puso ng dalaga

 

In Bicolano oral mythology, there is a  story about sky maidens, sometimes they are called diwata sometimes tawong lipod (depending on the version or versions synonymous to the Biradali) -beautiful beings from the sky who are linked to clouds, wind, and the heavens. These celestial maidens would descend from the sky to bathe in the sacred waters of Ibalong, a land often described as blessed and watched over by divine forces. Stories of gods and heavenly beings bathing in rivers, lakes, or springs are a recurring theme in Bicolano myths, showing how water is seen as a bridge between the human world and the divine.

One day, a young man secretly watched the maidens as they bathed. Before entering the water, the sky maidens removed their celestial robes, or in some versions, their wings, which allowed them to return to the heavens. When the man hid one of these magical garments, one maiden was unable to fly back with the others. Left behind on earth, she eventually became his wife. She remained beautiful and ageless, though she lived as a mortal woman.

Philippine Myths & Tales, Maximo Ramos, Bookman Inc. 1957

Years later, the sky maiden discovered the hidden robe or wings. Remembering her true origin, she reclaimed it and returned to the sky, leaving behind her husband and sometimes their children. The story often ends with sorrow, reminding listeners that humans cannot truly bind beings of the heavens, and that the divine world follows its own laws.

The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meeting on the magpie bridge. 
East Asian mythology

This myth is not unique to Bicol. Similar stories appear throughout the Philippines and across East Asia and Southeast Asia, such as the Japanese Tennyo, the Korean Seonnyeo, and the Southeast Asian Swan Maiden tales. The widespread presence of this story shows shared ancient beliefs about the sky, water, and the fragile connection between humans and the divine.

In Bicolano mythology, the tale may reflects a deeper idea: the heavens are close, sacred, and beautiful but never meant to be owned. The repeated image of celestial beings bathing in earthly waters , deities like Haliya and Bulan and other celestial beings might  symbolizes harmony between sky and land, while their departure reminds people of the limits of human desire and the enduring power of the spiritual world.

As proven myths spread orally and result in different version even through animations and media with different but familiar versions

Skymaidens

(Like all myths and stories there are numerous versions of this story but this is the one that is usually told as bedtime story from grandmother to grandchild as a bedtime story)

Long, long ago, in the lush and peaceful land of Ibalong, there lived many wonders. Rivers sparkled like silver, the wind whispered secrets, and the sky was very close to the earth.

High above the clouds lived the Sky Maidens, beautiful spirits of the wind and sky. They wore shining robes that let them float like feathers and fly back home to the heavens. Sometimes, when the world below was calm and quiet, the Sky Maidens would gently descend to Ibalong to bathe in its clear rivers.

One bright morning, a kind young man was walking near the water when he saw something magical. There, laughing and playing in the river, were the Sky Maidens. Before they bathed, they placed their glowing robes on the riverbank. The young man watched in wonder, but he did something unkind he hid one of the robes.

When the Sky Maidens finished bathing, they hurried to dress and fly home. All but one rose into the sky. The youngest maiden searched everywhere, but her robe was gone. Unable to return to the heavens, she stayed behind on earth.

The young man felt sorry and asked her to stay with him. In time, the Sky Maiden became his wife. She was gentle, wise, and never seemed to grow old. Together, they lived happily for many years, and the river of Ibalong always shone brighter when she smiled.

One day, while cleaning their home, the Sky Maiden found her hidden robe. The moment she touched it, her memories returned the clouds, the sky, and her true home. With a heavy heart, she put on her robe and rose into the sky once more.

Before leaving, she looked down and whispered goodbye. Though she loved the earth, she belonged to the heavens. From that day on, people say that when the wind is soft and the clouds drift low over Ibalong, the Sky Maiden is watching, remembering the life she once lived below.

And so, the people of Ibalong learned that some magic is meant to be admired, not kept and that the sky will always call its own.

REMINDER

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

Both oral and written mythology in the Philippines are valid because they serve different but equally important roles in preserving Filipino heritage. What is truly harmful is when foreigners manipulate these discussions for personal gain, attempting to invalidate one aspect of Filipino mythology to cause division. Instead of falling for such tactics, Filipinos should embrace the richness and diversity of their own stories, ensuring that both oral and written traditions continue to thrive.

Don’t Stalk or Harass Storytellers Online.

This should be obvious butt some folks need the reminder. Disagreeing is fine, but attacking, doxxing, or bullying creators? Big no-no. You’re not “correcting history,” you’re just being creepy. Respect the people keeping these stories alive.

Foreigners Please don’t use Filipino myths to farm views, start drama, or pit Filipinos against each other. These stories are meant to unite, not divide. If your content is causing more fights than fascination, it might be time to step back and rethink the approach.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos.