rise of new mythologies

 MABUHAY!!! 

Unless you're abroad or living under a rock. the Philippines and the Filipino speakers and different languages have experienced a renaissance in interest in myth and folklore, passing them verbally. Using Filipino language as a vehicle the downside foreigners and Filipinos who do not speak any of the many languages in the Philippines might felt left out. In contemporary Philippines, a vibrant resurgence of new mythologies and oral traditions is taking place, driven by cultural pride and the increasing use of modern platforms like social media, YouTube, and radio. Filipinos are reinterpreting and retelling ancient myths in their own languages, creating fresh stories that resonate with today’s audiences while staying rooted in the country’s rich folklore.

MYTHOLOGIES ARE MEANT TO BE SHARED NOT CONTROLLED

These new oral mythologies evolve constantly as they are passed down verbally, reflecting the dynamic nature of storytelling. Unlike in the past, where myths were spread through communal gatherings, today they are shared through podcasts, vlogs, and online storytelling platforms. YouTube channels and social media groups dedicated to Philippine mythology have become popular spaces for creators to share retellings of stories about mythical creatures like the aswang, kapre, and tikbalang, and the many types of aswang Gabunan, Bangkilan, kikik, wugwug ect often blending traditional narratives with modern sensibilities.

What makes this resurgence unique is that the stories are told and retold by Filipinos themselves, using their native languages like Filipino, Cebuano, Bikolano, and others. This ensures the preservation of regional diversity within the myths, as different provinces have their own versions of legendary creatures and heroes. By sharing these stories in their own languages, Filipinos maintain a deep connection to their cultural roots while adapting the tales for younger generations. Filipinos are starting to finally take control of Filipino narratives instead of Foreigners telling what Philippine mythology should be 

ORAL MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE AS TOLD AND RETOLD BY FILIPINO SPEAKERS

Oral mythology has different versions because it is passed down verbally from generation to generation, and each storyteller adds their own interpretations, details, or variations to the story. These changes happen naturally as stories are retold in different contexts, regions, or communities, reflecting the unique cultural values, beliefs, and experiences of the people telling them.

None of these versions are "wrong" because oral mythology is fluid and flexible by nature. It isn't bound by strict rules or written texts, allowing for creativity and adaptation. In fact, the diversity of versions is what makes oral mythology rich and vibrant—it reflects the many perspectives, dialects, and traditions of the people who share it.

In Philippine folklore, for example, the aswang might be described differently in Bicol, Visayas, or Mindanao, but all these versions are equally valid, representing the cultural nuances of each region. Myths are living stories, constantly evolving to fit the needs of the community, and this adaptability is why no single version is "wrong." They are all part of a larger, interconnected cultural narrative.

In this way, the rise of new oral mythologies in the Philippines is not just about revisiting the past—it's about reimagining it in a way that reflects modern Filipino identity, using technology and contemporary storytelling methods to keep these legends alive and ever-changing.