Before GPS or written calendars, ancient Filipinos looked to the stars for guidance. In this episode, we journey into the rich, often-forgotten world of Philippine ethnoastronomy, discovering how our ancestors intimately understood the cosmos and wove it into the fabric of their daily lives.
Picking up from our last episode on global sky-gazing traditions, we'll dive deep into the unique star lore of the Philippine archipelago. Learn about the prominent constellation 
Balatik (Orion) , interpreted not as a hunter, but as a boar trap or weaving frame , signaling crucial agricultural seasons across diverse ethnolinguistic groups like the Tagalog, Maguindanaons, Bikol, Bagobo, Teduray, Ilokanos, Igorots, and Matigsalug-Manobo. Discover Moroporo (Pleiades), known by various names such as Mapolon or Supot ni Hudas to the Tagalogs , and its vital role in marking crop planning and sea navigation.

We'll explore how these "star patterns," or talampad, served as sophisticated natural calendars, guiding agricultural activities from clearing forests with Baha (Taurus) to predicting rich harvests with Gibbang (Gemini) and Malara (Canis Minor). You'll also hear how expert Filipino seafarers relied on stars like Mamahi Uttara (North Star) and Bunta (Southern Cross) for precise navigation across vast oceans.

Join us as we uncover how this profound celestial wisdom, once central to survival and culture, faced the threat of erasure due to modernization and colonial influence. We'll honor the pioneering work of Dr. Dante L. Ambrosio, "the Father of Philippine Ethnoastronomy", and highlight ongoing efforts to reclaim and revitalize this invaluable indigenous knowledge.
This episode is a call to remember the ancient skies and the deep connections our ancestors shared with the universe above. You'll never look at the stars the same way again.

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Thank you for listening—and for keeping wonder alive.
Stay curious. Keep your wonder close. 🌙✨

A gentle note:
This episode of LilWeird Podcast is a blend of researched facts, folklore, personal reflection, and creative storytelling. While efforts were made to ensure accuracy, this episode is intended for curious exploration, not as a scientific or academic resource. Listener discretion is encouraged when interpreting historical or cultural content.

References and Suggested Readings:
"Balatik: Etnoastronomiya, Kalangitan at Kabihasnang Pilipino" by Dr. Dante L. Ambrosio (considered a monumental study on Philippine ethnoastronomy)
The National Planetarium, National Museum of the Philippines: While "Filipino Life Guided by Skies" is a key exhibition for insights into ethnoastronomy practices, please note that the National Planetarium is temporarily closed for visitors as of July 2025.
The Aswang Project: A great online resource for precolonial astronomy in the Philippines and other folklore.
ResearchGate publications: Search for articles on Philippine ethnoastronomy for academic papers and ongoing research.

Credits:
Intro Music - Ambient Meditative Clear Sky
Outro Music - Velvet Sky



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