From November 1-2, it is known as Undas, Dáun, Kalag-Kalag, and Araw ng mga Patay in the Philippines. It's a celebration of honoring and respecting the souls of those who have passed on to the afterlife.
Today in Philippine myths and folklore, let's discuss and learn about an old Tagalog folk story from Antipolo, Rizal Province in Luzon. This is on the mythology and creation of Hinulugang Taktak, a popular waterfall in Antipolo.
NOTE: The original article was written in my old blog, Pinoy-Culture.com on June 16, 2016. That blog does not exist any longer. I have used the original article, editing and expanding on it. It’s that time of year again, where […]
When researching the pre-colonial history, culture, beliefs, and traditions of the early Bisayans prior to Spanish colonization and during its early onset, one must look into reading probably the most important historical account on the Bisayans. Written in 9 volumes […]
The Bisayans had many deities or diwata as they were once called. Each one had their own names and functions. The term diwata comes from the Sanskrit word, devata ( देवता ), or deva which means deity. Many of the diwata were associated with aspects of nature such as the sun, moon, stars, seas, and wind. Others had roles in agriculture, fishing, marriage, and war. Some diwata were also deified ancestors, as it was believed that some who were hero's in their lives or died honorable deaths, such as being struck by lightning, eaten by a crocodile, or killed in war, would join the diwata.
Known as the Queen of Cebu, this mysterious, leading woman was the wife of Rajah Humabon, the ruler of Cebu during the time of the arrival of Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, and his crew in the year of 1521. Stories of her come from both fact and myth, handed down from generation to generation. Her real name is up to debate with no concrete written record of it. Some say her name was Hara Humamay/Humahay, Hara being the native term for a female ruler. Others however say instead of Humamay, her name was Amihan.
Back in 2014, I made a list of deities from various ethnic groups on my blog Diwatahan on Tumblr. I made another list on the Pinoy-Culture blog in 2017. As the years have gone by, there has been an increase […]
These past few weeks the U.S. has witnessed a shift in the timeline of our history. Amidst a pandemic we are still facing, we have turned our attention to something that has been deeply rooted in our society long before […]
“They had another idol called Dian masalanta, who was the patron of lovers and of generation.” – Juan de Plasencia’s Relation of the Worship of the Tagalogs, Their Gods, and Their Burials and Superstition (1589) So there was a question […]
Hello my friends, so today we will be going over the creation story of the Bisayans. So let’s pick up from where I left off and first talk about the creation story. Before I begin, keep in mind that the […]
Ligaya Caballes is a cultural bearer, writer, researcher, and photographer, who has educated the Filipino community and diaspora on the history, culture, and folklore of the Philippines for over 10 years. She is a Filipina based in New York, who follows and practices the Animistic and Polytheistic beliefs of her Tagalog and Bisayan ancestors. She is of Mindoreño Tagalog and Akeanon descent. She is also a traditional Filipino hand tapped tattoo apprentice with Katao School. 
COMING SOON!
This blog is dedicated to the ancestors, the spirits of the land, the rich and diverse history and cultures of the Philippines, and to her people.
May we continue to seek out the knowledge and to learn more about who we are, our histories, identities, and stories. And upon learning these histories, folklore, and culture for ourselves, may we continue to teach and pass them on to the next and future generations.
Salamat for reading!
Ligaya Caballes
