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 also learn why the Ibaloi think the rainbow isn’t straight, why you shouldn’t point at rainbows and how early Visayan saw it as an omen of war.

Lastly, we cover the various rainbow myths around the world, involving half-demons, godly weapons and spontaneous gender transformations.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

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Sources:

https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/68806/alamat-ang-pag-iibigang-pinagtibay-ng-bahaghari/story 

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/ang-alamat-ng-bahagharidocx/252181196#2 

https://www.aswangproject.com/rainbows-in-philippine-mythology-folklore/ 

https://www.aswangproject.com/biraddali/ 

https://www.aswangproject.com/bathalas-seven-children/ 

https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/nonpwdpubs/young_naturalist/earth_sciences/rainbows/index.phtml#:~:text=An%20old%20Romanian%20folktale%20claimed,changed%20into%20the%20opposite%20sex. 

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?

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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 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 [email protected]

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

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Sources:

https://thephilippineliterature.com/the-story-of-the-first-durian-the-hermits-three-wishes/#:~:text=Impit%20Purok%20mixes%20the%20three,durian%20smells%20and%20looks%20today. 

https://www.whetstonemagazine.com/journal/the-lore-and-legend-of-durian 

https://steemit.com/literature/@juvyjabian/the-legend-of-name-durian-originally-translated-filipino-fictional-story 

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/231628/durian-as-aphrodisiac-myths-and-legends-about-dutertes-favorite-fruit/ 

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/09/521979/king-hermit-and-durian 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian#Flavour_and_odour 

https://buklat.blogspot.com/2017/11/ang-alamat-ng-durian.html 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41563300 

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 legend.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

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Sources:

Gintong Aral. (n.d.). The Legend of the Coconut Tree. Retrieved from Gintong Aral

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.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

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Sources:

⁠https://buklat.blogspot.com/2017/10/ang-alamat-ng-atis.html⁠

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcCL3lP-8Fo⁠ 

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 weight in gold, as well as a group of mango-worshippers that probably took it a bit too far.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

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Sources:

https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-Legend-Of-Mango 

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

https://www.tokyoweekender.com/food-and-drink/the-worlds-most-expensive-mango/

https://steemit.com/literature/@juvyjabian/the-legend-of-mango-varieties-originally-translated-filipino-fictional-stories 

https://ohdbks.overdrive.com/ohdbks-clermont/content/media/3849496

https://multoghost.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/food-origin-myths-two-from-the-philippines/ 

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.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

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Sources:

https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/Philippine-Legend-The-Legend-Of-Guava 

https://medium.com/@capucaosharon20/the-folktale-of-the-guava-tree-ef174984bb38

https://buklat.blogspot.com/2017/11/bakit-may-korona-ang-bayabas.html 

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.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

Sources:
Rivera, Augie D. "Alamat ng Ampalaya = The Legend of the Bitter Gourd." Manila: Adarna Book Services, 1995. https://the-thought-oasis.blogspot.com/2020/08/004-alamat-ng-ampalaya-by-augie-d.html.

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.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

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Sources:

https://thephilippineliterature.com/the-legend-of-the-dama-de-noche/ 

https://discover.hubpages.com/education/The-Legend-Of-The-Dama-De-Noche 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cestrum_nocturnum 
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-fertility-islands/index.html

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.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

—

Sources:

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/alamat-ng-langka/57443707

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.

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 in Philippine mythology. We take a deep dive into the myth where she blinds the Bakunawa in a cosmic battle to save the moon, a tale that somehow feels like The Nutcracker meets True Blood. 

We also discuss how modern Filipinos have unofficially assigned her the job of goddess of fresh starts, why her PR team (if she had one) is seriously slacking, and how this forgotten dawn deity deserves a Sailor Moon-style transformation sequence (artists, we need you on this). 

✨ Start your day with us, a quiz, and a whole lot of mythological nerding out.

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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 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 [email protected]

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

—

Sources:

"Exploring the Tagalog Story of Hanan in Philippine Mythology." Wars and History. 

"Hanan: The Morning Goddess." Mythlok. "Hanan." Treasury of Tagalog. Accessed January 23, 2025. URL: https://tagalogmyth.wixsite.com/treasuryoftagalog/hanan. 

"Hanan, Tagalog Goddess of Dawn + Full Moon in Scorpio." Hella Pinay.  

"Hanan (goddess)." EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki.  

"Philippine Mythology Gods and Goddesses: An Ultimate Guide." FilipiKnow.  

"Exploring Philippine Mythology: Gods and Goddesses of Tagalog Pantheon." Yodisphere.  

"Hanan | Facts, Information, and Mythology." Pantheon.org. URL: https://pantheon.org/articles/h/hanan.html. 

"Ancient Philippines: Rituals for Land, Weather and Sailing." The Aswang Project. URL: https://www.aswangproject.com/ancient-philippines-rituals/. 

"Religious Experiences and Spirituality: Indigenous Religions in Pre-colonial Philippines." Slideshare.net. URL: https://www.slideshare.net/indigenous-religions-philippines. 

"PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD: Philippine History." StudyLib. URL:  https://studylib.net/doc/pre-colonial-period-philippine-history. 

"Indigenous Religions of the Philippines: Preserving Ancient Beliefs." Pinas Culture. Accessed January 23, 2025. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annapurna_(goddess) 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanan_(given_name)  

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27929190/#:~:text=Inspired%20by%20Philippine%20mythology%2C%20the,create%20ripples%20throughout%20the%20universe.