GUGURANG

Gugurang is the Supreme deity in Bikolano mythology
Most powerful of all the gods and the ruler of the heavens. He wields lightning and fire and light. Gugurang is sometimes called Mayong often depicted as a middle aged man, muscular and tall, He is described as having silver hair and wears white clothing, He is the god of goodness and he is fair to all, he who commands obedience to all. There is a saying "si Gugurang Masuripot" which means god is fair to all.

Gugurang Bicolano Supreme deity

Gugurang ang Pinakataas-taasang diwata o diyos ng mga Bikolano noong lumang panahon. Dakila at makapangyarihan.

"Gugurang is the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). 

Gugurang as having silver-white hair (Mauban) Gurang (literally means Ancient or old in Tagalog language) When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana, priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava. Gugurang picutred as middle aged man with silver hair that commands fire, in some myths he  commands a cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (Garuda/Katambang) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang  are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey.

Asuang stole the fire from Gugurang

In Bicol mythology, Gugurang and his brother Asuang had a long-standing rivalry. Gugurang, the more powerful of the two, guarded the fire inside his mountain, Mount Mayon, while Asuang, whose mountain Mount Malinao lacked fire, asked Gugurang to share it. Gugurang refused, angering Asuang, who vowed to oppose him.

Eventually, Asuang managed to steal the fire, hiding it inside a coconut shell. However, as he moved, everything he passed burst into flames, setting the world ablaze. To stop the destruction, Gugurang sent the lightning god Linti and the thunder god Dalogdog to retrieve the fire. They succeeded in returning it to the volcano, and Gugurang called upon the heavens to send continuous rain, eventually putting out the fire.

In a final act of punishment, Gugurang sent a massive thunderbolt to destroy Asuang's home. Though Asuang was believed to be defeated and sealed, his influence lingered, continuing to cause mischief and trouble for the people

Gugurang

Gugurang: Kataas-taasang Diyos sa Mitolohiyang Bikolano

Sino si Gugurang?

Si Gugurang ay itinuturing na kataas-taasang diyos sa mitolohiyang Bikolano, kilala sa kanyang kapangyarihan, karunungan, at katarungan. Siya ang pinakamakapangyarihan sa lahat ng mga diyos at tagapamahala ng kalangitan. Si Gugurang ang kumokontrol sa mga puwersa ng kidlat,apoy, at liwanag, at ang kanyang kapangyarihan ay sumasaklaw sa mga diyos at tao. Madalas siyang inilalarawan bilang isang matangkad, matipuno, at may edad na lalaki na may pilak na buhok, sumasalamin sa kabutihan at katarungan. Nagsusuot siya ng puting kasuotan, sumasagisag ng kanyang kadalisayan at pagiging patas, at kilala siya sa pagpapasunod sa lahat ng nasa ilalim ng kanyang pamamahala.

Isa sa mga kasabihang iniuugnay sa kanya, ang "Si Gugurang Masuripot," ay nagpapakita ng kanyang katarungan at pagiging makatarungan sa lahat, na nangangahulugang pantay ang tingin ng diyos sa lahat.

Gugurang 

Mayon Volcano

In Bicolano mythology stories about the Sky gods would come down from the heavens are prevalent For instance, Gugurang, a protective and supreme deity, is said to 'came down to land' on the edge of Mt. Mayon taking the form of either a middle aged man with white hair or robust young man with long silver hair(white or grey mauban) encountering the mischievous Yasaw, a creature of the night. Some stories even say that Gugurang lives in Mt. Mayon.

Mayon Volcano, one of the most iconic and active volcanoes in the Philippines, holds a central place in Bicolano cosmology. The volcano is believed to be a conduit to the Skyworld (Urogan) and the heavens Kamurayan. The Skyworld is considered a realm of the gods and divine beings, while Kamurayan is often associated with higher spiritual planes and celestial domains. The volcano’s frequent eruptions and majestic presence symbolize the dynamic interaction between the earth and the divine.

Folklore and Stories telling Gugurang descending on Mayon and taking human form are told. Sometimes hes an very old hermit, sometimes a robust young man with silver hair testing mortals, and giving blessings to those who pass his test and judgement.

Gugurang

Bulkang Mayon at Gugurang Sa mga kwentong Bikolano, ang Bulkang Mayon ay may malalim na kahalagahan. Itinuturing itong sagradong daan patungo sa Langit (Urogan) at sa mga kaharian ng mga diyos na kilala bilang Kamurayan, kung saan naninirahan ang mga diyos. Pinaniniwalaang naninirahan si Gugurang sa loob ng Bulkang Mayon, kaya’t hindi lamang ito simbolo ng kapangyarihang maka-diyos, kundi ito rin ang puso ng espiritwalidad ng mga Bikolano. Ang mga pagsabog ng bulkan, na may kasamang mga lavang nag-aapoy at abo, ay itinuturing na mga pagpapakita ng kapangyarihan at presensya ni Gugurang. Sinasabing bumababa siya mula sa kalangitan at nag-aanyong tao sa mga dalisdis ng bulkan, minsan bilang isang matandang may pilak na buhok, o kaya naman bilang isang malakas at batang anyo na may dumadaloy na pilak na buhok.

Ang Bulkang Mayon ay konektado rin sa mga kwento ng pagsubok at biyaya ni Gugurang. Minsan siyang nag-aanyong isang matandang ermitanyo o isang matipuno at batang lalaki upang subukin ang mga mortal, at ginagantimpalaan ang mga pumapasa sa kanyang pagsusulit ng banal na biyaya.

Gugurang

Gugurang's fire

Gugurang's fire was both symbolic and literal it is believed to be the flame that keep Mount Mayon and the whole of Ibalong warm and sunny. It is also believed that the fire of Gugurang is the knowledge of the gods, and is power. According to legend Asuang once tried to steal Gugurang's fire and send lava to Ibalong. Gugurang punished Asuang placing him under Mt. Malinao.

Apoy ni Gugurang Isa sa mga pinakamakapangyarihang simbolo ni Gugurang ay ang kanyang apoy. Ang apoy na ito ay literal at simboliko, sumasagisag sa karunungan, kapangyarihan, at proteksiyong maka-diyos. Pinaniniwalaang ang apoy ni Gugurang ang nagbibigay ng init at liwanag na nagpapanatili sa kasaganahan ng Ibalong (ang sinaunang lupaing Bikolano). Ang apoy ay sumasagisag din sa karunungan ng mga diyos, isang regalong kapangyarihan at talino. Ayon sa alamat, minsang sinubukan ng diyos na si Asuang na nakawin ang apoy ni Gugurang upang magdala ng pagkawasak sa Ibalong, ngunit pinarusahan siya ni Gugurang at ibinaon siya sa ilalim ng Bundok Malinao.

Mga diwatang tagapaglingkod ni Gugurang Si Gugurang ay may mga alagad makapangyarihang diwata o diyos na tumutulong sa kanya upang mapanatili ang balanse ng kalikasan:

• Linti: Ang diyos ng kidlat, na may hawak na libu-libong sibat ng kidlat.
• Dologdog: Ang diyos ng kulog, na sumasakay sa ulap at nagbibigay ng umaalingawngaw na tunog ng kulog tuwing may bagyo.

Linti and Dalogdog

Linti at Dalogdog

Linti at Dalogdog

Gugurang at Bulan

Si Gugrang at Bulan

Sa mitolohiyang Bikolano, si Gugurang, ang kataas-taasang diyos, ay inilagay si Bulan, ang binatang diyos ng buwan, sa kalangitan upang magbigay liwanag sa gabi at mapanatili ang kaayusan sa dilim. Ang pangunahing dahilan para dito ay upang mapanatag ang mga halimaw, hayop, at mga nilalang ng gabi, tulad ng mga aswang, na kinatatakutan dahil sa kanilang masasamang gawain at nanalasa at pag atake sa mga tao sa ilalim ng takip ng dilim.

Ang nagniningning na liwanag ni Bulan ay pinaniniwalaang mayroong nakakakalma na epekto sa mga nilalang ng gabi, na nagpapababa sa kanilang kakayahang magdulot ng kaguluhan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaliwanag sa gabi gamit ang banayad na liwanag ni Bulan, siniguro ni Gugurang na ang mga puwersa ng dilim at kaguluhan ay napanatiling malayo. Ang celestial na liwanag na ito ay nagsilbing proteksyon para sa mga mortal, na nag-aalok ng pakiramdam ng seguridad sa gabi, kung kailan ang mga masasamang nilalang ay pinaka-aktibo.

Sa mitolohiyang ito, ang pagiging maamo at dalisay ng liwanag ni Bulan ay sumasagisag sa kadalisayan at proteksyon, na nagpapakita ng kaibahan sa kasamaan at dilim na kinakatawan ng mga nilalang tulad ng mga aswang. Ang desisyon ni Gugurang na ilagay si Bulan sa langit ay nagpapakita ng kanyang papel bilang makatarungan at mapagprotekta na diyos, na nagpapanatili ng balanse sa pagitan ng liwanag at dilim, kabutihan at kasamaan, na sinisiguro na kahit sa pinakamadilim na oras, ang kaayusan ay nananatili.

Gugurang laban kay Asuang

Gugurang at Asuang

Sa mitolohiyang Bicolano, si Gugurang, ang pangunahing diyos ng kabutihan at tagapagtanggol ng mga tao, ay pinarusahan si Asuang dahil sa pagtatangkang nakawin ang kanyang banal na apoy. Ang apoy na ito ay hindi lamang isang pisikal na apoy; ito ay sumasagisag sa kapangyarihan, kaalaman, at puwersa ng buhay na ginagamit ni Gugurang upang tiyakin ang init at kasaganaan ng lupain, partikular sa Ibalong (ang sinaunang pangalan para sa Bicol).

Si Asuang, isang diyos na madalas na nauugnay sa kaguluhan, kasamaan, at dilim, ay naging seloso sa kapangyarihan ni Gugurang. Naniniwala siya na kung makakakuha siya ng apoy mula kay Gugurang, maaari niyang ipalaganap ang pagkawasak at maghari sa Ibalong na may takot at dilim. Ang pagnanasa ni Asuang para sa apoy ay dulot ng kanyang kasakiman para sa kapangyarihan, at nakita niyang ang apoy ang susi sa pag-alis kay Gugurang at pag-abala sa balanse sa pagitan ng kabutihan at kasamaan.

Kinuha ni Asuang ang banal na apoy, mula sa mga tagapagbatay nito na si Linti. Nangmalaman ito ni Gugurang siya ay nagalit. Pinadala niya si Linti at Dalogdog upang sagupain si Asuang. Nang mabawi ng diwata ng kulog at kidlat mula kay Aswang ang banal na apoy ay kanila itong ibinalik sa Mayon.

Bilang parusa sa kanyang pagtataksil, pinalayas ni Gugurang si Asuang at inilagay siya sa ilalim ng Bundok Malinao, isang natutulog na bulkan malapit sa Bundok Mayon.

Gugurang at Aldaw

Ang araw-araw na paglalakbay ni Adlaw sa kalangitan ay sumisimbolo ng pag-asa, pagbabagong-buhay, at proteksyon. Ang bawat pagsikat ng araw ay tinitingnan bilang basbas ni Gugurang, tanda na ang mundo ay nananatiling nasa ilalim ng kanyang mapagmatyag na pag-aaruga. Kung wala ang araw, ang mundo ay malulubog sa kadiliman at kaguluhan, kaya't si Adlaw ay isang mahalagang pigura sa banal na kaayusan ni Gugurang. Ang araw ay hindi lamang pisikal na pangangailangan, kundi isang espirituwal na tanglaw sa paniniwalang Bicolano, sumasagisag sa buhay at banal na pabor. Dahil dito, takot ang mga aswang na umatake tuwing araw, sapagkat nangangamba silang patamaan ni Adlaw ng kanyang kapangyarihan.

Sa mitolohiyang Bicolano, pinapaboran ng pinakamataas na diyos na si Gugurang si Adlaw (o Adlao), ang sagisag ng araw, dahil sa mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng araw sa pagpapanatili ng buhay at kaayusan. Si Adlaw, ang diyos ng araw, ay kumakatawan sa liwanag, init, at enerhiya na kinakailangan upang magpatuloy ang buhay. Si Gugurang, bilang pinakamakapangyarihang diyos at tagapagtanggol ng mundo, ay nakikita si Adlaw bilang sagisag ng mga pwersang ito, na nagdadala ng balanse at kasaganaan sa lupa at sa mga tao.

Makikita ang kahalagahan ng araw sa mitolohiyang Bicol sa paraan ng pamamahala nito sa mga siklo ng araw at gabi, paglaki ng mga halaman, ani, at ang paghihiwalay ng dilim sa liwanag. Para sa mga Bicolano, napakahalaga ng araw para sa agrikultura, lalo na sa isang rehiyong lubos na umaasa sa pagsasaka.

Gugurang

Gugurang's subordinates

Gugurang had two vassals under him, they were lesser gods and young Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog). They were the symbol of Gugurang's punishment. Gugurang would send the two to punish stronger beings (gods). They were seduced by Asuang to join him and was almost succesful.
Linti and Dologdog were the beings resposible why Mt Malinao is now half its size (people of Ibalong believed it was taller and bigger until the two lesser gods hit it with their powers)

The powerful Gugurang underhim commanded two groups of mythological being the Katambay and the Katambang. The Katambay are guardian spirit that protects men in time of need. Semidivine being that is said to aid men when they pray to the gods and to him for help. Depicted as a tall muscular man with long black hair wearing a ''pudong'' (crown or headband or diadem depending on the stories) and clad in gold. He acts like a ''guardian angel'' againts evil. The other is the Katangbang (Garuda-like beings) cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (Garuda/Katambang) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang  are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey,which Gugurang sumons to fight Asuang's legion of monsters.

Gugurang and Asuang

Whenever the people disobeyed his orders or wishes, he would cause the pit of the Mayon Volcano to rumble terribly. The people in time took this as a sign of warning, and accordingly, mended their foul ways. Or if their sins were beyond forgiveness Gugurang would make the volcano erupt to wipe out the sinners.

Gugurang and Asuang

Gugurang then became the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana, priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava (abo)
Now, Asuang had no fire in his abode inside Mount Malinao (to the north of Albay). He wanted to be as powerful as Gugurang, at least. If the people aroused his wrath, he wanted to subdue them by a fire or rumbling in Mount Malinao (this was still whole then). He entreated Gugurang to give him some fire but Gugurang emphatically refused.
Angered He determined to oppose every move of Gugurang. He gathered around him evil counselors,his monsters and evil spirits whom he sent to the earth to turn the people to evil ways. After that, there was much immorality, lawlessness and crime. Gugurang in no time found out that it was Asuang who was causing all these things.

Gugurang and Asuang

Asuang sent his monsters, his legions of ''Asuang'' ,He sent pestilence to the colonies and for a moment the people turned to the omnipotent for protection. Gugurang asked them for another atang or sacrifice and warned them to follow his commandments strictly or be exterminated by floods or eruption. Against Asuang himself Gugurang was powerless to do anything. It seemed that in the twinkle of an eye Asuang came to possess hidden powers hitherto denied him.

Myths and Folklore about Gugurang

Gugurang particularly guarded his fire lest his enemy make good his threat of stealing it. He assigned his trusted helpers (catambang/katambay) to guard the symbol of his power. He was afraid, besides, that if the fire were to go out of its confines the world would be consumed in a mighty conflagration. 
Gugurang went to the colonies and summoned his winged guardians, cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (akin to a Garuda) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang  are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey. to Swoop down and tear the legions of Asuang. Asuang's monsters were many but Gugurang's birdmen were strong. 
Asuang tansformed himself into a Yasaw. Nobody minds the Yasaw because everyone knew they were harmless creatures 
Asuang was able to enter and locate the guarded object, and with many guiles and wiles, he bribed the guards with gold (bolauan). The temptation (sogot) was too sweet to be denied. Hence Asuang obtained possession of Gugurang's fire. Putting it inside a coconut shell he started with it.

   Gugurang in his throne suddenly noticed that everything around him turned black, and that there were cries in the bowels of the volcano. But outside, the world was on fire.
Every colony that Asuang passed caught fire.  And with this he flew into the air pursuing the thief. While terror reigned among the people who were powerless against the conflagration, Gugurang and Asuang raced for supremacy. Gugurang must get the fire back, or else he would be left without any power at all. All the air around grew hot but still they went madly on. Asuang was nearing his seat and if he could get there before Gugurang,
Asuang braced up for the last stride and just as he was about to descend Mount Malinao, Gugurang caught up with him, Gugurang snatched the fire from the Yasaw (Asuang in disguise)


Gugurang on reaching Mount Mayon returned the fire to its place, and everything was bright again inside. Now before doing anything else he set about stopping the conflagration. He bade the heavens (calangitan) to rain continuously. And there was rain. And the big fire was under control. The people at once offered atangs, because they were convinced it was Gugurang who had caused the fire because of their wickedness. Then Gugurang punished the guards by chaining them to the precipices. Then for his revenge on Asuang—he ordered Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike hard against Mount Malinao that was defying him. Asuang attempted to bribe Linti and Dalogdog. He almost succeded in tempting them with power and alliance but they feared Gugurang more. So they strike Mount Malinao with their power until it was half its size. Entombing Asuang inside.

Gugurang and Adlaw

In Bicolano mythology, the supreme god Gugurang favors Adlaw (or Adlao), the embodiment of the sun, because of the vital role the sun plays in sustaining life and order. Adlaw, the sun god, represents light, warmth, and the energy needed for life to thrive. Gugurang, as the supreme deity and protector of the world, sees Adlaw as the embodiment of these essential forces, which bring balance and prosperity to the land and its people. Like Adalw was pulled from the ether by Gugurang into existence 

The sun’s importance in Bicol mythology can be seen in how it governs the cycles of day and night, growth and harvest, and the separation of darkness from light. For the Bicolanos, the sun is crucial for agriculture, especially in a region heavily dependent on farming. 

Adlaw’s daily journey across the sky symbolizes hope, renewal, and protection. Each sunrise is seen as Gugurang’s blessing, a sign that the world remains under his watchful care. Without the sun, the world would descend into darkness and disorder, making Adlaw a favored figure in Gugurang’s divine order. This makes the sun not only a physical necessity but also a spiritual beacon in Bicolano belief, embodying both life and divine favor.

Gugurang and Bulan

                          Gugurang decided to put the moon in the sky He placed Bulan in the heavens and commanded the wind people to serve Bulan. The wind people loved their new lord. for Bulan was kind and playful, the wind people vowed in unison to forever serve him. Bulan was Gugurang's favorite for Bulan was sweet and playful. Like a sweet boy to his father. Gugurang would occasionally visit the heavens to see Bulan. Then it became less and less because Gugurang was busy managing the realm of men. Meanwhile in Ibalong
Asuang is feared and blamed for all the misfortunes of people, all the blame, and hate. After being defeated by his brother Gugurang, he seeks refuge in his abode along with his beast and other monsters. From his mountain he saw the god Bulan descending from the heavens to the waters, he remembered that Bulan was Gugurang favorite that the supreme deity personally placed him in the heavens. Bulan descending with an entourage of wind nymphs (tawong lipod) in the waters of Bicol, and Asuang and his minion of night beast came to the waters, He had plans of taking the boy moon to have revenge on Gugurang.  Then he stood in awe at the luminosity and radiance of the moon. He sent his vicious magindara or mermaids to capture Bulan, instead of capturing the moon deity upon seeing his comeliness they became tame and played together like children.  Asuang angered by what had happened personally went to the waters to where Bulan and the mermaids and wind nymphs played. He walked into the water as if it were solid ground followed by his flying beast. Bulan saw Asuang, Asuang expected the boy to be afraid and scream in terror, to Asuang surprise Bulan smiled and asked him to play and swim in the waters with him. Asuang moved by the kindness and warmth welcome of the lunar deity vowed that they will be friends. And that no harm shall come to him whenever he descends to the waters and lands of his domain, that also his beast and monsters shall treat the moon with veneration.

Gugurang

Sirinaw

Sirinaw or Orathion or Uratihon a young demigod of the sun and fire, he fell inlove with a mortal and disobeyed Bulan, and Gugurang's warmings not to go down to Ibalong (since he was still an adolescent god he cannot control his emotions and power) When he saw the beautiful maiden his body emitted heat which burned most of the colonies in Ibalong, killing the maided he loves. Gugurang destroyed his golden boat (Orathihon's vehicle to earth) and forbid him to ever god down to the human realm.

Gugurang and the Yasaw

Yasaw are Asuang's favorite creatures they  are short clawed beings who look like very darkskinned small children (they also act and think like childrem) they are playful and like to make pranks and like to frighten humans but they only scare, they do not harm to humans. One day Gugurang was in the realm of men and stumbled on a Yasaw, thinking it was Asuang (before Asuang turned into a Yasaw to get into moutn Malinao) Gugurang burned the harmless yasaw to dust. The ekek (birdlike minion of Asuang) saw what had happened reported it to Asuang. This added more fuel to the fire to Asuang's anger towards Gugurang.

Gugurang

Gugurang in Visayan Mythology

The Visayan people acknowleged the existance of Gugurang, in their point of view Gugurang was proud and boastful lesser god who would sometimes bring his army of winged bird-men creatures and try to attack Mt. Kanlaon. The god Kanlaon would send his locust and fire, and Gugurang would always end up defeated and would return to ''Ibalong'' (the other side)

Gugurang in Western Visayas Mythology

In Western Visayas mythology specifically in Capiz Mythology two deities are mentioned. Gugurang (Agurang) good deity and the evil deity Asuwang (Asuwang) who battled one another

Agurang: the good spirit who fought against Asuwang

Asuwang: the malevolent spirit who fought against Aguwang

Gugurang inVisayan mythology

Gugurang: The Supreme Deity in Bikolano Mythology

In  Bikolano mythology, Gugurang stands as the supreme deity, revered as the most powerful among gods and the ruler of the heavens. Muscular and tall, with silver hair and clad in white, Gugurang embodies goodness and fairness. 

Gugurang's Attributes and Symbolism:

Described as fair and just, Gugurang commands obedience from all. The saying "si Gugurang Masuripot" encapsulates the belief that this deity is fair to everyone, symbolizing an embodiment of justice. Gugurang is associated with fire, both literal and symbolic, believed to be the flame that keeps Mount Mayon and the entire region of Ibalong warm and sunny. The fire of Gugurang is considered the knowledge of the gods, representing power and enlightenment.

Gugurang

Gugurang

Role as a Symbol of Justice:

Gugurang serves as the symbol of good, ready to punish the bad. The people of Ibalong would offer sacrifices to appease Gugurang's potential wrath, especially when witnessing fire flowing from the crater of Mount Mayon. The Baliana, a priestess, officiated in these ceremonies. Gugurang, depicted as a middle-aged man with silver hair commanding fire, was revered for maintaining order and justice in the mythological realm.

Gugurang

Gugurang's Fire and Subordinates:

Gugurang's fire is both literal and symbolic, believed to be the source of warmth for Mount Mayon and Ibalong. Legend has it that Asuang attempted to steal Gugurang's fire, leading to consequences for both gods. Gugurang had two vassals, Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog), who served as symbols of punishment.

Gugurang's Winged Guardians and Cadre:

Under Gugurang's command were the Katambay and the Katambang. The Katambay, guardian spirits, protected humans in times of need, while the Katambang, half-man half-bird creatures, were formidable emissaries capable of flight and transformation. These beings played crucial roles in battling evil forces.

Gugurang and Asuang:

As the symbol of justice, Gugurang dealt with those who disobeyed his orders. Asuang, in opposition, sought to defy Gugurang's authority. The struggle between Gugurang and Asuang unfolded in a narrative involving stolen fire, battles, and the eventual defeat of Asuang by Gugurang and his winged guardians.

Gugurang and Bulan:

Gugurang's interaction with Bulan, the lunar deity, showcased a different facet of the supreme god. Placing Bulan in the heavens, Gugurang commanded the wind people to serve him, establishing a harmonious relationship with the gentle and playful lunar deity.

The Divine Enforcers  Linti and Dologdog 

In Bicolano mythology, the lesser gods Linti and Dologdog emerge as formidable entities responsible for commanding lightning and thunder, respectively. These divine brothers serve Gugurang, the benevolent god residing in Mount Mayon, and play a pivotal role in the epic tale of Asuang's audacious attempt to steal fire, resulting in a cosmic clash that altered the landscape and balance of power.

 

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.

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.

ONOS

Bikolano god of Storms and deluge

Onos

 Onos was a deity venerated and feared by the settlers of Pre-colonial Bicol
He was the god of storms who commands the winds and also the god that brings deluge. He brought the storms and freed the great flood that changed Ibalong
Described as tall and muscular but is very ill-tempered, and childlike in manner. Despite his towering stature he is described as showing an emotional or intellectual development appropriate to someone younger. The Ibalong people believed that Onos watches from the clouds and would try to sink Visayan raiding ships that would try to go to Ibalong. 

Stories tell that out of impulse he destroyed the colonies and minor kingdoms of Bicol peninsula when he brought great winds and rain and flood to it. Myth tells that Onos from his realm gazed upon a child so fair and lovely until the age of maidenhood. Onos warned by Bulan (god of the moon) that a deity could never truly love a mortal for they are far too different and it would only bring pain and suffering to both. Ignoring the warnings of the lunar deity Onos continued to love the maiden named Takay. Until one day the Onos descended and proclaimed his love for her, but the fair Takay spurred the deity for her heart already belonged to another, it was Kanaway. Angered at this Onos flew in search of Kanaway with the purpose of destroying him, and when he found the lad Onos struck him with a lightning bolt,but Kanaway only turned to stone, he got angry and attacked mt. Asog with numerous lighting bolts thus making it sink and turn into now Lake Buhi. Still angry he send storms and flood waters. The lunar gods Haliya and Bulan sent their wind people to try and stop Onos but he was too powerful. When the celestial gods finally descended it was to late. Onos had already
destroyed the colonies and minor kingdoms of Ibalong, His floods caused the drowning of many including his beloved Takay. The following night the lunar god Bulan descended and saw the dead body of the fair Takay being cared for by the water plants, took pity on the youth and made her into a lovely flower that is now abundant in Bicol.

Onos

Onos and the monster Rabot

Handiog came and purged Ibalong from all its beasts and monsters, In the end he fell in love with one, the demigoddess Oryol.  He and Oryol thought the people the cultivation of rice, how to make sailboats, pottery and even writing. Under their rule Ibalong became bountiful.
They handed down the colonies to Bantong. Who would kill the last powerful monster in Ibalong Rabot and after that humans were able to survive on their own with products and skills given to them by their warrior ancestors. Rabot was the last of the monsters that resided in Ibalong. He is a strong bipedal creature half-human half-beast, His upper body is of a muscular man but his lower body is that of a water buffalo some say its of a horse(similar to a tikbalang but his face was human). Had golden sharp teeth and could turn people into stone.  Immeasurably strong and fast like the beast of the forest. His voice is loud and booming like a roar. He also had huge bat wings that seemed to cover the moon when he flies at night. The Rabot was saved and hidden by the god Bulan, and was left in the care of the mermaids. Rabot was living in peace until Onos cause the great flood killing Rabot's biological mother, sending the beast into rage.

Onos by Brian Valeza

Takay flower

Onos stands as a deity both venerated and feared by the settlers of Pre-colonial Bicol. As the god of storms who commands the winds and brings forth deluge, Onos played a pivotal role in shaping the beliefs and narratives of the Ibalong people. Described as a towering figure, both tall and muscular, Onos possessed a temperament that oscillated between ill-tempered and childlike, displaying emotional and intellectual traits appropriate for someone much younger.

Protecting Ibalong from Invaders:

The Ibalong people believed that Onos watched from the clouds, ready to thwart any Visayan raiding ships attempting to approach their shores. The deity's wrath was said to be unleashed upon these invaders through great winds, rains, and floods. It was Onos' duty to safeguard his realm, and stories tell of his impulsive actions that led to the destruction of colonies and minor kingdoms on the Bicol peninsula.

Onos

Onos' Forbidden Love and Unbridled Fury:

One of the most intriguing tales about Onos revolves around his forbidden love for a mortal maiden named Takay. Ignoring the warnings of the lunar deity Bulan, Onos descended from his realm to proclaim his love, only to be rejected by Takay in favor of another, Kanaway. Enraged, Onos sought to destroy Kanaway and, in the process, unleashed his fury upon Mt. Asog, transforming it into Lake Buhi. Despite efforts by the lunar gods Haliya and Bulan to intervene, Onos' wrath proved unstoppable, resulting in the demise of colonies and kingdoms, including the drowning of his beloved Takay.

THE LEGEND OF THE TAKAY FLOWERS

The legend of Takay tells the story of a beautiful maiden loved by the god Onos. Unbeknownst to Onos, Takay was in love with a young man named Kanaway. Despite Onos's attempts to keep them apart using rain, the couple's love grew stronger. In a fit of jealousy, Onos unleashed a storm that resulted in Kanaway turning into stone. The god's anger also caused a mountain to collapse, creating a lake. Takay, waiting for Kanaway, drowned in the flood. The Moon god Bulan, witnessing the tragedy, took pity and transformed Takay into exquisite water flowers. These flowers became a symbol of both sorrow and love for the beautiful maiden.

the Legend of the Takay Flowers unfolds like a fairytale spun from the whispers of celestial beings.

In the celestial realm, Onos, the Sky God of Storms, bestowed his divine gaze upon Takay, a mortal child blooming into an unparalleled maiden of extraordinary beauty. Onos, captivated by her loveliness, harbored deep affection for Takay. Unbeknownst to her, Takay, already enamored with another, remained oblivious to Onos's celestial admiration. Bulan, the benevolent god of the moon, cautioned Onos about the risky dance between a deity and a mortal, foretelling the inevitable pain and suffering such love would bring.Ignoring the cosmic warning, Onos descended from his celestial abode, the heavens quivering with anticipation. Bathed in the radiance of moonbeams, Takay stood before him, an earthly vision of enchanting loveliness. Intoxicated by love, Onos declared his affections, only to be met with the heart-wrenching revelation that Takay's heart belonged to another—Kanaway.Consumed by jealous fury, Onos pursued Kanaway, determined to erase the rival who held Takay's heart. Lightning arced through the skies as Onos hurled bolts of divine wrath, turning Kanaway into an eternal monument of stone. In vengeful frenzy, Onos unleashed his celestial might upon Mt. Asog, causing it to crumble and sink into the depths, birthing the tranquil expanse known as Lake Buhi.Undeterred by cosmic consequences,

Onos, wrapped in storm clouds and raging tempests, unleashed torrents of floodwaters upon the once-thriving colonies and minor kingdoms of Ibalong. Bulan, witnessing the devastation, dispatched his wind people in a desperate attempt to stem the celestial onslaught, but Onos's power proved insurmountable. As the celestial gods descended, their arrival marked too late to spare Ibalong from the cataclysmic fallout of divine fury. The colonies lay in ruins, the remnants of a once-bustling realm now silenced by the echoes of a celestial storm.

In the mournful night that followed, Bulan descended with a heavy heart, discovering the lifeless form of Takay tenderly cradled by water plants. Moved by compassion, Bulan, with tears shimmering like moonlight, transformed Takay into a delicate flower, the Tacay, now adorning the landscapes of Bicol in perpetual bloom. A symbol of undying love and a testament to the tragedy that unfolded, the water hyacinth stands as a floral legacy, weaving the tale of a celestial romance that defied the very fabric of divine order.

The Tragic Fate of Takay:

In a poignant turn of events, the lunar god Bulan discovered the lifeless body of Takay, her beauty preserved by water plants. Out of pity, Bulan transformed her into a lovely flower, now abundant in Bicol, serving as a reminder of the tragic love between a mortal and a deity.

Onos and the Monster Rabot:

The narrative extends to the monster Rabot, the last of the beasts in Ibalong. Handiog, in his quest to purge the land of monsters, fell in love with the demigoddess Oryol and together taught the people essential skills. However, Rabot, a fearsome creature saved and hidden by Bulan, was pushed into a vengeful rage by Onos' actions, leading to the great flood that claimed Rabot's biological mother.

The stories of Onos in Pre-colonial Bicol paint a vivid picture of a deity with immense power, volatile emotions, and tragic consequences. Whether protecting his people from invaders or succumbing to the pitfalls of forbidden love, Onos embodies the complexity and unpredictability of divine beings in the mythology of the Ibalong people. The tales of Onos, Takay, and Rabot serve as a captivating window into the rich cultural and spiritual landscape of Pre-colonial Bicol, revealing the intricate interplay between gods, mortals, and the forces of nature.

REMINDER

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.