The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

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.

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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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References/Further Reading:

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

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

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

56: GOLD RUSH | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 2

Not ALL the glitters is gold! This is the 2nd part of the Tallano Gold Myth story, which purported that the Philippines was ‘owned’ by the clan that ruled an ancestral Maharlika kingdom, and left hundreds of thousands of tons of gold hidden away for the Filipino people. In part 2, we cover how the strange conspiracy theory has evolved in the modern times: how it affected recent presidential elections, and how multiple individuals have since stepped forward and claimed to be the long-lost heirs of this immense kingdom, including, of course, all that gold. 

Get ready for wild stories involving Rizal’s supposed hidden identity, UFO cults and investment advice from aliens, squatting syndicates, and the potential existence of United Nations Seven-Star Governor Generals?! And watch out for a special soap recommendation to ‘wash away the dark spots of Philippine history.’

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are opinions and quoted allegations. The content here should not be taken as indisputable facts. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Remember to do your own research before you believe what you see on the internet!

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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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References/Further Reading:

When Fake News Infects Political Networks: Case Study of the Tallano Gold Myth in the Philippines, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4293563

The Tallano Gold Myth : UFO Cults, Polarization, and Contact Zones, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372912833_The_Tallano_Gold_Myth_UFO_Cults_Polarization_and_Contact_Zones

https://www.creativeimage.jp/foundation/_pdf/The%20True%20Story%20of%20the%20Tallano%20(TALA)%20Estate.pdf

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

https://diktadura.upd.edu.ph/2022/09/18/ecstatic-loyalists-await-their-share-of-the-marcos-wealth-but-is-it-fools-gold/ 

https://shopee.ph/TALLANO-GOLD-SOAP-24K-i.465696249.13760780388

55: FOOL’S GOLD | The Tallano Gold Myth, Part 1

This gold rush is a WILD one! In this episode, we talk about one of the conspiracy theories that rocked the imagination of Filipinos for years–most especially in the last Presidential election.

Have you heard of the myth of the Tallano Gold? Hundreds of thousands of metric tons of gold that are supposedly owned by an old royal family that “legally owns” the Philippine archipelago. Join us as we parse through historical documents, take a journey through Asia, the Vatican, and… outer space? What does a UFO cult have to do with the ancestral gold of a long-lost royal family? Who really owned the Philippine Islands–and who continues to stake their claim to this day? And is there really such a thing as a Seven Star Governor General in the United Nations?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are opinions and quoted allegations. The content here should not be taken as indisputable facts. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Remember to do your own research before you believe what you see on the internet!

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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).

—

References/Further Reading:

When Fake News Infects Political Networks: Case Study of the Tallano Gold Myth in the Philippines, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4293563

The Tallano Gold Myth : UFO Cults, Polarization, and Contact Zones, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372912833_The_Tallano_Gold_Myth_UFO_Cults_Polarization_and_Contact_Zones

https://www.creativeimage.jp/foundation/_pdf/The%20True%20Story%20of%20the%20Tallano%20(TALA)%20Estate.pdf

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

https://diktadura.upd.edu.ph/2022/09/18/ecstatic-loyalists-await-their-share-of-the-marcos-wealth-but-is-it-fools-gold/ 

https://shopee.ph/TALLANO-GOLD-SOAP-24K-i.465696249.13760780388

EPISODE 54: ISANG TANONG, ISANG SAGOT (Answering the Top Questions about Philippine Mythology on Google)

NOTE: A BONUS extended version of the ep (20 mins more!) going over top Philippine superstitions will be available to subscribers on Spotify and Patreon supporters. Watch out for it!

Who is the most powerful god in Philippine Mythology? How was the Philippines created? What is the scariest monster in Philippine Folklore? Who is the god or goddess of love and beauty? Also, how many of you have capre-related love problems, be honest!

On our podcast’s third anniversary, join us for a fun, quick-fire episode (well, as quick as we can manage), where we cover the top questions the internet has about or related to Philippine Mythology. Whether you’re new to the pod or a listener from the start, we hope you enjoy this romp through all the different aspects of Philippine Mythology and Folklore with us.

Happy three years of The Gods Must Be Crazy!

53: DOCTOR QUACK QUACK | Folk Medicine Part 1

In this episode, we're diving into the world of Philippine folk medicine, where the cure for your sniffles might just be under your kitchen sink—or in your backyard. Who needs a doctor when you've got chickens and vinegar at the ready?

Join us as we explore remedies that range from the bizarre to the bewildering. Ever thought about dodging diseases by tossing flowers on top of a casket? Or maybe you prefer wearing crocodile teeth for that extra bit of health insurance. And if you're feeling brave, learn why you should consider a fiesta over a pharmacy visit next time you're feeling ill.

We'll also tackle the ultimate protection racket—how your pets might be more than just cute companions, they could be your disease bodyguards. Plus, don't miss out on our guide to turning your garden into a disease-free zone with nothing but some pretty flowers.

So brew a cup of that special May rainwater tea, settle in, and let’s get quacky with ancient wisdom that could either be a lifesaver or just a really good story!

Disclaimer:  “Doctor Quack Quack” refers to the BEST GAME EVER from our childhoods.  It’s not meant to refer to the term “quack doctors,” which, unfortunately, is what colonizer accounts referred to our folk healers – boo.  

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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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References/Further Reading:

Encyclopedia of Philippine folk beliefs and customs volume 2 by Father Francisco Demetrio SJ 

52: GREAT BALLS OF FIRE | Santelmo - Part 1: Flaming Orbs of Death?

Goodness, gracious! This week, we fire it up with a deep dive into the legend and lore behind the Santelmo, or St. Elmo’s Fire. Were these mystical balls of fire omens of death and destruction… or a sign pointing to hidden treasure?

Buckle up as we go into tangents you never expected: from old sailors tales, to physics concepts about plasma and electricity they didn’t teach us in high school,  to the patron saint of abdominal pains. 

Learn about the various sightings of the Santelmo in ‘rural legends’ of old and recent memory, the historical origins of the story and where the name comes from, and how the legend continues to live in popular imagination.

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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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References/Further Reading:

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/santelmo-origin-trese-a00293-20210614-lfrm

https://www.aswangproject.com/santelmo/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Elmo%27s_fire

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

https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2014/05/04/101292-holy-confessor-erasmus-bishop-of-formia-in-campania

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=182

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

https://trese.fandom.com/wiki/Santelmo

51: PAST LIVES | The Eternal Love Story of Maruja

Buckle up, lovebirds and skeptics! This week, we're diving into the heart-stopping saga of Maruja, a love story so strong it just couldn't stay buried. From Mars Ravelo's comic genius to cinematic reboots, Maruja's undying romance with Gabriel has been making fans swoon for over a century.

We're peeling back the layers of this epic melodrama where forbidden love meets ghostly whispers. Maruja, destined for a loveless marriage, pulls the ultimate bridezilla move with a tragic twist, promising a love revival a hundred years later. Does her reincarnated self, Cristy, get a supernatural second shot at a happily ever after? Or is she just experiencing some seriously vintage déjà vu?

Tune in for a spectral analysis of love, betrayal, and the kind of romantic antics that only a century of longing can brew. Let's decode why Maruja's story keeps resurrecting in Filipino pop culture—because who doesn't like a good old-fashioned love story that refuses to die?

Correction:  You CAN get divorced in the Philippines but only if you are Muslim, per the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of 1977. 

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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).

—

References/Further Reading:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maruja 

https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2014/02/14/1290145/enduring-appeal-maruja

https://www.balita.ca/darna-dyesebel-and-maruja/ 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/news/109250/tiktok-user-goes-viral-for-finding-her-look-alike-at-the-national-museum/story

50: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? | Indarapatra & Sulayman, A Maguindanao Epic

How many brothers does it take to kill five monsters & bring an entire civilization out from hiding?

In our 50th episode, we cover the epic tale of Indarapatra and Sulayman, two gallant brothers whose heroics helped the people of Maguindanao (the precursor modern-day Mindanao). This set the foundation for a civilization and culture so strong they were able to flourish and put up incredible resistance across centuries of Spanish invasion.

This epic story has everything: from self-driving boats, A.I.-powered weapons, surveillance trees to a literal man-made stove-top. Join us as we look to understand possible historical precursors to this tale, while trying to disentangle the epic figure of Raja Sulayman from his historical counterpart, one of the last great rulers of Old Manila.

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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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References/Further Reading:

49: HE WILL ROCK  YOU | Bernardo Carpio, the Lost Hero of the Tagalogs

In this seismic episode, we're cracking open the legend of Bernardo Carpio, the mythical giant (or man-sized hero, depending on who you ask) whose shrugs supposedly cause earthquakes. From his tangled roots in forbidden love to his epic showdowns, Carpio's story is more than just a tale – it's a tectonic narrative of resistance and resilience.

But wait, it's not all about muscle, might, and mountain-sized struggles. Dive into the pre-colonial origins and find out how an alligator ties into this earth-shattering saga.

We'll also explore how this hero’s tale has morphed into a symbol of freedom against oppressors, from Spanish colonizers to modern-day challenges. Are we still waiting for Carpio to break free and usher in an era of justice? Or is he just a mythic reminder to keep fighting the good fight?

Buckle up for a mythological adventure that's going to rock your world – hopefully only metaphorically.

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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).

—

References/Further Reading:

Eugenio, Damiana (2002). Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. University of the Philippines Press. pp. 4–5. ISBN 971-542-357-4.

"Ang Alamat ni Bernardo Carpio: A Philippine Legendary Hero". The Katig Group. January 5, 2006. Retrieved January 13, 2007.

"The Valley Fault System". Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Archived from the original on March 7, 2007. Retrieved January 15, 2007.

Ocampo, Ambeth (August 17, 2007). "Looking Back: Natural calamities". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 21, 2007.

http://www.philippinestamps.net/RP2012-Carpio.htm

48: CACAO ME MAYBE | Maria Cacao, the Golden Ship-bourne Goddess of Mount Lantoy 

In the last of our “Walang Kamatayan” Series, we take a delicious detour into the land of chocolate with Maria Cacao.  Brace yourselves for a mystical ride with Maria Cacao, the goddess with a penchant for golden ships and chocolatey ventures. This episode sails through the legend of Maria Cacao – from her curious Spanish makeover to her eerie, yet glamorous, soul-harvesting escapades.

But wait, there’s a dark twist! Dive into tales of ghost ships and post-disaster sightings. Is Maria Cacao just a harbinger of doom, or a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy?

So, grab your favorite hot chocolate sikwate (hot cocoa), and join us for a journey where folklore meets reality, and myths get a modern twist!

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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).

—

References/Further Reading:

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDwBdvTKUo&t=7s

https://www.mycebu.ph/article/philippine-chocolate-queen-raquel-choa/

https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-Enchantress-Maria-Cacao-and-Her-Golden-Ghost-ShipThe-Mountain-Goddesses-of-the-Philippines-Part-3 

https://www.facebook.com/DTI.Cebu/photos/a.3522343797989900/3521217668102513/?type=3

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl6dYdEqlqQ&t=4s