The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

Minisode 59: NAME GAME | How the Cities of Metro Manila Got Their Names

Ever wondered why Metro Manila’s cities are named the way they are? This episode dives deep into the curious, quirky, and fascinating origins behind the names of the 16 cities of Manila. From Caloocan’s hidden corners to Marikina’s poetic charm and Las Piñas’ sweet pineapple past, each city holds stories that reveal its history, culture, and the occasional hilarious linguistic misunderstanding.

Join us as we explore tales of lovers, rivers, and even a dash of colonial confusion that shaped the names we know today. Whether it’s “kumakati” tides, “maraming labong” bamboo shoots, or the shimmering indigo fields of “Maynila,” this episode promises to be a nostalgic stroll through Metro Manila's vibrant history.

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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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Sources:https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/story-names-cities-of-manila-a00304-20191021-lfrm

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.

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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).

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Sources:

References

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. 

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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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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.

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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).

—

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!

—

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).

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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