This isn’t your usual LilWeird episode, it’s more like a journal entry. In this catch-up, I share some reflections on past episodes (The Cosmic Compass and Philippine Star Lore) and how uncovering ancient knowledge of the skies inspired me to return to something I’ve always loved: writing stories.

Somewhere between rambling thoughts and quiet confessions, I offer a glimpse into my newest project, Case 001: The Crossing. It begins with a disappearance, an old sky map, and a lighthouse that blinks when it shouldn’t. The story unravels like a forgotten dossier, filled with fragments, riddles, and signals that blur the line between history and myth. 

So, join me for a short, honest ramble. Part reflection, part sneak peek, and maybe the first clue of what’s to come.

If this episode sparked your curiosity, made you feel a little more enchanted, or reminded you of the stories hiding in plain sight, I’d love for you to stay connected with the LilWeird Universe. You can support the podcast, explore more curious content, and help keep this little world growing, glowing, and wonderfully weird.

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

Credits:
🎵Intro - Peaceful Piano Background
🎵BGM - Mystical Piano Atmosphere
🎵 Outro - Magical Voyage

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

(00:00:00) Ghost Month 101: Myths, Taboos & the August Slowdown

(00:02:01) Part 1 - Where Ghost Month Comes From

(00:03:09) Customs and Beliefs

(00:05:35) Story 1 - The Front Row Seat

(00:06:12) Story 2 - The Taxi Passenger

(00:06:48) Story 3 - The Shore that Pulls

(00:07:27) Story 4 - The Red Envelope

(00:08:00) Some of the Lesser Known Beliefs this Month

(00:11:02) What are the Practical Reasons August is a Slow Month?

(00:13:04) Closing

(00:14:43) Outro

“The month doesn’t just honor the dead. It feeds them.” In this LilWeird deep dive, I walk the lantern-lit road of Hungry Ghost Month. Its Buddhist and Daoist roots, the customs and taboos (front rows left empty, water lanterns on black seas), and the stories people still whisper in August. Then I pull back the incense curtain to ask the blunt question: Is August slow because of ghosts… or because of calendars, budgets, and storms? Expect lore, etiquette, eerie vignettes, and a grounded look at why many businesses quietly avoid August. Light your lantern, don’t touch the offering, and press play.

If this episode sparked your curiosity, made you feel a little more enchanted, or reminded you of the stories hiding in plain sight. I’d love for you to stay connected with the LilWeird Universe. You can support the podcast, explore more curious content, and help keep this little world growing, glowing, and wonderfully weird.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:
🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal. A dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a monthly supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

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:
Stephen F. Teiser — The Ghost Festival in Medieval China

Roots.gov.sg — “Zhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival)”
Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Office — “Yu Lan (Hungry Ghost) Festival (Chiu Chow)”
Taiwan Tourism — “Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival”
Alvin Eng Hui Lim (2020) — “Live Streaming and Digital Stages for the Hungry Ghosts and Deities,” Religions
Time Out Hong Kong — “Hungry Ghost Festival taboos and things to avoid doing”

Credits:
Outro - Quirky Whimsical Play

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

What if a single word could hold the heart of a culture? In the Philippines, “Loob” is more than “inside”. It’s the core of your being, the spirit that shapes how you feel, connect, and live. In this episode of the LilWeird Podcast, we explore the Filipino concept of loob, its ties to values like kapwa and pakikiramdam, and why it’s almost impossible to translate into English. We’ll uncover how this untranslatable word influences everyday life, relationships, and even how outsiders see us and what we lose when words like this fade from use.

For fans of: Philippine culture, Filipino psychology, language and identity, and indigenous wisdom.

🗣 Note: This episode is spoken entirely in Filipino, in celebration of Buwan ng Wika and in honor of our shared loob as a people.

If this resonates with you, let me know! I'd love to create more episodes in Filipino and continue exploring the language of our loob together.
This isn’t just a lesson in words.
It’s a soft invitation to return to something deeper.
To the soul of who we are when we are not trying to explain ourselves in someone else’s tongue.

If this episode made you pause, reflect, or think twice about the words we carry and the language that carries us, I’d love for you to stay connected with the LilWeird Universe.
Here, we dig deep into the stories and meanings that don’t always translate and that’s the magic. You can support the podcast, explore more curious content, and help keep this little world growing, glowing, and wonderfully weird.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal. A dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a monthly supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse
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:
Enriquez, V. G. (1992). From colonial to liberation psychology: The Philippine experience. University of the Philippines Press.
Covar, P. R. (1998). Larangan: Seminal essays on Philippine culture. National Commission for Culture and the Arts.




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

Long before telescopes, the night sky was a living map. In the Philippines, constellations like Balatik and Moroporo told when to plant, when to fish, and when to prepare for change. In this episode of the LilWeird Podcast, we dive into Philippine star lore and the field of ethnoastronomy. How ancient communities read the stars, the myths they wove, and the rituals tied to celestial movements. You’ll discover how colonial history dimmed these sky stories, and why reclaiming them matters today.

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.

For fans of: Philippine mythology, astronomy history, indigenous science, cultural astronomy, cosmic myths.

If this episode sparked your curiosity, made you feel a little more enchanted, or reminded you of the stories hiding in plain sight, I’d love for you to stay connected with the LilWeird Universe. You can support the podcast, explore more curious content, and help keep this little world growing, glowing, and wonderfully weird.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal. A dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a monthly supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

(00:00:00) The Cosmic Compass: Ancient Wisdom of the Stars

(00:01:29) Part 1: Finding Their Way: The Original GPS

(00:04:45) Part 2

(00:09:04) Part 3: Sacred Skies: Spiritual Connections Between Heaven and Earth

(00:11:47) Part 4: Stories Written in Stars: Myths, Meaning, and Memory

(00:15:08) Closing

Before GPS and smartphones, our ancestors turned to the stars.

In this episode of LilWeird, we travel back in time to explore how ancient cultures navigated oceans, tracked seasons, and wove myths into the fabric of the night sky. From the Polynesians’ star compasses and the Inuit’s arctic constellations, to the heliacal rising of Sirius in ancient Egypt. This episode is a love letter to the sky as our first compass, calendar, and cosmic storyteller.

We ask: What does it mean that so many of our oldest structures align with celestial events? Why do constellations carry such deep cultural symbolism, even when they don’t actually resemble their namesakes? And what can we learn about ourselves by looking up?

✨ Highlights in this episode:

• Mau Piailug and the legacy of Polynesian navigation
• Heliacal rising of Sirius and the Egyptian calendar
• Aboriginal “Emu in the Sky” and the power of negative space
• Why Orion didn’t always mean a hunter, and why that matters

🔭 Whether you're a sky-watcher, mythology buff, or just a curious soul, this episode invites you to see the stars a little differently.

✨ I also crafted something celestial just for you. Moon Notes, a dreamy manifestation journal inspired by episodes like this one. It's a gentle companion for setting intentions, journaling under the stars, and tuning back into the rhythms above.
You can find it in the Ko-fi shop or receive it for free when you leave a tip (or as I call it, a charm) or become a monthly supporter.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:
🌕 Grab your copy of the Moon Notes Journal on Ko-fi – or get it free with any charm
🌌 Subscribe or follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a review or rating – it helps the show reach more curious minds
🌿 Become a monthly supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here → 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

Thank you for listening and for keeping wonder alive.
 Stay curious. Stay luminous. 💫

References & Suggested Readings:

• Polynesian Voyaging Society: https://www.hokulea.com

• Navigators: Pathfinders of the Pacific (BBC Documentary)

• Fienup-Riordan, A. (1994). Boundaries and Passages: Rule and Ritual in Yup'ik Eskimo Oral Tradition

• Krupp, E. C. (1997). Skywatchers, Shamans & Kings: Astronomy and the Archaeology of Power

• Kelley, D. H., & Milone, E. F. (2011). Exploring Ancient Skies: A Survey of Ancient and Cultural Astronomy

• Hoskin, M. (2001). Tombs, Temples and Their Orientations: A New Perspective on Mediterranean Prehistory

• "The Heliacal Rising of Sirius and the Egyptian Calendar" – Journal for the History of Astronomy

• McCluskey, S. C. (1990). Astronomies and Cultures in Early Medieval Europe

Disclaimer:
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.

Credits:
Intro Music - Intro-melancolica-141509
Outro - Velvet Sky (LoFi Ambient)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

She’s been our light in the dark for millennia, but where did the Moon come from and who, if anyone, put her there? This episode of the LilWeird Podcast explores myths and legends of the Moon, from Philippine folktales to cosmic stories from around the world. We’ll wander through ancient sky lore, supernatural moon-eaters, and even strange modern theories searching for meaning in her eternal glow.

From ancient lunar goddesses and cosmic coincidences to strange scientific facts and secret symbolism, we explore:
☽ Why the Moon seems almost “perfectly placed” to affect tides, eclipses, and even myths
☽ Why cultures across the globe still follow lunar calendars for rituals, love, and loss
☽ How modern stories—like The Truman Show—echo the Moon’s role as an all-seeing eye
☽ And the question at the heart of it all: Who put the Moon there?

Whether you're here for science, superstition, or soft moonlit storytelling, this episode is for you.

For fans of: moon myths, Philippine folklore, celestial legends, ancient astronomy, cultural myths.

If this episode stirred your imagination, or made you look up at the night sky a little differently, I’d love for you to stay connected with the LilWeird Universe. You can support the podcast, explore more moon-inspired magic, and help keep this space growing, glowing, and weird.

I also created something special for this episode: Moon Notes Manifestation Journal, dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon. It’s available in the Ko-fi shop, or you can get it for free when you send a tip (which I call a charm) or become a monthly subscriber.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:
🌕 Grab your copy of the Moon Notes Journal on Ko-fi – or get it free with any charm
🌌 Subscribe or follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a review or rating. It helps the show reach more curious minds
🌿 Become a monthly supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here → 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

Thank you for listening and for keeping wonder alive.
 
Stay curious. Stay lunar. 🌙✨

Disclaimer:
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.

Credits:
Outro 🎵 - Magical Voyage by alanajordan

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

Episode Description:
Valentine’s Day—a celebration of love, romance, and sweet gestures… but did you know its origins are far from roses and chocolates? Before Hallmark cards and candlelit dinners, this day had ties to ancient rituals, mysterious gods, and even a rebellious king lost in history.

In this episode of LilWeird, we dig deep into the shadowy past of Valentine’s Day, exploring:

🩸 The Roman festival of Lupercalia, filled with wild rituals and strange traditions
🏹 Cupid’s hidden backstory—was he more than just a love-struck cherub?
👑 The controversial connection to an ancient ruler, whose legend still echoes today
🔮 The Gnostic influence that shaped early Christian traditions
💌 How the Church rebranded a festival of fertility into a day of love

Is Valentine’s Day really about Saint Valentine, or is there more to the story? Join me as we question the origins of one of the world’s most beloved holidays.

🎧 Listen now and uncover the hidden history!

🔎 Show Notes:

📖 Further Reading for Curious Minds:

The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop – A controversial book linking modern traditions to Babylonian mystery religions
Babylon Mystery Religion by Ralph Woodrow – Explores the connections between ancient and modern religious customs
Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola & George Barna – A deep dive into how pagan influences shaped Christian traditions
The Golden Bough by Sir James Frazer – A study on mythology, folklore, and rituals

🗣️ Join the Conversation:
What do you think about these theories? Do they hold weight, or are they just historical coincidences? Let’s chat!
📩 DM me on Instagram @lilweird_podcast or leave a comment on your favorite podcast platform.


Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/lilweirdpodcast
Instagram: @lilweird_podcast
TikTok: @lil.weird_
X (formerly Twitter): @LilWeirdJane

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This episode of LilWeird explores various historical theories, interpretations, and myths surrounding Valentine’s Day. While some of these ideas are based on historical records, others stem from alternative research and speculation. This episode is intended for discussion and curiosity—not as a definitive historical account. Listeners are encouraged to think critically, do their own research, and form their own conclusions.

📚 References & Sources:
The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop – A book that claims many modern traditions have roots in ancient Babylon, though it is debated by historians.
Babylon Mystery Religion by Ralph Woodrow – A book that explores the evolution of religious customs, though the author later distanced himself from Hislop’s conclusions.
Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola & George Barna – An exploration of how pagan traditions influenced Christian holidays and practices.
The Golden Bough by Sir James Frazer – A detailed study of mythology, folklore, and ancient religious customs.
Historical references to Lupercalia – Sourced from Encyclopedia Britannica and various academic texts.
Biblical references – Genesis 10:8-12 (Nimrod), interpretations of Saint Valentine, and theories surrounding Babylonian religious influence.

📌 Note: Some of these sources present alternative or speculative theories. Listeners are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and conduct their own research.

Credits:
Closing Music: 'Dystopia' by Neutrin05

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

What happens when the night sky is no longer safe? This week on LilWeird, we explore the haunting tale of the Bakunawa, the mythical sea dragon from Filipino folklore, known for devouring the moon. Dive into a world where ancient myths meet cosmic wonders, revealing how early Filipinos explained lunar eclipses and their connection to the cycles of nature and time.
From the Bakunawa’s shimmering, starlit scales to the seven moons it consumed, we’ll uncover the origins of this epic legend and its surprising connections to cultures across the globe. You’ll learn why communities gathered to beat drums and shout into the night during lunar eclipses—and how this powerful story continues to inspire awe today.

A Note to Our Listeners:

This episode delves into Filipino mythology and the cultural importance of these stories. Interpretations may vary across regions, and while we strive to present them respectfully, we welcome your insights or corrections to keep the conversation going. Additionally, this content is for entertainment and educational purposes and is not intended as a scholarly resource. It’s all about celebrating and exploring the beauty of these myths.
Whether you’re a lover of myths, curious about cultural heritage, or fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos, this episode will leave you enchanted by the beauty and depth of Filipino folklore.

Show Notes:

In This Episode, We’ll Explore:

• The origin story of the Bakunawa and its connection to lunar eclipses and celestial myths.
• How the Bakunawa legend ties to ancient Filipino agricultural practices and the Ilongo lunar calendar.
• Cross-cultural parallels with moon-devouring creatures like Norse wolves, Indian celestial demons, and Chinese dragons.

Other fascinating Philippine mythical beings that echo similar cosmic themes, including:

• Tambanakaua: The giant crab from Mandaya and Bukidnon myths, whose anger and attempts to swallow the moon symbolize the tides and lunar eclipses.
• Minokawa: A monstrous bird from Bagobo lore that pursues both the moon and sun, threatening to devour the skies.
• Olimaw: The Ilocano winged serpent or dragon, believed to plunge the world into darkness if left unchecked.
• Laho: A shadowy devourer in Tagalog mythology whose name means  "to vanishing."

Modern Connections:

• The discovery of Iniistius bakunawa, a fish with eclipse-like markings, named after the mythical dragon, and its role in biodiversity conservation.

References Mentioned:

• Creatures of the Midnight by Dr. Maximo Ramos
• The Soul Book by Francisco R. Demetrio and Gilda Cordero
• The Aswang Project: In-depth articles on the Bakunawa, Minokawa, and other mythical creatures
• Stories from Kiniray-a, Ilongo, Mandaya, and Bagobo folklore
• Indian, Norse, and Incan mythology comparisons

Join the Conversation:

What’s your favorite myth about the moon or celestial creatures? Do you have a family story that reminds you of the Bakunawa or similar beings? Let us know! We’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode! 

Facebook: facebook.com/lilweirdpodcast
Instagram: @lilweird_podcast
TikTok: @lil.weird_
X (formerly Twitter): @LilWeirdJane

References: 

• Creatures of the Midnight by Dr. Maximo Ramos
• The Soul Book by Francisco R. Demetrio and Gilda Cordero
• The Aswang Project: In-depth articles on the Bakunawa, Minokawa, and other mythical creatures
• Stories from Kiniray-a, Ilongo, Mandaya, and Bagobo folklore
• Indian, Norse, and Incan mythology comparisons

Credits:
Closing Music: 'Dystopia' by Neutrin05


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse

In this Halloween special, we dive into the eerie legends of some of the Philippines’ oldest universities, where ghost stories have thrived for generations. From Ateneo de Manila’s mysterious infinite staircase to the restless spirits of De La Salle University, these tales take us through shadowy hallways, haunted staircases, and spine-chilling apparitions. Discover what secrets lie within the hallowed grounds of the University of Santo Tomas and the strange encounters that make UP Diliman a ghostly hotspot. Join me, Jane Bee, as we explore why some stories refuse to fade away.

Show Notes

Timestamps:
00:00:50 - Welcome - Jane introduces the theme, inviting listeners on a haunted journey through the Philippines’ most storied universities.
00:01:48 - Ateneo de Manila University - Dive into tales of endless staircases, ghostly ladies in Bellarmine Hall, and eerie sightings in the Old Communications Department.
00:05:45 - De La Salle University - Discover wartime tragedies and spirits in St. La Salle Hall, Mutien-Marie Hall, and Yuchengco Hall, where mystery and fear linger.
00:08:29 - University of Santo Tomas - Explore UST’s ghostly friar in Benavides Park, the crying student in St. Raymund’s Building, and the haunted piano of the Conservatory of Music.
00:10:44 - University of the Philippines Diliman - End the tour with tales from UP Diliman, where blood-red eyes haunt the College of Education and the ghost of Vinzons Hall leaves a lasting impression.

Episode Highlights:

The connection between historical tragedy and paranormal activity on campuses.
How each university’s architecture and past shape its ghostly legends.
Reflections on the cultural significance of these ghost stories passed down through generations.
Got your own campus ghost stories? I’d love to hear them! Reach out and share your spooky encounters—because you never know, they might make it into a future episode. And if you enjoyed today’s Halloween speciaI, ’d love to hear your thoughts, creepy experiences, or any weird topics you’d like me to cover next! Connect with me on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more spooky fun:

Facebook: facebook.com/lilweirdpodcast
Instagram: @lilweird_podcast
TikTok: @lil.weird_
X (formerly Twitter): @LilWeirdJane
Join the weird fam, and let’s keep diving into the unknown! And remember—always be curious and embrace the weird. 🎃

Disclaimer: The stories shared in this episode are based on urban legends and campus folklore from various Philippine universities. These tales have been passed down through generations, blending history with the supernatural, but remember—they are largely anecdotal. So, while they’re sure to send a chill down your spine, they’re meant for entertainment and exploration of Philippine folklore rather than factual accounts.

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In this eerie Halloween special, we dive into some of the most spine-chilling omens of death from Filipino folklore and beyond. What does it mean when you dream of losing teeth? Could encountering your doppelgänger actually signal your final days? And what should you do if you see someone you know without a head? These unsettling experiences have haunted generations, but are they just coincidence, or could they be real warnings from something beyond?

Join me, Jane Bee, as we explore these terrifying signs, backed by cultural beliefs, psychological interpretations, and real-life stories. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode will have you questioning what you know and what might be lurking around the corner.

Show Notes:
[00:01:23] – Introduction: Overview of Filipino death omens and how they connect to deeper beliefs about life, death, and the supernatural.
[00:01:56] – Dreaming of Losing Teeth: Explore the spiritual and psychological interpretations. Is this dream a harbinger of death or simply a reflection of your inner anxieties?
[00:11:32] – Seeing Your Doppelgänger: Stories of famous historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Percy Bysshe Shelley encountering their doubles before death, and what Filipino culture says about seeing your own doppelgänger.
[00:14:54] – Headless Apparitions: From eerie urban legends to firsthand accounts of headless figures, discover the chilling belief that seeing someone without their head signals impending doom.
[00:16:06] – Jeepney Creepy Story: A late-night jeepney ride turns terrifying when the driver notices something horrifying in the rearview mirror—a woman with no head. 
[00:18:27] – Personal Story: Hear the unnerving tale of a friend of mine who saw her mother’s face disappear and what her family did to ward off the bad omen.
[00:20:27] – Conclusion: Are these omens just psychological tricks, or should we heed their warnings? Let’s reflect on how they shape our understanding of the unknown.

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the LilWeird Podcast! If you enjoyed the stories and eerie discussions we had today, be sure to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite platform—it really helps us grow and reach more curious listeners like you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, creepy experiences, or any weird topics you’d like me to cover next! Connect with me on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more spooky fun:

Facebook: facebook.com/lilweirdpodcast
Instagram: @lilweird_podcast
TikTok: @lil.weird_
X (formerly Twitter): @LilWeirdJane

Join the weird fam, and let’s keep diving into the unknown! And remember—always be curious and embrace the weird. 🎃




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Here’s how you can support and explore more:

🌕 Become a Ko-fi supporter and receive the Moon Notes Journal - a dreamy little guide to help you reflect, set intentions, and write under the phases of the moon
🌌 Follow the LilWeird Podcast on your favorite app
✨ Leave a rating or review! It helps more curious minds find us
🌿 Join as a supporter on Ko-fi to unlock future perks and behind-the-scenes magic
🧭 Explore all LilWeird links here →
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilweirduniverse
Instagram: @lilweird_universe
Substack: https://lilweirduniverse.substack.com/
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/lilweirduniverse