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.
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 […]
“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 […]
This week, I will be reading the Bisayan chapter in The Boxer Codex. This manuscript written circa 1590, details written accounts on various people from what is now known as the Philippines as well as our neighbors in the East. […]
As Filipinos we are a very creative and artistic group of people. Drive around Manila and you will see random walls painted in beautiful mural works of art ranging from illustrations of well known historical figures, to depicting social and political issues. The art scene in the Philippines isn’t as known as other places in the world, however art history in the country still exists and extends to our pre-colonial art.
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