The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

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 bridezilla move with a tragic twist, promising a love revival a hundred years later. Does her reincarnated self, Cristy, get a supernatural second shot at a happily ever after? Or is she just experiencing some seriously vintage déjà vu? Tune in for a spectral analysis of love, betrayal, and the kind of romantic antics that only a century of longing can brew. Let's decode why Maruja's story keeps resurrecting in Filipino pop culture—because who doesn't like a good old-fashioned love story that refuses to die? Correction:  You CAN get divorced in the Philippines but only if you are Muslim, per the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of 1977.  — 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/Maruja  https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2014/02/14/1290145/enduring-appeal-maruja https://www.balita.ca/darna-dyesebel-and-maruja/  https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/news/109250/tiktok-user-goes-viral-for-finding-her-look-alike-at-the-national-museum/story --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

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 the pre-colonial origins and find out how an alligator ties into this earth-shattering saga. We'll also explore how this hero’s tale has morphed into a symbol of freedom against oppressors, from Spanish colonizers to modern-day challenges. Are we still waiting for Carpio to break free and usher in an era of justice? Or is he just a mythic reminder to keep fighting the good fight? Buckle up for a mythological adventure that's going to rock your world – hopefully only metaphorically. — 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: Eugenio, Damiana (2002). Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. University of the Philippines Press. pp. 4–5. ISBN 971-542-357-4. "Ang Alamat ni Bernardo Carpio: A Philippine Legendary Hero". The Katig Group. January 5, 2006. Retrieved January 13, 2007. "The Valley Fault System". Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Archived from the original on March 7, 2007. Retrieved January 15, 2007. Ocampo, Ambeth (August 17, 2007). "Looking Back: Natural calamities". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 21, 2007. http://www.philippinestamps.net/RP2012-Carpio.htm --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

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! Dive into tales of ghost ships and post-disaster sightings. Is Maria Cacao just a harbinger of doom, or a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy? So, grab your favorite hot chocolate sikwate (hot cocoa), and join us for a journey where folklore meets reality, and myths get a modern twist! — 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/Maria_Cacao https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDwBdvTKUo&t=7s https://www.mycebu.ph/article/philippine-chocolate-queen-raquel-choa/ https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-Enchantress-Maria-Cacao-and-Her-Golden-Ghost-ShipThe-Mountain-Goddesses-of-the-Philippines-Part-3  https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Cebu/photos/a.3522343797989900/3521217668102513/?type=3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_industry_in_the_Philippines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl6dYdEqlqQ&t=4s --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

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 around the world.  How exactly can a marriage take place when both parties are no longer living? How does one go about finding a match in the afterlife? How can a practice meant to ensure the happiness of departed loved ones lead to greed, grave-robbery, and even murder? — 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.ancient-origins.net/weird-facts/posthumous-marriage-0018586  https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/ghost-marriages-love-living-and-deceased-003658 https://www.vice.com/en/article/5d33ez/dead-babies-married-decades-after-their-deaths-india https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7vey8/livestream-ghost-marriage https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-37103447 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/04/china-imprisons-men-ghost-marriage-corpse-bride https://coconuts.co/singapore/features/secret-city-have-you-been-to-a-ghost-wedding-in-singapore/ The Ghost Bride Book: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/16248223  The Ghost Bride Series (Netflix): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9690302/  The Ghost Bride Film (Philippines): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7582830/  Marry My Dead Body Film (Netflix): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22742964/  Note/s: While Marry My Dead Body (2022 Film) does indeed feature queer themes, it is, sadly, more of a comedy than a romance. Yeah, we know, we’re disappointed, too. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

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, and her magical shells.  We also dive into (pun intended) Magwayen’s depictions in modern day and how she still continues to inspire from the depths of the underworld and sea.  — 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.hellapinay.com/article/2016/11/16/magwayen-bisayan-goddess-of-the-sea Visayan Myths of the Philippines, Pinoy-Culture, Philippine Folklore Stories by John Maurice Miller  https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/how-the-visayans-honored-the-dead  https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/300558/how-ancient-visayans-revered-the-dead  https://vizayanmyths.blogspot.com/2013/05/magwayen-maguayan.html  https://diwatahan.tumblr.com/post/145514840518/b-i-s-a-y-a-n-m-y-t-h-o-l-o-g-y-s-e-r-i-e-s https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magwayen  https://www.tipplehampercompany.com/gin-bottles/psychopomp-magwayen-gin/ https://www.instagram.com/magwayenbistro/` --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

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 paradise. How can this mysterious being be all at once a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and death? Join us as we learn about how a sibling squabble turned men into mortals, why the Bagobos feared the sky more than the underworld, and the strange link between bariatric surgery and immortality. — 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: A Study of Bagobo Ceremonial, Magic and Myth. 1916. Laura Watson Benedict. New York Academy of Sciences. A Structural Study of Bagobo Myths and Rites. 1969. Pieter Jan Raats. University of San Carlos, Cebu. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

KOZY KWENTO EP 2: My Son-in-Law, The Devil | Philippine Folktale Retelling What do you do when the devil himself wants your daughter’s hand for marriage? Enter a protective mother, a vagabond with gambling problems, a princess with the strongest migraine (but without any speaking lines), and hijinks ensue. In this Kozy Kwento episode, we cover the Kapampangan folktal of “The Devil and the Guanchinango” as well as the Tagalog’s “Mabait and the Duwende” documented in Filipino Popular Tales by Dean S. Fansler.  In the full Patreon-exclusive version, you’ll also get to hear the story of the “The Soldier and Death” (A Russian folktale adapted in Jim Henson’s The Storyteller. You can access that here: (PATREON LINK) — 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: Filipino Popular Tales. Dean Spouill Fansler. The American Folklore Society. 1921. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

44: NOT TODAY, SITAN | Sitan, The Tagalog God of Death in Philippine Folklore At the moment of death, where did the pre-colonial Tagalogs think they would go, who would decide where they would go, what kind of reptilian psychopomp would ferry them there, and who will rule in their village of rest (or grief)?   These and many other questions will be answered in this week’s episode.  This October, we’re covering the different beings and entities representing Death in Philippine mythology, folklore, and urban legends. In this second episode, we’re covering the Sitan, the Tagalog god of death, and his agents. Join us as we explore the musical pratices around our favorite Tagalog death holiday, Undas, find out why you should be wary of mysterious fires below your house (or any fire, actually), and discover why a happy marriage could just make you a target from a malicious demon. Also, learn the not-so-direct path of how how Sitan came to the Philippines, by way of trade, conquest, and the value of a really good story.  — 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: https://www.aswangproject.com/tagalog-deities-in-philippine-mythology/ https://www.aswangproject.com/sitan/  https://religer.org/philippine-tagalog-sitan/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souls_in_Filipino_cultures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04IC1tjKWHw&t=86s  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

43: KNOCK KNOCK | ANG KUMAKATOK, The Death Messengers of Philippine Folklore What do you do when there’s a mysterious set of knocks on your door in the middle of the night? Don’t answer it, for it may just be a portent of death.  This October, we’re covering the different beings and entities representing Death in Philippine mythology, folklore, and urban legends. In this first episode, we’re covering the mysterious entity known only as the Kumakatok.  From the war-ravaged streets of Old Manila in the 1940s, mysterious ‘cult-killings’ in the 80’s, and the strange paranormal surveillance sightings during the COVID lock-downs, these mysterious beings haunt the doorways of prospective victims, warning them of their terrible, unavoidable fate.  Join us as we explore the lore of the Death Knock beings in the Philippines, learn of modern-day sightings, and the strange and eerily-similar beliefs that exist in Celtic, African, Balinese and Native-American mythologies. — 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: Trinidad: The Three Who Knock. Sison, Antonio D. (2021). Journal of Critical Perspectives. https://www.asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ_57_2_2021/16_Trinidad_The_Three_Who_Knock.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumakatok https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-Mythology-Behind-the-Mysterious-Sinister-Knockers-of-the-Philippines https://www.thesummitexpress.com/2021/04/fear-mindanao-demonic-cult-attack.html https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/deaths-cult-like-group-leadership-feud-davao/ https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=82909&page=1 https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4498605/4385166/4509519 https://www.tumblr.com/myhauntedsalem/189705241702/three-knocks-an-old-superstition-states-that-when https://www.nowbali.co.id/late-night-visits/ https://darktales.blog/2019/03/28/the-banshee-irelands-heralds-of-death/ https://seeksghosts.blogspot.com/2014/12/death-harbinger-three-knocks.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

As we gear up for the spooky season, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes. Here's one where we learn about the death & burial practices of our pre-colonial ancestors in Visayas and Mindanao, and how your social class could impact your fate after death. Enjoy! --- EPISODE 13: MUMMY MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN (PART 2) | Death, Burial and the Afterlife in Pre-Colonial Philippines  As we close-out the series on this fascinating topic (for now), we move further south and explore the death & burial practices of our pre-colonial ancestors in Visayas and Mindanao. In this episode we learn how burial practices differed by social class. Find out the perks and perils of being a slave in the pre-hispanic era, rituals one underwent to try and ‘save’ the dead, and just what price a tribe was willing to pay to send off their Datu properly. We also learn about the early origins of the crying ladies, and the strange things they’d have to include in their eulogies for the deceased. [Trigger warnings for some descriptions of gore and slight sexual themes.] --- 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 also welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. 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: Scott, William H. Barangay: Sixteenth-century Philippine Culture and Society. Quezon City, Manila, Philippines: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1994. Print. Suarez, Michelle, et. al. A Lolong Time Ago: A Pre-History of the Philipppines. Tahanan Books for Young Readers. 2016. Print. Indonesian Torajan Tribe - Death & Burial Practice (National Geographic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCKDsjLt_qU  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

As we gear up for the spooky season, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes. Here's one where we learn about the Philippine's own 'The Mummy Returns', the beliefs behind the manunggul jars and why the hanging coffins of Sagada exist. Enjoy! --- In this episode (Part 1 of 2!) we jump back in time and learn about how our pre-colonial ancestors practiced their beliefs around death, burial and the afterlife.  From the famous manunggul jars of Palawan to the hanging coffins of Sagada, we explore the stories that shaped these ancient practices–including a well-known creation myth that actually talks about the first instance of death and resurrection. We also talk about: just how much music was there in the 90s, how long should you wait until you move on from a relationship, and–to go back to topic–the Philippine’s own real-life version of “The Mummy Returns.” --- The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff, and possibly answer some burning questions after this episode such as: What does a manananggal look like? How do you cook adobo? Who is Gardo Verzosa and why do they keep thirsting after him? We also welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes. 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: Contemporary Undas practices derived from pre-colonial influence, beliefs – cultural anthropologist https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/386063/contemporary-undas-practices-derived-from-pre-colonial-influence-beliefs-cultural-anthropologist/story/ Death rituals help restless spirits find peace in the Philippines https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/after-deadly-philippine-typhoon-dead-sent-off-afterlife  A glimpse of the fire mummies of Kabayan, Benguet, Luzon, Philippines and the role of plants associated with the mummification process http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/43647/1/IJTK%2017%282%29%20307-313.pdf http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/43647  Apo Anno – A Philippine National Treasure https://subliblog.com/2019/05/19/apo-anno-a-philippine-national-treasure/  Benguet community races against time to save Apo Anno | Inquirer News https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1081535/benguet-community-races-against-time-to-save-apo-anno --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

42: TRUE LIES | The Modern Myth of the Tasaday Tribe What happens when sinister forces try their hand at modern mythmaking?  In this episode, we learn about the Tasaday tribe – the stone-age tribe that was “discovered” in the 70s that put the Philippines on the map as one of the last undiscovered ancient societies.   Learn about what journalists, anthropologists, and gossip mongerers of the day discovered, inferred, and saw with their own eyes to reveal more than what was originally thought.  Were they really the cave men they claimed to be?  Or was something more sneaky in the mix?   We get super philosophical and hypothesize to the high heavens in this one.  Let us know what you think – were the Tasadays a hoax all along or a complicated truth?  Correction:  Sabah was “owned” by the North Borneo Chartered Company — 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: "Tasaday Controversy." Wikipedia.  "The Gentle Tasaday." National Geographic, 1972.  Nance, John. "The Gentle Tasaday: A Stone Age People in the Philippine Rain Forest." Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975.  "Philippine Cave Dwellers: Primitive Tribe or Elaborate Hoax?" AP News, 1988.  "The Tribe That Never Was." The Independent, 1995.  https://newslab.philstar.com/31-years-of-amnesia/tasaday  https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/tasaday-hoax-a00293-20200803-lfrmhttps://www.nytimes.com/1986/05/13/science/the-tasaday-revisited-a-hoax-or-social-change-at-work.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

41: SIZE DOESN’T MATTER | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso - PART 2 (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins) We love our short kings. In this two-part feature, we finally get to cover the much-requested duwende and nuno sa punso, or the dwarfs & earth goblins of Philippine folklore. Known as guardians of the earth and its liminal spaces, their diminutive stature does not take away from the fear & respect they can inspire. In part two, we go over the different manifestations of duwende across various Philippine regions and cultures, the different color classifications of duwende and how this affects their temperament, as well as a deep dive on the Nuno sa Punso.  Learn about which color of duwende loves kids a little too much, how to get rid of a duwende’s curse, as well as a way to bait and kill a nuno (please DO NOT try this at home). — 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: The Creatures of of the Philippine Lower Mythology by Maximo D. Ramos (1990)The Creatures of Midnight by Maximo D. Ramos (1990) https://exemplore.com/legends/Why-the-Nuno-sa-Punso-Deserves-Respect-and-Not-Fear http://philippinelegend.blogspot.com/2011/11/duwende.html (Tale of the personal encounter with a nuno) https://www.mangkukulam.com/folklore/344/Dwende --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

40: TALKING TO THE MOON | Mayari, Goddess of the Moon (Tagalog and Kapampangan) Once in a blue moon, we post about our Filipino Gods and Goddesses.   In this episode, we talk about Mayari, the most beautiful and fierce goddess of the moon, her origins, the legend of why the moon rules the night with a slightly dimmer glow, and why you really can’t trust siblings to fight it out.  Also, learn along with us the colorful, contradictory, and actually logical superstitions and practices that surround the moon in all its forms and how it affects just how plump your coconuts can get (actual coconuts).  — 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: https://mythlok.com/mayari/  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayari   https://www.hellapinay.com/article/2016/8/18/mayari  https://www.rappler.com/voices/new-school/opinion-becoming-mayari-rather-than-artemis/   https://stoicaswang.wordpress.com/2020/12/08/fun-facts-about-bulan-libulan-sidapa-and-haliya-in-philippine-mythologies/  https://pinoy-culture.tumblr.com/post/670950613307310080/its-another-full-moon-tonight-and-the-last-one-of  IG thepinaywriter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

39: SHORT KINGS | The Duwende & Nuno sa Punso (Philippine Dwarfs or Earth Goblins) We love our short kings. In this two-part feature, we finally get to cover the much-requested duwende and nuno sa punso, or the dwarfs & earth goblins of Philippine folklore. Known as guardians of the earth and its liminal spaces, their diminutive stature does not take away from the fear & respect they can inspire. Join us as we cover tales of unwanted courtship, when the best time is to get hot gossip, how J.R.R. Tolkien influenced the correct pluralization of “dwarf,” and what type of food to offer to appease these creatures. — 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: The Creatures of of the Philippine Lower Mythology by Maximo D. Ramos (1990) The Creatures of Midnight by Maximo D. Ramos (1990) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duende --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

KOZY KWENTO EP 1: How the Crocodile Learned to Hunt | Philippine Folktale Retelling In this short but sweet first episode of our Kozy Kwento series, learn about how the crocodile learned to hunt (plus a bonus mini-story!). Note: As this is oral tradition, some details may not be consistent with all the different versions of the tale. If there’s a different version of the story you know, please do share with us! — 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). — Reference/s:  Tales of Long Ago in the Philippines, Maximo D. Ramos.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

38: TAAL TALES | The Legends and Stories of Taal, the World’s Smallest Active Volcano Did you know that the world’s smallest active volcano is found in the heart of the Philippines?  Learn about the different myths of Taal Volcano, about its recent volcanic activity, and the many mystical reasons folks flock to view it over and over and over again.    In this shorty, we delve into not just the tales and superstitions around Taal Volcano but we also dive deep into how big a part it has played in our lives, and the lives of those who live around it.   In this episode, learn also why you should always be on the lookout for city lights in the plumes of the volcano and why there are absolutely no sleepovers in Taal (Volcano Island, that is).  Correction:  Taal is a STRATO Volcano, not a Complex Volcano — 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: https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=273070  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taal_Volcano  https://www.aswangproject.com/the-origin-of-taal-volcano-tagalog-myth/  https://www.bworldonline.com/editors-picks/2020/01/19/274007/taal-has-lost-her-patience/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

37: DARK HORSE | The Tikbalang: Half-Man, Half-Horse How did a country with no indigenous horses end up with a mythical half-man half-horse cryptid as a central character in its mythology? In this episode, we discuss the Tikbalang, one of the major characters in Filipino mythology and horror pop culture. Find out why it is essential to know how to quickly flip your outfit in the middle of the forest, why it is important to practice riding that Bronco machine at your neighborhood bar, and why you should always ask permission every time you pass an ominous-looking tree. Learn about the fascinating journey of the Tikbalang across the continent to find its unlikely roots in the Philippines and hear semi-modern accounts of people who have witnessed the Tikbalang themselves.   — 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 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikbalang  https://www.aswangproject.com/tikbalang/  https://letterboxd.com/film/once-upon-a-time-1987/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message

36: TELENOVELA AS OLD AS TIME | Part 2 of 2 - The Adventures of Humadapnon (A Suludnon Epic) Beware the island of a thousand beautiful maidens! In this two-part episode, we follow the adventures of Humadapnon, another epic from the island of Panay. Who comes to Humadapnon’s rescue? None other than the beautiful Binukot - Nagmalitong Yawa. In the second part of this journey, we cover: a wedding, another hero goes courting (but it’s not who you think!), a betrayal, a long-lost relative, a god’s ingenious solution for when your spouse does not want you anymore. We also delve a bit into Nagmalitong Yawa, a goddess by her own right, and a symbol of feminine power and allure. Warning: Some mature themes. — 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 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: Hinilawod: Adventures of Humadapnon, chanted by Hugan-an and recorded by Dr. F. Landa Jocano, Metro Manila: 2000, Punlad Research House, ISBN 9716220103, 9789716220100. http://vizayanmyths.blogspot.com/2013/09/nagmalitong-yawa-sinagmaling-diwata.html http://nightskylie.blogspot.com/2017/03/nagmalitong-yawa-sinagmaling-diwata.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/godsmustbecrazypod/message