The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

72: RAINBOW CONNECTION | Legends of the Bahag-Hari in Philippine MythologyThere’s a rainbow always after the rain–but is it always a good thing?This episode, to cap off pride month, we cover the various myths and legends about the heavenly phenomenon: THE RAINBOW, also known as Bahag-hari.In this episode we meet Bighari, the flower-loving daughter of Bathala who got grounded for tardiness, and a star maiden who lost her wings and learned to be happy in her mortal husband’s earthly home. We also learn why the Ibaloi think the rainbow isn’t straight, why you shouldn’t point at rainbows and how early Visayan saw it as an omen of war.Lastly, we cover the various rainbow myths around the world, involving half-demons, godly weapons and spontaneous gender transformations.—The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast.You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.comThe intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).—Sources:https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/68806/alamat-ang-pag-iibigang-pinagtibay-ng-bahaghari/story https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/ang-alamat-ng-bahagharidocx/252181196#2 https://www.aswangproject.com/rainbows-in-philippine-mythology-folklore/ https://www.aswangproject.com/biraddali/ https://www.aswangproject.com/bathalas-seven-children/ https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/nonpwdpubs/young_naturalist/earth_sciences/rainbows/index.phtml#:~:text=An%20old%20Romanian%20folktale%20claimed,changed%20into%20the%20opposite%20sex.

7: The Legend of the Coconut | PALENGKE PHABLESWhen life gives you ten kids, a mystery lady, and tragedy… you get a coconut tree? In this episode of Palengke Phables, we crack open the story of how the humble niyog became the Swiss army knife of tropical fruits. From sweet water to tasty meat, it turns out the coconut tree might just be the ultimate mom: nourishing, sturdy, and always there when you need her. Grab a buko juice and join us as we peel back the husk of this bittersweet Filipino legend.—The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast.You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.comThe intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).—Sources:Gintong Aral. (n.d.). The Legend of the Coconut Tree. Retrieved from Gintong Aral

5: The Legend of the Mango | PALENGKE PHABLESShe’s a sweetie with a heart of gold, the national fruit of the Philippines, and probably every country in South and Southeast Asia will claim they have the best one. That’s right folks, this episode, we talk about the legend of the Mango. Follow us through all-too-relatable tales of family inheritance battles, a daughter’s broken heart, and young love that transcends species. And while we’re there, learn about a mango that’s literally worth its weight in gold, as well as a group of mango-worshippers that probably took it a bit too far.—The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast.You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.comThe intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).—Sources:https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-Legend-Of-Mango https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango_cult https://www.tokyoweekender.com/food-and-drink/the-worlds-most-expensive-mango/https://steemit.com/literature/@juvyjabian/the-legend-of-mango-varieties-originally-translated-filipino-fictional-stories https://ohdbks.overdrive.com/ohdbks-clermont/content/media/3849496https://multoghost.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/food-origin-myths-two-from-the-philippines/

3: The Legend of the Ampalaya | PALENGKE PHABLESBefore it was the star of every dish your mom forced you to eat, ampalaya was just a plain, smooth veggie with a major inferiority complex. In this minisode, we unravel the OG tale of envy, theft, and justice that made the ampalaya the icon of bitterness it is today. Featuring anthropomorphic produce, colorful neighbors, and deep-fried feelings.—The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast.You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.comThe intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).Sources:Rivera, Augie D. "Alamat ng Ampalaya = The Legend of the Bitter Gourd." Manila: Adarna Book Services, 1995. https://the-thought-oasis.blogspot.com/2020/08/004-alamat-ng-ampalaya-by-augie-d.html.

1: The Legend of the Langka | PALENGKE PHABLESIn this nineties romcom-meets-tragic-folktale, we meet Anka—an outsider with a heart as soft as a langka seed—and Alberto, the village hottie who maybe (??) loves her. There's a garden, gossip, lightning, and a very betrayed fruit. Also, we unpack our Halo-Halo feelings. Spoiler: Lanka is controversial.—The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast.You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.comThe intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).—Sources:https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/alamat-ng-langka/57443707

62: BREAKING DAWN | Hanan, the Tagalog Goddess of the DawnIt’s a new day, a new episode, and finally time to talk about Hanan, the long-overdue Tagalog goddess of dawn! She’s been there all along, ushering in the sunrise, bringing in the harvest, and very recently being recruited as the unofficial goddess of the New Year. But why do we know so little about her?Join us as we uncover Hanan’s origins, from her celestial family (yes, she’s sisters with Mayari and Tala) to her often-overlooked role in Philippine mythology. We take a deep dive into the myth where she blinds the Bakunawa in a cosmic battle to save the moon, a tale that somehow feels like The Nutcracker meets True Blood. We also discuss how modern Filipinos have unofficially assigned her the job of goddess of fresh starts, why her PR team (if she had one) is seriously slacking, and how this forgotten dawn deity deserves a Sailor Moon-style transformation sequence (artists, we need you on this). ✨ Start your day with us, a quiz, and a whole lot of mythological nerding out.—The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast.You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.comThe intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).—Sources:"Exploring the Tagalog Story of Hanan in Philippine Mythology." Wars and History. "Hanan: The Morning Goddess." Mythlok. "Hanan." Treasury of Tagalog. Accessed January 23, 2025. URL: https://tagalogmyth.wixsite.com/treasuryoftagalog/hanan. "Hanan, Tagalog Goddess of Dawn + Full Moon in Scorpio." Hella Pinay. "Hanan (goddess)." EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki. "Philippine Mythology Gods and Goddesses: An Ultimate Guide." FilipiKnow. "Exploring Philippine Mythology: Gods and Goddesses of Tagalog Pantheon." Yodisphere. "Hanan | Facts, Information, and Mythology." Pantheon.org. URL: https://pantheon.org/articles/h/hanan.html. "Ancient Philippines: Rituals for Land, Weather and Sailing." The Aswang Project. URL: https://www.aswangproject.com/ancient-philippines-rituals/. "Religious Experiences and Spirituality: Indigenous Religions in Pre-colonial Philippines." Slideshare.net. URL: https://www.slideshare.net/indigenous-religions-philippines. "PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD: Philippine History." StudyLib. URL: https://studylib.net/doc/pre-colonial-period-philippine-history. "Indigenous Religions of the Philippines: Preserving Ancient Beliefs." Pinas Culture. Accessed January 23, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annapurna_(goddess) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanan_(given_name) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27929190/#:~:text=Inspired%20by%20Philippine%20mythology%2C%20the,create%20ripples%20throughout%20the%20universe.

61: GOOD LUCK, BABE | Feng Shui (2004), When Good Luck Has a Price When it rains, it pours—both in good luck and death, if Feng Shui is to be trusted. This episode, we recount one of the most epic and beloved horror films in the Philippines, Feng Shui, released in 2004, directed by Chito S. Roño and starring the queen of block-buster horror herself, Kris Aquino. When the Lunar New Year comes, everyone’s concerned with bringing in the most luck and prosperity, but what would you do if it came with a price? Join us for a truly wild ride as we follow one woman’s journey through amazing luck and success, followed by devastating consequences. Follow us through a Final Destination-esque romp through the Chinese Zodiac, figure out who makes it to the end, and learn what Feng Shui and the cryptic bagua mirror is actually used for. We hope you’re strapped for a long drive or a cozy night in, because this one’s a doozy! — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast. You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.com The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram). — Sources: Roño, Chito (dir.), Feng Shui (ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., 2004).https://fengshui-homes.com/feng-shui-movie-review-by-a-feng-shui-expert/ https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-feng-shui-1275060 https://medium.com/illumination/all-about-the-bagua-mirror-24425cc193f7 https://fengshuinexus.com/feng-shui/a-guide-to-feng-shui-bagua-mirrors-use-placement-more/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/why-footbinding-persisted-china-millennium-180953971/ https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/feng-shui/ https://letterboxd.com/film/feng-shui/reviews/by/activity/

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 past, each city holds stories that reveal its history, culture, and the occasional hilarious linguistic misunderstanding. Join us as we explore tales of lovers, rivers, and even a dash of colonial confusion that shaped the names we know today. Whether it’s “kumakati” tides, “maraming labong” bamboo shoots, or the shimmering indigo fields of “Maynila,” this episode promises to be a nostalgic stroll through Metro Manila's vibrant history. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast. You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.com The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram). — Sources:https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/story-names-cities-of-manila-a00304-20191021-lfrm

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 with us the classic 80s film adapted from a comic anthology and revamped into a hit tv series that is relevant ‘til this day. Witness Jessa's whirlwind journey from wallflower to vixen, thanks to one magical top that redefines “capsule wardrobe.” Will she navigate her new allure as a blessing or wrestle it as a curse? Slip into something more magical and join us for a ride through love, crossed-wires, and a little chaos. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast. You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.com The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram). — Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blusang_Itim https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384853/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJzByim1nxE Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Film Kickstarter – bit.ly/zaturnnah

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 strange conspiracy theory has evolved in the modern times: how it affected recent presidential elections, and how multiple individuals have since stepped forward and claimed to be the long-lost heirs of this immense kingdom, including, of course, all that gold. Get ready for wild stories involving Rizal’s supposed hidden identity, UFO cults and investment advice from aliens, squatting syndicates, and the potential existence of United Nations Seven-Star Governor Generals?! And watch out for a special soap recommendation to ‘wash away the dark spots of Philippine history.’ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are opinions and quoted allegations. The content here should not be taken as indisputable facts. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Remember to do your own research before you believe what you see on the internet! — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast. You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.com The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram). — References/Further Reading: When Fake News Infects Political Networks: Case Study of the Tallano Gold Myth in the Philippines, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4293563 The Tallano Gold Myth : UFO Cults, Polarization, and Contact Zones, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372912833_The_Tallano_Gold_Myth_UFO_Cults_Polarization_and_Contact_Zones https://www.creativeimage.jp/foundation/_pdf/The%20True%20Story%20of%20the%20Tallano%20(TALA)%20Estate.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallano_gold https://diktadura.upd.edu.ph/2022/09/18/ecstatic-loyalists-await-their-share-of-the-marcos-wealth-but-is-it-fools-gold/ https://shopee.ph/TALLANO-GOLD-SOAP-24K-i.465696249.13760780388

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 the Philippines created? What is the scariest monster in Philippine Folklore? Who is the god or goddess of love and beauty? Also, how many of you have capre-related love problems, be honest! On our podcast’s third anniversary, join us for a fun, quick-fire episode (well, as quick as we can manage), where we cover the top questions the internet has about or related to Philippine Mythology. Whether you’re new to the pod or a listener from the start, we hope you enjoy this romp through all the different aspects of Philippine Mythology and Folklore with us. Happy three years of The Gods Must Be Crazy!

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 expected: from old sailors tales, to physics concepts about plasma and electricity they didn’t teach us in high school, to the patron saint of abdominal pains. Learn about the various sightings of the Santelmo in ‘rural legends’ of old and recent memory, the historical origins of the story and where the name comes from, and how the legend continues to live in popular imagination. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast. You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.com The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram). — References/Further Reading: https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/santelmo-origin-trese-a00293-20210614-lfrm https://www.aswangproject.com/santelmo/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Elmo%27s_fire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmus_of_Formia https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2014/05/04/101292-holy-confessor-erasmus-bishop-of-formia-in-campania https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=182 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_lightning https://trese.fandom.com/wiki/Santelmo

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 Mindanao). This set the foundation for a civilization and culture so strong they were able to flourish and put up incredible resistance across centuries of Spanish invasion. This epic story has everything: from self-driving boats, A.I.-powered weapons, surveillance trees to a literal man-made stove-top. Join us as we look to understand possible historical precursors to this tale, while trying to disentangle the epic figure of Raja Sulayman from his historical counterpart, one of the last great rulers of Old Manila. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast. You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.com The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram). — References/Further Reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maguindanao_people#Culture https://sharjahart.org/sharjah-art-foundation/people/saleeby-najeeb-m https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najeeb_Mitry_Saleeby https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1710/rajah-indara-patra-and-the-dragons-a-mindanao-legend https://morohistorylawandreligion.wordpress.com/chapter-01/history-of-magindanao/magindanao-history-and-genealogies/the-mythology-of-mindanao/ https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/blogs/post/the-legends-of-the-sarimanok/ https://sacred-texts.com/asia/pft/pft47.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajah_Sulayman https://www.jstor.org/stable/1497353