EPISODE 26: THE PRINCESS IN THE TOWER | The Binukot (The Kept Maidens of Visayan Tradition)

In this episode, we talk about a character often seen but barely heard in the Filipino epics; whose existence bears witness to an ancient Visayan practice that has almost disappeared today. She is the Binukot, secluded from the community and kept aside from a young age, valued for her fair skin, stunning and fragile beauty, and mysterious allure.

Why was such a practice made and how had it endured throughout the years? What was life like for these girls and how did this upbringing affect them as grown women? And why are the fairy tale princesses always locked in a tower?

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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 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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References:

Abrera, Maria Bernadette L. (2008–2009). "Seclusion and Veiling of Women". Philippine Social Sciences Review. Accessed from .

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/binukot-women-philippines/

https://www.rappler.com/moveph/177261-binukot-panay-bukidnon-death/

https://www.aswangproject.com/binukot/

https://web.archive.org/web/20150616205724/

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/25104/publicaffairs/iwitness/huling-prinsesa-last-princess

https://ayer428.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/lola-conchita-panay-bukidnon%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9cbinukot%e2%80%9d/