Haliya

Haliya
the Bicolano moon goddess

       Haliya Masked goddess of the moon vs Bakunawa by Godfrey Escota

Haliya, a celestial figure in the Bicolano pantheon, stands as one of the many Moon deity in Philippines. The moon goddess in Bicol mythology, residing alongside her siblings beyond the earthly realm, high above the clouds. Possessing beauty, youth, and fairness akin to her celestial kin, Haliya often descended to the earthly domain, accompanied by her brother Bulan and their devoted attendants, the Tawong Lipod. Their earthly sojourns were characterized by bathing in the rejuvenating waters and engaging in playful interactions with mermaids and Nagas.

One fateful night, as Haliya and Bulan reveled in their earthly pursuits, Bakunawa, a sea goddess, beheld their captivating presence and succumbed to a profound infatuation. Enamored by their allure, Bakunawa, driven by unrequited love, sought vengeance for their perceived oversight. Tragically, she retaliated by consuming their unsuspecting siblings.

In the wake of this tragedy, Haliya, donning a mask intricately fashioned from gold, concealed her radiant visage, veiling her mourning and grief. In the solemn aftermath of this heart-wrenching loss, she vowed to stand as Bakunawa's ardent adversary, driven by an unwavering commitment to justice.

Bulan and Haliya, 

during their terrestrial escapades, became closely intertwined with the enchanting Tacay flower. Flourishing in the lakes of the Bicol region, the Tacay, resembling a lotus in form, was believed to derive its unparalleled beauty from the ethereal light emanating from these lunar deities. The mere presence of Bulan and Haliya, known for their extraordinary beauty, was said to catalyze the blossoming of Tacay flowers in the waters they graced with their celestial company, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of natural beauty in the Bicolano landscape.