The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EPISODE 13: MUMMY MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN (PART 2) | Death, Burial and the Afterlife in Pre-Colonial Philippines Nov 28, 2021

Show notes

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.]

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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).

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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 Philippines. Tahanan Books for Young Readers. 2016. Print.

Indonesian Torajan Tribe - Death & Burial Practice (National Geographic):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCKDsjLt_qU

EPISODE 12: MUMMY MIA (PART 1) | Death, Burial and the Afterlife in Pre-Colonial Philippine Nov 14, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE 12: MUMMY MIA (PART 1) | Death, Burial and the Afterlife in Pre-Colonial Philippine

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.”

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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).

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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

EPISODE 11: SHAKE IT OFF | Pagpag & Other Philippine Superstitions & Traditions about Death & Burial Oct 29, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE 11: SHAKE IT OFF | Pagpag & Other Philippine Superstitions & Traditions about Death & Burial

In this chill (and weirdly cozy?) episode, we cover the strange, unique, oddly specific, and sometimes random superstitions and traditions on death and burial in the Philippines.

Every year at around Halloween, Filipino families gather at cemeteries for Araw ng mga Patay (Day of the Dead) to be with their loved ones – both living and dead. What better time to talk about the superstitions we practice but take for granted, like: why do we have to stop off somewhere before going home from a wake? Why can’t you thank people for offering their condolences? And why can’t you let your tears fall on the casket?

Join us as we also uncover a few of the lesser-known practices: like what animal you put on the coffin of a person who is murdered? What type of food to eat or avoid during wakes? …And what’s up with all the broken pots and plates?

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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).

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Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral_practices_and_burial_customs_in_the_Philippines
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagpag:_Siyam_na_Buhay
https://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3864.html
https://flowerpatchdelivery.com/blog/40-filipino-superstitions-funerals-and-wakes/

EPISODE 10 (PART 2): BUDJETTE TAN ON TRESE EASTER EGGS AND THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY Oct 22, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE 10 (PART 2): BUDJETTE TAN ON TRESE EASTER EGGS AND THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY

In this very special episode, we talk to Budjette Tan, co-creator of Trese, a Filipino komik series turned hit Netflix show.

In Part 2, we talk about Trese Easter eggs and interesting stories behind the scenes of the hit Netflix show: what were the creators' special requests for their in-show cameos? What inspired the unholy new incarnation of the tiyanak? Who’s top-ranked so far in fan-fiction pairings in the Trese-verse?

We also get into some pretty serious topics about the past, present & future of Philippine Mythology and how this links with our own cultural identities.

For artists and fellow creators, Budjette also doles out some very insightful advice about how to get started on your art, avoiding the traps of comparison, and how all of us have a unique story only we can tell.

It’s equal parts humor, silliness, insight, and creative inspiration. We hope you enjoy!

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The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram 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.

The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

The full video can be viewed on Youtube at https://youtu.be/g6LqQH1H6YQ . Video editing & artwork by Sassy Lacsamana (@sassyey on Instagram).

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Works & Resources mentioned in the interview:

Mythspace by Paolo Chikiamco

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23570090-mythspace-volume-1

Penlab.ink

https://penlab.ink/

The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo: Creatures and Beasts of Philippine Folklore by Budjette Tan, David Hontiveros, Kajo Baldisimo, Bow Guerrero, Mervin Malonzo

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29771042-the-lost-journal-of-alejandro-pardo

Mga Nilalang na Kagila-gilalas by Edgar Calabias Samar

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50910256-mga-nilalang-na-kagila-gilalas

Buffy Every Generation (Kajo Baldisimo Cover)

https://shop.filbars.online/products/buffy-every-generation-1-kajo-baldisimo-exclusive-cover

Maximo Ramos

https://www.amazon.com/Maximo-D.-Ramos/e/B001JWVYUI%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

The Aswang Project

https://www.aswangproject.com/

Philippine Spirits

http://phspirits.com/

Aswang Collection (@aswangNFT)

https://www.instagram.com/aswangnft/

EPISODE 10 (PART 1): BUDJETTE TAN ON TRESE, UNDERRATED MONSTERS AND WHY WE LOVE TO BE SCARED Oct 10, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE 10 (PART 1): BUDJETTE TAN ON TRESE, UNDERRATED MONSTERS AND WHY WE LOVE TO BE SCARED

In this very special episode, we talk to Budjette Tan, co-creator of Trese, a Filipino komik series turned hit Netflix show.

In Part 1, we talk about Trese, talk about underrated monsters of Philippine mythology and get a sneak peek into The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo. What's causing the renewed interest in Philippine Myth & how can we bring it even more to the forefront of our popular culture? What's with the Filipino fascination with the gory & macabre? And could we imagine a future with brand-sponsored ghosts?

Join us for a super fun chat with Budjette as we explore this and more!

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The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

The full video can be viewed on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOZvN462Wkc . Video editing & artwork by Sassy Lacsamana (@sassyey on Instagram).

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Works & Resources mentioned in the interview:

Mythspace by Paolo Chikiamco

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23570090-mythspace-volume-1

Penlab.ink

https://penlab.ink/

The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo: Creatures and Beasts of Philippine Folklore by Budjette Tan, David Hontiveros, Kajo Baldisimo, Bow Guerrero, Mervin Malonzo

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29771042-the-lost-journal-of-alejandro-pardo

Mga Nilalang na Kagila-gilalas by Edgar Calabias Samar

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50910256-mga-nilalang-na-kagila-gilalas

Buffy Every Generation (Kajo Baldisimo Cover)

https://shop.filbars.online/products/buffy-every-generation-1-kajo-baldisimo-exclusive-cover

Maximo Ramos

https://www.amazon.com/Maximo-D.-Ramos/e/B001JWVYUI%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

The Aswang Project

https://www.aswangproject.com/

Philippine Spirits

http://phspirits.com/

Aswang Collection (@aswangNFT)

https://www.instagram.com/aswangnft/

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Music Credits:

Title: Monkeys Spinning
Music: Kevin MacLeod
License: CC BY 3.0 (http://goo.gl/BlcHZR )
Download: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-

Title: Sneaky Snitch
Music: Kevin MacLeod
License: CC BY 3.0 (http://goo.gl/BlcHZR)
Download: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
ISRC: USUAN1100772
© 2010 Kevin MacLeod

EPISODE 9: IMAGINE DRAGONS | Bakunawa (The Moon-Eating Dragon of Philippine Myth) Sep 25, 2021

Show notes

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 majestic Bakunawa and their dragon cousins around the islands.

We also learn about pre-colonial calendars, astronomy, and how our ancestors decided which month it made sense to build a house. Find out just how recently we encountered a dragon-creature’s close cousin, interesting origins of a children’s game of tag, and the very strange way a dragon expresses its love.

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The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

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Sources:

References

EPISODE 8: SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES | The Kapre (Philippine Tree Giant) Sep 11, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE 8: SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES | The Kapre (Philippine Tree Giant)

Listen in as we share stories of the past AND present of the one of the Big Five monsters of Philippine myth, the Kapre. Learn of his roots, his international connections, his vices, and why he has some special credentials that enable him to be part of the Secret Service.

Also, did you ever want to be friends with a Jason Mamoa / David Batista (aka Bautista) - type? Well, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you detect, befriend, and even capture a Kapre right in the comfort of your own backyard -- if you don’t mind the smell.

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Corrections:

Johnny Walker Red is indeed the cheapest Johnny Walker.

The Malacanang Balete Tree was declared a Heritage tree by late former President Noynoy Aquino. To be declared as a heritage tree, it has to be a healthy native or endemic, exotic, rare, threatened and endangered with a minimum girth of 100 cm. Also to be considered is its aesthetic, historical, cultural, social and educational significance, according to a paper prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

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Sources:

References

EPISODE 7 - STOP RIGHT NOW, THANK YOU FAIRY MUCH | The Engkanto Aug 28, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE 7: STOP RIGHT NOW, THANK YOU FAIRY MUCH | The Engkanto

Join us this episode as we lift the veil off the secret world of the Engkanto. They are known for their other-worldly beauty, their love for unsalted white rice, and their endless conquest for human hearts.

What do Chris Hemsworth, George Clooney and Edward Cullen have in common? How do you successfully fend off unwanted magical suitors? And why is everyone wasting so much rice?

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Corrections: Elrond is, indeed, half-elven. Both of his parents, Eärendil and Elwing, were half-elven, having both Men and Elves as ancestors.

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The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

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Sources:

Ramos, Maximo D. Legends of the Lower Gods. Phoenix Publishing House, 1990.

Demetrio, Francisco. “The Engkanto Belief: An Essay in Interpretation.” Asian Folklore Studies, vol. 28, no. 1, 1969, pp. 77–90. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1177781.

https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Philippine_mythical_creatures

https://www.mangkukulam.com/folklore/364/Engkanto

https://www.aswangproject.com/the-elves-of-philippine-folklore/

http://nightskylie.blogspot.com/2017/03/tamawo.html

EPISODE 6 : LET’S START AT THE VERY BEGINNING | Filipino Creation Myths Aug 13, 2021

Show notes

EPISODE 6: LET’S START AT THE VERY BEGINNING | Filipino Creation Myths

In this episode, we take a step back and look to the very beginning, to the tales of creation from all around the Philippines. Some stories are familiar, some completely new, others, just totally gross. One thing remains very Filipino -- there sure is a lot of drama.

Listen in to hear about the reasons why we have the moon, the stars, and why we owe the variety of our country’s races and tribes to some good old-fashioned sibling rivalry and hubris. Also, learn why exfoliation, and not pottery, is one of the skills one needs to be a world-maker.

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Corrections:

We mistakenly attribute surfer voice to Luke Wilson, we had meant to say Owen Wilson. We also said Zeus ate his children when actually Cronus (his father) ate his children.

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The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

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Sources:

https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/creation-phil.html

John Maurice Miller, Philippine Folklore Stories (Boston: Ginn and Company, 1904), pp. 57-64

Mabel Cook Cole, Philippine Folk Tales (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company, 1916), p. 124, pp. 139-140

EPISODE 5 (BONUS): IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW JUAN | The Tricksters of Philippine Folklore (Is there a Filipino version of Loki?) Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

Some Warnings:

As this episode involves tricksters doing tricksy deeds, we veer a bit into more sexual themes and language in this episode. Listener discretion is advised, especially around little ears!

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In this episode, we attempt to answer the question: Is there a Filipino version of Loki? The infamous trickster of Norse Mythology (and now Marvel fame) is known for his cunning, wit and glorious misdeeds. Do we have a similar such figure in Philippine mythology or folklore?

Join us as we talk about animals trying to outsmart each other, con artists resorting to truly strange means to make a sale, and far too many dirty tales that even we thought we would encounter. More importantly, we also learn about the important role the ‘trickster’ played as a cultural figure, and the surprisingly subversive function it may have played during our periods of colonization.

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Corrections:

One of the tales mentioned in this episode incorrectly attributes the story of vagina dentata (whoops, spoiler!) to Anansi the African trickster god. This was actually a story from the Ponca tribe involving Coyote, a Native American cultural hero and trickster figure.

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The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram 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.

The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

---

Sources:

Mila D. Aguilar – “Fighting the Panopticon: Filipino Trickster as Active Agency against Oppressive Structures”: http://www.mda.ph/essays/academic_work/1168.pdf

https://mythopedia.com/norse-mythology/gods/loki/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trickster

https://www.aswangproject.com/pinoy-folkloric-tricksters/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagina_dentata