Philippines was diverse and melting pot of Culture
minor kingdoms and societies already flourished all having gold as a common building material
all had gold from royals to the lowest slaves. gold was a conduit for the divine
They believed in one god that has no form who created or manifested his blessing through lesser gods and goddess called "diwata"
The pre-colonial "pinoys" believed in a supreme god without form that he is perfect and he created lesser gods as his vassals to help him with the world and his creations.
"a diwata (derived from Sanskrit devata देवता; encantada in Spanish) The term "diwata" has taken on various levels of meaning since its assimilation into the mythology of the pre-colonial Filipinos When the Spanish conquered the Philippines the commonly-used meaning of the term reduced from goddess to dryad-like spirit
they were believed to reside in different abodes but the common belief is that they now sleep or dwell on top mountains or volcanoes or inside large trees"
the divinities were closely interwoven on the lifestyle of people. The divinities were describe as they were in the past, having human characteristics, like humans some are evil, some are good. Many stories about the workings of these supernatural beings are often told and are passed down orally
The gods and goddesses participate in the affairs of men and this belief local reinforce of the power of these deities, as those people
who participate in community affairs witness how this gods, invoked during complicated rituals,cure an ailing patient or bring success in hunting,fishing and agriculture, even in war.
Some of these gods are always near, some live in a far-off realms such as the skyworld who take interest in human affairs only when they are invoked during intricate and proper ceremonies in which compels them do go down to earth,
These divinities are led by a high ranking divinity, the lesser divinities has his or her own independent function.
Because historians and writers often refer to this Tagalog diety as the god of ancient Filipinos, Bathala became the accepted representative of deity of the whole nation. Bathala was said to be the creator of all things - the sky, earth and all the vegetation around us. He dwells in the highest realm of the eternal space called "kawalhatian" (kaluwalhatian) or sky. Just and merciful, he was the , keeper and protector of mankind. Sometimes he seemed very human. He welcomed gifts from people with deep appreciation; and was pleased when people were helpful and obedient to his mortal laws. He was lavish in love towards those who kept his commandments and paid him homage. To a certain extent, however, his kindness made many of his favorites lazy- always depending upon him to do things for them, an attitude from whence came the dominant characteristics of Filipinos - the bahala na or Bathala takes care" philosophy of life . This forms the base of two outstanding character traits of the people -the tendency to be easy-going or resigned and the tendency to be venturesome or audacious in time of emergency.
The Highest ranking deity of the ancient tagalog was called "Bathala" or "Abba"
While Bathala was said to be compassionate and forever understanding to contrite hearts seeking forgiveness, he is equally exacting in his punishment to sinners. He did not hesitate to send thunder and lightning to struck transgressors of his laws. He preside over lesser divinities who cared for the needs of the people and guarded the general welfare of the reverent families. His power and goodness were devoted to the interest of the people whom he was the almighty protector. Like other divinities his origin was not known. He merely appeared one day and announced his lordship over mankind. So the great and powerful was Bathala and no one ever dared question his demand for obedience and reverence from man.
Bathala Maykapal, a revered creator deity in Tagalog mythology, is highly regarded by the Tagalog people, who were influenced by a mix of Islamic and indigenous beliefs during Spanish colonization. Known for crafting all things, Bathala's name means "creator of all things" and is also referred to as May-Ari or Molayari in historical records like the Boxer Codex.
During the arrival of the Spaniards, the Tagalog community had a diverse mix of individuals who either converted to Islam or retained their original beliefs. Bathala, acknowledged as the creator of the universe, receives ritualistic prayers and messages through a mediator called the katalonan, a priestess or priest. Anitos, divine entities assisting Bathala, play a significant role in human affairs, overseeing aspects like war, farming, and fishing.
In the Moros' worship practices, a Muslim community in the Philippines, Bathala na May Kapangyarihan sa Lahat is credited with the creation of the earth, sky, and everything within. The Moros believe in prophets who convey knowledge about this god, and they express their reverence for Bathala through home gatherings featuring feasts and revels.
Bathala is not a solitary deity but has assistants known as anitos, revered entities responsible for specific aspects of human life. The katalonan guides offerings made to these anitos, who then convey prayers and messages to Bathala.
The religious beliefs also introduce Tigmamanukan, a sacred messenger bird considered an omen, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality in Tagalog mythology. In summary, Bathala Maykapal is a central figure embodying the creative force behind the universe in Tagalog mythology, with a belief system involving an intricate network of anitos, rituals, and sacred animals, providing insights into the Tagalog people's spiritual worldview.
The Great god of the ancestors of the modern day Filipinos belonged to different groups in different places
They all believed that God was the reason for the begining, and was there before everything ever existed.
For the "Tagalogs" they called God "Bathala" or "Maykapal" he descended and showed himself in Mt. Arayat, He created the seas, the sky and the lands and all that is living. He who gives life and is the savior of all.
One story from Luzon cites that there were three creations at first, the sky the seas and a bird who was searching for a place to rest. The bird made the seas and the sky fight, thus creating the lands.
According to olden Panay they believe there is a creature called Manaul who was superior in the skies. He was exhausted and wanted a place to rest so he plundged in the sea and took soil from its deepest bed and made islands.
For the Ifugao they believed Kabunian lived in the highest, Igorot's of benguet believed believed in Apo Laki.
The Bontoc and Kankanay in the mountains believe in Lumawig who was the source of life, and created everything.
According to the Bagobo, Pamulak Manobo who lives in above saw the the earth was lacking something so god created things to adorn it with.
For the Bukidnon Mababaya was the supreme and conquered lesser gods and goddesses.
Lesser Divinities
gods and goddesses of the sky. As the creator of all the material world the supreme had many minor divinities assisting him who also lived in the sky.
The most beautiful in the court of Bathala was Mayari the goddess of the moon. Who had two sisters Hana, goddess of the morning and Tala goddess of the stars. They were daughters of Bathala to a mortal who died after giving birth to the goddesses. Bathala took them to the sky and made them members of his celestial court.
The most understanding and kind among deities was Ikapati, the goddess of cultivated land. she was the benevolent giver of food and prosperity. She gave men the gift of agriculture.
Like the modern Christians the ancient Tagalogs believed in the afterlife. In fact
The ancient Tagalogs believed in the final judgement of men - punishment of evil and reward of good. The souls of good men were taken to Maca the kingdom of the dead where like in the christian concept was paradise where they enjoyed happiness. For those who were evil were sent to Kasanaan the kingdom of grief and affliction ruled by Sitan.
belief of transmigration of the soul was the main reason they made sacrifices and performed religious rituals. The earthly possession of the deceased were buried with him because he will need those things on his journey to the other world. In some tribes and groups, slaves were buried alongside their masters, in others the dead mans wife or captured enemies.
As the result of the expanding worshipers of Bathala he sent ancestral spirits to help men, some became guardians of those who fight. some protecting men from illness. however as time went by this spirits became interceding divinities between men and the gods. They were the ones to whom the sacrifices were offered whenever people desired something. These sacrifices were made by the "catalunan" or priest.
Sitan was the keeper of souls, he was assisted by the most wicked and ruthless of souls. Mangagaway. She wore a necklace of skulls and a girdle made of human hands and feet. Manisilat the goddess of broken homes who make husband and wife turn on each other.
Mankukulam who pretends to be a priest-doctor whose duty was to emit fire at night, she who wallows in filth.
Idianali, the goddess of labor and good dead. Dumangan the deity of good harvest. Amanikabi, the lord of the sea.
Idianali married Dumangan and they had two children Dumakulem (strong and agile hunter who was the guardian of created mountains) Anitun tabu (fickle-minded goddess of the wind and rain)
Amanikabli the husky, ill-tempered ruler of the sea, who never married because the was rejected by the mortal "Maganda" which led him to take revenge on mortals, the reason is to why he sends turbulent waves and horrible tempest every now and then to wreck boats and drown men.
Ikapati married Mapulon the god of season. They had a daughter named Anagolay who was the goddess of lost things. She married Dumakulem (son of Idianali and Dumangan)
Anagolya and Dumakulem had two children Apolaki who became the patron of fighters and Dian Masalanta the goddess of lovers.
Gods and goddesses ( some are Visayan some are Tagalog ect)
Diyan Masalanta
She is the patron of mount Makiling, goddess of fertility, love and anti-deluge, stopper of storms and earthquake. the goddess status and veneration was baztardized by the Spaniards from goddess she is now known as a petty enchantress or dryad known as Maria Makiling
The Seven moons
Libulan and the other moons, The Seven moons were worshiped and venerated for their beauty in ancient Philippines from the kingdom of Sugbu to the kingdoms of Namayan,Lusong and Tundu even in the colonies and confederations and tribes all over Visayas.
Long ago the moon Libulan was struck down by the sky god MaCaptan He died only to be recreated in the sky as the lone singular moon. Mortals and all beings were captivated by the beauty in the night sky that the moon to be split into seven different beings the seven moons; seven individuals and yet one at the same venerated as the female embodiment of the one true god. The seven lunar deities that personified the moons were called the Dayaw (superior in beauty, friendliness, goodness)
Arao (Araw = sun): The ancient Tagalogs worshipped the sun for its beauty. They believed that during a solar eclipse, the sun covered its face, causing fear among the people.
Alagaca (Alagaka): Protector of hunters.
Amanicable (Ama-ni-Kable): Advocate and protector of hunters. The name could be the surname of Paglingñalan or Alagaca.
Amansinaya (Amang Sinaya): Advocate of fishermen and inventor of fishing gear. Fishermen would pray to Amansinaya before casting their nets.
Badhala Catotobo (Bathala katutubo): A twin spirit born with a person, protecting them throughout life.
Balacbac & Balantáy: Guardians of Tanguban, the abode of souls of the dead.
Balangao/Balangau (Balangaw = rainbow): Ancient Tagalogs attributed divinity to the rainbow, considering it a divine sign.
Balátic ("the Crossbow : the Eagle): A constellation of three stars near the celestial equator.
Balo: Anitos haunting deserted places.
Bathala mei Capal (Bathala Maykapal): Transcendent supreme being, creator, and ruler of the universe.
Bibit: Deity attributed to diseases. Offerings were made to cure the deity before seeking healing.
Bingsól: Advocate of ploughmen.
Bisô (Holeless-Eared): Police officer of heaven.
Boking/Bokong: Anito.
Bulan-hari – one of the deities sent by Bathala to aid the people of Pinak; can command rain to fall; married to Bitu-in
Buan/Colalaiyng (Buwan = moon; Kulalaying = Jew's harp): Moon revered as a deity, especially during the new moon.
Bulac-pandan (Búlak Pandán): Deity associated with the flower of pandan.
Bulactala (Búlak Tálà): Anito of the planet Venus.
Capiso Pabalita (Kapiso Pabalítà): Protector of travelers.
Cirit/Zirit (Sirit = Snake's hiss): Servant of the anitos.
Dian Masalanta (Diyan Masalanta): Advocate of lovers and procreation, possibly meaning "the blind deity" or "devastating deity."
Dingali: A particular type of family anitos.
Guinarawan (Ginarawan): Evil spirit.
Guinoong Dalaga (Ginúoñg Dalága): Anito of the crops.
Guinoong Ganay (Ginúoñg Gánay): Advocate of single women in the Calumpang tree.
Guinoong Panay (Ginúoñg Panáy): Anito of the kalumpang tree.
Guinoong Pagsohotan (Ginúoñg Pagsuotán): Protectress of women in travail.
Hasangan (Hasanggán): Terrible anito.
Húya/Tumanor (Tumanod): Ill-famed idol believed to creep under houses.
Ídianale (Í-diyanale): Patrons of cultivated lands and husbandry.
Lacambini/Lacandaytan (Lakambini/Lakang Daitan): Protector of the throat and advocate in throat ailments.
La Campinay (Lakampinay): Old Midwife.
Lacan Balingasay (Lakang Balingasay): Anito mentioned by Father Juan de Oliver in comparison to Beelzebub.
Lacapati (Lakapati): Major fertility deity representing the procreative power of heterosexual union.
Lachanbacor (Lakhang Bakod): Ithyphallic deity, anito of fruits of the earth and protector of swiddens.
Laho (from Asura named Rahu): Serpent or dragon believed to devour the moon during lunar eclipses.
Lampinsaca (Lampinsákà): Advocate of the lame and cripple.
Linğa (Linggá): Anito invoked in case of sickness.
Macapulao (Makapúlaw): Advocate of sailors.
Macatalubhay (Makatalubháy): Anito of bananas.
Mancocotor (Mangkukutud): Advocate of coconut wine makers.
Magináong Sungmásandāl (Maginúoñg Sungmásandāl): Lord "the one that keeps close."
Maguinoong Campongan (Maginúoñg Kampungán): Anito of harvest and sown fields.
Mapolon (Mapúlon): Pleiades.
Quinon sana (Kinunsánà): Supreme deity among mountaineers, protector of fields and jungles.
Paalolong (Paalúlong): Advocate of the sick and the dead.
Paglingñalan (Paglingniyalán): Advocate of hunters.
Pagvaagan (Pagwaagán): Anito of the winds.
Pilipit (Spiral): Deity to whom oaths were sworn, symbolized by a statuette called Pilipit.
Posor-lupa (Púsod-Lúpā): Anito of the fields.
Sayc (Sayik): Anito of the sea, invoked for protection during sea travel.
Sidapa – god of war who settles disputes among mortals.[
Siac Matanda (Siyák Matandâ): Advocate of merchants and second-hand dealers.
Siukuy (Siyokoy): Anito of the rivers, perceived as sea monsters in modern folklore.
Tala: Planet Venus.
VISAYAN GODS
KAPTAN - Kaptan is the mighty god of the sky who fought against Magauayan for a very long time until Manaul stepped in to stop the battle. Kaptan rules over the skyworld known as Kahilwayan and has control over the wind and lightning.
- Divities under Kaptan
- Makilum-sa-twan: the god of plains and valleys
- Makilum-sa-bagidan: the god of fire
- Makilum-sa-tubig: the god of the sea
- Kasaray-sarayan-sa-silgan: the god of streams
- Magdan-durunoon: the god of hidden lakes
- Sarangan-sa-bagtiw: the god of storms
- Suklang-malaon: the goddess of happy homes
- Alunsina: the goddess of the sky
- Abyang: another deity under Kaptan
MAGWAYAN Maguayan The god who rules over the waters as his kingdom. He is the father of Lidagat and the brother of Kaptan.
LAON is the supreme god and creator who lives in Mount Kanlaon. Hhe takes care of things like the harvest, pestilence, and locusts.
BULALAKAW - Visayan deity that takes the form of an eagle and a peacock and can cause illnesses; lives in Mount Madja-as
LIDAGAT Visayan goddess of the sea married to the wind (Lihangin) and the daughter of Maguayan. Lihangin, in turn, is the wind, married to the sea, and the son of Kaptan.
LIHANGIN -Visayan god of the winds
LIADLAW Primodial god of the sun, brother of Libulan and Likabutan
LINKABUTAN -Visayan god of the earth the rock-bodied son of Lidagat and Lihangin; inherited the control of the wind from his father; initiated the revolt against one of his grandfathers, Kaptan; killed by Kaptan's rage; his body became the earth
LIBULAN Primodial god of the Moon son of Lidagat and Lihangin; killed by Kaptan's rage during the great revolt; his body became the moon
SIDAPA horned god of death who lives in the sacred Mount Madia-as; determines the day of a person's death by marking every newborn's lifespan on a very tall tree on Madya-as. Brother of Makaptan
Sidapa and Makaptan are rulers of the middleworld called Kamaritaan. They have various deities under them, such as Danapolay, Tagusirangan, Duwindihan, Dalongdongan, Tagabititlakan-ka-adlaw, Suta, Agta, Tabukuun, and others.
PANDAKI is a god who receives offerings so that the soul of the deceased won't be taken by other gods responsible for torment in the afterlife.Pandaque: messenger of Sidapa; sacrifice is offered to the deity so that a soul can be admitted to the skyworld, Kahilwayan, from the lower world, Kasakitan; lives in Kasakitan,
BULAN Visayan god of the moon, the moon deity who gives light to sinners and guides them in the night
Lubay-lubyuk Hanginun si Mahuyuk-huyukun: the goddess of the evening breeze; cools people, especially during the summer. Daughter of Bulan
In the realm of torment, there are gods like Simuran, Siginarugan, and Bulalakaw, a malevolent bird-shaped deity living in Mount Madia-as.
MAGWAYEN carries the souls of the dead to the ends of the earth. Sumpoy guides souls to a high mountain, and Sisiburanen rules the mountain where Sumpoy drops off the souls.
MANGALO are spirits and dwarves that drink blood eat the insides of children,
Magyan carries the souls of the dead to the lower world, Kasakitan, on his boat called balanday. Sumpoy takes the souls from Magyan's balanday and carries them to a place in Kasakitan called Kanitu-nituhan. Sisiburanen is the ruler of Kanitu-nituhan, a sub-realm of Kasakitan.
Bakunawa: the serpent deity who can coil around the world; sought to swallow the seven ''dayao'' moons, successfully eating the six
Kuruntang is guarded by Simuran and Siguinarugan, who are giant guards of the gates of Kanitu-nituhan.
Santonilyo- god of blessings,deity who brings rain when its image is immersed at sea.
Linting Habughabug Visayan god of lightning, whose look kills people and who shouts in anger
Ribung Linti - Visayan god of lighting and thunder
Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan - golden goddess of greed
There are also other inhabitants of Kasakitan, including Abyang Durunuun, Saragnayan, Pinganun-pinganun, Unmagad Palinti, Sumpay Pako-Pako, and more.
Nagmalitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata - goddess of bravery and empowerment in women. The young bride of Saragnayan
Saragnayan: the god of darkness who has the power to replace brightness with darkness. Husband of Nagmaltong Yawa
Lulid-Batang - the god of the earth, responsible for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
Linug - Visayandeity of earthquakes
Agurang - the good lesser deitywho fought against Asuwang
Asuwang -the malevolent spirit who fought against Aguwang
Lalahon - the goddess of fire, volcanoes, and the harvest
Sumalongsong - the deity of the rivers and seas
Munsad Burulakaw -the deity who has direct power over men; most respected and feared in the upperworld
Sisiburanen -Visayan god of the lower world is in charge of Kanitu-nituhan, a part of the lower world called Kasakitan. She oversees the souls that haven't gone to the skyworld yet. Sisiburanen keeps these souls for some time in Kanitu-nituhan, and later, she feeds them to Simuran and Siguinarugan after they've stayed there for years.
Makilum-sa-twan: the god of plains and valleys
Pinganun-pinganun: the god of enchanted places
MALADOK - Visayan god of war
NAGINED - Visayan goddess of war
BARANGAW - Visayan god of war, rainbow and hope
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