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 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.

---

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:

References

• ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakunawa⁠
• ⁠https://www.aswangproject.com/bakunawa/⁠
• ⁠https://www.aswangproject.com/minokawa-mindanaos-eater-of-the-sun-moon/⁠
• ⁠https://www.aswangproject.com/laho-moon-eater/⁠
• ⁠https://www.aswangproject.com/pre-colonial-diy-a-brief-how-to-list-of-early-filipino-practices

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 whirlwind journey from wallflower to vixen, thanks to one magical top that redefines “capsule wardrobe.” Will she navigate her new allure as a blessing or wrestle it as a curse? Slip into something more magical and join us for a ride through love, crossed-wires, and a little chaos.

—

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).

—

Sources:

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

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384853/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJzByim1nxE

Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Film Kickstarter – bit.ly/zaturnnah

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 respect and awe across the region.

Join us as we sail through tales of maritime mastery, intricate trade networks, and the empire's unique cocktail of Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous beliefs – many of which will sound very familiar!

Dive deep into the spiritual fabric of Majapahit society—where animistic rituals intertwined with royal decrees and the sacred ceremonies defined communal life. We'll explore how these ancient practices continue to echo throughout Indonesian culture today. And wait til the end for myth from the Majapahit Empire that rivals the Disney tales of yesteryear – hello representation please.

—

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/Majapahit

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

https://www.britannica.com/place/Majapahit-empire