as a bridge to the spirit world, herbalist, and healer. Join us as we explore the qualifications of becoming a Babaylan, why they were typically women and sometimes trans women, and their societal roles. And most …

29: PRACTICAL MAGIC | The Babaylan Part 2 of 3 In this series, we learn about the deep and important history (and present) of the Babaylan: The pre-colonial figure of ancient Filipino tribes who served as the bridge to the spirit world, the herbalist, healer and sometimes even deputy Datu. Over a series of episodes, we dive into: who is qualified t…

This Undas, join us as we revisit one of our favorite episodes — all about Filipino superstitions on death, and strange and interesting practices observed during wakes and burial. Happy Halloween and a blessed All Saints’ Day! [REBROADCAST] EPISODE 11: SHAKE IT OFF | Pagpag & Other Philippine Superstitions & Traditions about Death & Burial In this …

28: PRIESTESS, MEDIUM, HEALER, GUIDE | The Babaylan Part 1 In this episode, we learn about the deep and important history (and present) of the Babaylan: The pre-colonial figure of ancient Filipino tribes who served as the bridge to the spirit world, the herbalist, healer, and sometimes even deputy Datu. Over a series of episodes, we dive into who i…

EPISODE 27: THE PRINCESS AND THE BETEL NUT | Datung Sumanga and Bugbung Humasanun (The Binukot - Part 2) In this episode, we learn more about the practices and traditions surrounding the betel nut, and discover an epic we didn’t cover or hear about in our high school Panitikan class, featuring: a beautiful princess who with an incredibly healthy se…

EPISODE 26: THE PRINCESS IN THE TOWER | The Binukot (The Kept Maidens of Visayan Tradition)In this episode, we talk about a character often seen but barely heard in the Filipino epics; whose existence bears witness to an ancient Visayan practice that has almost disappeared today. She is the Binukot, secluded from the community and kept aside from a…

EPISODE 25: SHE’S A COLD-HEARTED SNAKE (TWIN) | Kambal-Ahas or the Mystical Snake Twins of Philippine Folklore What does a mall, a carpenter, a tribe in the Sierra Madres and Alice Dixon have in common? They are all tangentially connected to the uniquely (at least to our knowledge) Filipino myth of the Kambal-Ahas or Mystical Snake twin. Learn abou…

Look at this stuff: isn’t it neat? Get your sunscreen and swimsuits ready, because in this episode we’re diving deep into the crystal blue waters of the Philippines and visiting the Sirena and all her other merfolk cousins in Filipino folklore.From mysterious and dangerously seductive open-water predators to rebellious teenagers who just want to be…

EPISODE 23: GOT 2 BELIEVE (IN MAGIC) Part 2 | Anting-Anting, Agimat, and Talismanic Beliefs in the Philippines In a special 2-part episode, we talk about the origins, myths, and how-tos of Filipino Talismans: what we call the anting-anting or the agimat. Learn about how bones and teeth, bronze and gold, dirt and cloths, all have the power to transf…

EPISODE 22: GOT 2 BELIEVE (IN MAGIC) Part 1 | Anting-Anting, Agimat, and Talismanic Beliefs in the Philippines In a special 2-part episode, we talk about the origins, myths, and how-tos of Filipino Talismans: what we call the anting-anting or the agimat. Learn about how bones and teeth, bronze and gold, dirt and cloths, all have the power to transf…

EPISODE 21: TGMBC BOOK RECS - PART 1 (Book Recommendations on Philippine Mythology & Pre-Colonial History) You guys have asked, and you shall receive! Ever since the pod started, listeners have been asking us for book recommendations for anyone interested in learning more about Philippine mythology and pre-colonial history. This is that episode, fo…

EPISODE 20 (BONUS): MANANANGGAL IN MANHATTAN (Reading Melania: Devourer of Men, So You Don’t Have To) In this episode, we provide a critical follow-up to our first ever topic: the Manananggal. In an effort to address a long-held morbid curiosity ever since it first came our way, we cover the riveting and unsettling premise of the book Melania: Devo…

EPISODE 19: URDUJA, WARRIOR PRINCESS | Legendary Princess of Tawalisi In a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings... A land in turmoil cried out for heroes. She was Urduja, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. In this episode, we learn about Urduja, a legendary princess who was almost too epic to be real. Join us as we embark on a jour…

EPISODE 18: BOSSY BABIES, TALKING ANIMALS AND DEADLY BATHS | The Epic Tale of Lam-Ang In this episode, we brush up on our high-school Panitikan to tackle one of the major epics in Philippine literature: the tale of child-prodigy turned avenger turned romantic hero, BIAG NI LAM-ANG. Treat this as your SparkNotes version of the epic tale—and follow u…

EPISODE 17: I HOPE YOU GET RICH | Filipino-Chinese New Year Beliefs, Practices & SuperstitionsIn this (semi-cross-over) episode, we discuss the fascinating practices and beliefs of the huge Filipino-Chinese community, especially during the Chinese Lunar New Year! Listen in while Anama quizzes Ice on things like: why do people give each other tikoy,…