72: RAINBOW CONNECTION | Legends of the Bahag-Hari in Philippine Mythology There’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 al...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 18 min
8: The Legend of the Durian | PALENGKE PHABLES Perhaps it is only fitting that the Durian, the King of Fruits, has its own epic-level origin story. This rich, bittersweet, iconic pungent fruit has boundless lovers and haters alike, but perhaps none more so than the ancient Bagobo people. Follow us as we recount the tale of an old bachelor king seeking a bride, the epic quest he takes to rekindle their marital passion, and the one mistake that led to their ruin. If fruits could kill, right? — The...
Jun 17, 2025•42 min
7: The Legend of the Coconut | PALENGKE PHABLES When 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 l...
Jun 15, 2025•29 min
6: The Legend of the Atis (Custard Apple) | PALENGKE PHABLES What happens when an encanto catches you being a Mean Girl? In this story, Tess finds out the hard (and lumpy) way. We dive into the legend of the Atis fruit—how one girl’s nonstop teasing turned into a sweet-but-bumpy tree. It’s a tale of sass, karma, and a fruit named after a sister. Tune in for magic, mischief, and a lesson wrapped in custard-y goodness. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends...
Jun 12, 2025•20 min
5: The Legend of the Mango | PALENGKE PHABLES She’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 weig...
Jun 08, 2025•39 min
4: The Legend of the Bayabas (Guava) | PALENGKE PHABLES It’s Beauty and the Bayabas in this story of why the fruit of the Bayabas has a crown. In this tale as old as time, learn about the fate of King Barabas, the perils of gluttony and greed, the duty rulers owe to their subjects, and why you should never take mysterious old women at face value. Also, weigh in on the Team Sinigang vs. Team Adobo debate. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapi...
May 18, 2025•30 min
3: The Legend of the Ampalaya | PALENGKE PHABLES Before 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...
May 14, 2025•14 min
2: The Legend of the Dama de Noche (Night Jasmine) | PALENGKE PHABLES This legend will teach you not to take the ones you love for granted. Meet the beautiful Dama, and learn the tragic tale of how the Night-Blooming Jasmine, or Dama de Noche came to be. Fly with us as we detour to some hot and sexy Italian Islands and learn the secret to keeping the always keeping that relationship spark alive. — The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and I...
May 11, 2025•29 min
1: The Legend of the Langka | PALENGKE PHABLES In 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-pro...
May 06, 2025•22 min
Coming May 7, 2025 : Palengke Phables A mini-season of tall tales, tragic love, and bitter truths. Join us as we dig into Filipino legends behind your favorite fruits, flowers, and vegetables—because every gourd has a story, and not all of them are wholesome.
May 05, 2025•1 min
62: BREAKING DAWN | Hanan, the Tagalog Goddess of the Dawn It’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...
Mar 02, 2025•59 min
In Celebration of Valentine's Day, we bring you tales of love and woe from one of our earliest episodes on the Tagalog Goddess of Love: Dian Masalanta aka Maria Makiling! EPISODE 2: THE GODDESS OF LOVE JUST CAN’T CATCH A BREAK | Maria Makiling/ Dian Masalanta (The Philippine Mountain Spirit & Goddess of Love) In this episode, we visit the misty peaks of Mount Makiling in Laguna (a province in South Luzon). There we encounter one of the staples of Philippine legends and folklore: the beautifu...
Feb 16, 2025•38 min
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 wit...
Jan 27, 2025•2 hr 9 min
60: I’VE BEEN DREAMING OF A WHITE LADY | White Lady Hauntings in the Philippines She’s the lady in white, and she’s the bane of lone nocturnal cab drivers everywhere. This episode we cover one of the most popular ghostly creatures that has made a mark across cultures all over the world, the White Lady. If you’re driving alone through Quezon CIty’s famous Balete Drive, or picking up lone passengers in Baguio’s Loakan Road, you might encounter her solitary spectre. Join us as we follow tales of he...
Jan 12, 2025•1 hr 24 min
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...
Nov 24, 2024•33 min
In celebration of our Singapore Writer's Festival Panel, Here Be Dragons: The Magical Beasts of Southeast Asia, we are re-airing our Dragonlore episode! Welcome, new friends! :) EPISODE 9: IMAGINE DRAGONS | Bakunawa (The Moon-Eating Dragon of Philippine Myth) You’ve seen them in blockbuster movies like Shang-Chi and epic fantasy TV shows like Game of Thrones, but did you know that we have our own mythical dragons (yes, dragons plural) in Philippine Mythology? In this episode, we tackle the majes...
Nov 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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 whirlwi...
Oct 20, 2024•1 hr 23 min
57: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND | The Majapahit Empire: Southeast Asia's Pre-colonial Superpower We do something a little different in this episode which is more history lesson than folklore storytelling. We transport you back to the days when the Majapahit Empire ruled the seas of Southeast Asia. From its mystical origins in 1293 to its dramatic decline in 1527 – right when the Spanish arrived – we uncover how this Javanese powerhouse stretched its influence from Sumatra to New Guinea, commanding both...
Sep 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min
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 f...
Aug 26, 2024•55 min
55: FOOL’S GOLD | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 1 This gold rush is a WILD one! In this episode, we talk about one of the conspiracy theories that rocked the imagination of Filipinos for years–most especially in the last Presidential election. Have you heard of the myth of the Tallano Gold? Hundreds of thousands of metric tons of gold that are supposedly owned by an old royal family that “legally owns” the Philippine archipelago. Join us as we parse through historical documents, take a journey thr...
Aug 12, 2024•51 min
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...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 5 min
53: DOCTOR QUACK QUACK | Folk Medicine Part 1 In this episode, we're diving into the world of Philippine folk medicine, where the cure for your sniffles might just be under your kitchen sink—or in your backyard. Who needs a doctor when you've got chickens and vinegar at the ready? Join us as we explore remedies that range from the bizarre to the bewildering. Ever thought about dodging diseases by tossing flowers on top of a casket? Or maybe you prefer wearing crocodile teeth for that extra bit o...
Jun 02, 2024•1 hr 13 min
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 pai...
May 05, 2024•1 hr 2 min
51: PAST LIVES | The Eternal Love Story of Maruja Buckle up, lovebirds and skeptics! This week, we're diving into the heart-stopping saga of Maruja, a love story so strong it just couldn't stay buried. From Mars Ravelo's comic genius to cinematic reboots, Maruja's undying romance with Gabriel has been making fans swoon for over a century. We're peeling back the layers of this epic melodrama where forbidden love meets ghostly whispers. Maruja, destined for a loveless marriage, pulls the ultimate ...
Apr 14, 2024•36 min
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 cent...
Mar 10, 2024•1 hr 12 min
49: HE WILL ROCK YOU | Bernardo Carpio, the Lost Hero of the Tagalogs In this seismic episode, we're cracking open the legend of Bernardo Carpio, the mythical giant (or man-sized hero, depending on who you ask) whose shrugs supposedly cause earthquakes. From his tangled roots in forbidden love to his epic showdowns, Carpio's story is more than just a tale – it's a tectonic narrative of resistance and resilience. But wait, it's not all about muscle, might, and mountain-sized struggles. Dive into ...
Feb 24, 2024•53 min
48: CACAO ME MAYBE | Maria Cacao, the Golden Ship-bourne Goddess of Mount Lantoy In the last of our “Walang Kamatayan” Series, we take a delicious detour into the land of chocolate with Maria Cacao. Brace yourselves for a mystical ride with Maria Cacao, the goddess with a penchant for golden ships and chocolatey ventures. This episode sails through the legend of Maria Cacao – from her curious Spanish makeover to her eerie, yet glamorous, soul-harvesting escapades. But wait, there’s a dark twist!...
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 14 min
47: MARRY MY DEAD BODY | Ghost Marriage Practices Around the World We’ve all heard stories of love living on after death, but is it possible for love to BEGIN after death? In this episode, we veer slightly off the beaten path and explore the little-known practice of Ghost Marriage. Finding its roots in ancient China and India, you would be surprised to learn that the practice still lives on in various forms to this day: in provinces in rural China and India and in Chinese diaspora communities ar...
Nov 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min
46: UNDER THE SEA | Magwayen, the Hiligaynon Goddess of the Underworld and of the Sea Talk about a career shift! How does a Goddess who co-created humanity (the first ever collab) end up being a psychopomp and ruler of the underworld? What in pre-colonial Visayan belief would make you end up in the “good place,” and what do crocodiles have to do with it? In this episode, we learn about Magwayen’s quite unexpected journey, her family, the traditions of the pre-colonial Visayans, dragon battles, a...
Nov 05, 2023•1 hr 1 min
45: MY EYES ARE UP HERE | Mebuyan, Bagobo Goddess of Death & Chief of the Underworld She’s more than just a pretty face… and a body covered in breasts. In this episode, we make our first foray into the deep and rich mythology of the Bagobo people. In another installment of our Walang Kamatayang Mini-Season, we cover Mebuyan, the Goddess of Death, and Chief of the Bagobo underworld. She is the being who welcomes the dead into the afterlife, and nurtures young souls to get them ready for parad...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 25 min
